Sergeant Major Novak reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego California in January 1998, for recruit training. Following recruit training, Private Novak attended Marine Combat Training Battalion and Assault Amphibian Crewman School at Camp Pendleton, CA, where he was assigned the MOS of 1833 and promoted to the rank of Private First Class.
In September 1998, Private First Class Novak then reported to Headquarters and Service Company, Mobility / Counter Mobility Platoon, 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2d Marine Division. In February of 1999, he was promoted to Lance Corporal. In October of 1999, he was promoted to Corporal and attended Corporals Leadership Course in Camp Lejeune, NC
In January of 2001, Corporal Novak was promoted to Sergeant and completed Sergeants Course. In February 2002, Sergeant Novak deployed as an Assistant Section Leader with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/6 as part of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In February 2003, Sergeant Novak deployed as Section Leader with 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, Regimental Combat Team One as the Obstacle Clearing Detachment in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. In January 2004, Sergeant Novak reported to Drill Instructor School at Parris Island, SC. Upon completion, Sergeant Novak became a Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival as part of Company C, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. Sergeant Novak was promoted to Staff Sergeant in October of 2004. While on Parris Island, Staff Sergeant Novak was assigned as the Escort and Visits Staff Non-Commissioned officer in the Recruit Training Regiment. While on quota, Staff Sergeant Novak attended the Career Course at Camp Geiger, NC. In March of 2007, Staff Sergeant Novak completed a successful tour on the drill field.
Staff Sergeant Novak was then transferred back to 1st Platoon, Company C, 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion as a Section Leader. In February of 2008, Staff Sergeant deployed with BLT 1/6 and the 24th MEU in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM as a Section Leader for the Route Clearance Detachment in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
In August 2009, Staff Sergeant Novak was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. In August of 2010, he deployed with BLT 3/8 and the 26th MEU to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. After returning from deployment, Gunnery Sergeant Novak was assigned as the Platoon Sergeant for 1st Platoon. He was also serving as the acting First Sergeant for Company C, 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion. During this time Gunnery Sergeant Novak attended and graduated from Advanced Course at Camp Geiger, NC. In May of 2012, Gunnery Sergeant Novak was deployed to the United Arab Emirates as an individual augment to serve as an advisor to the Presidential Guard Institute Recruit Wing. He served there as both Lead Instructor and Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. Upon receipt of orders and selection to First Sergeant, he returned to 2d Assault Amphibious Battalion.
In June 2013, First Sergeant Novak was assigned as Company First Sergeant for Company G, Marine Combat Training Battalion were he completed 19 training cycles. In June of 2016, First Sergeant Novak was assigned as the First Sergeant of Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines where he deployed with the 15th MEU.
In April 2018, he assumed his current duties as the Sergeant Major of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13.
Sergeant Major Novak's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5th award) w/Combat Distinguishing Device, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd award) w/Combat Distinguishing Device, Combat Action Ribbon (2nd award), and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.