Sergeant Major Rowan reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, in June of 1991, upon graduation he reported to Camp Geiger, NC, for Marine Combat Training and the School of Infantry for training as a 0311 Infantryman. After MOS training he reported to Marine Corps Security Forces Training Center in Northwest Chesapeake, VA. Upon graduation he was assigned to Marine Corps Security Forces Company, Panama.
Upon completion of this tour Cpl Rowan was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC. While with 2/8 he completed the summer mountain package at Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, CA, he completed three Combined Arms Exercises at 29 Palms, CA, a UDP to Okinawa, Japan, and deployed to Panama. In 1995 he was promoted to Sergeant and deployed with the 24th MEU (SOC). While on this deployment Sgt Rowan was chosen to complete the Slovenian Army Mountain Leaders Course.
In November 1997 Sgt Rowan reported to the First Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team in Norfolk, VA. In June 1998 he deployed to Naples, Italy for six months. In October 1999 he was promoted to Staff Sergeant. SSgt Rowan again deployed to Naples in October 2000. While there his platoon conducted training exercises in Suda Bay, Crete, with the Greek Airborne Bn, and supported the Navy Police of US Naval Base Suda Bay. SSgt Rowan’s platoon conducted training in England with the Royal Army at their Northern Ireland Training Center.
In July 2001 SSgt Rowan reported to Marine Security Guard Battalion for class 5-01. After graduation he was assigned to the American Embassy Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as Detachment Commander. In March 2003 SSgt Rowan reported to the American Embassy Manama, Bahrain, as Detachment Commander for his second post. In December 2003 he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. GySgt Rowan reported to the American Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan, for the re-activation of the Marine Security Guard Detachment in July 2004 as Detachment Commander for his third post.
In June of 2005 GySgt Rowan reported for duty to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, Twentynine Palms, CA. GySgt Rowan deployed to Ar Ramadi, Iraq, for OIF 5-7 with Kilo Company. While there he performed the duties of Company Gunnery Sergeant and Operations Officer, planning patrols for the company. GySgt Rowan was the Honor Graduate of Advance Course 5-06. In January 2007 he was frocked to First Sergeant and again deployed to Ar Ramadi, Iraq, for OIF 6-8 with Kilo Company.
In March 2008 1stSgt Rowan received orders and reported to Inspector & Instructor Staff, 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, West Palm Beach, FL. In March 2011 1stSgt Rowan reported to 1st Battalion, 2d Marines for duty as the Company First Sergeant for Charlie Company. In January 2012 he was frocked to Sergeant Major and assigned to Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. On 10 November 2013 Sergeant Major Rowan was posted as the Sergeant Major for 3d Battalion, 8th Marines. He deployed with the battalion for the SPMAGTF-Africa 14.1 and the Black Sea Rotational Force 14.2 rotations.
In April 2015 Sergeant Major Rowan was posted as the Sergeant Major for Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve.
Sergeant Major Rowan’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 3 gold stars in lieu of 4th award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 3 gold stars in lieu of 4th award, and the Combat Action Ribbon.