Sergeant Major Robin C. Fortner was born in Brooklyn, New York. In August of 1990, she enlisted into the United States Marine Corps and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, South Carolina, where she was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. She was then transferred to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for MOS school. She graduated at the top of her class and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in January 1991. After completion of school, Lance Corporal Fortner’s first assignment was 2d Supply Battalion, 2d Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

During her tour, Lance Corporal Fortner worked primarily in the Security Cage of the Sassy Management Unit. She was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal in June 1992 and later transferred to Marine Air Traffic Control Squadron 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, Japan. While serving as the Warehouse Chief, Corporal Fortner began cross training into the Supply Administration MOS 3043 and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant in February 1994. Transferring to Marine Air Control Squadron 6, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Sergeant Fortner served as the Supply Admin Chief and the Fiscal Chief. She was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in March of 1998.

In June 1999, Staff Sergeant Fortner reported to Weapons Field Training Battalion, MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina, to serve as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor. She trained both male and female recruits in the fundamentals of marksmanship. Staff Sergeant Fortner would achieve the billet of Chief Instructor before reporting to Drill Instructor School in April 2001. Staff Sergeant Fortner graduated as Honor Graduate of Drill Instructor School and was assigned to Co. O, 4th Recruit Training Battalion (RTBn) where she completed eight cycles. In September 2002, Staff Sergeant Fortner was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.

Gunnery Sergeant Fortner transferred to Okinawa, Japan, and was assigned to G-4, 3d Marine Logistics Group as the Supply Chief. Additionally, she served as the lead Supply Analyst and Drill Analyst for the Commanding General’s Inspection Program. During this tour, she deployed several times, in addition to serving with Joint Task Force 536 to Colombo, Sri Lanka, in January 2005.