Sergeant Major Bautista enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 2001 and conducted Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego. Upon completion, he attended Marine Combat Training and followed on to attend Personal Administration School in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and obtained the MOS of 0151 Administrative Clerk.
In December 2001, he was assigned to Headquarters and Service Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton, California and transferred on February 2002 to MEU Service Support Group (MSSG) 15 for duty as an Administration Clerk. On August 2002, he was reassigned to MSSG-13 for deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. In January 2005, he was transferred to 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton, California as the Administration Chief. In October 2005, he received orders to Inspector Instructor, 3d Bulk Fuel Platoon, 6th Engineer Support Group, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Bakersfield, California as the Administration Chief.
In October 2008, he requested for Drill Instructor duty and reported to Drill Instructor School, Class 1-09, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Upon graduation he was assigned to Company L, 3d Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment. During his tour he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Chief Drill Instructor completing seven training cycles with Company L, and two training cycles at Drill Instructor School as an Instructor.
In December 2011, he reported to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, California as the Administration Chief and deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
In September 2013, he was transferred to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center as the Administration Chief.
In November 2014, he was transferred to Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) as the Administration Chief. On April 2015, he was reassigned to Headquarters and Service Company and served as the Company First Sergeant.
In July 2016, he was transferred to 2d MAW, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, G-1, as the Administration Assistance Unit Chief.
In February 2018, he was transferred to 2d Battalion, 10th Marines and served as the Battery E, First Sergeant.
In October 2018, he was transferred to Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, Headquarters and Service Battalion and served as the Brig Company First Sergeant. During May 2019, he was reassigned and served as Company A, First Sergeant.
In August 2020, he was assigned to Company L, 3d Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California and served as the Company First Sergeant.
In February 2022, he was assigned as the Sergeant Major of 2d Battalion, 1st Marines and deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In January 2024, Sergeant Major Bautista currently serves as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223).
Sergeant Major Bautista's personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (silver star in lieu of 6th award), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star in lieu of 2d award).