Master Chief Mark H. Allen performed his duties as the fifth Coast Guard Reserve Force Master Chief from May 2010 through May 2014. As such, he served as the senior reserve enlisted advisor to the Commandant. Master Chief Allen advised him on workforce policies especially those effecting Reservists. He also partnered with the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard to advocate for military benefits and entitlements, and served as the senior reserve enlisted mentor. Master Chief Allen devoted much time traveling throughout the Coast Guard observing training and communicating with Coast Guardsmen and their families.

At the time of his selection as the fifth Coast Guard Reserve Force Master Chief, Master Chief Allen served as Sector Jacksonville Reserve Command Master Chief in Jacksonville, FL. His previous assignments include Coast Guard Leadership and Professional Development and Coast Guard Reserve Affairs, Washington, DC; Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes, MD; Coast Guard Station Washington, DC; and Coast Guard Station Alexandria, VA. In addition, Master Chief Allen has been recalled to active duty in response to Coast Guard operations that have ranged in size and scope from the Mariel Boat Lift to the Air Florida Flight 90 crash to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

A native of Beltsville, MD, Master Chief Allen holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with a minor in Public Relations from Frostburg State University. He is pursuing Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Project Management degrees at Drexel University.

Master Chief Allen is a graduate of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy (Reserve Class VII); is the second Coast Guard Reservist ever to graduate from the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 102 Gold); and is a graduate of the Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Command Master Chief Course. He has also graduated from the National Defense University’s Keystone course, Reserve Components National Security Course, and Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education course.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal; Coast Guard Achievement Medal with Operational Distinguishing Device; five Coast Guard Commandant’s Letter of Commendation; six Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medals; four Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals, two Humanitarian Service Medals; three Armed Forces Reserve Medals with Mobilization Device; Coast Guard Rifle Marksman; and Coast Guard Expert Pistol Shot Medal.