Sergeant Major Forde enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 1998 and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. He attended Marine Combat Training at the School of Infantry, Camp Geiger, North Carolina, and then reported to Marine Detachment Fort Knox, Kentucky, for Tank Crewman School.

Upon completing Tank Crewman School, he reported to Bravo Co 2nd Tank Battalion, serving as a Driver, Loader, Gunner, and Tank Commander. While serving at 2d Tank Battalion, he deployed in support of Battalion Landing Team 1/8 with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. In December 2002, Sergeant Forde reported to Drill Instructor School, Parris Island, South Carolina, and was assigned to Company "D," First Recruit Training Battalion. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant in March of 2004 and served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Rappel Master/Crucible Instructor.

In May 2006, Staff Sergeant Forde transferred to Charlie Company, 2nd Tank Bn. He deployed to Iraq in support of Regimental Combat Team Five in September 2006 as a tank section leader. In June 2007, Staff Sergeant Forde transferred to Delta Company Second Tank Battalion, Second Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and assumed duties as the Platoon Sergeant of 1st Platoon. In October of 2007, he deployed to Iraq in support of Regimental Combat Team Six. Upon returning from deployment, Gunnery Sergeant Forde assumed the duties of Headquarters and Service Company, Company Gunnery Sergeant, and Company C, Company First Sergeant.

In May 2010, Gunnery Sergeant Forde transferred to the Naval Academy Preparatory School for duty as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor, Battalion Drill Instructor. In May 2012, he transferred to 3rd Bn, 10th Marines as the First Sergeant for Lima Battery.

In March 2013, First Sergeant Forde deployed with Kilo Battery 3/10, 1st Bn, 10th Marines, supporting Battalion Landing Team 3/2, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit as the Battery First Sergeant. In December 2014, First Sergeant Forde transferred to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, where he assumed the duties of Company First Sergeant for Charlie Company and Headquarters and Service Company.

In February 2017, Sergeant Major Forde assumed the duties of Site Sergeant Major for Marine Aircraft Group, Detachment Delta.

In June 2020, Sergeant Major Forde assumed the duties of Battalion Sergeant Major for Wounded Warrior Battalion (East).

In April 2022, Sergeant Major Forde assumed the duties of Sergeant Major for Chemical Biological Incident Response Force.

Sergeant Major Forde holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Roger Williams University, a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Disaster Management from Liberty University, and is a graduate of Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 146. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with 4 gold stars, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 gold stars and combat distinguishing device, the Combat Action Ribbon, and various campaigns and service awards.