How Many Sergeant Majors are There in the Marine Corps?
The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is the highest enlisted grade in the United States Marine Corps, and it’s a prestigious position that commands great respect and admiration within the Corps. But just how many Sergeant Majors are there in the Marine Corps? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question, delve into the history of the Sergeant Major position, and provide some interesting statistics about the Marine Corps.
Direct Answer: How Many Sergeant Majors are There in the Marine Corps?
As of 2022, there are approximately 12 active-duty Sergeant Majors serving in the United States Marine Corps. This number can vary depending on the need and availability of senior non-commissioned officers, but 12 is the typical number of Sergeant Majors serving at any given time.
History of the Sergeant Major Position
The Sergeant Major position was created in 1778, during the American Revolution. The first Sergeant Major was a British-trained Marine Corps non-commissioned officer named William Hamilton Willis. Willis was responsible for serving as the senior non-commissioned officer and adviser to the Marine Corps commandant.
Throughout history, the Sergeant Major has played a crucial role in shaping the Marine Corps and guiding its enlisted personnel. They have served as confidants to commanding officers, mentors to junior enlisted personnel, and champions for Marine Corps values and traditions.
Responsibilities of the Sergeant Major
Sergeant Majors in the Marine Corps hold the following responsibilities:
• Serve as the senior enlisted adviser to the Commandant of the Marine Corps
• Advise the Commandant on matters related to Marine Corps policy, procedures, and personnel
• Assist in the development of personnel policies and procedures
• Serve as a liaison between the Commandant and enlisted personnel
• Conduct tours and inspections of Marine Corps installations and units
• Represent the Marine Corps in various ceremonies and events
• Provide guidance and counsel to junior enlisted personnel and other non-commissioned officers
Promotion Path to Sergeant Major
The promotion path to Sergeant Major is rigorous and highly competitive. To become a Sergeant Major, an Marine Corps non-commissioned officer must:
• Achieve the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7)
• Have at least 20 years of active-duty service
• Possess a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Have completed the Senior Enlisted Professional Military Education (SEPMED) course
• Have a high level of leadership experience and knowledge of Marine Corps procedures and policies
Breakdown of Sergeant Majors by Branch
While the total number of Sergeant Majors in the Marine Corps is around 12, there are actually more Senior Enlisted Advisers (SEAs) serving in each branch of the Marine Corps. Here is a breakdown of the number of Senior Enlisted Advisers in each branch:
| Branch | Number of SEAs |
|---|---|
| Marine Corps (MC) | 12 |
| Marine Corps Aviation (MCA) | 2 |
| Marine Corps Logistics (MCL) | 1 |
| Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) | 1 |
| Training and Education Command (TECOM) | 2 |
Interesting Statistics
Here are some interesting statistics about the Marine Corps Sergeant Major position:
• There are approximately 10,000 active-duty sergeants in the Marine Corps, with only 0.12% serving as Sergeant Majors
• The average tenure for a Sergeant Major is around 3-4 years
• Sergeant Majors in the Marine Corps receive a $15,000 bonus for holding the position
• Sergeant Majors are authorized to wear the Silver Service Stripes on their uniform, signifying their status as the highest-enlisted grade in the Corps
Conclusion
The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is a highly respected and prestigious position that commands great respect and admiration within the Corps. With only around 12 active-duty Sergeant Majors serving at any given time, this position requires a high level of leadership experience, knowledge of Marine Corps procedures and policies, and a strong understanding of Marine Corps values and traditions. Whether serving as an advisor to the Commandant, a mentor to junior enlisted personnel, or a champion for Marine Corps values and traditions, the Sergeant Major plays a crucial role in shaping the Marine Corps and guiding its enlisted personnel.
