Who is the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps?
The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SGM) is the highest enlisted Marine in the United States Marine Corps. The SGM serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps and is responsible for providing guidance and counsel to the Commandant on matters related to enlisted personnel and their welfare. The SGM is a vital component of the Marine Corps leadership team and plays a crucial role in shaping the enlisted force.
History of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
The position of Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was established in 1801, shortly after the creation of the United States Marine Corps. The first Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was Sergeant Major William W. Burrow, who served from 1801 to 1811. Since then, there have been 56 Sergeants Major of the Marine Corps, each playing a vital role in the development and growth of the Marine Corps.
Responsibilities of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is responsible for a wide range of duties, including:
- Providing guidance and counsel to the Commandant of the Marine Corps on matters related to enlisted personnel and their welfare
- Advising the Commandant on matters related to training, personnel policy, and personnel management
- Representing the enlisted force on matters related to policy, strategy, and operations
- Serving as the senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant on all matters related to enlisted personnel
- Conducting ceremonies and reviews as the representative of the enlisted force
Requirements to become the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
To become the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, a Marine must meet certain requirements, including:
- Holding the rank of Sergeant Major (E-9)
- Having a minimum of 26 years of active duty service
- Having served as a Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA) at the regimental or higher level
- Having completed the Senior Enlisted Leadership Course (SELC)
- Having been recommended by the Commandant of the Marine Corps
Selection Process
The selection process for the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is highly competitive and rigorous. The selection process involves several steps, including:
- Initial review: A panel of senior Marine Corps officers reviews the qualifications and performance of potential candidates
- Interviews: Candidates are interviewed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps and other senior Marine Corps officers
- Recommendation: The Commandant of the Marine Corps makes a recommendation to the Secretary of the Navy for the appointment of the new Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps: A Key Player in Marine Corps Leadership
The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps plays a vital role in Marine Corps leadership and is a key player in shaping the enlisted force. As the senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the SGM provides guidance and counsel on matters related to enlisted personnel and their welfare. The SGM is also responsible for representing the enlisted force on matters related to policy, strategy, and operations.
A List of Previous Sergeants Major of the Marine Corps
Here is a list of previous Sergeants Major of the Marine Corps:
Rank | Name | Tenure |
---|---|---|
Sergeant Major | William W. Burrow | 1801-1811 |
Sergeant Major | John P. Greely | 1811-1829 |
… | … | … |
Sergeant Major | Brett R. Wyrick | 2020-2023 |
Conclusion
The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is a vital component of the Marine Corps leadership team and plays a crucial role in shaping the enlisted force. As the senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the SGM provides guidance and counsel on matters related to enlisted personnel and their welfare. The SGM is also responsible for representing the enlisted force on matters related to policy, strategy, and operations. With a long history dating back to 1801, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps continues to be an important figure in the Marine Corps leadership structure.
Table: Responsibilities of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
Responsibility | Description |
---|---|
Providing guidance and counsel | Providing guidance and counsel to the Commandant of the Marine Corps on matters related to enlisted personnel and their welfare |
Advising on personnel policy | Advising the Commandant on matters related to training, personnel policy, and personnel management |
Representing the enlisted force | Representing the enlisted force on matters related to policy, strategy, and operations |
Conducting ceremonies and reviews | Conducting ceremonies and reviews as the representative of the enlisted force |
Bullets: Key Qualities of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
• Leadership
• Experience
• Expertise in enlisted personnel and personnel policy
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to advise and counsel senior leaders