Who is the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps?
The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps (ACMC) is the second-highest-ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps, after the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The ACMC serves as the principal deputy to the Commandant and is responsible for assisting in the command of the Marine Corps, advising the Commandant, and overseeing the daily operations of the Corps.
Role and Responsibilities
As the second-highest-ranking officer in the Marine Corps, the ACMC has a wide range of responsibilities. Some of the key responsibilities include:
• Supporting the Commandant: The ACMC provides direct support to the Commandant, assisting in the planning, coordination, and execution of Marine Corps policies, programs, and operations.
• Overseeing Operations: The ACMC is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Marine Corps, including the deployment of Marines, the operation of bases and installations, and the management of Marine Corps personnel.
• Providing Advice: The ACMC provides advice to the Commandant on matters related to Marine Corps operations, strategy, and policy.
• Representing the Marine Corps: The ACMC represents the Marine Corps at official functions, meetings, and ceremonies, both within the United States and abroad.
History of the Office
The office of the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps was established in 1799, just a year after the formation of the United States Marine Corps. The first ACMC was Lieutenant Colonel Uriah Tracy, who served from 1799 to 1801.
Since then, the ACMC has been responsible for serving as the principal deputy to the Commandant and overseeing the daily operations of the Marine Corps. Some notable ACMCs include:
- General Leonard F. Chapman Jr., who served as ACMC from 1967 to 1968 and later became Commandant of the Marine Corps.
- General James L. Jones, who served as ACMC from 1983 to 1985 and later became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- General James F. Amos, who served as ACMC from 2008 to 2010 and later became Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Current Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
As of 2023, the current Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps is General Eric M. Smith. General Smith has served as ACMC since 2021, when he was appointed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David H. Berger.
General Smith has had a long and distinguished career in the Marine Corps, with assignments in a variety of roles, including:
- Company Commander: General Smith commanded a company in the 1st Marine Division in 1992-1993.
- Battalion Commander: General Smith commanded a battalion in the 1st Marine Regiment in 2000-2002.
- Force Headquarters Group Commander: General Smith commanded the Force Headquarters Group in 2006-2008.
- Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations: General Smith served as Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations from 2012 to 2015.
Conclusion
The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps is a vital role within the Marine Corps, responsible for supporting the Commandant and overseeing the daily operations of the Corps. With a long and distinguished history, the ACMC has played a critical role in shaping the Marine Corps into the formidable force it is today. As the second-highest-ranking officer in the Marine Corps, the ACMC continues to play a vital role in the success of the Corps, and is an important part of the leadership team that shapes the future of the Marine Corps.
