The Next Commandant of the Marine Corps: Who will Lead the Corps in 2023?
Introduction
The United States Marine Corps is one of the most respected and iconic military branches in the world. Its leadership is made up of highly trained, experienced, and dedicated Marines who are responsible for training, deploying, and guiding the corps. The Commander of the Marine Corps, known as the Commandant of the Marine Corps, holds a vital position in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the corps. As current Commandant General David Berger gets set to retire in December 2023, many are wondering who will lead the corps next.
Who is the Next Commandant of the Marine Corps?
General Eric Smith
General Eric M. Smith, a 2020 graduate of the Defense Acquisition University, is among the top contenders to lead the Marine Corps as its next Commandant. Prior to becoming a general officer, General Smith served in various leadership positions, including as the Commanding General of Marine Corps Forces in the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), where he oversaw regional operations.
General Edward Banta
General Edward Banta, a senior Marine officer with over three decades of service, has also been mentioned as a potential Commandant. Before becoming a general officer, General Banta served in various capacities, including as the Commander of the Naval Academy and as the Principal Director for Marine Corps Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA).
Requirements for the Next Commandant
Rank and Time in Grade**
To become the next Commandant, the candidate must be a four-star General (General) and possess at least 32 years of commissioned service. A General with 32+ years of service has proven their commitment, leadership experience, and ability to overcome challenges within the Marine Corps.
Training and Experience**
The prospective Commandant must have training and experience in various disciplines, such as:
* Joint operations
* National security
* Marine Corps doctrine and strategy
* Leading and developing personnel
* Command and control theory
These skills are paramount for success as the senior leader of the Marine Corps.
**Key Responsibilities and Challenges**
As the 38th Commandant, the new leader will have to face numerous challenges. Some of the key issues include:
* Defending against emerging threats to national security
**Modernizing the Marine Corps’ arsenal and equipment to stay competitive**
* Enhancing the corps’ ability to operate in expeditionary and distributed environments
* Developing and supporting the future force, addressing the **shortage of junior officers and enlisted** personnel
**Timeline of the Succession Process**
The process of selecting and appointing the next Commandant involves several steps. Here’s a rough estimate of the timeline:
| Step | Timeline | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 – Finalize candidate list | c. July 2022 | Senior leaders are expected to finalize the shortlist of potential candidates after reviewing nominations and conducting further evaluation. |
| Step 2 – Evaluation and interviews | c. August-October 2022 | candidates undergo rigorous evaluation processes and interviews, focusing on relevant topics. |
| Step 3 – Selection board | c. November-December 2022 | An independent board reviews the data and recommendations from the prior steps and selects the finalist. |
| Step 4 – Congressional approval | c. January-February 2023 | The selected General must be confirmed by both the House and Senate within a short timeframe. |
| Step 5 – Inauguration | c. July 2023 | The Commandant will be officially instated during a formal ceremony. |
| Step 6 – Transition | c. November-December 2023 | The incoming Commandant prepares to take over, attending briefings and meetings. |
While the next Commandant may not be officially announced before the 2022 Naval Academy commencement, speculation on the contenders is already mounting. In the coming weeks and months, the spotlight will focus on the qualities, achievements, and track records of the top two candidates mentioned above: Generals Eric Smith and Edward Banta.
