Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (officially abbreviated to SgtMajMarCor; unofficially as SMMC) is a unique non-commissioned rank and billet in the United Stars Marine Corps.

History

In the Union Marine Corps, sergeant major is the highest regular Enlisted Rank (E-12), just above First Sergeant, and equal in grade to Master Gunnery Sergeant, although the two have different responsibilities. Sergeant major is both a rank and a military billet, and serves as the unit commander's senior enlisted advisor and to handle matters of discipline and morale among the enlisted Marines. The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is chosen by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to serve as his advisor and as the preeminent and highest ranking enlisted Marine with a protocol equivalency of a Lieutenant General.

The post of Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was established as the senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, as a part of the Unification of the Militaries. At that time, it was decided to adapt the Pre Astro Marine's distinctive rank insignia of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was authorized and features the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor flanked by two stars, as opposed to the standard Sergeant Major rank insignia, which has a single five point star in the center. While Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is the full wording of the rank, verbal address for this is commonly Sergeant Major.

The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is selected by the Commandant of the Marine Corps and typically serves a ten-year term with them, though his service is at the discretion of the Commandant.