

Marine Corps recruits are trained not only physically and mentally, but morally as well. Shared, intense experience creates a bond so strong between Marines that nothing can stop them from accomplishing their mission. Some believe that Marines are forged in a furnace of shared hardship and tough training. This is where America's young men and women are transformed into Marines. GENERAL – A four-star general, the most senior officer rank, a General is nominated by the President and must also be confirmed for duty by the Senate.ĪSSISTANT COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS – the second-highest ranking Marine Officer, and also a four-star general, serves as deputy for the Commandant.ĬOMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS – the highest-ranking Marine Officer, also a four-star general, serves on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.All Marine recruits start their training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD). LIEUTENANT GENERAL – A three-star general, a Lieutenant General is nominated by the President and must also be confirmed for duty by the Senate. MAJOR GENERAL – A two-star general, a Major General is nominated by the President and must also be confirmed for duty by the Senate. LIEUTENANT COLONEL – a key decision-maker may serve as a battalion commander.ĬOLONEL – serves as a regimental commander, brigade executive officer, or division staff member.īRIGADIER GENERAL – A one-star general, a Brigadier General is nominated by the President and must also be confirmed for duty by the Senate. MAJOR – typically serves in roles including battalion executive officer, weapons company commanders, or regimental or brigade staff members. SECOND LIEUTENANT – leads at the platoon or company level and looks to their senior officers for guidance and intent.įIRST LIEUTENANT – leads in a similar way as second lieutenant but with increased responsibility immediately upon promotion.ĬAPTAIN – responsible for leading entire companies of Marines, serving as company commander, leading tactical operations with the support of junior commissioned officers and senior enlisted noncommissioned officers. These Marines become commissioned officers when achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. To advance to this rank, the secretary of the Navy approves a warrant for a sergeant or staff NCO to be appointed a warrant officer. Warrant officer Marines are officer-level technical specialists in their respective fields, providing leadership, training, and extensive knowledge to the Marines in their MOS. SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE MARINE CORPS – the senior enlisted Marine of the entire Corps, personally selected by the commandant. SERGEANT MAJOR – serves as the principal enlisted advisor for a senior Marine commander, making high level strategic decisions that impact the entire Marine Corps. MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT – provides technical leadership as specialists in their specific MOS. MASTER SERGEANT – provides technical leadership as specialists in their specific MOS.įIRST SERGEANT – serves as the senior enlisted Marine in the company, assisting in their unit’s discipline, administration, morale, and Marine welfare matters. GUNNERY SERGEANT – serves as their unit’s operations chief, working with superior officers on training, operations, and tactical advising. STAFF SERGEANT – responsible for the proficiency, training and administration of Marines in their charge. Marine Staff NCOs are highly experienced Marines who work in tandem with NCOs, responsible for the welfare, morale, discipline, and efficiency of Marines in their charge.

Staff Noncommissioned Officers (Staff NCOs): Beginning at the rank of Sergeant, Marine NCOs can seek the opportunity to serve as Drill Instructors in charge of a recruit training platoon. Marine NCOs have faced a number of physical and mental challenges and are considered experienced Marines. Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs): Corporal & Sergeant These Marines are new to the Corps and are focused on developing and growing as an individual while honing their skills and core values. Junior Enlisted Marines: Private, Private First Class & Lance Corporal
