Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

The most senior enlisted Marine, a special E-9 appointment created in 1957, the first of the service senior enlisted billets.

Overview

The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, SMMC, wears a special eagle globe and anchor device and serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant, speaking for Marines on pay, training, family, and standards. Created in 1957, it was the earliest of the modern service senior enlisted positions, prompting the Army and Navy to follow a decade later. One Marine holds it at a time, selected from the most senior sergeants major. The SMMC travels to every Marine post, reports the true state of the Corps, and anchors its NCO traditions.