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'The sergeant major lives by principle, trying to make decisions based on tolerance, humility, empathy, and real affection for all Marines.'
-SgtMaj Jack W. Jaunal, 'Sergeant Major of Marines,' Marine Corps Gazette, April 1974
Recently there has been some controversy regarding the role of the Marine Corps sergeant major, particularly those assigned to infantry units. The reason for the recent confusion on the duties of the sergeant major, in my opinion, is that the sergeant major has the characteristics of a chameleon. He is a different thing to different people. Each fails to see him from all points of view. My intention is to clear the fog of what today's sergeant major represents and define his duties with clarity. What I present in this short article is not all-encompassing but may reveal some interesting aspects that make a Marine Corps sergeant major unique from the other Services and an important combat multiplier in the Marine Corps. Material for this article is not solely my own but the contributions of former and current sergeants major, former commanding officers (COs), and the article, "Sergeant Major of Marines," Marine Corps Gazette, April 1974.
Official Description
According to the Military Occupational Specialties Manual the sergeant major is the senior enlisted Marine in the unit and acts as principal enlisted assistant to the CO. He disseminates information to the unit's enlisted personnel and reports to the CO on the status of matters pertaining to the efficient operation of the command. The sergeant major counsels subordinate noncommissioned officers (NCOs) on professional matters, assists the CO during office hours, and requests mast and awards. The sergeant major participates in ceremonies, briefings, and assists in supervision of administrative matters, training functions, and employment of the command in garrison and in the field. He assists in such logistics functions as billeting, transportation, messing, inspections, and personnel management and assumes other duties designated by the CO.
Philosophy
Today's sergeants major are more active, involved, and visible then ever before. They...