COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS (CMC)

General Eric M. Smith, 39^th Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) ^[1]

The Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) is typically the highest-ranking officer in the USMC and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The CMC reports to the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) for ensuring the organization, policy, plans and programs for the Marine Corps. In addition, the CMC advises the President, Secretary of Defense, National Security Council, Homeland Security Council, and SECNAV on issues pertaining to the Marine Corps. Under SECNAV authority, the CMC designates Marine personnel and resources to the commanders of the Unified Combatant Commands.^[1]

General Eric M. Smith assumed the duties as Commandant of the Marine Corps on September 21, 2023. ^[2] He has commanded at every level, including Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment during Operation Assured Response in Monrovia, Liberia; 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom; and 8th Marine Regiment/Regimental Combat Team 8 during Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition, General Smith served as part of the U.S. Military Group in Caracas, Venezuela.^[1]

He is a native of  Plano, Texas, graduated from Texas A&M University, and was commissioned in 1987.^[1]

Updated by Kristin Stiner, June 2024