
ENLISTED RANKS
- Junior Enlisted Marines: Private, Private First Class & Lance Corporal. ...
- Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs): Corporal & Sergeant. ...
- Staff Noncommissioned Officers (Staff NCOs): 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 ...
What is the Order of ranks in the Marine Corps?
Marine Corps ranks span from Private to General, including enlisted, officers, and warrant officers. Learn more about the USMC ranks and leadership hierarchy. Request Information
What is the highest ranking in the Marine Corps?
Top 5 Marine Corps around the world
- Russian Naval Infantry (Russia)
- ROK Marine Corps (Republic of Korea)
- Korps Mariniers (Netherlands)
- Corps of Royal Marines (United Kingdom)
- The United States Marine Corps (USMC)
What are the ranks in the Marine Corps?
Marine Corps ranks
- Junior enlisted. The Soldiers hold the lowest class in the ranks of the United States Marine Corps. ...
- Non-commissioned officers. NCOs, or NCOs, hold leadership positions that place them in charge of the life and well-being of the Marines serving under their orders.
- Staff NCOs. ...
- Marine Corps Sergeant Major. ...
- Warrant officers. ...
- Officers. ...
Is the army better than the Marine Corps?
The Marine Corps, on the other hand, is the smallest branch of the military, and is closely associated with the Navy, upon whom it depends on for doctors and lawyers. What this means is that the Army has more career opportunities than the Marine Corps; more people means more jobs, which means it is easier to advance your career.

What is NCO in Marines?
Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs): Corporal & Sergeant Marine NCOs have faced a number of physical and mental challenges and are considered experienced Marines. Beginning at the rank of Sergeant, Marine NCOs can seek the opportunity to serve as Drill Instructors in charge of a recruit training platoon.
What rank is an NCO in the Marine Corps?
An Army sergeant, an Air Force staff sergeant and a Marine corporal are considered NCO ranks. The Navy NCO equivalent, petty officer, is achieved at the rank of petty officer third class. At the E-8 level, the Army, Marine Corps and Air Force have two positions at the same paygrade.
What are Marine ranks in order?
EnlistedRankpaygradeCorporalCpl E-4SergeantSgt E-5Staff SergeantSSgt E-6Gunnery SergeantGySgt E-78 more rows
Is an NCO a high rank?
A non-commissioned officer (NCO) is a military officer who has not pursued a commission. Non-commissioned officers usually earn their position of authority by promotion through the enlisted ranks. (Non-officers, which includes most or all enlisted personnel, are of lower rank than any officer.)
What rank are you after 4 years in the Marines?
Staff Sergeant (E-6) - 4 years TIS and 24 months TIG. Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) - 6 years TIS and 3 years TIG. Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) - 8 years TIS and 4 years TIG.
Can a NCO become an officer?
The U.S. Army Health Care Enlisted Commissioning Program is available to Soldiers interested in a nursing degree and becoming commissioned officers in the medical field.
What does NCO mean in the military?
Non-Commissioned OfficersNon-Commissioned Officers. A commissioned officer is a military officer who has achieved a rank before officially assuming their role. These officers' Presidential commissions allow them to command both officers and enlisted personnel under them.
What rank can you retire in the Marines?
Considered a temporary rank, lieutenant generals retire once their active tour of duty or service comes to an end. They must retire after 38 years in the service or a month after turning 64. Lieutenant generals can extend their status only through an act of Congress.
Who's tougher Marines or Navy SEALs?
Although the Marines are highly respected and considered one of the most elite fighting forces, the Navy SEALs training is far more rigorous and demanding than that of the Marines.
What rank do most enlisted retire at?
It is reasonable to assume that the average enlisted member will be able to retire at 20 years having achieved the rank of E-7, and the average officer should be able to retire at 20 years at the rank of O-5.
What is the highest enlisted rank in the Marine Corps?
In the U.S. Marine Corps, sergeant major is the ninth and highest enlisted rank, just above first sergeant, and equal in grade to master gunnery sergeant, although the two have different responsibilities.
What's the difference between NCO and co?
– The biggest difference is the level of authority. Commissioned officers can command all personnel under his command, an NCO cannot command a commissioned officer other than for training purposes.
What does an NCO do?
As Noncommissioned Officers, you are charged with the care, training, education and readiness of every Soldier in the U.S. Army. Your ability to coach, train and mentor competent Soldiers of character is the key to the success of our force.
Is a corporal a NCO?
Corporals are formally recognized as noncommissioned officers but retain the same E-4 pay grade as specialists. As a junior NCO, a corporal also takes on leadership duties for a small unit, like a fire team.
How long does it take to become a sergeant in the Marines?
To become a sergeant, you must have 24 months TIS and 12 months TIG. You must also compete in the Marine Corps-wide Composite Score competition to advance from corporal to sergeant.
What are the duties of an NCO?
NCOs are responsible for communication between soldiers, the unit and their officers. They maintain and enforce established standards, support and implement policies established by the chain of command, and they must know what's going on in their soldiers' lives.
What is the rank of a Marine?
Every Marine, from the very beginning of their time in the Corps, holds a rank with an associated pay grade and set of responsibilities and education requirements . Making up a force that is always on the advance, Marines are expected to do all that is necessary to rise in rank with time and experience.
What degree do marine officers have?
Marine Officers hold a college degree and have earned a commission that carries the "special trust and confidence" of the President of the United States. These educated and decorated Marines hold the responsibility of being outstanding leaders to Marines in their charge.
What is a warrant officer in the Marines?
Warrant officer Marines are officer-level technical specialists in their respective fields, providing leadership, training, and extensive knowledge to the Marines in their MOS. 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.
What is a master gunnery sergeant?
MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT – provides technical leadership as specialists in their specific MOS.
What is a staff sergeant?
STAFF SERGEANT – responsible for the proficiency, training and administration of Marines in their charge.
What is the rank of a lieutenant general?
LIEUTENANT GENERAL – A three-star general, a Lieutenant General is nominated by the President and must also be confirmed for duty by the Senate. 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. ASSISTANT COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS – ...
What happens after a Marine completes MOS?
After a Marine has completed their initial training and has become proficient in their MOS, the opportunities for self-improvement and advancement continue on pace with that Marine's desire to succeed. Additionally, there are numerous special training schools, advanced educational opportunities, and Specialty Duty Assignments available to Marines who prove they are up to the task.
What is a Marine NCO?
The Marine NCO ranks of corporals and sergeants hold a special position in the Corps. NCOs are responsible for the lives of their men in or out of combat situations. These Marines are leaders of men and much more. They represent the unwavering traditions of duty and dedication to their assigned mission.
What are the ranks of the Marine Corps?
Enlisted Marine Corps ranks are broken down into three levels -- junior enlisted, non-commissioned officers and staff non-commissioned officers. As a Marine moves up the ladder, his or her responsibility and contribution to the mission increases. This also means that those who have earned higher rank have a special responsibility to look out for the welfare of their subordinates.
What are the duties of a NCO?
Some of the specific NCO duties you will normally be expected to perform are: 1 Training subordinates in their MOS and basic military skills 2 Being accountable for the actions of their squad, section or team 3 Enforcing the standards of military and physical appearance 4 Ensuring supervision, control and discipline of subordinates 5 Assisting in personal and professional development of fellow Marines 6 Providing communication link between the individual Marine and the organization 7 Planning and conduct the routine and day-to-day unit operation within the policies established by your senior officers 8 Maintaining appearance and condition of unit billeting spaces, facilities and work areas 9 Maintaining serviceability, accountability and readiness of assigned arms and equipment 10 Maintaining the established standards of professionalism and job performance for the Marines, the NCO's, the SNCO's and the Corps 11 Supporting, following and implementing policy established by officers
How does the Marines move up the ranks?
Moving up the Ranks: The promotion process tightens up as Marines move up the enlisted ranks. Unlike the corporal (Cpl) and sergeant (Sgt) promotion process, the staff NCO (E6-E9) promotion process includes a centralized selection board. The board completes a thorough review of each applicants record to ensure only the best and brightest move up to staff NCO.
How long does a sergeant major serve?
The sergeant major of the Marine Corps is selected by the commandant of the Marine Corps and normally serves a four-year term with them.
How does a staff sergeant measure their competence?
The staff sergeant's professional competence is measured by how well they develop, maintain and use the full range of human potential of their subordinate Marines.
What is a PFC in the Marines?
Private First Class (PFC) Private first class is the second enlisted rank in the Marine Corps. The rank of PFC was established in 1917 to mirror a similar rank added to the Army structure. Private first class is the first promotion toward becoming an integral part of the Marine Corps. PFCs are the backbone of the Marines.
What is a NCO in Marines?
As a corporal, you now enter the ranks of the noncommissioned officer (NCO). You may be assigned as squad leader leading two fire teams (three Marines each). You’ll continue to develop your leadership skills and job skills through specialty schools. You’ll also be mentored by higher-ranking Marines, so you will know how to lead.
What is the highest rank in the Marines?
As a general, you’ll serve in the highest rank in the U.S. Marine Corps. Among the four generals in the Marine Corps, one is the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. The Commandant is in command of the entire Corps of four Marine divisions, and is the senior officer in the Marine Corps.
How to get promoted to sergeant in the Marines?
Promotions are based on your Fitness Report (FitRep). This tool is how the Marine Corps evaluates your performance for purposes of competitive selection (promotion, enlisted to officer programs, command assignment, retention, etc.). Sergeants through major generals get a FitRep. Your composite score also determines if you get promoted. Your score is made up of performance reviews, technical schools, marksmanship scores, physical fitness test results, off-duty education, professional military education (Marine NCO course), recommendations, and collateral duties (disaster preparedness coordinator, training coordinator, blood donor coordinator). Promotion rates are usually higher in a technical MOS. You must have a minimum of 12 months of Time in Grade (TIG) and have 24 months Time in Service (TIS).
How many Marines are in a colonel?
As a colonel, you’ll serve as as a regimental commander (three battalions of 2,187 Marines) or division executive officer (three regiments of 6,561 Marines). You may be assisted by one or more lieutenant colonels and senior NCOs, with a command sergeant major as your principal advisor. You may also serve as chief of a divisional-level staff agency. If you are an aviator, you may serve as assistant commander of an aviation wing.
How many companies are in a Marine battalion?
As a lieutenant colonel, you’ll serve as commander of a battalion-sized unit battalion (three companies of 729 Marines). You may be assisted by one or more majors, several junior non-commissioned officers, with a command sergeant major as your principal advisor. You may also act as a brigade (three regiments of 6,561 Marines ) or Marine expeditionary unit (MEU) (2,200 Marines and sailors) executive officer (XO).
How to become a warrant officer in the Marines?
You may apply for the Martine Corps warrant officer program if you are at least the rank of sergeant and have served at least eight years but no more than 16 years on active duty. You must be a technical or tactical specialist in an eligible MOS, recommended by your commander, and meet the minimum aptitude requirements. You may enter one of the four warrant officer programs: Regular Active Duty, Active Reserve, Marine Gunner, or Career Recruiter. Once accepted to the program, you’ll attend the Warrant Officer Basic Course. This 26-week training program develops your leadership and organizational skills. Once you graduate, you are awarded the rank of warrant officer 1 and will report to your new duty assignment.
How to become a gunnery sergeant?
You must submit a package to the board, and the best qualified Marines are selected for promotion. Advancement is based on your FitRep, performance ratings, experience, leadership, awards, and additional letters of recommendation. You must have a minimum of three years of Time in Grade (TIG) and have six years of Time in Service (TIS). As part of the promotion process to E-8, you must decide your promotion track (command or operations). If you are interested in command responsibility, then you’ll compete in the first sergeant track. If You want to stay in the technical and operations management rack, you’ll compete for master sergeant.
What is the Marine Corps?
The U.S. Marine Corps is one of the more desirable branches of the military that new enlistees seek to join. The specialized branch is responsible for conducting amphibious and expeditionary operations for the U.S. Military.
What is the Marine Corps pay grade?
Marine Corps pay grade is a designation for enlisted pay. Starting with E-1 through E-3 for the lowest ranks. Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) have pay grades of #E-4 and E-5, while Staff NCOSs are Marines serving in grades E-6 through E-9.
What is the best honor to be a Marine?
Fulfilling a career in the U.S. Marines is one of the best honors that any member of the U.S. military can ask for. It can also come with steady, reliable pay and multiple promotion opportunities . If you have more questions about expected monthly pay and other military benefits, contact a local Marine recruiter.
How many active duty members are there in the USMC?
The current figures claim that the USMC has approximately 186,000 active duty members. Like other branches of the military there is a structured system regarding military ranks and pay. For a more detailed summary and breakdown of Marine rankings and 2021 base pay, please continue reading below.
How many enlisted ranks are there in the Marine Corps?
The U.S. Marine Corps has a total of twelve enlisted ranks. Most marines enter the Marine Corps as a Private following successful completion of Basic Training, ...
What is the highest rank in the Marines?
The highest enlisted rank a soldier can achieve in the Marine Corps is Sergeant Major.
What is the highest rank in the Marine Corps?
The highest rank achievable in the Marine Corps is General.
What was the Marine Corps called?
History of the Marine Corps. As far back as the Revolutionary War, Marines were known as Naval Infantry, and were assigned to ships to repel boarders, assault land-based targets, and discipline unruly Sailors.
Is the Marines a soldier?
There is a friendly rivalry between the Army and Marines, but never refer to a Marine as a Soldier. The Marines are also somewhat contempt about being part of the Department of the Navy, receiving only a small fraction of the Navy's budget for their equipment and operations.
Do Marines serve in the Army?
All Marines are given baseline training as Infantry, trained in the face-to-face combat prowess of hardened Army Soldiers. Even Pilots and JAGs are capable of serving in Infantry units! The Marines are also proudly the most strict among the uniformed services. There is a friendly rivalry between the Army and Marines, but never refer to a Marine as a Soldier. The Marines are also somewhat contempt about being part of the Department of the Navy, receiving only a small fraction of the Navy's budget for their equipment and operations.
