Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

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The sergeant major of the Marine Corps (officially abbreviated to SMMC) is a billet that is distinguished by a unique rank insignia and receives a special pay above the E-9 basic pay. The holder of this rank and position is the most senior enlisted marine in the Marine Corps, unless an enlisted marine is serving as the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman (SEAC) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In the U.S. Marine Corps, sergeant major is the ninth and one of two ranks that are the highest enlisted ranks, just above first sergeant and master sergeant (both E-8 pay grade), and equal in grade to master gunnery sergeant, although the two have different responsibilities. A sergeant major typically serves as the unit commander's senior enlisted adviser and handles matters of discipline and morale among the enlisted Marines. The sergeant major of the Marine Corps is chosen by the commandant of the Marine Corps to serve as his adviser and is the preeminent and highest-ranking enlisted Marine unless...

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