Officer Ranks in the Marine Corps

To commission as a Marine Officer is both a great honor, and a great commitment—to the Corps, our Nation and its people. Regardless of rank, America counts on Marine Officers to lead Marines into battle and win.

Second lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain are the first three officer ranks, and those who earn them are referred to as company-grade officers.

Promotion to the rank of major is a significant milestone for Marine Officers, as they join lieutenant colonels and colonels as field-grade officers. The final promotion in the field-grade officer ranks is to colonel.

Rising to the rank of General is a great honor. Each of the general ranks is also associated with one-star up to four-stars and includes brigadier general, major general, lieutenant general and general.

The most senior officer rank is four-star general, referred to simply as general. These top-level officers are nominated by the President and must also be confirmed for duty by the Senate. The highest-ranking Marine Officer, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, is also a four-star general and serves on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


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About the United States Marine Corps:

The Marine Corps defends the people of the United States at home and abroad. Within every Marine is the willingness to engage and determination to defeat any adversary, and it is this fighting spirit that allows us to fight and win our Nation’s battles.

The mission of the United States Marine Corps is made up of three promises: We make Marines, we win our Nation’s battles, and we develop quality citizens prepared to fight and win battles.

You don’t join the Marines—you become one, forged in the crucible of training aboard our recruit depots on Parris Island, South Carolina, and in San Diego, California, or through the dedication required of officer candidates at Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia. Beyond the physical requirements, aspiring Marines must prove they have the honor, courage, and commitment to face and defeat any obstacle.

Today, more than 180,000 enlisted Marines and 23,000 Marine Officers serve in active duty or reserve forces on bases and in communities around the world, proudly carrying with them the core values of the Marine Corps.

[mr_beezlebub]

Nice to see the Marines did not disable comments like the Army has.

[michaell]

Most of all, moving into the General ranks is very poltical.

[kvn_grtr]

Wanna spot an officer without having to look at their rank insignia? Simple, all what you need to do is spot the family friendly marines in the unit, and those are them.

[SKgyebaek]

general ranks is where you turn from military officer to politician

[NoOneFightsAloneTributes]

All of the videos the Marine Corps Recruiting posted gave me chills! Can't wait!

[leinardjhonguetan]

I'm an applicant and now waiting list from the Philippine Marine Corps. I admire all the Marines all over the world but most especially to the United States Marine Corps.

Semper Fidelis 🖖🏽🎖️🇺🇲🇵🇭

[DOC-Jake-]

I need to remind my wife we raised a great young man ! An humbling but impressive responsibility he takes with complete authority & integrity. Semper fi to the Usmc 🇺🇸 May god Protect you all !! 🙏🏻.

[KirstenBayes]

Warrant Officers be like, "Dont I even matter to you?" And also, "But while I am here, I need those reports done today."

[marsspacex]

There are currently 44 active-duty four-star officers in the uniformed services of the United States: 17 in the Army, 3 in the Marine Corps, 9 in the Navy, 10 in the Air Force, 2 in the Space Force, 2 in the Coast Guard, and 1 in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

[coconuts]

the 18 dislikes are from people who failed OCS

[horsei]

My dad JUST turned into a lieutenant colonel yesterday.

[abcoflife]

Son of a Lt general here and first time knowing how far he is for me he is just a regular old man 😂😂😂😂

[CamtheMac]

This gives me motivation to take that step and make the attempt to become a Marine officer. I also know that I have the humility and will to learn whatever is taught to me.

[seages]

My dad is a captain and to all of you in the marine corps thank you for your service

[jameskawaikaupejrcwousmcr]

Though you mentioned the Officer Ranks from 2nd Lt. Through General in the Marine Corps there’s us that everyone as an enlisted Marine or Officer of Marines try o avoid at all times except General Officer’s. Yes that’s the Warrant Officers (W-1) to Chief Warrant Officers (CWO2, CWO3, CWO4 and CWO5. Though we may be a smaller group of Marine Corps Officer’s we are still Marine Corps Officer’s, and all former enlisted Marines who served at least 5 years or more. As a retired CWO3 and former Gunnery Sergeant of the Marine Corps I saluted my Brothers and Sisters in Harms’s Way. God Bless and Forever Semper Fidelis Marines.

[cathyaa]

Thank You All for Your Service and Duty... Semper Fidelis Marines !!!

[sanlorenzo]

Wow, that’s a lot to take in. I would be lying that I’m not intimidated from seeing what it takes to be a high ranking officer. Those marines have proven themselves through the years not to be disputed, so they have my respect.

Also, where does Warrant Officer factor in? Heard from a guy they’re rare like unicorns or that they’re a league of their own.

[briannguyen]

Are you guys gonna give the Warrant Officers and Chief WOs a video too? Please do!

[darkninjamandelta]

OCS is such a cool concept, I remember hearing about it from a recruiter at one of my college career fairs

[MeanGreene]

0:10 1st Lt Ellis there was my series command in boot camp. He’s a mustang! Good leader, and very sharp. I always learned something from him when he spoke.