Master Sgt. Joseph B. Stoker is transitioning to first sergeant in 2026 through a new Marine Corps pilot program that allows experienced E-8s to choose this leadership role, emphasizing mentorship and unit cohesion, and reflecting the Corps' efforts to adapt talent management and leadership development.
The US Marine Corps demonstrated the capabilities of its new Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) during Exercise Steel Knight 25 at Camp Pendleton, showcasing ship-to-shore operations and emphasizing the vehicle's strategic importance in the Pacific, with ongoing fielding and upgrades including command variants and weapon systems to enhance combat effectiveness.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced several Marine Corps officers' nominations for promotion to general and brigadier general, with assignments across various U.S. military commands, including the U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
The U.S. Marine Corps is undergoing a continuous modernization process called Force Design to adapt to evolving warfare, emphasizing advanced technology, flexible MAGTF formations, and maintaining core Marine values to ensure readiness and dominance against peer adversaries.
During a Marine Corps celebration in California, premature detonation of artillery rounds caused shrapnel to hit a patrol car on I-5, leading to safety concerns and an investigation, amid a backdrop of protests and high-profile visits.
Vice President JD Vance visited Camp Pendleton to showcase military strength, criticizing Democrats over the government shutdown while protests against Trump's domestic policies occurred in California, highlighting rising tensions between the federal government and Democratic leaders.
The article traces the evolution of Marine Corps force design over four decades, emphasizing the importance of historical context, civilian legislative influence, and budget constraints in shaping current and future force structures, with a focus on the ongoing Force Design 2030 initiative as a logical continuation of past efforts.
The article discusses potential reforms Donald Trump could implement in the Pentagon to improve military efficiency and readiness. It suggests eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, revising the Goldwater-Nichols Act to reduce bureaucratic bloat, and restoring the Marine Corps' traditional combat capabilities. The author argues these changes are necessary to address recruitment issues and ensure the military is prepared for future conflicts.
The Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004 remains a significant learning point for the Marine Corps, highlighting the challenges of urban warfare. Despite the battle's success, Fallujah fell to ISIS a decade later, underscoring the complexities of maintaining control in urban environments. The battle demonstrated the high resource demands and casualties associated with urban combat. Today, the Marine Corps faces new challenges with the absence of tanks and the influence of social media on warfare. Experts suggest the need for dedicated urban training centers and strategies to prepare for future urban conflicts.
The Marine Corps has increased sobriety checks at its bases in Okinawa, Japan, following two alleged sexual assault incidents involving U.S. troops. The checks, which began on July 6 and 7, include 100% outbound personnel and vehicle inspections. The move aims to improve conduct and safety standards, with further details on liberty changes yet to be disclosed.
Researchers at Ramapo College in New Jersey used DNA analysis to positively identify the skeletal remains of Marine Corps Captain Everett Leland Yager, which were found in a child's rock collection in Arizona. Yager had died in a military training exercise in California in 1951, and his remains were thought to have been buried in Missouri. The unexpected discovery led to the repatriation of his remains to his family, and researchers theorized that a scavenger may have transported the jawbone from California to Arizona.
Retired Gen. Al Gray, the 29th commandant of the Marine Corps, passed away at 95 after a long period of hospice care. Known for his 41 years of service and leadership from 1987 to 1991, Gray was widely beloved by Marines and veterans. His legacy includes the development of maneuver warfare doctrine and a Silver Star Medal for bravery in Vietnam. Gen. Eric M. Smith mourned Gray's passing, emphasizing his enduring impact on the Marine Corps.
General Alfred M. Gray, the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, passed away on March 20, 2024, in Alexandria, Virginia. Known as a "Marine's Marine," he made significant contributions to the Corps, including the development of maneuver warfare doctrine and the establishment of Marine Corps University. His legacy will endure, and all Marine Corps Installations will half-mast the National Ensign in his honor until April 18.
The US Marine Corps deployed an anti-terrorism unit to protect the US Embassy in Haiti following the prime minister's announcement of resignation amidst escalating gang violence. Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier has seized power and vowed to continue fighting until the prime minister resigns. The US military has airlifted embassy workers out of Haiti, and armed gangs control 80% of the capital city, wreaking havoc. The US Southern Command announced the deployment of a Marine Fleet-Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) to maintain strong security capabilities at the embassy and assist with potential evacuations.
The Marine Corps has deployed a special response unit to Haiti to bolster security and assist with the partial evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince due to widespread gang violence. The deployment comes at the request of the State Department, and the unit is part of the Corps' Security Force Regiment. The U.S. military has also increased funding for its security support mission in Haiti and is collaborating with the Haitian National Police to restore security in the country. The situation in Haiti has deteriorated following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, with acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry seeking international assistance to combat the escalating gang violence.