Structure of the Marine Corps

Learn More About the Corps in Civilian Terms
Structure of the Marine Corps
Posted on 4/2/2025

The USMC is organized with two parallel chains of command, service and operational. The Service chain begins with the President, through the Secretary of Defense, and continues through the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The operational chain runs from the President, through the Secretary of Defense, directly to commanders of combatant commands for missions and forces assigned to their commands.

Image info: The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Robert Neller, speaks to Marines of the First Marine Expeditionary Force during his visit to Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 5, 2015. —Photo by Sergeant James Gulliver.


Sale for Marine Corps Family Day at the EGA Shop

Proud Marine Family Shirts

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This excellent Proud Marine Family design is available in various shirt styles, and you choose the family affiliation. Mom, Dad, Wife, Grandma, Grandpa, Sister, Uncle, Cousin, Brother, Son, Aunt. Get one for EVERY family member. Great shirt to wear to boot camp graduation AND during the next four years of your Marine's career in the Corps!

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