Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps

Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
a red flag with four white stars
Incumbent
John M. Paxton, Jr.
since December 15, 2012
Formation April 29, 1911
First holder Eli K. Cole

The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps (ACMC) is the second highest-ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps, and serves as a deputy for the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC). Before 1946, the title was known as Assistant to the Commandant.

The Assistant Commandant is nominated for appointment by the President and must be confirmed via majority vote by the Senate. In the event that the Commandant is absent or is unable to perform his duties, the Assistant Commandant assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Commandant. For this reason, the Assistant Commandant is appointed to a rank equal to the sitting Commandant; since 1971, each Assistant Commandant has been, by statute, a four-star general, making it the most common rank held among Marines serving this position. Additionally, he may perform other duties that the CMC assigns to him.[1] Historically, the Assistant Comandant has served for two to three years. In recent decades, the Assistant Commandant has frequently been a Marine aviator. James F. Amos is the first aviator to serve as Assistant Commandant and then be promoted to Commandant.

The 33rd and current Assistant Commandant is John M. Paxton, Jr.,[2] who took office on 15 December 2012, when Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. was nominated and confirmed to become the NATO Commander of Allied Forces in Afghanistan. The first Marine to hold the billet as "Assistant to the Commandant" was Eli K. Cole (Allen H. Turnage being the last), while Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. was the first to hold it as the "Assistant Commandant".

List of previous appointees

Assistants to the Commandant of the Marine Corps

Before the official title of "Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps" was adopted in 1946, the title of the position was known as the "Assistant to the Commandant" and before 1918, known only as "Duty in the Office of the Commandant". No records exist before the outbreak of World War I about this position, possibly because the Commandant likely had only administrative staff and no deputy.[3]

The first Assistant to the Commandant was Lieutenant Colonel (from 1914 Colonel) Eli K. Cole, who assumed the position on April 29, 1911. From April 29, 1911 to October 16, 1946, 19 men were assigned to assist the commandant, including five that went on to become Commandant themselves: John A. Lejeune, Wendell C. Neville, Ben H. Fuller, John H. Russell, Jr. and Alexander A. Vandegrift.[3]

# Photo Rank Name Tenure from Tenure to Became Commandant
1 This image is inserted to represent no image Colonel Cole, Eli K.Eli K. Cole[4] April 29, 1911 January 1, 1915 No
2 A black and white image of John A. Lejeune, a white male in his Marine Corps dress blue uniform. A medal is clearly visible around his neck. He is not wearing a hat. Brigadier General Lejeune, John A.John A. Lejeune[5] January 1, 1915 September 10, 1917 Yes
3 This image is inserted to represent no image Brigadier General Long, Charles G.Charles G. Long[6] September 11, 1917 August 13, 1920 No
4 A black and white image of Wendell C. Neville, a white male in his Marine Corps dress blue uniform. He is wearing a hat and his French Fourragère can be seen, in addition to several ribbons. Major General Neville, Wendell CushingWendell Cushing Neville[7] August 14, 1920 July 11, 1923 Yes
5 A black and white image of Logan Feland, a white male in his Marine Corps Service A uniform. He is wearing a hat several ribbons and a Fourragère. He also has a leather strap from his right shoulder to his left waist. Brigadier General Feland, LoganLogan Feland[8] July 13, 1923 July 31, 1925 No
6 A black and white image of Williams Dion, a white male in his Marine Corps dress blue uniform. He is wearing a hat and several ribbons. Brigadier General Williams, DionDion Williams[9] August 1, 1925 July 1, 1928 No
7 A black and white image of Ben Fuller, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform. He has white hair and is not wearing a hat. The background is cloudy and the outside edges of the picture are grayed out. Brigadier General Fuller, Ben HebardBen Hebard Fuller[10] July 2, 1928 July 8, 1930 Yes
8 A black and white image of John Myers, a white male in his Marine Corps dress blue uniform. He has a moustache, is wearing a hat and several ribbons are visible. Brigadier General Myers, John TwiggsJohn Twiggs Myers[11] August 1, 1930 February 1, 1933 No
9 A black and white image of XXX, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform Brigadier General Russell, Jr., John H.John H. Russell, Jr.[12] February 1, 1933 February 28, 1934 Yes
10 This image is inserted to represent no image Brigadier General McDougal, Douglas C.Douglas C. McDougal[13] April 8, 1934 April 22, 1935 No
11 This image is inserted to represent no image Brigadier General Little, Louis M.Louis M. Little[14] April 22, 1935 May 6, 1937 No
12 A black and white image of Holland Smith, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform Brigadier General Smith, HollandHolland Smith[15] April 1, 1939 September 25, 1939 No
13 A black and white image of Alexander Vandegrift, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform Brigadier General Vandegrift, AlexanderAlexander Vandegrift[16] March 1, 1940 November 18, 1941 Yes
14 A black and white image of Charles Barrett, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform Brigadier General Barrett, Charles D.Charles D. Barrett[17] November 19, 1941 March 12, 1942 No
15 This image is inserted to represent no image Brigadier General Keyser, Ralph S.Ralph S. Keyser[18] March 28, 1942 May 24, 1942 No
16 A black and white image of Harry Schmidt, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform Major General Schmidt, HarryHarry Schmidt[19] May 25, 1942 August 1, 1943 No
17 Major General Rockey, Keller E.Keller E. Rockey[20] August 2, 1943 January 17, 1944 No
18 This image is inserted to represent no image Major General Peck, DewittDewitt Peck[21] January 20, 1944 July 30, 1945 No
19 A black and white image of Allen Turnage, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform Major General Turnage, Allen H.Allen H. Turnage[22] September 1, 1945 October 16, 1946 No

Assistant Commandants of the Marine Corps

In 1946, Congress established the position of "Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps" and since then, 31 men have held the position. Major General Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. was the first to hold the billet and went on to become Commandant, as well as five others: Randolph M. Pate, Leonard F. Chapman, Jr., Robert H. Barrow, Paul X. Kelley and James F. Amos.[3]

As with the Commandant, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps is appointed by the President based on advice and consent of the Senate and, once appointed, will be promoted to the grade of general. The duties of the Assistant Commandant include such authority and duties as the Commandant and, with the approval of the Secretary of the Navy, may delegate to or prescribe for him. Orders issued by the Assistant Commandant in performing such duties have the same effect as those issued by the Commandant. When there is a vacancy in the office of Commandant of the Marine Corps, or during the absence or disability of the Commandant, the Assistant Commandant shall perform the duties of the Commandant until a successor is appointed or the absence or disability ceases.[1]

# Photo Rank Name Tenure from Tenure to Became Commandant
1 A black and white image of Lemuel Shepherd, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform Major General Shepherd, Jr., Lemuel C.Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr.[23] October 7, 1946 April 14, 1948 Yes
2 A black and white image of Oliver Smith, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform Major General Smith, Oliver P.Oliver P. Smith[24] April 15, 1948 July 19, 1950 No
3 This image is inserted to represent no image Lieutenant General Silverthorn, Merwin H.Merwin H. Silverthorn[25] July 19, 1950 February 1, 1952 No
4 A black and white image of Gerald Thomas, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform Lieutenant General Thomas, Gerald C.Gerald C. Thomas[26] March 8, 1952 July 1, 1954 No
5 A black and white image of Randolph Pate, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform Lieutenant General Pate, Randolph M.Randolph M. Pate[27] July 1, 1954 December 31, 1955 Yes
6 A black and white image of Vernon Megee, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform Lieutenant General Megee, Vernon E.Vernon E. Megee[28] January 1, 1956 November 30, 1957 No
7 This image is inserted to represent no image Lieutenant General McCaul, Verne J.Verne J. McCaul[29] December 1, 1957 December 31, 1959 No
8 A black and white image of John C. Munn, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform, circa 1964 Lieutenant General Munn, John C.John C. Munn[30] January 1, 1960 March 31, 1963 No
9 This image is inserted to represent no image Lieutenant General Hayes, Charles H.Charles H. Hayes[31] April 1, 1963 June 30, 1965 No
10 A black and white image of Richard Mangrum, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform Lieutenant General Mangrum, Richard C.Richard C. Mangrum[32] July 1, 1965 June 30, 1967 No
11 A black and white image of XXX, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform Lieutenant General Chapman, Jr., Leonard F.Leonard F. Chapman, Jr.[33] July 1, 1967 December 31, 1967 Yes
12 A black and white image of Lewis Walt, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Walt, Lewis WilliamLewis William Walt[34] January 1, 1968 January 29, 1971 No
13 A black and white image of Keith McCutcheon, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General McCutcheon, Keith B.Keith B. McCutcheon[35] January 30, 1971 March 11, 1971
(never assumed post due to illness)		 No
14 A black and white image of Raymond Davis, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Davis, Raymond G.Raymond G. Davis[36] March 12, 1971 March 30, 1972 No
15 A color image of Earl Anderson, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Anderson, Earl E.Earl E. Anderson[37] March 31, 1972 June 30, 1975 No
16 A color image of Samuel Jaskilka, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Jaskilka, SamuelSamuel Jaskilka[38] July 1, 1975 June 30, 1978 No
17 A color image of Robert Barrow, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Barrow, Robert H.Robert H. Barrow[39] July 1, 1978 July 30, 1979 Yes
18 A color image of Kenneth McLennan, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General McLennan, KennethKenneth McLennan[40] July 1, 1979 July 30, 1981 No
19 A color image of Paul Kelley, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Kelley, Paul X.Paul X. Kelley[41] July 1, 1981 June 30, 1983 Yes
20 A color image of John Davis, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Davis, John K.John K. Davis[42] July 1, 1983 May 31, 1986 No
21 A color image of Thomas Morgan, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Morgan, Thomas R.Thomas R. Morgan[43] June 1, 1986 June 30, 1988 No
22 A color image of Joseph Went, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Went, Joseph J.Joseph J. Went[44] July 1, 1988 July 31, 1990 No
23 A color image of John Dailey, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Dailey, John R.John R. Dailey[45] August 1, 1990 August 31, 1992 No
24 A color image of Walter Boomer, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Boomer, Walter E.Walter E. Boomer[46] September 1, 1992 July 14, 1994 No
25 A color image of Richard Hearney, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Hearney, Richard D.Richard D. Hearney[47] July 15, 1994 September 26, 1996 No
26 A color image of Richard Neal, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Neal, Richard I.Richard I. Neal[48] September 27, 1996 September 4, 1998 No
27 A color image of Terrence Dake, a white male in his Marine Corps dress uniform General Dake, Terrence R.Terrence R. Dake[49] September 5, 1998 September 7, 2000 No
28 A color image of Michael Williams, a white male in his Marine Corps Service A uniform. He is wearing a hat, several ribbons are visible as well as naval aviator insignia. The Marine Corps flag and United States flag are visible in the background. General Williams, Michael J.Michael J. Williams[50] September 8, 2000 September 9, 2002 No
29 A color image of William Nyland, a white male in his Marine Corps Service A uniform. He is not wearing a hat, several ribbons are visible as well as a round badge, rifle and pistol marksmanship badges and naval aviator insignia. The Marine Corps flag and United States flag are visible in the background. General Nyland, William L.William L. Nyland[51] September 10, 2002 September 7, 2005 No
30 A color image of Robert Magnus, a white male in his Marine Corps Service A uniform. He is not wearing a hat, several ribbons are visible as well as a round badge and naval aviator insignia. The Marine Corps flag and United States flag are visible in the background. General Magnus, RobertRobert Magnus[52] September 8, 2005 July 2, 2008 No
31 A color image of James Amos, a white male in his Marine Corps Service A uniform. He is not wearing a hat, several ribbons are visible as well as a rifle and pistol marksmanship badges and naval aviator insignia. The Marine Corps flag and United States flag are visible in the background. General Amos, James F.James F. Amos[53] July 3, 2008 October 22, 2010 Yes
32 A color image of Joseph Dunford, a white male in his Marine Corps Service A uniform. He is not wearing a hat, several ribbons are visible as well as a rifle and pistol marksmanship badges and naval parachutist insignia. The Marine Corps flag and United States flag are visible in the background. General Dunford, Jr., Joseph F.Joseph F. Dunford, Jr.[54] October 23, 2010 December 15, 2012 Yes
33 A color image of John Paxton, a white male in his Marine Corps Service A uniform. He is not wearing a hat, ribbons are visible as well as a basic parachutist badge. The Marine Corps flag and United States flag are visible in the background. General Paxton, Jr., John M.John M. Paxton, Jr.[55] December 15, 2012 incumbent

Timeline

John M. Paxton, Jr. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. James F. Amos James T. Conway Robert Magnus Michael Hagee William L. Nyland Michael J. Williams James L. Jones Terrence R. Dake Richard I. Neal Charles C. Krulak Richard D. Hearney Walter E. Boomer Carl Epting Mundy, Jr. John R. Dailey Joseph J. Went Alfred M. Gray, Jr. Thomas R. Morgan John K. Davis Paul X. Kelley Kenneth McLennan Robert H. Barrow Samuel Jaskilka Louis H. Wilson Jr. Earl E. Anderson Robert E. Cushman, Jr. Raymond G. Davis Keith B. McCutcheon Lewis W. Walt Richard C. Mangrum Wallace M. Greene Charles H. Hayes John C. Munn David M. Shoup Verne J. McCaul Vernon E. Megee Randolph M. Pate Gerald C. Thomas Merwin H. Silverthorn Oliver P. Smith Clifton B. Cates Allen H. Turnage Dewitt Peck Keller E. Rockey Harry Schmidt (USMC) Ralph S. Keyser Charles D. Barrett Alexander Vandegrift Holland Smith Thomas Holcomb Louis M. Little Douglas C. McDougal John H. Russell, Jr. John Twiggs Myers Ben Hebard Fuller Dion Williams Logan Feland Wendell Cushing Neville Charles G. Long John A. Lejeune George Barnett Eli K. Cole William P. Biddle

See also

References

General
Specific
  1. 1 2 10 U.S.C. § 5044 Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.
  2. ↑ ALMAR 040/10
  3. 1 2 3 "Marine Corps Assistant Commandants". Historical Topics: Frequently Requested. Reference Branch, History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2007-12-29.
  4. ↑ "Lieutenant colonel Eli Kelley Cole, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  5. ↑ "Brigadier general John Archer Lejeune, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  6. ↑ "Brigadier general Charles Grant Long, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  7. ↑ "Major general Wendell Cushing Neville, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  8. ↑ "Brigadier general Logan Feland, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  9. ↑ "Brigadier general Dion Williams, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  10. ↑ "Brigadier general Ben Hebard Fuller, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  11. ↑ "Brigadier general John Twiggs Myers, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  12. ↑ "Brigadier general John Henry Russell, Jr., USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  13. ↑ "Brigadier general Douglas C. McDougal, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  14. ↑ "Brigadier general Louis McCarty Little, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  15. ↑ "Brigadier general Holland McTyeire Smith, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  16. ↑ "Brigadier general Alexander Archer Vandegrift, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  17. ↑ "Major general Charles Dodson Barrett, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  18. ↑ "Major general Ralph Stover Keyser, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  19. ↑ "Major general Harry Schmidt, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  20. ↑ "Major general Keller E. Rockey, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  21. ↑ "Major general DeWitt Peck, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  22. ↑ "Major general Allen Hal Turnage, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  23. ↑ "Major general Lemuel Cornick Shepherd, Jr., USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  24. ↑ "Major general Oliver P. Smith, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  25. ↑ "Lieutenant general Merwin Hancock Silverthorn, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  26. ↑ "Lieutenant general Gerald C. Thomas, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  27. ↑ "Lieutenant general Randolph McCall Pate, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  28. ↑ "Lieutenant general Vernon E. Megee, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  29. ↑ "Lieutenant general Verne J. McCaul, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  30. ↑ "Lieutenant general John Calvin Munn, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  31. ↑ "Lieutenant general Charles Harold Hayes, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  32. ↑ "Lieutenant general Richard C. Mangrum, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  33. ↑ "Lieutenant general Leonard Fielding Chapman, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  34. ↑ "General Lewis W. Walt, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  35. ↑ "General Keith B. McCutcheon, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  36. ↑ "General Raymond Gilbert Davis, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  37. ↑ "General Earl Edward Anderson, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  38. ↑ "General Samuel Jaskilka, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  39. ↑ "General Robert H. Barrow, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  40. ↑ "General Kenneth McLennan, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  41. ↑ "General Paul X. Kelley, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  42. ↑ "General John K. Davis, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  43. ↑ "General Thomas R. Morgan, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  44. ↑ "General Joseph J. Went, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  45. ↑ "General John R. Dailey, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  46. ↑ "General Walter E. Boomer, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  47. ↑ "General Richard D. Hearney, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  48. ↑ "General Richard I. Neal, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  49. ↑ "General Terrence R. Dake, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  50. ↑ "General Michael J. Williams, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  51. ↑ "General William L. "Spider" Nyland, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  52. ↑ "General Robert Magnus, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  53. ↑ "General James F. Amos, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  54. ↑ "General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2010-10-25.
  55. ↑ "General John M. Paxton, Jr., USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2012-12-15.

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