General Eric M. Smith Officially Promoted to Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps

The U.S. Marine Corps has been without a Senate-confirmed leader since July 2023 - for the first time in the nation's history.

The U.S. Senate today held a recorded vote to confirm one individual nominated by President Joe Biden to serve in a command post of the U.S. Military - specifically leading the U.S. Marine Corps, one of the country’s six branches of the armed forces.

In a 96-0 vote, General Eric M. Smith was confirmed as Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps for a term expiring in July 2027. He has served as the Acting Commandant since July 2023 - the first time in the nation’s history when the branch of the armed forces didn’t have a Senate-confirmed leader.

Smith has served as the Assistant Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps since October 2021. He previously served as the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration.

Joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1987, Smith has commanded the 1st Battalion of the 5th Marines, the 8th Marine Regiment, the U.S. Marine Corps Forces South, the First Marine Division, and the III Marine Expeditionary Force.