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Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

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SMMC Ruiz visits MCRD Parris Island

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speaks to drill instructors with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit...

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SMMC Ruiz visits U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, visits Marine Officer Instructors, officer candidates, and...

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SMMC Ruiz visits 1st MAW in Okinawa

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, visits Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) and...

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SMMC Ruiz visits 1st MAW in Okinawa

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, visits Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) and...

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SMMC Ruiz participates in MOAA TotalForce+ Conference

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, right, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, and senior enlisted leaders from across the Armed...

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NMC 250 Philadelphia: SMMC Ruiz joins volunteer event

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, alongside U.S. Marines and Sailors with Special Purpose...

 

 

"IF THE MARINE IS THE WEAPON SYSTEM, THEN TREAT THE MARINE LIKE A WEAPON SYSTEM AND ARM THE MARINE LIKE A WEAPON SYSTEM." -SMMC

 

 

 

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, alongside U.S. Marines and Sailors with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 250, volunteer with Habitat for Humanity as part of Navy-Marine Week Philadelphia 250, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Oct. 10, 2025. The event honors 250 years of Marine Corps legacy, tradition, and service by giving Philadelphia residents and visitors the opportunity to connect with Marines and Sailors, and experience community engagement events. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by GySgt Jordan E. Gilbert)

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, right, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, and senior enlisted leaders from across the Armed Forces, discuss readiness and retention in their services during the Military Officers Association of America TotalForce+ Conference at National Harbor, Maryland, Oct. 29, 2025. The conference is an inaugural, people-focused event that brings together military members, veterans, their families, and industry leaders to address key issues facing the "total force." (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Kassie McDole)

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, visits Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) and the Staff Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO) Academy, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 3-4, 2025. Ruiz participated in a variety of engagements including as the keynote speaker for 1st MAW’s Senior Leaders’ Conference, a Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) town hall, promotion ceremonies, luncheons with hand-selected SNCOs and NCOs, and observation time with various 1st MAW night crews. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by GySgt Jordan E. Gilbert)

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, visits Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) and the Staff Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO) Academy, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 3-4, 2025. Ruiz participated in a variety of engagements including as the keynote speaker for 1st MAW’s Senior Leaders’ Conference, a Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) town hall, promotion ceremonies, luncheons with hand-selected SNCOs and NCOs, and observation time with various 1st MAW night crews. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by GySgt Jordan E. Gilbert)

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, visits Marine Officer Instructors, officer candidates, and midshipmen at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, New York, Sept. 29, 2025. Ruiz participated in a variety of engagements including a physical training iteration, an office call with academy leadership, two speaking sessions with midshipmen, and a campus tour. Ruiz visited the campus in order to learn more about USMMA’s education and career opportunities and to speak with midshipmen on Marine Corps culture and officer-enlisted relationships. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by GySgt Jordan E. Gilbert)

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speaks to drill instructors with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Nov. 10, 2025. During his two-day visit to the depot, Ruiz met with senior enlisted leaders and drill instructors to discuss training standards and observe daily operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Kassie McDole)

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Marine Minute: Message From Sgt. Maj. Ruiz
Marines, Sergeant Major Ruiz here. Let me first start off by saying what an honor and a privilege it is to serve as your 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. Our Corps today is fit to fight and it's getting better every day. Our equipment is getting better, our technology is getting smarter, and, more importantly, you are getting more lethal. It is in fact you, the individual Marine, that the Corps draws its strength from. Your professional and individual development is what we will continue to focus on. We must discipline our day and train hard with the goal of being better versions of ourselves than yesterday. For 248 years, Marines have served with honor and distinction. America and her allies depend on us to be the finest fighting force in the world. This is the responsibility given to us when we earn our eagle, globe and anchor. It is the responsibility that I share with you. So I look forward to seeing you on the field and listening to you and your ideas. Semper fi, Marines.
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Marine Minute: Message From Sgt. Maj. Ruiz
1:00
Marine Minute: Message From Sgt. Maj. Ruiz
Marines, Sergeant Major Ruiz here. Let me first start off by saying what an honor and a privilege it is to serve as your 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. Our Corps today is fit to fight and it's getting better every day. Our equipment is getting better, our technology is getting smarter, and, more importantly, you are getting more lethal. It is in fact you, the individual Marine, that the Corps draws its strength from. Your professional and individual development is what we will continue to focus on. We must discipline our day and train hard with the goal of being better versions of ourselves than yesterday. For 248 years, Marines have served with honor and distinction. America and her allies depend on us to be the finest fighting force in the world. This is the responsibility given to us when we earn our eagle, globe and anchor. It is the responsibility that I share with you. So I look forward to seeing you on the field and listening to you and your ideas. Semper fi, Marines.
Welcome Aboard Camp Lejeune
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Welcome Aboard Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune welcomes Marines, Sailors and families aboard. This video highlights the history, wide range of amenities and services across the installation that support the fleet, enable the fighter, and strengthen our base by enhancing quality of life, mission readiness and community support. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Daniela Chicas Torres)
Task Force Ashland Marines, Sailors Conduct Resupply-at-Sea
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Task Force Ashland Marines, Sailors Conduct Resupply-at-Sea
U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to Task Force Ashland, I Marine Expeditionary Force, conduct a replenishment-at-sea aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) with Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO-202) in the South China Sea March 14, 2026. TF Ashland is a flexible, forward-deployed crisis response force led by the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Purpose-built to integrate with allies and partners, TF Ashland supports a free and open Indo-Pacific by providing immediate response capabilities for any contingency. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Kenneth Twaddell)
1st Intel's Battlespace Surveillance Company completes field exercise
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1st Intel's Battlespace Surveillance Company completes field exercise
U.S. Marines assigned to Battlespace Surveillance Company, 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conduct a week-long BSC field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 6-13, 2026. The BSC field exercise refines Marines’ the ability to conduct maritime sensing in a degraded environment and core mission essential tasks in preparation for future operations. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Hubert Maliszewski)
Alert! Transition Video
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Alert! Transition Video
Text on screen video announcing USMC's transition to the Alert! Mass Notification System
1st Intel conducts Battlespace Surveillance Company Field Exercise
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1st Intel conducts Battlespace Surveillance Company Field Exercise
U.S. Marines assigned to Battlespace Surveillance Company, 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conduct a week-long BSC field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 6-13, 2026. The BSC field exercise refines Marines’ ability to conduct maritime sensing in a degraded environment and core mission essential tasks in preparation for future operations. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Hubert Maliszewski)
Alert! Transition
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Alert! Transition
ALERT! is the Marine Corps’ updated mass notification platform designed to quickly deliver timely dissemination of alerts and warnings of hazards and threats affecting installations, personnel, and families. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by Gunnery Sgt. Hector de Jesus) This video uses USMC licensed assets and music from Adobe Stock.
Northern Dragon 26: Iwakuni Marines and Sailors train at JGSDF Camp Nihonbara
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Northern Dragon 26: Iwakuni Marines and Sailors train at JGSDF Camp Nihonbara
U.S. Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Company 36, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group; Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 12, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing; and Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (HHS), Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, conduct exercise Northern Dragon 26 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Nihonbara, Okayama, Japan, from March 13 to March 19, 2026. CLC-36 holds exercise Northern Dragon yearly to enhance and maintain the unit’s combat logistics capabilities, combat marksmanship proficiency, and medical preparedness in austere terrain and weather conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Colin Thibault) This video contains music from a USMC licensed asset from Adobe Stock.
SNCO Musician of the Year
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SNCO Musician of the Year
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Jazz M. Vu, a musician with the 2nd Marine Division band, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, was awarded the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Musician of the Year award. Staff Sergeant Vu was selected as the SNCO Musician of the Year award for his leadership and musical talent.(U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Francis Hrosar)
Drill Instructor Creed
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Drill Instructor Creed
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Matthew H. Whitaker, a drill instructor with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, recites the Drill Instructor creed on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., March 24, 2026. The drill instructor creed was first introduced on Aug. 31, 1956, it is a commitment guiding drill instructors as they shape recruits into Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Jordy Morales)
SNCO Musician of the Year: SSgt Jazz M. Vu
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SNCO Musician of the Year: SSgt Jazz M. Vu
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Jazz M. Vu, a musician with the 2nd Marine Division band, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, was awarded the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Musician of the Year award. Staff Sergeant Vu was selected as the SNCO Musician of the Year award for his leadership and musical talent.(U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Francis Hrosar)
Kilo Company Table One
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Kilo Company Table One
Recruits with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, conduct Table One qualification on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., March 25, 2026. During qualification, recruits are tested on their knowledge of the fundamentals of marksmanship. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Jordy Morales)
U.S. Marines with 12th LCT Execute Company Attacks During a CALFEX
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U.S. Marines with 12th LCT Execute Company Attacks During a CALFEX
U.S. Marines with 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, execute company-sized attacks during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise at Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Feb. 26-March 4, 2026. 12th LCT Marines executed a company-level CALFEX, integrating organic and supporting fires, maneuver elements, and reconnaissance capabilities to conduct a coordinated assault on a designated objective. The range strengthened the unit’s ability to synchronize fires and movement in a dynamic training environment while enhancing combat effectiveness and overall readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Rodney Frye) (This video contains music from USMC enterprise-licensed Adobe Stock assets: “Day One Part 1 (Cinematic Electronic Music)” and “Reload (Cinematic | Epic Trailer Music)” by Nico Maximilian)
2026 Armed Forces All-Marine Men’s Championship Soccer Team
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2026 Armed Forces All-Marine Men’s Championship Soccer Team
Marines with the All-Marine Men’s Championship Soccer Team prepare for their next match at Butler Stadium on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, March 23, 2025. All-Marine Sports provides Marine athletes an opportunity to compete in higher level competitions such as the Armed Forces Championships, Conseil International du Sport Militaire Championships, and the Olympics. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Joshua Munsen)
2026 Marine Corps Marathon 17.75k
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2026 Marine Corps Marathon 17.75k
Service members, families, and friends participate in the Marine Corps Marathon 17.75k at Prince William Forest Park, Virginia, March 21, 2026. The distance of the race commemorates the year the Marine Corps was established and offers finishers “Access Granted” passes, guaranteeing entry to the 51st MCM. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Keahi J. Soomanstanton)
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Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps