Who was the first Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps?

Frederick C. Branch is recognized as the first Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, a position he was appointed to on January 24, 1966. This role holds significant importance as it established the rank within the Marines and provided a direct link between enlisted Marines and the command structure, as the Sergeant Major serves as a senior enlisted advisor. This appointment marked a pivotal evolution in leadership and representation for enlisted personnel within the Corps.

Understanding the historical context of this appointment is essential, as it reflects the expansion of the Marine Corps leadership structure to better address the needs and concerns of enlisted Marines. The role has since become vital for fostering communication between the troops and command, reinforcing the importance of enlisted leadership in the Marine Corps.