U.S. Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific stand in formation during the MARFORPAC change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 12, 2024. With two-thirds of the Marine Corps operating forces assigned, MARFORPAC operates in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility, the largest Geographical Combatant Command in the U.S. Department of Defense, as the Nation’s expedition force and like-minded allies and partners to preserve and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Ash McLaughlin) - U.S. Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific stand in formation during the MARFORPAC change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 12, 2024. With two-thirds of the Marine Corps operating forces assigned, MARFORPAC operates in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility, the largest Geographical Combatant Command in the U.S. Department of Defense, as the Nation’s expedition force and like-minded allies and partners to preserve and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Ash McLaughlin)

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment prepare for an ambush during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Dec. 5, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon) - U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment prepare for an ambush during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Dec. 5, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon)

A group of men in suits and Marine Corps uniforms talking at a conference table. - U.S. Navy and Marine Corps leaders meet with Public Private Venture (PPV) partners for an annual meeting as part of the Installation Innovation Forum sponsored by the Association of Defense Communities on November 8, 2023. The meeting provides an opportunity for improved transparency, collaboration, and problem-solving between the services and their PPV partners. As the single authority for all Marine Corps installations matters, MCICOM exercises command and control of regional installations commands, establishes policy, exercises oversight, and prioritizes resources in order to optimize support to the operating forces and tenant commands. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Amanda Merritt)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Albert Ludwig, a Martial Arts Instructor with MAF-C, operates the Marine Corps booth during the USA Wrestling Junior & 16U National Championships, sponsored by the Marine Corps, on July 15, 2023. The Marine Corps' partnership with USA Wrestling started in 2017 as a way for Marines to develop new relationships with wrestling coaches. These partnerships ensure the coaches of the next generation of Marines know Marine Corps opportunities and provide advocacy and support recruiter access to prospective audiences, which is critical to our nation's defense. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Albert Ludwig, a Martial Arts Instructor with MAF-C, operates the Marine Corps booth during the USA Wrestling Junior & 16U National Championships, sponsored by the Marine Corps, on July 15, 2023. The Marine Corps' partnership with USA Wrestling started in 2017 as a way for Marines to develop new relationships with wrestling coaches. These partnerships ensure the coaches of the next generation of Marines know Marine Corps opportunities and provide advocacy and support recruiter access to prospective audiences, which is critical to our nation's defense.

Sergeant Major Carlos A. Ruiz has been selected to serve as the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. Sgt. Maj. Ruiz is currently serving as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve and U.S. Marines Corps Forces South. He will replace Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy E. Black during a relief and appointment ceremony slated for Aug. 8, 2023. - Sergeant Major Carlos A. Ruiz has been selected to serve as the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. Sgt. Maj. Ruiz is currently serving as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve and U.S. Marines Corps Forces South. He will replace Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy E. Black during a relief and appointment ceremony slated for Aug. 8, 2023.

Members of the Women’s Leadership and Education Forum pose for a group picture following the WLEF’s 1-year anniversary meeting on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, May 18, 2023. WLEF celebrated its milestone with guest speakers and a guided discussion theme-focused on work-life balance as leaders. WLEF was developed to create a healthy environment for hard discussions, addressing cultural improvements, cohesion and leadership by providing opportunities for networking, support, mentorship, and career development for U.S. Marines and Sailors on Okinawa. - Members of the Women’s Leadership and Education Forum pose for a group picture following the WLEF’s 1-year anniversary meeting on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, May 18, 2023. WLEF celebrated its milestone with guest speakers and a guided discussion theme-focused on work-life balance as leaders. WLEF was developed to create a healthy environment for hard discussions, addressing cultural improvements, cohesion and leadership by providing opportunities for networking, support, mentorship, and career development for U.S. Marines and Sailors on Okinawa.