Structure of the Marine Corps

Learn More About the Corps in Civilian Terms
Structure of the Marine Corps
Posted on 9/13/2025

The USMC is organized with two parallel chains of command, service and operational. The Service chain begins with the President, through the Secretary of Defense, and continues through the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The operational chain runs from the President, through the Secretary of Defense, directly to commanders of combatant commands for missions and forces assigned to their commands.

Image info: The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Robert Neller, speaks to Marines of the First Marine Expeditionary Force during his visit to Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 5, 2015. —Photo by Sergeant James Gulliver.


Sale for Marine Corps Family Day at the EGA Shop

ENGRAVED COINS Licensed by the Marine Corps

CLICK TO SHOP NOW

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR RANKING UP! Help your Marine commemorate the achievements of their career in the Corps by gifting this beautiful custom-engraved coin!

EGA Shop, purchase Marine Corps Clothing and Support Our Troops at the same time!
Marine Parents and the Marine Corps
Recruit Parents
Whats After Boot Camp
After The Corps