Marine ranks change over 234 years

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

02.02.2010

Story by Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank 

1st Marine Logistics Group

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Since the birth of the Marine Corps, Nov. 10, 1775, Marines have fought in many conflicts and wars across the world, holding billets and ranks that have come and gone throughout the 234 years of history.

When the Marine Corps was first established at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, sergeant, corporal, drummer or fifer, and private were the only authorized enlisted ranks.

These original enlisted ranks were not changed until almost 23 years later, after the end of the Revolutionary War.

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps were officially established, under the constitution on July 11, 1798. With this movement, new ranks to include sergeant major, quartermaster sergeant, drum major and fife major were added to the enlisted ranks. From that day, the rank structure continually developed into the system used in the modern Marine Corps, according to Mark Flowers, who owns and maintains a WWII era Marine rank website.

Eventually the ranks of lance corporal and lance sergeant were in common usage. Marines were appointed to these ranks temporarily during the transition to picking up the next higher rank. As the rank structure continued to evolve, the rank of lance sergeant fell out of use.

Until 1833, there were no ranks that fell between sergeant and sergeant major. During that time period, sergeants commanded ship detachments and shore stations.

As the country progressed, so did the Marine enlisted rank, to include gunnery sergeant. It was in common usage throughout the Marine Corps, but wasn't officially recognized until 1898.

In 1939, World War II commenced, bringing a variety of ranks and titles to the Marine Corps. As WWII ended and conflicts in Asia started, fewer changes to the ranks were made.

• Date Taken: 02.02.2010
• Date Posted: 02.02.2010 17:24
• Story ID: 44814
• Location: CALIFORNIA, US