What insignia does a Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps wear?

The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps wears an insignia that features three stripes over the Marine Corps emblem, accompanied by two stars. This insignia symbolizes the rank and the specific authority of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, who is the senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps and a key representative of the enlisted corps at the highest levels of leadership.

The significance of the additional elements in the insignia lies in their representation of the role’s unique responsibilities. The three stripes denote the rank of Sergeant Major, while the Marine Corps emblem denotes their connection to the service itself. The two stars further differentiate this rank from other enlisted leaders, emphasizing their position as a senior leader within the Marine Corps structure. The combination of these elements in the insignia clearly denotes the rank of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and aligns with the established traditions and symbols of rank within the U.S. Marine Corps.