The official battle colors of the Corps were presented to Assistant Commandant General Eric Smith during a ceremony Monday morning to mark the conclusion of General David Berger’s four-year term as commander. However, the ceremony’s narrator did not read out the orders for Smith to assume leadership of the Marine Corps, even as Berger presented him with the colors.
That’s because, for the first time since 1910, there is no Senate-confirmed Marine Corps major heading the service. However, Eric will be granted the authority of a certified Marine commander.
Who is Eric Smith?
General Eric M. Smith of the United States Marine Corps has served as the 36th Associate Commandant of the Marine Corps since October 8, 2021, and the Acting Commandant of the Marine Corps since July 10, 2023. Prior to this, he was the Deputy Commander for Combat Development and Integration before Karsten Heckl took over.
Smith, who was proposed as the 39th commander in May, would have to simultaneously fulfill the responsibilities of the No. 1 and No. 2 Marines due to a lack of Senate approval, leaving him without a specific person to who assigns tasks Smith added that in his position as acting commander, he will focus on promoting Marine Corps reform while ensuring the organization is prepared to respond to international crises.
The planning guide, which outlines the commander’s strategic goal for the Corps, will also not be released while Smith serves as acting commander, he told reporters on June 29. In his capacity as acting commander, Smith commented, “I can provide guidance to the force, but it doesn’t carry the same weight as planning guidance from commanders.”
Smith emphasized Monday during his remarks at the ceremony that he will continue to be referred to as “assistant commandant of the Marine Corps” or “ACMC” until he is officially confirmed. “That’s my title and one that I’m proud of,” Smith said. “You can also say ‘Devil Dog,’ ‘Leatherneck,’ ‘Marine,’ or ‘Trish’s husband.’ I answer all of them, probably most proud of the last one.”
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