§8044 Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps

Summary

The President picks an Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps from active-duty Marines, and the Senate must approve the choice. While serving, the Assistant Commandant holds the rank of general but keeps their permanent rank. The Commandant, with the Secretary of the Navy’s approval, can give the Assistant Commandant duties and authority. Orders the Assistant Commandant gives while doing those duties count the same as orders from the Commandant. If the Commandant’s job is vacant or the Commandant is absent or disabled, the Assistant Commandant does the Commandant’s duties until a successor is appointed or the absence ends. If there is no Assistant Commandant or they are absent or disabled, the most senior Marine officer at Marine Corps Headquarters who can serve will perform the Commandant’s duties unless the President says otherwise.