Meet the Corps’ New Leaders
Marine Corps News Staff Report by Staff Sgt. John Lawson & Sgt. Clinton Firstbrook
The Corps swears in its next Commandant
Change. Even for Marines bound to tradition, it happens every few years, particularly among our Corps’ top leadership. Perhaps “fresh perspective” better describes the new Commandant of the Marine Corps and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.
Gen. James T. Conway became the 34th commandant, replacing Gen. Michael Hagee in a Passage of Command ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington Nov. 13.
Conway assumes the Corps’ helm after serving as the director of operations for the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C. In that post, he served as the link between national leaders in Washington and commanders of military operations in the field.
Conway became visible to Marines, the nation and the world when he commanded I Marine Expeditionary Force during two combat tours in Iraq. During the expeditionary force’s first tour under Conway, its northward thrust into Iraq back in 2003 was the longest overland offensive in the Corps’ history.
President George Bush recognized the force’s achievements, which included several major battles, by awarding it the Presidential Unit Citation. It was the first time since the Vietnam War that a Marine unit received the award.
Conway was born in Walnut Ridge, Ark., and he is an alumnus of Southeast Missouri State University. He was commissioned as an infantry officer in 1970. As a lieutenant colonel, he was the commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. He commanded Battalion Landing Team 3/2 during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He has served in many posts as a general officer, in addition to his two stints as commander of I MEF.
Several years before serving as director of operations for the Joint Staff, he served as the Joint Staff’s deputy director for combating terrorism.
He has also served as president of Marine Corps University at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.
In June, the president selected Conway for appointment as commandant and to the grade of general. The Senate confirmed Conway’s nomination Aug. 5.
At the Passage of Command ceremony, Conway addressed the younger Marines in attendance and applauded their espirit de corps in war time: “You represent an entire young generation of soldiers, sailors, airmen and other Marines who have stepped forward when your country needed you most,” said Conway. “The raw courage, the selflessness and the teamwork that is demonstrated by this generation are absolutely unbelievable.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would suggest to you that our services, our Corps and our nation are in great shape for a long time to come.”
Two months later, while speaking to more than 7,000 Marines and sailors atop an amphibious assault vehicle during a visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan 19, Conway announced that Kent would be the next sergeant major of the Marine Corps.
Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent will replace Sgt. Maj. John Estrada, who has held the position since June 27, 2003 as the 15th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.
Upon his initial introduction as the 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Kent touched on the time he has spent with the Marines at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
“I think it’s been roughly three years and seven months that I’ve had the privilege and honor to represent you,” said Kent. “I tell you it’s been the most rewarding thing in my career. I have never seen a better group of Marines, and when I say that you inspire me, you do inspire me. I look forward to waking up to do what ever I can do for you.”
The selection process for the position began in December with every sergeant major being screened by a nomination board. Kent and four other sergeants major made the final cut for the position and were interviewed by Conway the following month.
Kent was born in Memphis, Tenn., and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in March 1976 before being assigned to the 1st Marine Brigade. Two years later, Kent served as a Marine Security Guard in Zaire and Panama. After completing Airborne and Parachute Riggers School, Kent was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejuene, N.C., before transferring to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego for duty as a drill instructor. Kent continued his Marine Corps career and came to reside in Camp Pendleton in April 2004.
