Ace the USMC OCS Knowledge Challenge 2026 – Dive In and Dominate!

The first Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was Archibald Summers, who served from 1957 to 1959. As the inaugural holder of this position, Summers played a significant role in establishing the responsibilities and expectations of the Sergeant Major within the Marine Corps. The position was created to serve as a senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, bridging the gap between the enlisted ranks and the senior leadership. His leadership set a precedent for future Sergeants Major, shaping the role’s importance in fostering communication and morale among enlisted Marines. This historical significance underlines why Archibald Summers is recognized as the first Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps.