The Commandant of the Marine Corps functions as the highest-ranking officer of the Marine Corps. Even though occasionally higher-ranking Marine officers exist, the commandant is still in charge of the Marine Corps. The commandant is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and reports to the Secretary of the Navy, but not to the Chief of Naval Operations.

The commandant is responsible for keeping the Marine Corps in fighting condition and does not serve as a direct battlefield commander. However, he is the symbolic and functional head of the Corps, and holds a position of very high esteem among Marines.

As of November 14 2006, the Commandant of the Marine Corps is 34th Commandant General James T. Conway, preceeded by 33rd Commandent General Michael W. Hagee.