The official page of the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos A. Ruiz. Further connect at https://linktr.ee/usmc_smmc. Marine Corps.
Welcome to the official page of the office of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. This page is intended to provide updated information and discussion on behalf of SgtMaj Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. While this is an open forum, it's also a family-friendly one, so please keep your comments and wall posts clean. Comments and posts that do not follow these
05/29/2026
This week I had the pleasure of meeting with Arizona Marines from the 8th Marine Corps District.
Recruiters play a vital role in the legacy of our Corps, carrying the responsibility of finding and inspiring the next generation of Marines. Their impact reaches far beyond today’s mission, and that was evident throughout my visit with Recruiting Station Phoenix.
📍Phoenix, Arizona (May 26, 2026)
05/26/2026
Yesterday, I was privileged to give remarks at the annual Memorial Day Ceremony in Buckeye, AZ City Government. It was an impactful ceremony recognizing Gold Star Families and honoring the sacrifices of our fallen service members.
As part of the visit, I also had the opportunity to meet with on-duty first responders, including veterans, who spent their holiday weekend serving and protecting the community. It was a reminder that service to others continues long after the uniform comes off.
📍Buckeye, Arizona (May 25, 2026)
Memorial Day. It’s one of the few holidays about absence. About the people we wish were here, but aren’t.
For many of us, the empty seats are real. Today asks something difficult of us: not simply to honor sacrifice, but to remember the people behind it. Today asks us to look grief in the face.
So call your buddies today, but don’t let today be the only day. Set a reminder in your calendar to reach back out on an ordinary day, too, when someone least expects it.
The empty seats around us deserve more than just one day of remembrance. Semper Fidelis.
📍Wherever You Are (May 25, 2026)
Recently, SgtMaj Jacob Reiff with Manpower & Reserve Affairs, Marines and I sat down with Marine Corps Association’s Scuttlebutt podcast.
Alongside hosts Nancy and Vic, we discussed the evolution of leadership. While the foundation of leadership will always remain the same, leaders must recognize that as the world evolves, leadership must evolve with it.
Watch the full podcast at the link in my bio!
📍Washington, D.C. (April 30, 2026)
05/18/2026
I visited 8th Marine Corps District this week to learn more about the outstanding work our Marine Corps Recruiting districts do in support of the mission.
It was an insightful visit and great to see firsthand how the dedication of our Marines continues to drive recruiting success.
📍Fort Worth, Texas (May 15, 2026)
05/15/2026
Last night, I had the privilege of serving as the Guest of Honor at the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s annual awards banquet. It was an honor to recognize our aviation Marines whose dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice continue to strengthen Marine Corps aviation.
Congratulations to all of this year’s awardees, especially those currently deployed who were unable to be recognized in person. Thank you for allowing me to celebrate this achievement with you. Semper Fidelis, Marines!
📍Dallas, Texas (May 15, 2026)
05/14/2026
Last week I visited MAGTF Training Command/Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at 29 Palms, where I engaged with Marines across all domains. We PT’d, had great discussions during town halls, met with veterans from the local community, and wrapped up the visit at the We Salute You concert, where Marines and their families came together.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect directly with those who strengthen our Corps and communities. Semper Fidelis!
📍Twentynine Palms, California (May 7–8, 2026)
05/02/2026
Last week at Modern Day Marine 2026, I had the opportunity to sit down with Sgt. Maj. Daniel Krause, Sgt. Maj. Jacob Reiff, Sgt. Maj. Ryan Gnecco, and Sgt. Maj. Anthony Loftus to talk about preparing Marines for the next 250 years.
We discussed how we man, train, and equip Marines, not just with platforms and equipment, but as individuals.
Watch the full panel at the link in my bio!
📍Washington, D.C. (April 28, 2026)
04/26/2026
Last week I visited the Defense Information School (DINFOS), where Marines are trained in public affairs and visual information.
DINFOS develops storytellers who document the Marine Corps story while keeping the public informed and connected.
I had the opportunity to speak with both the students learning the craft and the instructors shaping them, and I’m grateful for the chance I had to engage with both.
📍Fort Meade, Maryland (April 24, 2026)
04/20/2026
Last week, Camp Lejeune leadership and I held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new Class II Logistics Facility✂️
The facility consolidates high-volume Individual Issue Facility operations with the Class II Sustainment Program’s technical maintenance and repair mission, improving efficiency and ensuring Marines are properly equipped and mission ready🪖
📍Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (April 14, 2026)