The rank and unique billet of Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was established in 1957, in part as a way of keeping with some of the practices of the earliest days of the Corps. In this case, it reflected the fact that, from the appointment of Archibald Summers in 1801 up until 1833, the rank of Sergeant Major was held by just one Marine who served on the staff of the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
The decision was either prescient or inspirational: before the 1960s ended, all five branches of the Armed Forces of the United States had established similar positions for their most senior-ranking NCOs to advise high-level Commanders on issues directly affecting the rank-and-file enlisted personnel.
Between 1957 and 1970, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps insignia wore the same insignia as “standard” Sergeants Major, which consisted of four rockers, three chevrons, and a star in the space between them. To reflect the unique nature of the position, a new insignia was created using the same rockers/chevrons combination, but which replaced the star with the iconic Eagle, Globe, and Anchor with a five-pointed star on either side.
More Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Insignia/Devices
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sew-On Chevrons
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Metal Chevrons
Staff Noncommissioned Officer Accouterments
SNCO Cuff Links
SNCO Chain-Link Buttons for Evening Dress Jacket
SNCO Waist Plate
More USMC Enlisted Insignia/Devices
Enlisted Dress Cap Insignia
Enlisted Service / Garrison Cap Insignia
Enlisted Dress Uniform Collar Device
Enlisted Service Uniform Collar Device
Enlisted Gold Tie Tack
Enlisted / NCO Cuff Links
Service Stripes