10 U.S.C. § 8043 — Commandant of the Marine Corps

(a) (1) There's a Commandant of the Marine Corps, appointed by the President with Senate approval, for a four-year term, chosen from Marine Corps general officers. The Commandant serves at the President's pleasure. During a war or a national emergency Congress declares, the Commandant can be reappointed for another term of up to four years. (2) The President can only appoint an officer as Commandant if (A) the officer has significant joint duty experience, and (B) that includes at least one full tour in a joint duty assignment as a general officer. (3) The President can waive requirement (2) for an officer if the President decides it's necessary for the national interest. (b) While serving, the Commandant holds the grade of general without losing their permanent grade. (c) This subsection was repealed by Congress in 1996. (d) Unless a law says otherwise, and subject to section 8013(f) of this title, the Commandant works under the Secretary of the Navy's authority, direction, and control, and answers directly to the Secretary. (e) Under the Secretary's authority, direction, and control, the Commandant must: (1) lead Headquarters, Marine Corps; (2) pass its plans and recommendations to the Secretary and advise the Secretary on them; (3) after the Secretary approves those plans or recommendations, act as the Secretary's agent in carrying them out; (4) supervise Marine Corps and Navy members and organizations as the Secretary decides, consistent with the authority given to combatant commanders under chapter 6 of this title; (5) perform the duties set out in sections 171 and 3104 of this title and other laws; and (6) perform other military duties, not already assigned by law, that the President, the Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of the Navy assigns. (f) (1) The Commandant also performs the duties of a Joint Chiefs of Staff member under section 151 of this title. (2) As long as it doesn't compromise the Commandant's independence as a Joint Chiefs member, the Commandant must tell the Secretary about military advice given by Joint Chiefs members on matters affecting the Department of the Navy. (3) Subject to the Secretary of Defense's authority, direction, and control, the Commandant must keep the Secretary of the Navy fully informed about major military operations that affect the Secretary's duties and responsibilities.