Who is the top Marine officer known as?

The top Marine officer is known as the Commandant of the Marine Corps. This individual holds the highest rank within the Marine Corps and is responsible for the command, control, and administration of the Marines. The Commandant serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Navy and the President of the United States on Marine Corps matters, making this position crucial for the operational readiness, training, and overall effectiveness of the Marine Corps as part of the United States military.

The other titles listed refer to different roles within the military hierarchy. For instance, the Chief of Naval Operations is the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Navy, responsible for ensuring the readiness and operational capabilities of naval forces. The Secretary of Defense oversees all branches of the military, executing defense policies and strategic decisions at the national level. The Admiral of the Fleet is a title that is not currently active in the U.S. Navy and is historically used in other navies, standing as an honorary designation rather than an active position. This distinction emphasizes the unique role of the Commandant of the Marine Corps within the structure of U.S. military leadership.