The US Marine Corps will rejoice their 250th anniversary on Nov. 10, 2025. “The few and the proud” has seen many modifications through the years. One such change got here in 1801 when Archibald Sommers grew to become the primary Sergeant Main. 20 males have held that place, together with the twentieth and incumbent, Sergeant Main Carlos A. Ruiz. Ruiz might have an workplace within the Pentagon, however he nonetheless takes nice pleasure being at numerous bases all over the world alongside the women and men he leads.
“There are a couple of Marines right here, however the Marines are in Camp Pendleton, they’re at (Camp) Lejeune, the Marines are over the globe, and that’s the place I must be,” stated Ruiz. “I’m fortunate I get to try this.”
Ever since he was a toddler rising up in Mexico enjoying soccer and watching the NBA, Ruiz has been very lively. After transferring to the US, he discovered himself on his highschool’s basketball workforce. His pleasure from sports activities and being lively could also be why becoming a member of the Marines felt like an ideal match for him when he signed up in 1993. Nonetheless, at the same time as somebody that was in nice form, Ruiz admitted to being slightly overwhelmed on the necessities of service.
“That led to becoming a member of the Marine Corps and never being very intimidated by the bodily health a part of it as a result of ‘okay, it couldn’t be that a lot.’ I used to be improper,” Ruiz stated with fun. “I used to be so improper, however I had a terrific begin.”
Main From the Entrance By Instance
For Marines, bodily health is a part of the inspiration. That’s the reason bodily coaching (PT) is so necessary, whether or not they’re within the Pentagon, on a mission, or stationed on the iconic eighth and I.
All through his profession, Ruiz had served in a number of roles, together with as a recruiter and drill teacher. As the best enlisted member of his department right now, Ruiz is aware of he should not solely meet the usual however push himself to do and be extra. That’s why he selected to run within the Marine Corps Marathon after somebody recommended it.
“I knew that there could be 1000’s and 1000’s of veterans in that marathon holding me accountable. They didn’t count on me to complete in two and a half hours, however I higher end.”
Ruiz will do the identical on the 2025 Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. twenty sixth. He might push himself to finish the marathon, however he doesn’t must. His spouse Andrea does a terrific job of that for him.
“She’s manner quicker than me. Due to that, it’s 5 miles every single day, whether or not it’s at 2200 or 0400, I acquired to get my 5 miles in, after which my long term on Saturday or Sunday.”
Advocacy For The Betterment of His Marines
Because the senior enlisted Marine, Ruiz serves because the voice for his complete department. He feels that for every Marine to meet their pledges, they should be at their bodily, psychological, and emotional finest every single day. He makes use of his function and voice to advocate for them by talking out about their wants to allow them to do what they agreed to do and be higher off for it as soon as they transition into veterans. A few of these wants vary from tailor-made kits to trackable metrics know-how, and past.
“That’s why I advocate for higher meals for our Marines and higher barracks. That’s in line as a result of we expect a lot of our Marines to be match,” Ruiz defined. “The service has a accountability to ship the infrastructure comparable to the standard meals, folks within the gyms, sleep docs, and everybody that may assist them be higher warfighters. That’s what the group should ship.”
He concluded, “If I had a dream, it will be to deal with servicemembers as Division I athletes. We’re getting nearer, however we’re nonetheless behind. That’s the place we’re going, although.”
Don’t Attempt To Do It Alone
Whether or not you’re seeking to be a part of the Marines for a full profession, serve for a shorter stint, or just wish to be higher for your self and people round you, Ruiz is all the time desirous to share knowledge from his three many years of expertise. In the case of coaching, he sees the worth of not solely holding another person accountable however ensuring they’re doing the identical for you as effectively.
Ruiz stated, “Steadiness your particular person exercises with companion exercises.” It’s respectable to place headphones and focus fully on your self, however the twentieth Sergeant Main suggested that having somebody there to push you’ll assist you discover extra reps, steps, and break limitations chances are you’ll be tempted to keep away from going solo.
“It is going to assist you as you enter our service as a result of in our service, we prefer to PT collectively. That’s one thing I by no means wish to lose.”
That bodily element should even be matched by a powerful will and want to hold on. Ruiz confirmed that boot camp remains to be the place the place civilians change into Marines, and a part of that transition goes previous beforehand conceived limits. Being round different future Marines in addition to the drill instructors like Ruiz was once assist push them past what they’d possible do on their very own.
“They must push previous that very younger voice that’s screaming ‘hey, that is exhausting. Give up.’”, Ruiz defined. “So, you get used to the idea of ‘we don’t give up.’”
Open Invitation To Make a Distinction
After years of recruitment struggles throughout all branches, the tide is popping. Meaning extra younger People are seeing the advantages of service and the worth in making a distinction whereas being part of one thing larger than themselves. Ruiz made it clear that these which can be weighing their choices might and will think about being one of many few and proud to allow them to assist proceed carrying the legacy of the Marines ahead as they enter the following 250 years.
“Alongside the way in which, they understand it’s not an accident they’re in service. There’s one thing within them that makes them totally different,” Ruiz proclaimed. “It’s about folks and bettering your self.”
Ruiz appears to be like ahead to assembly extra Marines and seeing the following technology of heroes sporting the nation’s fabric. He simply advises that they need to put together to face challenges and be prepared to rise above them, and that features exceeding bodily requirements that will not have been doable earlier than.
“Being bodily match is an indispensable asset of being a Marine. You higher get after it every single day.” For extra data on the Marines, go to their web site.
M&F Senior Navy Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this text.
