Marine Corps MOS · Support
8999 Sergeant Major-First Sergeant
Overview
A Sergeant Major or First Sergeant oversees matters affecting unit morale, welfare, discipline, mission success, and readiness while disseminating and enforcing Marine Corps and local policies, orders, and directives. This senior enlisted leader manages enlisted career human resource matters and maintains and develops the unit's total force.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- senior enlisted leadership and mentorship
- organizational management and readiness oversight
- policy implementation and enforcement
- human resources and talent management
- performance management and counseling
- strategic planning and execution
- command climate and culture management
- training program development and oversight
- communications with senior leadership and staff
- conflict resolution and problem solving
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Workday software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Intuit QuickBooks
Civilian Career Paths
- Human Resources
- Project Management
- Training and Education
- Administration
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) · Funded
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) · Funded
Career Growth
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR) · Funded
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) · Funded
- Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) · Funded
Also Common
- SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) · Funded
What the Work Involves
- Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering contracts and helping resolve work-related problems.
- Plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate work activities of subordinates and staff relating to employment, compensation, labor relations, and employee relations.
- Perform difficult staffing duties, including dealing with understaffing, refereeing disputes, firing employees, and administering disciplinary procedures.
- Represent organization at personnel-related hearings and investigations.
- Negotiate bargaining agreements and help interpret labor contracts.
Related Occupations
- Human Resources Specialists
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
- Management Analysts
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into 8999. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Similar Specialties
CMDCM
Command Master Chief
Navy
CMDCS
Command Senior Chief
Navy
120X
Human Resources Officer
Navy
8991
Sergeant Major of The Marine Corps
Marine Corps
863A
Navy Reserve Activity (NRA) Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL)
Navy
8SEL
Graduate of the U.S. Navy Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat (CMC/COB) Leadership Course for non-rated CMD Master Chief & Senior Chief Petty Officers and non-Chief of the Boat
Navy
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
Report an error on this page