4 MONTHS AFTER CARDIAC ARREST GEN. ERIC SMITH RETURNS TO WORK


By bblouin
The 36th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith, speaks with Marines from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, August 16, 2023.

Taking over as Marine Corps Commandant has been a bit chaotic for Gen. Eric Smith who has faced many different challenges, including political blockades and health scares. Now, both are behind the Four Star General and months after his cardiac arrest, the decorated leader of the Marines is ready to return to his role full-time. Suggested read: C 130 Cargo Plane Airdrops Thousands of Meals Into Gaza

Who Is General Eric Smith?

Gen. Eric Smith is a decorated military leader with a long, ongoing career with the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). Today, he is the branch’s highest-ranking Officer and Four Star General. Since becoming a Second Lieutenant in 1987, in the the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at Texas A&M University, Smith has fought in various conflicts earning medals and rising through the ranks. Serving in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm as well as tours in Liberia and Venezuela highlight some of his earlier days of service. However, Smith also served during Operation Iraqi Freedom fighting in Fallujah and Ramadi. In 2005, while holding the position of the 2nd Marine Division’s Assistant Chief of Staff and the Commanding Officer of the 8th Marine Regiment, Smith led Marines during Operation Enduring Freedom. Smith’s military career continued when he would command Marines at various military installations, ultimately, becoming the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for The Pentagon. Maj. Gen. Eric Smith worked to help provide a better environment for Marines. He strongly opposed hazing during his time commanding the First Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. In July 2021, after rising even higher in the ranks, Smith was nominated for his Four Star General rank which was confirmed and set up his current position as the Commandant of the Marine Corps. While there were delays to confirm his nomination thanks to a political protest spearheaded by Senator Tommy Tuberville, in September 2023, Gen. Eric Smith was confirmed by a unanimous vote counted 96 to 0 and sworn in.

Who Is the Commandant of the Marine Corps?

Gen. Eric Smith is the current Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC), holding the highest-ranking officer in the US Marine Corps, typically a Four Star General and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Smith reports directly to the Secretary of the Navy, overseeing Marine Corps organization, policy, and programs. Advising top government bodies like the President and the National Security Council, Gen. Smith also allocates Marine personnel to unified combatant commands under Navy authority. Nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, the Commandant serves a four-year term with the option of one additional term during wartime or national emergencies. Since 1806, the commandant's official residence has been in the Marine Barracks (8th & I) in Washington, D.C., with headquarters in Arlington County, Virginia. Related read: Robert Card Exhibited Mental Health Issues, Research Finds Signs of TBI

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith Hospitalized is Now Returning to Service

Four months after the Marine Corps says Gen. Eric Smith is hospitalized for cardiac arrest, the Four Star General is returning to lead the branch. Ever since Gen. Eric Smith's hospitalization on October 29, 2023, he has been working to get back to his position, even sending a message stating his intentions less than a month later. A successful open-heart surgery in January 2024 is now in the past and Gen. Smith has already made trips to The Pentagon. He is now ready to help the Corps have its two top positions fully filled for the first time since July 2023. During his hospitalization, Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, served as the senior General within the Marine Corps headquarters, while Gen. Christopher Mahoney was made Assistant Commandant, days later.

How Did General Eric Smith Get His Purple Heart?

During his illustrious military career that spanned the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan, Gen. Eric Smith earned the Purple Heart among various other awards. This includes two Defense Distinguished Service Medals, two Bronze Stars, and a Legion of Merit. Read next: Record Number of Student Veterans Requesting Mental Health Services


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