The Marine Corps of the United States celebrate their 250 -year anniversary on November 10, 2025. “The few and the proud” have seen many changes over the years. Such a change came in 1801 when Archibald Sommers became the first sergeant -Major. 20 men have held that position, including the 20th and sitting, sergeant -Major Carlos A. Ruiz. Ruiz may have an office in the Pentagon, but he still takes a lot of joy on different bases around the world alongside the men and women he leads.
“There are a few Marines here, but the Marines are in Camp Pendleton, they are on (camp) Lejeune, the Marines are all over the world, and that is where I have to be,” said Ruiz. “I am lucky to do that.”
Since he was a child who grew up in Mexico who played football and looked at the NBA, Ruiz has been very active. After moving to the United States, he was in the Basketball Team of his high school. His joy of sport and being active can be why it felt a perfect fit for him with the Marines at the Marines when he registered in 1993. But even if someone who was in excellent condition admitted Ruiz that he was a bit overwhelmed about the requirements of service.
“That led them to join the Marine Corps and are not very intimidated by the physical fitness section of it because” Ok, it couldn’t be so much. “I was wrong,” Ruiz said laughing. “I was so wrong, but I was a good start.”
Example from the front Leiden
For Marines, physical fitness is part of the foundation. That is why physical training (PT) is so important, whether they are in the Pentagon, on a mission or stationed on the iconic 8th and I.
During his career, Ruiz had served in various roles, including as a recruiter and drill instructor. If the highest recruited member of his branch today, Ruiz knows that he should not only satisfy De Standaard, but must push himself to do and be more. That is why he chose to run in the Marine Corps Marathon after someone had presented it.
“I knew that there would be thousands and thousands of veterans in that marathon who held me responsible. They did not expect that I would end up within two and a half hours, but I can end up better.”
Ruiz will do the same on the Marathon 2025 Marine Corps on October 26. He could push himself to complete the marathon, but he doesn’t have to. His wife Andrea is doing great for him.
“She is much faster than me. That is why it is five miles every day, whether at 2200 or 0400, I have to bring in my five miles, and then my long run on Saturday or Sunday.”
Advocacy for improving his Marines
While the senior marine recruited, Ruiz serves as the voice for his entire branch. He feels that for every marine must fulfill their commitments, they must be on their physical, mental and emotional best every day. He uses his role and voice to argue for them by talking about their needs so that they can do what they have accelerated and better off as soon as they transfer to veterans. Some of these needs vary from tailor -made kits to traceable statistics technology, and then.
“That is why I argue for better food for our Marines and Better Kazerne. That is in line because we expect that so many of our Marines will be fit,” Ruiz explained. “The service has the responsibility to deliver the infrastructure, such as the quality food, people in the gyms, sleep doctors and anyone who can help them to be better war fighters. That is what the organization must deliver.”
He concluded: “If I had a dream, it would be to treat service embers as division I -athletes. We are getting closer, but we are still behind. That is where we are going.”
Try not to do it alone
Whether you are looking for the Marines for a complete career, serve for a shorter stint or just want to be better for yourself and the people around you, Ruiz always wants to share wisdom of his three decades of experience. When it comes to training, he sees the value of not only keeping someone else responsible, but ensuring that they also do the same for you.
Ruiz said: “Bring your individual training sessions in balance with partner training sessions.” It is respectable to set up headphones and fully concentrate on yourself, but the 20th Sergeant -Major advised that having someone there to push you will help you will break more repetitions, steps and barriers that you can get tempted to prevent you from going solo.
“It will help you introduce our service, because we in our service together PT. That is something that I never want to lose.”
That physical component must also be matched by a strong will and the desire to continue. Ruiz confirmed that Boot Camp is still the place where citizens become marines, and part of that transition is previously conceived limits. In the vicinity of other future Marines and the drill instructors such as Ruiz have used to help them push further than what they would probably do alone.
“They have to push that very young voice that screams:” Hey, this is difficult. Stop. “, Ruiz explained. “So you get used to the concept of” We don’t stop. “
Open invitation to make a difference
After years of recruitment struggle in all branches, the tide knows. That means that more young Americans see the benefits of service and the value to make a difference while they are part of something bigger than herself. Ruiz made it clear that those who weigh their options could and should consider being one of the few and being proud, so that they can help to help the legacy of the Marines to continue to help if they enter the next 250 years.
“On the way they realize that it is not an accident that they are employed. There is something in them that makes them different,” Ruiz explained. “It’s about people and improving yourself.”
Ruiz is looking forward to meeting more Marines and seeing the next generation of heroes who wear the curtain of the nation. He only advises that they have to prepare to take on challenges and be willing to go beyond them, and that includes exceeding physical standards that may not have been possible before.
“Being physically fit is an indispensable acquisition of a marine. It is better to find out every day.” For more information about the Marines, go to their website.
M&F senior military editor Rob Wilkins has contributed to this article.
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