Who serves as the Senior Marine Instructor (SMI)?

Who serves as the Senior Marine Instructor (SMI)?

• A. Col. Bradley Ward USMC (Ret)
• B. Dr. Scott Langford
• C. Dr. Mel Sawyers
• D. LTCol. Jeff Stone (Ret.)

Answer: (D)

The Senior Marine Instructor is the lead Marine instructor in a Marine Corps Junior ROTC unit, chosen for broad leadership and mentorship experience gained in the Marines. This role is typically filled by a retired Marine officer at the lieutenant colonel level, because that rank reflects the depth of command and training experience needed to guide cadets, oversee drill and cadence, ensure safety, and coordinate with the unit’s staff. Jeff Stone, a retired lieutenant colonel, fits this profile perfectly, which is why he serves as the SMI. The other options don’t fit the Marine Corps instructor mold for this role: they are not Marines, or their rank/background doesn’t align with the typical SMI qualifications.

The Senior Marine Instructor is the lead Marine instructor in a Marine Corps Junior ROTC unit, chosen for broad leadership and mentorship experience gained in the Marines. This role is typically filled by a retired Marine officer at the lieutenant colonel level, because that rank reflects the depth of command and training experience needed to guide cadets, oversee drill and cadence, ensure safety, and coordinate with the unit’s staff.

Jeff Stone, a retired lieutenant colonel, fits this profile perfectly, which is why he serves as the SMI. The other options don’t fit the Marine Corps instructor mold for this role: they are not Marines, or their rank/background doesn’t align with the typical SMI qualifications.