Carlos A. Ruiz: Guiding the Marine Corps’ Legacy Through Fitness and Leadership

As the United States Marine Corps prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary on November 10, 2025, the 20th and incumbent Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Carlos A. Ruiz, stands as a cornerstone of the branch’s enduring legacy. Serving as the highest-ranking enlisted member of the Marine Corps, Ruiz embodies the ethos of "The Few and the Proud," bridging generations of service while advocating for the physical, mental, and emotional readiness of every Marine.

A Legacy Rooted in Service and Fitness

Ruiz’s journey into the Marine Corps began in his youth, where his childhood in Mexico and later life in the United States fostered a lifelong passion for sports—playing soccer and watching the NBA in his formative years, then joining his high school basketball team in the U.S. In 1993, he embraced the Marine Corps as a natural extension of his active lifestyle, yet he soon learned humility in the face of the Corps’ rigorous physical demands.

“I thought the physical fitness requirements would be manageable,” Ruiz recalled, chuckling. “I was wrong. The Marine Corps’ standards are non-negotiable, and that initial realization taught me resilience.”

Physical training (PT) remains the bedrock of Marine Corps identity, whether in the Pentagon, on a mission, or at the iconic 8th and I headquarters. Ruiz has spent his career embodying this ethos, serving in roles ranging from recruiter to drill instructor—a testament to his commitment to both meeting and exceeding the Corps’ standards.

Leading by Example: Marathon Spirit and Accountability

As the senior enlisted Marine, Ruiz recognizes his role extends beyond personal fitness; he must inspire others to push their limits. This drive led him to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon, a challenge that drew on his sense of accountability to fellow veterans.

“Thousands of veterans would be watching, and they expected me to finish—not in 2.5 hours, but finish,” Ruiz said. His wife, Andrea, who is significantly faster than him, ensures his training discipline: “She holds me to five miles daily, at any hour, and a long run on weekends. It’s non-negotiable.”

Ruiz will again run the 2025 Marine Corps Marathon on October 26, carrying this spirit of perseverance forward.

Advocating for the Future of the Marine Corps

Beyond his personal fitness, Ruiz serves as the voice of the entire Marine Corps, championing the holistic readiness of every service member. He advocates for tangible improvements—from tailored nutrition and upgraded barracks to mental health resources and trackable metrics technology—to ensure Marines can fulfill their physical, mental, and emotional pledges.

“If I had a dream, it would be to treat servicemembers as Division I athletes,” Ruiz stated. “We’re moving toward that, but we still have work to do. The Corps must deliver the infrastructure—quality food, gym access, sleep specialists—that warfighters need to excel.”

Guidance for the Next Generation

Ruiz urges young Americans considering service to embrace the challenges inherent in the Marine Corps. “Balance individual workouts with partner training,” he advises. “Push past the voice that says, ‘This is too hard.’ That’s where growth happens.”

He emphasizes that boot camp is not just a physical test but a mental and emotional transformation, where Marines learn to rise above limits. “In our service, we don’t quit,” he stressed. “You realize it’s not an accident you’re here—something inside drives you to be better, for yourself and your team.”

A Call to Legacy

As the Marine Corps enters its next 250 years, Ruiz sees a new wave of service members ready to carry its legacy forward. “Those who join understand they’re part of something larger,” he said. “They’ll find purpose, grow, and become heroes in their own right.”

For more information on the Marine Corps, visit their official website.

M&F Senior Military Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this article.