Marine Corps" and since then, 31 men have held the position. Major General Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. was the first to hold the billet and went on to become commandant, as well as six others: Randolph M. Pate, Leonard F. Chapman Jr., Robert H. Barrow, Paul X. Kelley, James F. Amos and Joseph Dunford. As with the commandant, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps is appointed by the president based on advice and consent of the Senate and, once appointed, will be promoted to the grade of general. The duties of the assistant commandant include such authority and duties as the commandant – and with the approval of the secretary of the Navy – may delegate to or prescribe for him. Orders issued by the assistant commandant in performing such duties have the same effect as those issued by the commandant. When there is a vacancy in the office of the commandant of the Marine Corps, or during the absence or disability of the commandant, the assistant commandant shall perform the duties of the commandant until a successor is appointed or the absence or disability ceases. |} Timeline See also Military Secretary to the Commandant of the Marine Corps Commandant of the Marine Corps Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Vice Chief of Naval Operations Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Vice Chief of Space Operations Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard References General Specific United States Marine Corps leadership United States Marine Corps lists Articles which contain graphical timelines