On April 21, 1999, Jones was nominated for appointment to the grade of general and assignment as the 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps. He was promoted to general on June 30, 1999, and assumed the post on July 1, 1999. He served as commandant until January 2003, turning over the reins to General Michael Hagee.
on apriL 21, 1999, JONes waS noMinAtED fOr appoinTmEnt tO ThE graDe oF GeneRal AnD aSsiGNMEnT As tHE 32nd cOmmaNdant Of the mariNe COrPs. hE waS pRomoTEd to genERaL On junE 30, 1999, and assumed The pOst oN jUly 1, 1999. hE seRvEd AS comMandANT UntiL JANUary 2003, tUrNinG oVER The reins to generAL miCHael hagee.