10/05/2026
At the recent national convention of The Marine Corps League, a change of the national bylaws was proposed, voted on by the assembly and approved to transition the top four national elected officers — National Commandant, National Senior Vice Commandant, National Junior Vice Commandant, and National Judge Advocate — from two (2) one-year terms, to three (3), one-year terms, with a three-term cap.
The amendments establishing one-year terms with an additional two (2) one-year terms reelections for the top four National Officers shall take effect after the close of the 2026 National Convention.
This amendment strengthens the Marine Corps League by allowing the top four National Officers to serve a one-year term with the option of two (2) additional one-year terms. Longer terms give national leadership the time needed to plan, execute, and complete major programs that cannot realistically be finished under the current one-year cycle with a maximum of two (2) years in office.
Accountability remains fully intact—members still vote, and a second term and third term is earned through demonstrated performance.
For the membership, the benefits are clear: less turnover, more stability, and stronger results. Three one-year terms reduce constant resets, provide steady direction to Departments and Detachments, and allow leaders to show measurable progress while still answering directly to the voters.
In short, this amendment improves continuity and effectiveness without reducing member control or changing how we elect our leaders.
*******************************
This bylaw proposal was posted and made available to the membership for review on the MCL national website and also posted in the Semper Fi magazine. The author of the approved bylaw change was Past National Commandant Johnny Baker.
Digital copy of the Marine Corps League National Bylaws and National Administrative Procedures Manual are available on the MCL website www.mcleaguelibrary.org. Click on Member Library link and enter the applicable password,
Bylaw Amendments parameters are in Section XI of the bylaws and Chapter 10, section 10020 of the administrative procedures manual.
