Top Marine Corps Leader Arrested at San Diego Depot by NCIS

Marines in uniform standing in line, American flags displayed.

A high-ranking Marine Corps sergeant major has been relieved of duty and arrested, raising questions about leadership integrity within the military.

At a Glance

Sgt. Maj. Gerardo Trevino was relieved of duty on Sept. 12, 2024, due to a “loss of trust and confidence”
Trevino was the senior enlisted leader for the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
He is currently in pretrial confinement amid an ongoing investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)
Trevino’s case is part of a recent trend of senior enlisted leaders being fired for alleged misconduct

Marine Corps Sergeant Major Relieved and Arrested

In a startling turn of events, Sgt. Maj. Gerardo Trevino, the senior enlisted leader of the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, was relieved of his duties on September 12, 2024. The Marine Corps cited a “loss of trust and confidence” as the reason for his dismissal. This vague explanation is often used when addressing alleged personal and professional misconduct among military leaders.

“Naval Criminal Investigative Service is conducting an investigation, and no further details will be released at this time,” Capt. Austin Gallegos, a spokesman for the recruit depot, told Task & Purpose.

The situation took a more serious turn when it was revealed that Trevino had been arrested and taken into custody by NCIS on September 11, 2024, just one day before his official relief from duty. He is currently being held in pretrial confinement as the investigation unfolds.

A Decorated Career Now in Question

Trevino’s military career, spanning nearly two decades, had been marked by numerous achievements and accolades. He joined the Marine Corps in 2004 and steadily rose through the ranks, earning his promotion to sergeant major in June 2023. His service included deployments to Rawah, Iraq in 2008 and Marjah, Afghanistan in 2010, demonstrating his commitment to serving on the front lines.

Throughout his career, Trevino accumulated several prestigious awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. These honors now stand in stark contrast to the current allegations against him.

A Troubling Trend in Military Leadership

Trevino’s case is not an isolated incident. It follows a concerning pattern of senior enlisted leaders being relieved of their duties across various branches of the military. Recent examples include Army Sgt. Maj. Jaime I. Rubio, Command Sgt. Maj. Harold “Ed” Jarrell, Command Sgt. Major Veronica E. Knapp, and Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Carlson. This trend raises questions about the integrity of leadership within the armed forces and the effectiveness of the systems in place to prevent misconduct.

The use of “loss of trust and confidence” as a catchall term for relieving commanders has come under scrutiny. Critics argue that this lack of transparency hinders accountability and impedes positive cultural change within the military. It also potentially undermines the trust between service members and their leadership, a crucial element in maintaining a strong and effective fighting force.

Implications for Military Culture and Morale

The ongoing investigation into Trevino’s conduct comes at a time when the military is already grappling with various challenges affecting the welfare of enlisted service members and their families. These issues include poor living conditions in barracks and housing, limited access to healthcare, food insecurity, and alarmingly high suicide rates among service members.

“Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences of your life are found where you least expect them,” Colón-López reflected. “I never wanted to be a command chief, based on my bias towards the value of the position. After entering the arena, I figured out that it could be anything the individual wanted to do with it, so I did it my way… with a warrior mindset.”

As the investigation into Sgt. Maj. Trevino’s case continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the highest standards of conduct within the military. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for how the Marine Corps and other branches of the military address misconduct among senior leaders and work to restore trust within their ranks.