The function, composition, and general duties of HQMC are defined in Title 10 of the United States Code, Subtitle C, Part I, Chapter 506 (Headquarters, Marine Corps).

[1] HQMC "consists of the Commandant of the Marine Corps and those staff agencies that advise and assist him in discharging his responsibilities prescribed by law and higher authority.

The Commandant is directly responsible to the Secretary of the Navy for the total performance of the Marine Corps.

This includes the administration, discipline, internal organization, training, requirements, efficiency, and readiness of the service.

This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.