Did you know the Commandant of the Marine Corps became an official, co-equal member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Oct. 20, 1978?
This legislation, signed by President Jimmy Carter, paved the way for Marine officers to serve as commanders of joint commands as well as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1979
In this photo left to right are: Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. Edward C. Meyer; Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Thomas B. Hayward; 9th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. David C. Jones; Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force Gen. Lew Allen Jr.; and 27th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert H. Barrow