Which rank directly follows Major in the Marine Corps rank structure?

The rank that directly follows Major in the Marine Corps rank structure is Lieutenant Colonel. This is a part of the officer ranks in the Marine Corps, where the hierarchy moves from Major to Lieutenant Colonel.

A Major is typically an O-4 grade officer, and upon promotion, the next rank achieved is Lieutenant Colonel, which is categorized as an O-5 grade officer. Understanding this rank structure is essential for identifying the chain of command and the roles associated with each rank.

The rank of Captain, while a step lower in the hierarchy, is not immediately after Major. Likewise, Colonel follows Lieutenant Colonel, and Brigadier General is a higher rank that reflects a significant step up to the O-7 grade level. Therefore, recognizing Lieutenant Colonel as the direct successor to Major provides clarity about the progression of ranks within the Marine Corps.