Marine Sgt. Major Relieved Of Duty and Detained After Shocking NCIS Arrest

Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Gerardo Trevino’s distinguished career took a dramatic turn after an NCIS arrest led to his confinement and removal from duty.

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 joined the Marine Corps in 2004 and was promoted to sergeant major in June 2023.
The term “loss of confidence” is often used to explain the relief of duty for alleged personal and professional misconduct.

Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Gerardo Trevino Relieved and Confined

Sgt. Maj. Gerardo Trevino, formerly with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, was officially relieved of his role and taken into pretrial confinement on September 12, 2024. This development followed his arrest by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) on September 11, 2024, due to a “loss of trust and confidence.”

Trevino, who joined the Marine Corps in 2004 and was promoted to sergeant major in June 2023, had a distinguished career that included deployments to Rawah, Iraq, in 2008 and Marjah, Afghanistan, in 2010. His military recognitions include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

Sgtmaj Gerardo Trevino was relieved as the top enlisted leader of 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego on September 12th and is now in the brig https://t.co/HtKLL5yo21

— Task & Purpose (@TaskandPurpose) September 17, 2024

The reasons for Trevino’s arrest have not been disclosed, but the term “loss of confidence” frequently appears in cases involving alleged misconduct of senior military leaders. Capt. Austin Gallegos, a spokesman for the recruit depot, stated, “Naval Criminal Investigative Service is conducting an investigation, and no further details will be released at this time.”

A Pattern in Military Leadership?

Trevino’s case coincides with a troubling pattern of senior enlisted leaders being relieved from their duties. Other senior enlisted leaders recently dismissed under similar circumstances 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.

At least four command sergeants major have been relieved. https://t.co/C5NpX5CRWp

— Marine Corps Times (@Marinetimes) August 21, 2024

The lack of specific details in the “loss of trust and confidence” explanation is a concern. This catchall term used across military branches raises questions about transparency and accountability.

Implications for the Larger Military Community

Trevino’s situation highlights the urgent need for policy changes to address stressors on enlisted service members and improve the quality of life within the military. These issues range from poor barracks and housing conditions to food insecurity and high suicide rates. The ongoing investigation into Trevino’s actions serves as a stark reminder that transparency and accountability are crucial for maintaining trust between service members and their leaders.

As the investigation continues, the military community will closely watch how this case unfolds, hoping for a resolution that upholds the values of transparency and trust in military leadership.