“Independent auditors verified that the Marine Corps’ financial records are materially accurate, complete, and compliant with federal regulations and issued an unmodified opinion for Fiscal Year 2024,” the USMC said in a released statement.

It was the second straight year that the USMC had done so, an accomplishment that differentiates it from others within the Defense Department. As of Nov. 2024, the Pentagon hasn’t successfully passed an audit in seven years, according to Defense News. Despite these setbacks, however, officials in the Defense Department have seen progress and hope the audit failures will soon end. 

“This result was not a surprise, and I know on the surface it doesn’t sound like we’re making progress. However, that is not the case,” DOD Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer Michael McCord said at a press briefing on Nov. 15. “I believe the department has turned a corner in its understanding of the challenges and, more importantly, in addressing those challenges. Momentum is on our side.”

And that momentum is being led by the USMC, a military branch with over $49 billion in financial assets, reported Defense News. Passing the audit meant that the USMC successfully verified its inventory stock in its facilities, kept accurate global financial transactions, and maintained verifiable records of how taxpayer dollars were spent “during the last fiscal year.”

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith was pleased with the results and elaborated on the significance of the successful audit.

“I am immensely proud of this historic achievement and the hard work done by the thousands of Marines, sailors, and civilians across the Marine Corps that made this happen,” said Smith. “Their efforts tell the American people that a dollar invested in the Marine Corps is a dollar well spent. Passing a second annual audit demonstrates our commitment to being good stewards of our nation’s tax dollars and is part of how we distinguish ourselves as a professional warfighting organization.”

The successful audit means the USMC can better prepare for future endeavors, including financial management, budgeting, and where to divert “congressionally appropriated funds.” Now that it has had two successful audits in a row, the USMC intends to strive for even more improvements, such as stabilizing its new accounting system and other related tasks, according to a released statement. 

“The audit process demonstrates Marines’ inherent integrity — opening up and illuminating potential audit mistakes and inventory miscounts across the entire chain of command,” said Lt. Gen. James Adams III, deputy commandant for programs and resources. “That can be an uncomfortable experience for Marine leaders of all ranks.”

The audit success is also an integral part of the military branch’s readiness to defend, if needed, the USMC commandant noted.

“Make no mistake, passing an audit makes us more ready to fight when our nation calls,” Smith added.