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What are the differences between Master Sergeants,
First Sergeants, Master Gunnery Sergeants, and Sergeants Major?
And what about Warrant Officers?
Funny you should ask this because I just had a conversation
with a good friend who is a 1stSgt. I always thought that it
was a Master Sergeant then Master Gunnery Sergeant that was
more coveted than 1stSgt and SgtMaj. But my friend tells me
otherwise.
Basically, the difference between them are that 1stSgts
become more of an all-around troop leader, dealing with more
administration and leadership of the Marines. Master Sergeants
are more specialized in their particular MOS and become the
local expert.
The trend continues with a Sergeant Major becoming
the admin, all-around answer man concentrating on troop welfare.
He becomes the CO’s ear and strong arm, linking the CO
with the troops. A Master Gunnery Sergeant becomes the specialized
expert in all matters that pertain to a specific MOS (administration,
logistics, training, etc.)
A Gunnery Sergeant puts on his promotion package what
he wants to become and the CO provided input stating what the
Gunny would better serve as. According to my friend, everyone
wants to become a 1stSgt/SgtMaj because you get to deal with
enlisted Marines and the other route keeps you specialized.
There are more 1stSgts/Sergeants Major because there
is more of a need for them. Every company has a 1stSgt but the
Battalion only needs a few Master Sergeants.
Master Sergeants are sometimes called “Top”
although some individuals might consider this an insult”
“TOP?! I’m no kid’s toy! I’m a Master
Sergeant of Marines!”
Sometimes 1stSgts are called “Top” but
there are very few who let this happen, preferring the full
“First Sergeant” name.
Master Gunnery Sergeants are sometimes called “Master
Guns” and a Sergeant Major is normally called just that,
or in casual conversation “SMAJ” is sometimes used
but not in the Sergeant Major’s presence.
Warrant Officers are very specialized in what they
do. You will find them in stuff like NBC, personnel, armory,
and a few other MOSs that require highly specialized skills.
Basically, they are trained to be the undisputed expert in their
field and that’s all they do.
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