Master Sergeant
Master Sergeant insignia
U.S. Marine Corps
Master Sergeant insignia
U.S. Army
Master Sergeant insignia
U.S. Air Force
A
Master Sergeant is:
* the eighth enlisted rank in the
United States Marine Corps, just above
Gunnery Sergeant, below
Master Gunnery Sergeant,
Sergeant Major, and
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. It is equal in grade to
First Sergeant. It is abbreviated as "
MSgt." Master Sergeants in the U.S. Marine Corps provide technical leadership as occupational specialists at the E-8 level. General command leadership at this paygrade is provided by the separate rank of
First Sergeant.
* the eighth enlisted rank in the
United States Army, just above
Sergeant First Class and below
First Sergeant. It is abbreviated as "
MSG."
* the seventh
enlisted rank in the
United States Air Force, just above
Technical Sergeant and below
Senior Master Sergeant. It is abbreviated as "
MSgt." Advancement to Master Sergeant is one of the most significant promotions within the enlisted Air Force. At the rank of Master Sergeant, the
airman enters the senior noncommissioned tier and his or her duties begin to focus on leadership and management rather than technical performance. Per Air Force Instruction 36-2118, MSgts typically serve as flight chiefs (analogous to platoon sergeants in the US Army) and section chiefs (leaders of duty sections within a
squadron).
In the Marine Corps, Master Sergeants may be referred to by the nickname of "Top". This usage is an informal one, however, and would not be used in an official or formal setting. Use of this nickname by Marines of subordinate rank is at the rank holder's discretion.
All Master Sergeants are senior
non-commissioned officers.
Master Sergeant (MSG) is the highest non-commissioned officer (known as Specialist in Singapore) rank in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), ranking just above Staff Sergeant (SSG). The MSG rank insignia is 3 up pointing chevrons, 3 down pointing chevrons, and a Singapore coat of arms in the middle.
MSGs, being the most senior Specialists in the SAF, play an important role in guiding young soldiers along. They usually hold senior Specialist positions. MSGs are also not usually addressed as "Sergeant", which would be reducing their rank, but as "Encik" (Malay term of respect).
*
U.S. Army Enlisted Rank Insignia - Criteria, Background, and Images*
Comparative military ranks*
Military rank*
Sergeant*
U.S. Air Force enlisted rank insignia*
U.S. Army enlisted rank insignia*
U.S. Marine Corps enlisted rank insignia*
U.S. military ranks
