Do you call a MSG a MASTER Sargent, or Sargent?

SSG Randall P. — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 05:05:49 -0500

I bring this up because I find it humorous in a way.  I, on a daily basis, call any MSG I see a Master Sargent, even though I understand it is wrong.  To give you an honest answer I have no idea when I started and have been corrected a few times, yet I never hear any complaints from who I am addressing as such.<div><br></div><div>I know that AR 600-20 1-6e Table 1-1 states plain as day what to address every rank by but I find that when I do address a MSG as such they understand that I say this out of respect that they have earned.  Again, I find it humorous, wanted to know what the rest of the Army does.<br><br>I like Rally Point, in a way I feel like I can be a tad bit open with the military community, but do realize that what I say can be used against me.</div>

Response by SSG Kenneth Davenport made Dec 29 at 2013 5:18 AM

SSG Kenneth Davenport — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 05:18:08 -0500

In my opinion, you are not wrong for addressing a Master Sergeant as such being as though that is their actual rank they've attained, however it is the practice of the Army to address them as "sergeant". Myself coming from the Marines, has been trained to do that, so I undersatnd why it is possible. In the old school Army E-5 Sgts were referred to as "Buck Sgts" to dissiminate them from the upper ranking sgts. So I guess I'm saying from my experience in another branch, the Army is is pretty particular with stygmatizing in the rank structure I guess.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Dec 29 at 2013 6:34 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 06:34:27 -0500

SPC Peaslee - You are good to go either way.  I get addressed by both.  I am sure that other MSGs do also.  Heck, I still get referred to as "Top" from when I was a 1SG.  Again, you're GTG either way.

Response by SSG Andrew Dydasco made Dec 29 at 2013 7:03 AM

SSG Andrew Dydasco — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 07:03:35 -0500

That's strange.  I've always addressed them as "Master Sergeant."  I had no idea that there was an official AR that regulates what you're supposed to address them as.  I've never been corrected as of yet (only in 18 months), but I guess that is because like you said, I'm doing so out of respect for the rank that they earned.  Now I'm faced with a dilemma! Do I continue addressing them as Master Sergeant, out of respect? Or do I address them as Sergeant, since it's officially what you're supposed to call them?  Also, if that AR is correct, why does it list the proper way to address an officer as their rank?  I address all officers as "Sir/Ma'am."  But according to this regulation, I should be calling Captains "Captain," and Majors "Major."  Can anyone clear this up?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2013 12:30 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 12:30:24 -0500

Without question a moment of awkwardness at its greatest when you run into your former 1SG and see them as a Master Sergeant. For the little time I wore MSG rank most people addressed me as Top I guess with the assumption I had already been a 1SG and a few said Master Sergeant but no one just called me Sergeant. I'm not really sure why exactly. 

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 30 at 2013 8:19 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 08:19:00 -0500

<p>I know what the regs say, but I try to use the full rank whenever possible (well, not for SFC's, that's just akward to say). I just think it sounds better, and frankly I wish the Army would adopt the practice of using full rank. </p><p> </p><p>(Oh, and let's rename SFC to something that sounds better and rolls of the tongue a little easier, ideas here would be appreciated  =) )</p>

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Dec 30 at 2013 9:27 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 09:27:57 -0500

I always addressed them by the title Sergeant unless I knew them to be a former 1SG and then I would usually address them as "Top" as a sign of respect to their former position. Only ever had one that seemed butthurt by being referred to as Top, took it as an offense, "I ain't a goddammned spinning child's toy Sergeant Swartz!" to which I replied, "Roger Sergeant!"

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2013 9:54 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 09:54:45 -0500

I address them as sergeant. The only time I change what I address someone is if they are holding a position. Many people called me 1SG for 16 months. Even the BDE MSG career counselor called me 1SG out of respect. I reciprocate. So my ops SGM who is a MSG(P) I call SGM because he's filling the position permanently. <div><br></div><div>It's actually a pet peeve of mine that people call people MSG. They don't do it for SFC or SSG why MSG? The regulation is clear...</div>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2013 5:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 17:05:31 -0500

Like you said the regulation outlines that you are required to address them as is Sergeant but me personally I address them as Master Sergeant because I felt thet its an honor and they earned it. Either way you're right. BUT, you will get a few hard-a$$es that'll catch a case if you dont address them as Master Sergeant but I rarely see that.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2013 12:17 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 00:17:08 -0500

<p>MSG's cant get tattoos on there face or color there hair purple. The regulation applies to them as written. I had a MSG in the past who insisted we address his as such. Needless to say 1SG found out put a stop to it. </p><p>Keep it simple. You introduce or refer to someone by there rank. (Sergeant First Class, or Master Sergeant etc..) I address someone or if I am having a conversation with anyone SGT-MSG as Sergeant. No need to reinvent the wheel. Making the exception for just the MSG is wrong. You cant be willing to bend the rules because of there rank or authority. If you want to do something out of respect for the rank they have earned, try standing at parade rest when talking to them. CPL, 1SG and SGM are a different story. </p><p>Your job is to train subordinates regardless of your rank. Don't worry about impressing the senior ranks. Impress those that you out rank with discipline and leadership and the senior ranks will be impressed without you having to treat them different.  </p>

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Feb 12 at 2014 10:03 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 22:03:45 -0500

I know this may be a wrong way to do it, but I got into the habit of calling MSGs Master Sergeant because I am in a very joint field and work with Marines often. Now, when I have run into MSGs that have very contemptible leadership styles and personalities, I make it a point to just call them Sergeant. 

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 1:46 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 01:46:42 -0400

I have always called MSGs Master Sergeant since I was a cadet. No one has ever corrected me on it, and I use it I guess as a term of respect since they usually know a lot about the Army and have put in the time and been found qualified with big Army for that rank. Whether they're a new Master Sergeant or a former 1SG, they have valuable experience and knowledge that I respect.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Nov 4 at 2014 9:07 AM

PFC Zanie Young — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 09:07:04 -0500

Wow... tough question... Top is easiest, but easier to get smoked for it... Sergeant would be insulting, but it is correct... I guess it depends upon the MSG... All of them are usually tough as nails...

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Apr 6 at 2020 10:40 AM

1SG Brian Adams — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 10:40:37 -0400

No problem. You are not wrong addressing as "Master Sergeant"...Shows a sign of respect.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 6 at 2020 3:31 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 15:31:45 -0400

Each service has their own rules. The Army and Air Force use Sergeant. The Marines normally use the whole rank, Master Gunnery Sergeant. Of course the Navy and Coast Guard don’t have Sergeants. Space Force--who knows?

Response by CPO Nate S. made Apr 6 at 2020 5:29 PM

CPO Nate S. — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 17:29:44 -0400

Frankly, SSG Randall P. as an ole sailor I was going the chime in, but the Army respondents seem to have it well in hand (LoL).

Response by SSG Randall P. made Apr 7 at 2020 2:57 AM

SSG Randall P. — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 02:57:37 -0400

6 years later comment since this question recently trigger the algorithm.

1. I call a master sergeant, "sergeant" period. This isn't disrespect, and I refuse to agree that it is.
2. I've grown up a crap ton. I promise. Though slightly humorous when I was 26, I have as better understanding now at 32.
3. Thanks for commenting, I'm not looking for it anymore, but it's very interesting to see now.

I hope the world is treating you all well, is you re a MSG or not. Enjoy the comments, have fun, be respectful, and love life

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Apr 7 at 2020 9:13 PM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 21:13:39 -0400

And then there's us Air Force pukes, who generally addresses any NCO between the pay grades of E-5 and E-8 as simply "Sergeant," with the exception of my old career field, Security Forces (HOOAH!) wherein we address E-8s, i.e. Senior Master Sergeants, as simply "Senior." And we NEVER address a Chief Master Sergeant as simply "Sergeant," nor do we refer to them in the third person as an "E-9" even though that's their actual pay grade; we always address them or refer to them as "Chief"......yes, same term of address for a Navy E-7 [Chief Petty Officer] and an Army Chief Warrant Officer.

Confused yet? ;-)

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Mar 27 at 2021 6:49 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 06:49:33 -0400

Sergeant.