Posted on Nov 3, 2020
Is calling a MSG in the Army “Top” appropriate or only exclusively used for a 1SG?
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For my own curiosity in Army culture, is it appropriate to call a MSG “Top”? I know the phrase refers to the senior ranked enlisted person (1SG) responsible for a Company or Battery, but say there was a Joint Task Force with the highest enlisted rank was an Army MSG. Can they be called “Top”?
Rank
MSG
1SG
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 63
I was a SSG in one unit. I was in the Detachment Sergeant spot. That is the spot for the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commander. I was called "Top" from time to time. It's unit depending. If the MSG is the Top Kick in the unit....then they could be called "Top" if they allow it.
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I think some of these nicknames come from WWII. The Company Commander, even though he was in his 20's, was the Old Man. The First Sergeant was the Top Kick. A second lieutenant was a Louie. None of these is probably an appropriate term for direct address.
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It never bothered me. I was the acting BN and BDE CSM as a MSG for several months at a time multiple times.
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PFC Kimberly Staiti
That's a lot of work and responsibilities to handle without the rank to back you up. Congratulations, you must have been great at it!
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Call'em first shirt or sleeve. Top kick is always a good one. The Master Sergeant who ran the turret shop, Had been a Major in Viet Nam and reverted. I just called him Sir.
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I have always called my 1SG—or any 1SG—Top. I have never met a 1SG who didn’t want to be called Top.
I get called Top on occasion; not sure why. My title is SGT and not Top or Master Sergeant
I get called Top on occasion; not sure why. My title is SGT and not Top or Master Sergeant
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There’s MANY ways this could be answered. From what I’ve seen in my career it’s ALL over the place. Many of the units I’ve been in or associated with is 1SG is 1SG, MSG is Top, but many 1SG’s usually have been MSG’s and like the “nick name” Top. Because I was in units that I’ve seen it both ways, it’s usually good to just ask when you start interactions with them. I was an E-7 but was interm 1SG until the new 1SG was brought in, many called me Top just because of the position. But between MSG and 1SG it’s the same darn rank, it’s just a position, no one should get all bent because someone “called” you by your rank. If ya prefer Top, NP, if ya prefer 1SG, so be it.
Just my two pennies for the day!!
Just my two pennies for the day!!
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No you should not call a MSG top That’s only for 1Sgt
My troops called me Boss I was ok with that
I see some 1st Sgt responded they don’t like it the phase Top
These are Top’s are up tight and are driven by power not the pursuit of the troops
My troops called me Boss I was ok with that
I see some 1st Sgt responded they don’t like it the phase Top
These are Top’s are up tight and are driven by power not the pursuit of the troops
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SGT (Join to see)
No infantry first sergeant is called "Top". We had strict protocols. When I was an E-4P, I was not allowed to eat with enlisted. We had an area for NCOs to eat. It enforced discipline. We did not call that " uptight".
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MSG Reid Zohfeld
SGT (Join to see)
That was only where you where stationed Infantry was allowed to call the 1st Sgt Top As you know it’s not a rank it’s respect
And the time frame you where 4P Well just say you are stretching it a little
That was only where you where stationed Infantry was allowed to call the 1st Sgt Top As you know it’s not a rank it’s respect
And the time frame you where 4P Well just say you are stretching it a little
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PFC Kimberly Staiti
MSG Reid Zohfeld I find it odd that you would suggest in public that you don't believe the word of a fellow SM or veteran. Benefit of the doubt?
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PFC Kimberly Staiti
MSG (Join to see) My family is Jewish. A dreidel is a toy that spins: a top. I get that. Thank you. I was saying that I don't know the military history behind calling a company's First Sergeant by the nickname of "Top." I don't know whether or not calling a Sergeant Major by " Top" is appropriate. Thanks for trying, though. I appreciate your help!
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MSG (Join to see)
PFC Kimberly Staiti - you are correct calling a SMG top is never good, just wasn't clear of your knowledge base on dredle, depending on who you ask top is different, in the Marines top is the master sergeant, 1Sgt is refered to 1st shirt or 1SGT, Army depends again who you ask and what type of unit involved, my last unit senior medical SGT was the MSG, my CO and everybody else called me top or 1SG, I prefered top as i wasn't frocked yet, rule of thumb you see the diamond its 1SG anything else SGT, hope that might be of help.
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