Is calling a MSG in the Army “Top” appropriate or only exclusively used for a 1SG?

i thought 'top' went with the position, so i dont know if a msg qualifies .

MSG, not in charge nah don't do it. However, CALL ME TOP I liked it...TOP DAWG. There's no other bite in the company quite like the set of teeth I used on any bone that came through my company.

A MSG is different than a 1SG. Different responsibilities. Personally, I despised the name top.

I have been both ranks. I am good with anything representative that another Soldier calls me. It's about being in the army and allowing the traditions to continue. A pog is a pog, a grunt is a grunt and a top is a top. Some exertion at that level is an unnecessary attempt to exhibit seniority when it's already been achieved.

I was called Top as an E7 because the 1SG position was an E7 rank slot. I had several E8's in the unit but their slots were in for another area of responsibility.

I believe the point is in its use and or the context of using Top. Obviously if a COL walked in and after appropriate action taken done and he said how are you doing TOP what is he is going to say. If I am having a casual conversation with soldiers in my unit, what do I want? I want them to talk to me and be up front and comfortable enough to be honest with me. So to me it’s the context- am I new to unit them I have to set expectations / what the unit’s expectations for addressing NCC’s set by Commanders Co, BN, BDE. Then of course the proverbial you obviously don’t know who I am.

Since I was a PV2 I’ve heard our NCOs call 1SG top. So when I finally earned the privilege to hold the rank/position it never bothered me. Personally, I never got too hung up on the rank/title. Now when I switched back to MSG, many folks that knew me still address me as Top. Now someone who might not know our professional relationship may find it inappropriate and so they would explain why. I recommend the next time you have a person to person conversation ask him/her what their preference are. Get a feel for the person and if you happen to call them too and they don’t like it, they should at least be professional with their on the spot correction.

Focus on your job?

Trust me when I say calling either a “top” is a very bad idea. I’ve heard the term used around support units or units that had no discipline. I was called “Top” once a long time ago. I thoroughly enjoyed hurting that young NCO.... good days

Do yourself a favor and just forget that word. The rank is either Master Sergeant First Sergeant; there is no other substitute to it.

It doesn’t bother me, but yes only 1SG

Also I mean I understand the reg as well but I like to address your title. Respect goes a long way regardless if you dislike someone give them the proper courtesy with the rank they have obtained...Now with me as an e6 I’m fine with them saying sgt but once I make that diamond I want my respect on my name ( first Sergeant)

Based on my experiences, I would say yes. In the vast majority of cases, calling a Master Sergeant "Top" is acceptable and respectful. Besides, it's a lot easier than saying "Master Sergeant" and shows more respect than just "Sergeant". A MSG in a Special Forces Operational Detachment A is the senior enlisted and is almost always called "Top". This is also the case in the Special Forces Schools where the senior enlisted in a committee is usually a MSG. In all of my assignments after I was promoted to MSG, whether I was in a MSG/E-8 slot or a SGM/E-9 slot the majority of the officers and enlisted with whom I interacted called me "Top" or "SGM".