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

No. If you are in an Acting First Sergeant position as a Master Sergeant, you should still be addressed as First Sergeant. Top is an old school word used along the way that was accepted by many as a First Sergeant. Today times have changed.

I wore the diamond 3 times, I never told people to call me Too, or 1SG. Both are a sign of respect. One way to tell how you affected your Troops is what they call you after your change of responsibility.

I was in during the mid 80’s. I always called him 1st sgt. Never top.

I would only use the term Top to refer to a 1SG that I respected. If I did not respect them I would use the formal and correct 1SG when referring to them.

As for say a MSG being the highest NCO in a Joint Task Force, I might refer to them as Top but ONLY if they earn my respect and ONLY if I was assigned under them. Otherwise, I am going to refer to them as MSG.

First Sgt were always addressed by rank, our shop NCOIC was a Master Guns and he was Top. Sgt Majors always addressed by rank as well.

Normally no.

No, that title is only reserved to 1SG Or if you know that person was a 1SG and have recently left that position.

It's based on their role. The top NCO in the company. Usually it's spoken unofficially. I've never heard the term used in formation but informally, yes.

Top is normally reserved for the 1SG. ... but has been used for MSG. In my time it was a sign of respect. My proper title of address (according to AR600-10 at the time) was ‘Master Sergeant’. I was told that was a mouth full. ‘Top’ was a lot easier on their tongue. I didn’t object.

I liked it.......until Soldiers who didn’t know me well started calling me that. I definitely took it as a term of familiarity, but I never got ticked off about it. I just “educated” my younger Soldiers on when it is and isn’t appropriate....ie- don’t assume “Top” is ok for any 1SG at any time.

It’s not for MSG’s.

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.