When you were a GySgt facing promotion, were you able to choose between MSgt and 1stSgt? If so, what influenced your decision?

Cpl Kevin Henderson — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 15:35:28 -0500

Good afternoon, Rally Point Community.
I had a question for USMC E8's and E9's.
When you were a GySgt facing promotion, were you able to choose between MSgt and 1stSgt? If so, what influenced your decision and do you feel you went the right route for your career?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 16 at 2018 4:15 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 16:15:07 -0500

This is a great question for 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member.
My understanding of the process is that they select on the their FitRep where they want to go the Leadership (First Sergeant to Sergeant Major) or Technical (Master Sergeant to Master Gunnery Sergeant) route, however the "needs of the Corps" are a/the determining factor in actual selection.

Response by MSgt Steve Sweeney made Dec 16 at 2018 4:50 PM

MSgt Steve Sweeney — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 16:50:49 -0500

There is (or was) a box to check on any GySgt fitness report (FITREP) for consideration for promotion to 1stSgt. Putting in for consideration does not necessarily mean the individual would be selected, but that is where you made the desire known.

For me, I did not check the box. I was in a technical MOS and, by virtue of my career path, had been exposed and maintained far more detailed technical knowledge than pretty much any of my peers. To go the 1stSgt route would not have made sense for me or benefitted the Corps as a whole. That said, I worked at one point with a stellar Marine GySgt who maintained adequate technical knowledge, but he bled scarlet and gold. He would have made an outstanding 1stSgt... but still, he was not selected. The process is not always perfect.

Generally speaking, those that go the 1stSgt route have done time on the drill field and consider themselves (and considered by others) the keepers of the institutional culture of the Marine Corps. They aren't just berating you for minor uniform infractions because they enjoy it... that is the burden they must carry by virtue of their career path (and because they enjoy it).

Those that go the MSgt, MGySgt route, on the other hand, are the technical professionals of their field. They will often refer to the 1stSgt, jokingly, as "unskilled labor", and enjoy reminding the 1stSgt that they can do the 1stSgt's job (MSgts will sometimes fill the 1stSgt billet should it be gapped), but the 1stSgt can't do their job.

In reality though, a good 1stSgt is worth more than their weight in gold. They can make or break a unit. A unit with a solid functioning 1stSgt can run smoothly with good morale, even with a poor commander (usually). A bad 1stSgt, on the other hand, can grind a functioning unit to a halt, crush morale, and generally make every day a burdensome existence. One can not overstate the importance of the 1stSgt position. Only the best need apply.

Response by Cpl Kevin Henderson made Dec 16 at 2018 4:55 PM

Cpl Kevin Henderson — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 16:55:17 -0500

Sgt Kennedy, thank you for your reply and insight. To the Rally Point Community, I feel like I excluded my brothers and sisters from the other branches. I apologize for that, and would like to know how it works for E7's in your branch as well.

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2018 9:04 PM

CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 21:04:05 -0500

GySgts will indicate their preference on the FitReps. Also, the Marine's reporting senior must comment on the rank that he or she is best qualified to fill in the Section I of the FitRep. Nevertheless, as the others have stated, the promotion board will decide based on the member's record and the needs of the Corps.

Response by MSgt Gerald Orvis made Dec 19 at 2018 12:22 AM

MSgt Gerald Orvis — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 00:22:42 -0500

It was a long time ago (early 80s for me), but I remember that GySgts had to check the preference box on their FitRep, and their commander had to comment on where the Marine in question would best serve the Corps - technical (MSgt) or command (1stSgt). Although I had tours on the drill field and MSG duty, my preference was MSgt because I wanted to continue and expand my ability in my MOS (0211). In this case, the selection board saw it my way. Once selected, I had to wait on the promotion list for 18 months (I had a pretty high number) before putting on my MSgt chevrons, but it was worth it.

Response by MSgt Rick Bauchert made Jan 1 at 2019 12:00 AM

MSgt Rick Bauchert — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:10 -0500

You place an M or an F in the appropriate box on your FitRep. I wanted to be a Master Sergeant, however, many put an M in the box because you are then looked at for both. It seemed that most of the 1stSgt's I knew had a successful B Billet tour. I was unable to do a B Billet because I was stabilized for Iraq tours, which may be the case for many from that era. Can't say if that's still the way it's done, because I retired 6 years ago.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2019 9:17 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 21:17:46 -0500

I chose 1stSgt every Fitrep until the one that counted for selection. I changed my mind after I stood in as a 1stSgt for 6 months while mine was away. It was a personal choice between Ops work and Personnel work. However, my MOS has been closed for E-9 for 6 years now and my 1stSgt buddies have since been promoted to SgtMajor and some retired as E-9 already. It’s a trade off that both have their perks.

Response by MSgt Wayne Dowdy made Jan 11 at 2019 12:59 AM

MSgt Wayne Dowdy — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 00:59:14 -0500

Stay in Mos

Response by MSgt Mike Horn made Jan 24 at 2019 7:12 PM

MSgt Mike Horn — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 19:12:05 -0500

I wanted to stay with my people and not be the shy mama bitch pushing paper and Njps for four years before getting where I needed to be. I stayed where I was known and respected for who I was and what I knew

Response by 1stSgt Ken Horne made Jan 30 at 2019 11:06 AM

1stSgt Ken Horne — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 11:06:02 -0500

I beleive your MOS has some say so in the matter, and if you were infantry during your time in, then it would be appropriate to go 1stsgt, Your C.O. also is very influential when recommending you for the next highest rank.

Response by MSgt Chris Haggerty made Mar 9 at 2019 7:46 AM

MSgt Chris Haggerty — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 07:46:49 -0500

I had the opportunity to fill in as a 1stSgt on two occasions, and was recommended by two SgtMaj's that I should go the 1stSgt route. Ultimately, I didn't like the job and elected to be a MSgt. And, yes, I don't regret it for a second.

Response by MSgt Brian Heishman made Apr 17 at 2019 10:22 PM

MSgt Brian Heishman — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 22:22:03 -0400

You will be a MSgt (then MsGySgt) if you are EOD. 1st Sgt (then Sgt Maj) you will be admin but can wear the EOD badge (crab).

Response by MSgt Chris Cox made Jun 10 at 2019 7:45 PM

MSgt Chris Cox — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 19:45:20 -0400

I was able to choose between MSgt and 1st Sgt. I chose MSgt because I figured a master sergeant or master gunny can stand in for a 1st sergeant or sergeant major, but you can’t do it the other way. Also, we were in the middle of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. I didn’t want a non-deployable gig. I’d worked for 19 years to earn my professional reputation, and I didn’t want those who looked up to me to think I’d thrown away the career they’d helped me build only to change my mind when things got serious. It was an easy decision for me, and I don’t regret it.

Response by MSgt John Watson made Jul 10 at 2019 2:45 AM

MSgt John Watson — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 02:45:12 -0400

Yes I had a choice. I choose MSgt because I what to stay on the technical side instead of the administration side.

Response by MSgt Matthew Larson made Jul 25 at 2019 10:21 AM

MSgt Matthew Larson — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 10:21:32 -0400

I had 2 tours as a DI, and had checked the “F” box for two years and wasn’t selected either time. The year I was coming in zone for MSgt (finally) I changed my fitrep to “M” and was selected. I had far more daily influence on the 80% that don’t usually get the 1stSgt’s attention. On a daily basis, I was counseling young Marines on their future while the 1stSgt was busy with the dirtbags. I couldn’t have been happier!

Response by MSgt Tim Gulledge made Jul 26 at 2019 9:32 PM

MSgt Tim Gulledge — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 21:32:48 -0400

No due to my MOS 8412 Career Recruiter

Response by MSgt Timothy Cook made Nov 9 at 2019 5:12 PM

MSgt Timothy Cook — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 17:12:40 -0500

Yes & Yes.

Response by MSgt Jack Sigman made Jul 24 at 2020 8:44 AM

MSgt Jack Sigman — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 08:44:24 -0400

There is generally some choice. I was informed I "Better" put an M on my FitReps, but that was said mostly in jest as the gentlemen were both MGySgts. that enjoyed my abilities as an infantryman. Every now and then I have regrets about going the MSgt route, but I had a career that was fun and exciting most of the time. Some of the assignments allowed me flexibility that I never would have encountered as a 1stSgt- for example, I served as an OIC, replacing a Captain that PCS'd unexpectedly, and held that billet for 9 months, to include two brief stints of having 20+ brand new 2ndLts that reported to me (they were waiting to go to their MOS schools and were augments)

Response by MSgt Herbert Johnson made Aug 27 at 2020 6:32 AM

MSgt Herbert Johnson — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 06:32:30 -0400

Yes it did for me. I didn't want to be a 1stSgt. I wanted to stay in the technical field to become a Avionics chief still having daily contact with aircraft.

Response by 1stSgt Roger Moreau made Oct 7 at 2020 3:03 AM

1stSgt Roger Moreau — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 03:03:39 -0400

I choose 1stSgt. because I had a solid administrative background and could handle paperwork.

Response by 1stSgt Ken Holcomb made Jan 23 at 2021 5:50 PM

1stSgt Ken Holcomb — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 17:50:57 -0500

I always selected B for Both, never expecting to get promoted. Imagine my surprise when I got selected for 1stSgt at 20 years in.