Posted on Jul 12, 2021
Why do so many MSGs insist on being addressed as Master Sergeant?
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AR 600-20 is clear. The title of address for a MSG is "Sergeant." My personal opinion is that the majority of MSGs that insist on it do so because of their ego. The remainder is just ignorance.
EDIT: There have been a lot of responses from folks of various services, so let me make it clear (if it wasn't already) that this question pertains to Master Sergeants in the United States Army. I don't hold any grudge with people who address them as "Master Sergeant" out of respect. I usually just make a gentle correction and move on. My question SPECIFICALLY addresses those individuals who (presumably knowing better) INSIST on being addressed in a manner that is out of line with regulation and what their motivation could be for doing so. Many responses are some variation of "They've earned it" but that doesn't hold much water with me. By the time an NCO makes MSG, they should be secure enough in their career and position to not need constant affirmation of their rank.
EDIT: There have been a lot of responses from folks of various services, so let me make it clear (if it wasn't already) that this question pertains to Master Sergeants in the United States Army. I don't hold any grudge with people who address them as "Master Sergeant" out of respect. I usually just make a gentle correction and move on. My question SPECIFICALLY addresses those individuals who (presumably knowing better) INSIST on being addressed in a manner that is out of line with regulation and what their motivation could be for doing so. Many responses are some variation of "They've earned it" but that doesn't hold much water with me. By the time an NCO makes MSG, they should be secure enough in their career and position to not need constant affirmation of their rank.
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 307

Suspended Profile
Yada Yada Yada what pettyness.

1SG (Join to see)
Thank you for this meaningful contribution.
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Suspended Profile
You are most welcome (not).
I called everyone by there full rank just out of respect. They earned the rank and it doesn't hurt to use it.
I also would never get upset if someone greeted me as 1SG because they couldn't see my star.
That being said, Sarge is never acceptable.
I also would never get upset if someone greeted me as 1SG because they couldn't see my star.
That being said, Sarge is never acceptable.
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Having served as a 1SG, I have never met a MSG who demands to be called Master Sergeant. As you stated that it is your opinion that it is ego and ignorance, while that may be true for a small percentage of MSG’s who never had the privilege of serving in the position of 1SG. Considering that when a 1SG who is no longer serving in a 1SG position that they are supposed to revert their rank to MSG according to the regulation. So when I see all these E-8s that are no longer serving in a 1SG position why do they still have the lozenge inside their chevrons and rockers? I think that is egotistical and sets a bad precedent as many Soldiers do what they see instead of what the regulation states. However, the Army is complicit in such by not properly ensuring that assignment orders are updated properly. I shouldn’t see a bunch of retired 1SGs running around! They obviously aren’t serving in a 1SG position.
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Probably for the same reason SFC wants to be called Sergeant First Class and Staff Sergeants, Staff Sergeants. I never made a big deal of it when i was one.
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SFC Greg Bruorton
I would have never condoned the formal address of Sergeant First Class. "Sergeant" served me well, even when I was promoted to E-8 and then declined it.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
We didn't like "Staff". Reply to a boot was "try hanging a flag on me" or something off-color about where they could shove their shaft. Same with calling a MSgt Top. The few that did it replied "you want to spin me around". I never much cared but some tried to emulate others in excess.
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I never knew this to be an issue, and I was an E-8, both a Master Sergeant and a First Sergeant for over five years. When an E-8 retires, they retire as a SGT, not a 1SG...That's their title while in the position
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SGT Clarence Gilbert
Why wont it let me attach an image?
Here is the web address. https://hoodlm.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/5fd7d5311341cae434f2e3b299ff304f.jpg?w=736&h=736&crop=1
Here is the web address. https://hoodlm.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/5fd7d5311341cae434f2e3b299ff304f.jpg?w=736&h=736&crop=1
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