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.
Army Regulations
Customs and Courtesies
NCOs
MSG
Edited 4 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 307
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While others may quote AR 600-20 to address a Master Sergeant as a Sergeant. I simply believe as a Soldier and Officer; and a prior Marine NCO it wouldn't hurt to give the man or woman his/her dues by simply referring to him/her as Master Sergeant. Kind words and good gesture go a long way.
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SGM (Join to see)
Except you're teaching any young Soldiers who hear you the wrong way of thinking and acting.
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MSgt Earl King
SGM (Join to see) - In the Marines a Master Sergeant is not a Sergeant!! A First Sergeant is not a Master Sergeant, a Sergeant Major is not a Master Gunnery Sergeant!! But they are all Sergeants in the ENLISTED RANKS!! Now think about non-commissioned officers [NCOs] and Staff Noncommissioned Officers [SNCOs] if a Sergeant addressed me as Sergeant I would set him straight , and God help him if he addressed me by my first name, and school him really quick, My First Name Is Master Sergeant!! So like I said before, I don't understand all this Bull.
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SGM (Join to see)
MSgt Earl King - "In the Marines a Master Sergeant is not a Sergeant!! A First Sergeant is not a Master Sergeant, a Sergeant Major is not a Master Gunnery Sergeant!!" Except the Chaplain and I aren't in the Marines, so whatever the Marines do isn't relevant to us unless we're dealing with Marines.
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I don’t insist on it, but I gave up explaining that it is incorrect. I used to do it myself because it seems more respectful. I have served in several joint assignments and a naval officer thanked me for explaining that I am addressed as SGT, not MSG. He said you would never do that with a marine NCO. A staff sergeant is addressed as staff sergeant etc.
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I cannot answer question nor will I speculate on it. All I required the people under my control to call me was Sergeant when I was a Master Sergeant. When I was a Direct Support/General Support Maintenance Control Sergeant, I had a very heavily heated discussion with a newly appointed 2LT from another unit in my office behind closed doors after duty hours and yes, there was profanity coming from both of us. Apparently one of my people heard us and from that day on, I was called "Master Blaster" because I was giving him hell. But after that day, we both had more respect for each after and we both apologized for our behavior. When I was promoted to First Sergeant, I was called "First Sergeant" or "Top", except except when the Bn SGM would call to tell me something had to be done and I would inform him that it had been taken care of and he would reply "Damn You" are you a friggin mind reader. So every time he would see me, he would always call me "Damn You" when no one was around. We had a very good rapport and understanding.
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I've heard the way to address sergeants has changed, though nothing officially that I heard. We always referred to ALL levels of sergeants, as "Sergeant XYZ," except for 1SG's and Sergeants Major and CSM's. I do recall when I was attached to the Marines, they used the full title, i.e., "Staff Sergeant, Master Sergeant," etc.
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SSG Bill McCoy
Sgt (Join to see) - Didn't realize that about M/Sgt's being "Top." Only recall meeting one and a BN S/Maj. Definitely knew about "Gunny," and/or "Guns!" Like Navy CPO's, Gunny's were able to stop trains with their bare hands and bullets with their teeth! LOL
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When I was a recruiter, oh so many years ago, had a MEPS senior Guidance counselor that demanded it.....he was an a$$hat to say the least. I politely informed him of prtocol and the regulation, upon which I hung up the phone.
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Anyone earning promotions senior to the first “retirement rank” is not a shitbird just hanging around to get their 20 in, and should be addressed by their rank.
This is normal in the Corps. How about the rest of you getting your shit together...
This is normal in the Corps. How about the rest of you getting your shit together...
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SGM (Join to see)
When you are in the Army and senior enough to rewrite and approve the regulation, then what you think the Army should do might carry some weight. Until then it's just your opinion.
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