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
It's a psychological issue. because they aren't getting any respect anywhere else (especially at home), they gotta DEMAND it somewhere else.
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As an Air Force Master Sergeant I was rarely called Master Sergeant. It was just sergeant unless I was in a formal setting or blind introduction (e.g. phone). As a First Sergeant I enjoyed and was honored to be called Shirt.
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I was meeting with some senior NCOs at Camp Geigers School of Infantry. One of them was a Master Sergeant, kept referring to me as Chief (I was a Master Chief) and in general was unprofessional and frankly an asshole. When I threw out, on purpose "Gunnery Sergeant " he became irate and said he "...was a Master Sergeant of the Marine Corps, and that I would address him so". When I looked at the Master Gunnery Sergeant he smiled. I told the Master Sergeant, that's right you are. And I'm a Master Chief, now can we get down to business?" Some people are far too rank conscious.
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Just as a CPL outranks SPC, does 1SG outrank MSG? I never had to give it any thought as I never saw anything but 1SGs around me. Team leader: CPL or SGT, squad leader: SSG, Platoon leader SFC. The 1SG sat at the top of the company and the CSM stood next to the BN commander.
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Always called E-5 to E-8 Sergeant unless he (or she) is a 1SG. Then it's Top. E-9 nothing but Sergeant Major. All with respect.
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I have been called a number of things and Master Sergeant was only once in a while. Sergeant was the norm while I was active duty. Following retirement you can call me whatever you wish just don't call me late for dinner. The only ones I've noticed insisting on rank and status are E7s,8s, and 9s that are unable to realize they are permanently promoted to Mister once they retired
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SPC John Tacetta
I ask them why they call me MSG and not sergeant. Then, I tell them that regs states MSG is “called sergeant”
I ask them why they call me MSG and not sergeant. Then, I tell them that regs states MSG is “called sergeant”
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I was a First Sergeant for many years. Most of my soldiers referred to me as "Top".
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In my nearly 10 years of Army service, starting as draftee, through enlisted, and after becoming an officer, I can honestly say I have NEVER addressed a MSG by "Master Sergeant". Companies had a "Top" and BN level and up were "Sergeant Major". None of my platoon sergeants ever suggested I call them that either. I certainly recall with great clarity shouting out "Yes, or No, Drill Sergeant !!!" in Basic and AIT. And screamed even louder in OCS: "Sir, yes Sir !" Or "Yes Sir, LT ...., Sir !" Never made the deadly mistake of calling one of my TAC officers SGT....
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