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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Through the 70's and mid 80's the title was master chief sergeant and most were called Chief. When I was active all sergeant were called sergeant unless they were a 1st Sgt. or Sergeant Major. I don't know about now a days.
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There was a Master Sergeant who ran S-1 at Battalion. We called him "Top." He was also Alpha Battery's former 1st Sergeant. I think he was promoted out of S-1 and we lost him when he went to E-9. He also had a drill sergeant patch on his BDU.
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You are correct, 1SG. Ego tripping...
Like the REMF SGM who has nothing better to do with his time than harass troops doing PT.
Like the REMF SGM who has nothing better to do with his time than harass troops doing PT.
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I dunno, I ran into one guy who wanted to be called Gunnery Sergeant XXXXX all the time. So, I just called him by his last name. Miffed him a bit, but it was tongue in cheek. We were there to do a job, not quip over little things though.
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I always got/get pissed when MSGs demanded (and I’ve known a few) to be called Master Sergeant. They often say things like, “I’ve earned it.” or “I deserve to be called by my full title.” In a lot of cases, if I have a lot of respect for the person, I will automatically call them by their full title, sometimes even after being told to call them by their first name (I’m currently in TRADOC, so I have to watch my surroundings a lot). The more a person demands to be given a specific title, especially if it isn’t in the regulatory guidance, the less likely I am to comply.
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My last unit was Aviation & I worked with a MSG who carried his a$$ on his shoulders. He never once called me by my rank, only "Mr", not that I care. I was an O-grade and an NCO...an NCO in the AF, then Army. As a Combat Medic and an Infantry Officer, it didn't seem like a big deal with the MSG thing, but dainty little Aviation sure seemed to get their feeling hurt a lot.
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I never asked or requested anyone call me MSgt. And I don’t recollect anyone addressing me as such. But, then again I’ve been retired since’88.
Could be forgetting a few things.
Could be forgetting a few things.
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But is there ever a place and time to call them MSG? I.E. you have 1sgt Jones and unrelated MSG Jones so you have to be specific Wich one the Corporal is to report to?
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