Why do so many MSGs insist on being addressed as Master Sergeant?

It will vary from Soldier to Soldier for those of us Master Sergeants who like the title. The regulation is specific but doesn’t prohibit one from being addressed at such. My Soldiers and my leaders addressed me as such partly because of the (rhymes with spit) I had to go through just to get there.

What has changed since I served in 1992? Time and view points. I see a complete change in social viewpoints than when it seemed to be much clearer during my service period. To effectively answer this question for me, I'd like to know the answer to my question first which is: Is the rank of MSG revered in respect when addressed or is s/he addressed as any other title of "Sergeant." Nothing changed in the regulation, but it was to understand that the experience, knowledge of that rank was recognized back then as such. It was a weird relationship back in the 70's when the senior NCO's ran the enlisted activities. We had CO's (1st LT or Cpt) and XO's (usually 2LT's straight out of school) and everyone knew who was really in charge, the MSG's, SFC's and the SSGs. The unspoken respect even Majors gave these ranks in getting the jobs done was understood. By rank, structure they outranked the senior enlisted, hands down, but the relationship between the ranks was delicate, held by respect for time in service. It took "YEARS" to achieve higher enlisted ranks, sometimes longer than it took to make MAJ. Officers and lower enlisted alike acknowledged and respected that fact. So, if you choose to neglect this fact then your answer will be flawed as it only addresses what it sees now. . . definitions and AR's on rank, but the relationship, based on time in service, grade and respect, played a major part in keeping things going. I don't think achievement is as much about ego as it is endurance.

Because the military is a giant RHIP (Rank has its privileges) environment where we are encouraged and even urged to put down anyone below us on the food chain?

E-5

It’s what I was taught years ago and is still need in our newly diverse military. It’s the Respect of the Rank, Title, or Position held regardless of whether you respect the individual or not. It’s important to maintain Good Order, Discipline, and Proper Decor. In our Chain of Commands. It’s not an Ego things or shouldn’t be! Just my humble opinion!!! Respectfully Submitted, Doc

It’s what I was taught years ago and is still needed. You Respect the Rank, Title, or Position regardless of whether you respect the person. It goes hand in hand with Order, Discipline, and Decor. It’s not an Ego thing! Just my humble opinion!!! Respectfully Submitted, Doc

As a USA, MSG (Ret) having been retired for 22+ years now I have never heard of such horse hockey, In fact I find it strange anytime I call my Credit Union (APGFCU) and they address me as Master Sergeant. If a Master Sergeant is requiring and/or even allowing his subordinates to address him/her as Master Sergeant they are most assuredly having some issues. But hey I retired a LONG LONG time ago and maybe things are a bit different these days, some of the crap I read these days about our current military scares the crap out of me! I hope to God these stories are not real, but some of the sources are pretty damn spot on most times.

Wonderful!

After I was medically retired as a LCDR I just didn't care what anyone addressed me as, "Hey You" works. Just do not call me Commander, a rank I did not achieve or rate. I am not active duty and really prefer not to be called by my former rank. But I don't feel slighted by Vets or active duty calling me anything (still don't like Boomer or pollywog. I am a boomer, a Shellback, and a Bluenose) I show Respect to all the Top Sergeants and Chiefs out there and I always call a chief a chief, Senior Chief or Master chief. They are salts of a different caliber and deserve it retired or not.
Same with Commanders or above. Ltcol+.

My dad, an Air Force vet, always called me Sarge. I didn't mind one bit because he was talking, which he was notoriously known to be quiet. At one point on the few trips I went on with him alone, I finally figured out how he ticked. He had conversations that didn't include others. It was him in his head having at least a two person conversation.