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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Don't remember what sergeants felt, nor did they confine thire most inner feelings:) But most of us enlisted paid them thire due:), Sarge, Chief Master or buck, as they were thought of a surrogate fathers after basic, least from a 17 year olds memory and impressions left at 75:) Only the X-Marine TI in basic that came over for two paid grades that remind us we would be thought of as bus drivers in those AF class A if we did not learn how to shoot better, march further and instantly obey orders with disciple. Getting in our faces frequently, and finally instructing us in saluting like the Air Police, arm shot out geometrically plain to the ground, snap at wrist to tip of hat with hand, sharply done:) Remembered him always, kept repeating your death will not be because I did not train you well enough, it will because you were not paying enough attention:) All had my respect, never had problem with any:)
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It's 100% ego, they have usually been a 1SG and moved onto to a position on staff or will never be a 1SG and feel they are due recognition. We teach trainees the rank structure and MSG's should be addressed as "Sergeant". There is nothing demeaning or derogatory about it, however there are some NCO's that feel they should not be addressed the same way as someone of a lower rank.
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I always called the sarge or Sargeant. If they had a baseball diamond in the middle it was First Sargeant; if I was in trouble or not.
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I never encountered this. Hey come on, MSG are a cut above. They probably have 25+ years in service, which in my book, they earned the right to be called anything they want!
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I dont know any retired MSG that care what they are called..zi just call them MSG SGM McPO..because its out of respect for their rank and being an NCO . that's how it is...unless they tell me differently
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In the Marine Corps it is customary to address all enlisted and commissioned by their exact rank. In the Corps you earn that rank deserve to have it acknowledged.
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My take... a lot of them are pissed they don't have their diamond and a lot are power hungry shit heads that love to watch troops squirm in their boots from the MSG correcting their inability to address them as such
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SIMPLE THEY HAVE HUGE EGOS. LIKE THOSE CLOWN OFFICERS THAT WANTED THEIR SALUTE WHILE WALKING DOWN THE BLVD ON BAGRAM. ALL ABOUT THE RANK AND THEIR DOOKIE NOT STINKING. THE BEST EXAMPLE IS THE A-HOLE IN BLACK HAWK DOWN CRYING ABOUT WEAPONS ON SAFETY. THEY NEED AND OR SEEK THE ATTENTION. THEY MOST LIKELY LOVE PULLING RANK. BUSTER BLUE FALCONS IS WHAT THEY ARE. i get it you earned the rank well deserved but you don't see others making a big deal out of it like you.
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It's funny in my time in the Army I only regularly dealt with 2 Master Sergeants. 1 was our Motor Sergeant who was respectfully referred to as Motor Daddy by everyone. The other was the BN CODY'S Bradley gunner and was also the BN Master Gunner who was respectfully referred to as Master Blaster. Oh how I miss my days in the 3rd ID, Rock of the Marne!
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SPC Dennis Kregel
Also I hate auto correct. In the above post Cody's was supposed to be BN CMDR's...
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