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

1SG (Join to see) "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."

Id say because it's what they know (learned, observed, taught..AKA ignorance of the regulation.) I never corrected anyone using the address, no more than I did if one were to call a 1SG "Top", and the 1SG was not bothered by it.

But I had discussions with more than a few master sergeants who were addressed as "Sergeant" and the MSG responded with "Its MASTER SERGEANT"

......Ahhh, SERGEANT can I have a word with you over here, please.

I've never once told someone to call me that. Sometimes they do, but from my experience it's mostly the ones that's never worn the diamond and wants the "extra credit" for their rank

When I was a 1SG I was almost always called Top. Some called me First Sergeant. No one ever called me simply Sergeant. After a few years I was reassigned to a brigade and lost the diamond. Those who knew me from before still called me Top. A very few called me Master Sergeant. Most simply said Sergeant. I never cared which title they used when I was an MSG. There are much bigger things to worry about!

1SG (Join to see) It borders on Arrogance and Ego in my honest opinion. The same goes with a few CSMs who want to be called "COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR" versus the acceptable SERGEANT MAJOR as noted in the AR. IT makes them feel good about themselves thinking they will earn more respect. Plus some really think it gives them more credibility, or just like the Soldier who puts the PROMOTABLE 'P' (example - SPC (P) or SGT (P)) after their rank thinking that makes them a better and more important Soldier. I have asked specifically about the SPC (P) or other ranke about why they were using the "P" as well as MSGs why they want to be called MASTER SERGEANT instead of the AR allowable SERGEANT. In most cases, their response was along the lines of it gives them more respect and or credibilty. In most cases, I told the soldier, their perception was wrong and would address them by the acceptable term as noted by the AR. Specifically the MSG, who I have personally corrected them on the proper use of the rank name. Its just a farce they are playing!

Sergeant, Master Sergeant, Top, none of them bothered me. Hell, DA frequently sends me stuff addressed 1SG. I was never one to be on an ego trip.

Really? I did my time and was happy to retire at the rank I did (MSgt) and became the coveted holder of the rank "PFC" (Private Frikken Civilian) for as long as the retirement checks keep coming in. I do appreciate when the gate security actually looks at my ID card and waves me on with "Sergeant" but that is as far as it goes.

I am a retired Master Sergeant and never demanded my troops address me as such. Rather, they insisted and when questioned why, their responses were along the lines of showing respect. I imagine it was also used as a warning to other troops within hearing range that I was in the AO.

While I retired a number of years ago, the standard reference to a Sergeant of any rank other than !SG or SGM was simply Sergeant. Seems about right. The calling out of "Master Sergeant" is a bit unnecessary. Never had that come up.

I had the weird case to only ever meet two Master Sergeants. Only one of which was in the same unit I served in. Occasionally people called him "Master Sergeant", which he never was upset by or encouraged. I always called him Sergeant because that's what the AR said. Again, he never got upset or demanded either way, as long as we provided him the respect he was due (which was considerable).

Having worked in joint services environments through much of my career, I'd be tempted to start addressing such MSG as "Monosodium Glutamate." Interservice rivalries can be an endless source of entertainment, as long as everyone has the right attitude. :-)