Would you prefer to be addressed as 1SG or Top?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:26:14 -0500

This discussion goes out to everybody but mainly to E-8’s. My question is how do you prefer to by addressed as. I have had several 1SG, and some of them have flipped out on soldiers when they were called Top. I myself try my hardest to always address my 1SG by his or her name and rank, but I see others on a daily basis doing both.

Response by SSG Chris Cherry made Jan 20 at 2014 3:29 PM

SSG Chris Cherry — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:29:15 -0500

I won't refer to a 1SG as 'Top' unless I have a personal relationship with him/her and I'm reasonably sure that it is okay for me to do so.  Otherwise I stick with rank and name.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2014 3:31 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:31:10 -0500

SSG Woodard,<div><br></div><div>1SG is my first name Haro is my last.... No really I try to call every First Sergeant, 1SG Top isn't something I hate but to be professional Soldiers should use First Sergeant my opinion.</div><div>V/R</div><div>1SG Haro</div>

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2014 3:38 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:38:17 -0500

I prefer to be addressed as 1SG and reserve the right to be called Top to my soldiers once I have earned their respect and confidence. 

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 20 at 2014 3:42 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:42:15 -0500

SSG Woodard, I did not mind being addressed by either one when I was a 1SG.  It was a personal preference though and I would advise anyone to refer to a 1SG that you have just met as "1SG ___ ."  Once that relationship is established then you can broach the "Top" subject with him/her. 

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2014 3:42 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:42:54 -0500

For me it was situational based. Obviously, if it was a formal setting like UCMJ or boards, or reporting, it was always 1SG. But down in the motor pool, or walking through training, or on a road march, either Top or 1SG was fine with me.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 20 at 2014 3:45 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:45:59 -0500

My understanding has always been that diamonds are First Sergeants, and Master Sergeants MAY be called Top at their discretion, but 1SG is ALWAYS 1SG..

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 20 at 2014 3:46 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:46:37 -0500

In my three different joint command assignments (SOUTHCOM, EUCOM and now NORAD-NORTHCOM) where I have had the pleasure of working with other branches of services, I have always used "1SG".

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2014 3:56 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:56:30 -0500

I've always said "1SG". I try not to use nicknames when referring to NCOs/Soldiers.

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Jan 20 at 2014 6:54 PM

CPT Brandon Christensen — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 18:54:49 -0500

For me, when I was enlisted, it was just like 1SG Thomas Kupsh said. If I was reporting to him (whether good or bad) I called and responded as 1SG. But if we were training, on the drill floor, or out and about, he preferred to be called TOP.

Now that I am an officer, When around other soldiers or sending someone to see the 1SG, I tell them its the 1SG, but when I am casually talking with the 1SG or BS'n, I usually say TOP.

Response by SFC Robert Putzer made Jan 20 at 2014 7:16 PM

SFC Robert Putzer — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 19:16:36 -0500

I was an acting 1SG for about eight months; I had no issue with Top in the Motor Pool or company area, small arms ranges, etc. 1SG seemed to be reserved for meetings, "come see me with your team leader", and the other formal things we did.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2014 7:37 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 19:37:59 -0500

I echo what many have already said, in a professional forum and with 1SGs I am meeting for the first time, I always address them as "First Sergeant". There have been only 2 First Sergeants that I developed a close working relationship that I felt comfortable calling them "Top" and I asked both before I started doing so. It was more of an earned title of endearment as both are still my mentors today (although 1 is a CSM, I still want to call him 1SG since we went through hell and back together!)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2014 7:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 19:43:02 -0500

I have to say I've rarely seen a combat arms 1SG addressed as anything but 1SG. Non-Combat arms/Support units seem to have a more prevalent use of "Top". Since my background is predominantly based in combat arms units, I've almost never used Top.

I would be interested to see a breakdown who uses each based on how they grew up.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2014 11:47 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 23:47:35 -0500

I prefer it when my Soldiers call me Top and everyone else addresses me as First Sergeant. I am your Top, therefore that is the priveledge given solely to you. That is, of course, after I have "earned" that Soldier's respect and confidence. 

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 12:47 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 00:47:48 -0500

1SG for most..... Top for my PSGs except in formal situations.

what about Master Sergeant vs. just being addressed as Sergeant... i believe that all SGT-MSG should be called Sergeant. Anyone that makes you address them as Master Sergeant has an ego that needs to be stroked or a complex of sorts!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 2:55 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 02:55:14 -0500

Ok, history lesson.  Some are close on this.  TOP dates back to our Army forefathers.  I believe around the Civil War time frame.  TOP stands for "Trainer ofPersonnel".  This title was given to the senior enlisted Soldier in the unit.  It has become interchangeable  with 1SG.  Remember that NCOs have not always been the technical experts, no laughing, that we are today.  Remember the  "profession of arms" campaign.  The reason it is used primarily for 1SGs is NCOs are more or less "functional".  This is a dated term, but some 1SG positions require them to be SME in their field.  Disclaimer here, all jobs in the Army are important.  The difference lies in the consequences that occur if mistakes are made.  Example: I am an EOD guy, I will stay in EOD organizations for most of my career.  So I would not be the 1SG of a Medical unit or a Combat Arms unit.  I don't know anything about them.  Me being in a leadership position in those type of units would not be pretty! LOL  Our Officer counterparts used to be functional, but now when they reach a certain grade, they become multifunctional.  Like ORD Soldiers become Logisticians. I digress.  Point I am making is TOP is a term of respect.  It's not a given in my book.  It has to be earned.  I have had several 1SGs and few Tops.

Response by MSG Charles Womble made Jan 21 at 2014 9:14 PM

MSG Charles Womble — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 21:14:56 -0500

I don't usually respond to discussion, although I enjoy reading it. This particular question piqued my interest. In 1990, as a PFC at Fort Ord, I got the only answer I needed to this question. Although "Top" refers to the senior enlisted Soldier in a company/battery/troop it then was reserved to NCO's that had gained the trust and confidence of the unit First Sergeant. I myself am not designed to be a First Sergeant by the nature of my MOS. E-8's in my MOS are strictly staff NCO's. I see it as a sign of respect informally from a custom, not an official courtesy of course. You don't want Privates and Specialists to get too comfortable in forgetting what Command Policy already dictates. No one knows if we E8's ever held the 1SG position, so it makes me feel like I did and sort of proud of the rank I attained. Personally, I would not allow someone I know to address me by "Top", but it if anyone remembers, we used to informally call E-9's "SMAJ" which by no mistake meant you were an E-9 or otherwise frocked. Would your Company Commander like it if you called him "Cap"? I believe we should stick to the formalities in all honesty. Interesting question. Another point is that by Army reg, we Master Sergeants are entitled to the address of Sergeant. But there is a tendency to address us as Master Sergeants, I'm fine with that.

Response by SGT Steven St.Clair made Jan 21 at 2014 9:28 PM

SGT Steven St.Clair — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 21:28:19 -0500

I have always addressed my 1SG as just that first sergeant and I never use the word TOP also as seen below I have always addressed the MSG I have served with as master sergeant never just sergeant but I guess its up to the senor NCO being addressed and I know its a different rank but I never address the warrant officers by chief even though you can I always have called them MR. or MS. like it says in the regs

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 9:34 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 21:34:02 -0500

In the Corps, Top is only refered to a MSgt and that is up to the discretion of the MSgt on it's use. Most MSgt from my experience like to be called Master Sergeant with some taking offense to the name and responding "do I look like a top? are you gonna spin me?". Ive only known a couple MSgt' that actually preferred the usage of Top. Most Marines know to use MSgt unless directed otherwise.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Jan 21 at 2014 9:41 PM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 21:41:46 -0500

No where in AR 600-20 is the term "Top" used to address E-8's.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Jan 22 at 2014 8:01 AM

CPT Mike M. — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 08:01:50 -0500

Personally, when I'm addressing them, I address MY 1SG as Top and all others as First Sergeant.  Never put much thought into it, but I guess I think that Top is, not really a term of endearment, but a closer name that shows the closer working relationship with the individual.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 1:17 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 13:17:05 -0500

I believe all NCOs should be called by their actual rank like our brothers in the Marines.  Having said that, an E-8 wearing a diamond should be addressed as First Sergeant and Master Sergeant once he/she has completed their First Sergeant time.  In addition, I would love for E-6s to be called Staff Sergeants and E-7s Sergeant First Class or Platoon Sergeant.  In my opinion the only Sergeants' in the Army are E-5s.  However, if you have a First Sergeant that doesn't mind being called Top, well, that is up to that individual.  For example, I am an artilleryman and our PLT SGTs (MOS 13Bs) in the gunline are called Smokes and assistant PLT SGTs Gunny's (MOS 13B).  Most of our support MOSs tend to call me a Smoke and I correct them by letting them know I am not a Smokeman because I am a 13D. 

Response by SGT Gary Frank made Jan 22 at 2014 3:46 PM

SGT Gary Frank — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 15:46:44 -0500

Upon my initial meeting, I always referred to a 1SG by his Rank and Name to indicate the Formal, unless I was instructed to address the individual as "Top" to indicate the Familiar.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 6:01 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 18:01:18 -0500

The position of the First Sergeant is one of no
substitute. When First Sergeants are
great, their units are great regardless of personalities that may get in the
way. I have always wanted to move up the
ranks and one day serve as a First Sergeant.
It is the opportunity to coach, mentor and motivate many Soldiers to
include Noncommissioned Officers and officers at that. First Sergeants hold formations, instruct
Platoon Sergeant through mentorship and guidance, advise the Company Commander
in regards to Soldier issues and UCMJ and assist through supervision in training
all members of the unit.

When dealing with Soldiers issues to include UCMJ
(formal settings), the First Sergeant is what the Soldiers and NCOs of my unit
refer to me as. When in an informal
setting, TOP will do. Many First
Sergeants do not like being called “TOP” due to the image of being spun around
like a toy. I had a First Sergeant once
who did not want to be referred to as “TOP” because he felt that the Soldiers
of the company were “playing” with him.
When I gave my in-brief to my Soldiers and NCOs, I informed them of my
intent. To me, TOP is the “Trainer of
Professionals”, the TOP enlisted member of the company. The First Sergeant has always held a highly visible, distinctive, and sometimes notorious position in the
military unit.

A First Sergeant in the German Army is referred to as the “Father of
the Company.” He is the wise counselor,
the one who provides and instills discipline in the company, the tough and
unbending foe. The First Sergeant is a
confident individual, the back bone of the Army, everything that is needed in a
great Leader. In order for the Commander
to do his/her job, the First Sergeant must be able to lead the company from the
front.

I enjoy being a First Sergeant, even with the long hours, the Soldier
and Family issues, at the end of the day, I am grateful to be afforded the opportunity
to serve as a First Sergeant in this great Army of ours.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jan 22 at 2014 10:52 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 22:52:05 -0500

In the AF, we either addressed them a 1st Shirt or Shirt. Nothing else was ever said as to how to address them. <br><br>Unless they are a Chief Master Sargent. Then its Chief. <br><br>I know the AF is weird when it comes to having 3 different ranks for 1st Sargent.<br>

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 9:17 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 09:17:16 -0500

I didnt dare call my 1SG by TOP until I became an NCO myself, and now that I've spent 2 years in the officer side of the house it depends on the situation. Im not going to yell Hey TOP to get his attention, its for more informal situations.

Response by 1SG Shane Hansen made Feb 9 at 2014 10:33 AM

1SG Shane Hansen — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 10:33:41 -0500

I prefer to be addressed as "First Sergeant", but I do not get bent out of shape or even say anything to them when my Soldiers address me as "top".  

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Aug 2 at 2014 9:37 AM

SGT Alicia Brenneis — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 09:37:53 -0400

It has been my experience that TOP is a sign of respect. If I/we respected our 1SG , we called him TOP. It is much like a medic being called DOC. Personally if I ever had a 1SG who got mad because someone called him TOP I would loose respect for him just on that alone. It is hard to explain why I would. I think it would feel like a rejection of my respect.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2014 12:53 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 00:53:52 -0400

When I used the word top on a 1SG when I was a SSG, he smiled at me and said... "do i spin? do you want me to spin"? I said "Negative 1SG". He said, "you learned quick. Stick with the title you just said." Been that way with all 1SG's ever since.

Response by SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD made Feb 27 at 2015 4:52 PM

SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 16:52:43 -0500

I always addressed them as "Top", as that was I was instructed to do. They didn't seem to mind. It would appear that things are different now. I guess it would be up to the individual, as how he prefers to be addressed.

Response by SSG Tony Victor made May 26 at 2016 10:42 PM

SSG Tony Victor — Thu, 26 May 2016 22:42:50 -0400

I have always addressed my 1SG's as TOP after they have gained my respect. If not then I address them by the rank/name.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 3:39 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 15:39:48 -0400

I love this question! The term "TOP" stands for Trainer of Personnel. In the early days of the Army, this Trainer of Personnel was often times the Senior Enlisted Soldier. TOP NCO in the company. Technically First Sergeants have been around since the beginning of the Army. But there wasn't an official 1SG or 1SG rank until 1847 or 48. (I have to check the date to make sure). So the two naturally came to be synonymous because the 1SG was, in most cases, the Senior Enlisted Soldier and unit SME. Prior to 1847 (Checked the date! LOL!) this was the Trainer of Personnel.
I, like many of you have heard the, "Do I spin on my head?" phrase when someone is called TOP. Those individuals don't know the historical meaning of the term. It is a term of deep respect in my opinion. Most Soldiers I have worked with don't know the history, but do know the difference between a 1SG and a TOP. Anyone can put on 1SG rank, but not everyone can be a "TOP". If I were a 1SG again, I wouldn't mind being called Top, I still have some of my old Soldiers call me TOP and I haven't been a 1SG since 2009.

SGM Smith

Response by CDR Frank Miller made Jun 2 at 2016 5:45 PM

CDR Frank Miller — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 17:45:06 -0400

Top

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2016 7:04 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 07:04:25 -0400

I am in a combat arms unit. I always thought that a First Sergeant was a TOC bitch, and a TOP was a leader of men. (First Sergeant is a rank, TOP is a respectful title)

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Oct 29 at 2016 12:17 PM

1SG Bill Farmerie — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 12:17:23 -0400

Some of my soldiers and NCOs called me TOP. I had no problem with it. To me, it was used in a respectful manor. I have had some 1SGs think it was degrading and one used to say "does it look like I spin on my head"

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2016 12:27 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 12:27:20 -0400

So funny thing is when I was a 1SG I preferred "First Sergeant", being called "Top" was not allowed. I don't know any of my peers who were okay with Top either, which may have been why I wasn't. I think it had to do with the formality of the position. Anyway, now that I'm retired I actually don't mind when some of my former soldiers, or people who know my former rank, call me Top - I even like it.

Response by SPC Marcus DeMatos made Oct 29 at 2016 12:31 PM

SPC Marcus DeMatos — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 12:31:45 -0400

Being the son of a First Sergeant and a proud veteran as well, I'm going to agree that typically it is the privilege and sign of respect for soldiers to call their own 1SG Top. But in practical terms you should remember that if you know a 1SG and are being sociable Top is still respectful; make sure you don't use it though when you are reporting, giving the greeting of the day in passing, or are acknowledging their position (like after you call at ease in the mess hall, or are passing them through as a gate guard).

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Oct 29 at 2016 2:33 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 14:33:59 -0400

A lot depends on the 1stSgt or Top's preference. I would always inquire. To me Top was always just a little bit to informal for my tastes and early conditioning. I always addressed an E8/E9 by their rank, or rank and last name as a symbol of respect.

Response by SGT James Belcher made Oct 29 at 2016 3:51 PM

SGT James Belcher — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 15:51:11 -0400

I have always called my 1SG TOP....to me it was a sign of respect, until we had a new one at his first formation pull a pen cap off a pen and say "this is a top...I am a 1SG"...up to him and I had no problem with that. But most of my old 1SG's knew when I said TOP...it wasnt a nickname for me...it was because he was the MFIC.

Response by SFC Craig Hahn made Oct 29 at 2016 4:49 PM

SFC Craig Hahn — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 16:49:10 -0400

I have had many 1SG who didn't mind that his NCOs and Soldiers called him too. I have also had 1SG were only NCOs could call him top and the Soldiers had to call him 1SG. I usually always called my 1SG top, but there are times that you should use 1SG.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Oct 29 at 2016 6:32 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 18:32:20 -0400

I always called Master Guns Top, I always called the 1st Sgt just that, I thought he deserved that and IMO it was respect not neglect. I always as everyone did address Sgt Major as such, and actually he is the top.

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 29 at 2016 8:43 PM

SFC George Smith — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 20:43:58 -0400

most prefer 1st Sgt.

Response by SSG James West made May 17 at 2017 7:56 AM

SSG James West — Wed, 17 May 2017 07:56:20 -0400

back during the Civil War days and after, the SGT with a diamond in his rank was referred to as top soldier. I have been retired from Army almost 15 Yrs. my first, 1SG back in 1982 was a dressed as Top and 1SG. by lot of us. I called him that out of respect. I still call him that today. it's long Army tradition.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2017 8:27 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 May 2017 08:27:37 -0400

Personally I think calling 1SG Top is pretty outdated, kind of like saying "sarge". I don't take it as disrespectful but I prefer 1SG. You seem to hear it more from non combat arms soldiers.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 2 at 2018 4:51 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 02 May 2018 16:51:34 -0400

It worked for me- Top (to Me) meant Top Kick, Top Dog, top of Company's NCO's .

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made May 19 at 2018 7:47 PM

MSG Greg Kelly — Sat, 19 May 2018 19:47:37 -0400

Using the term Top is more of a sign of respect or term of endearment. It is earned not given. Like calling the medic Doc he has to earn it Doc is never given. I have had 1SG's and medics that I never called Top or Doc because they were not very good at their jobs. It used to drive me crazy to hear a peer start calling a new 1SG, TOP I would feel like I needed to leave the room so they could be alone.

Response by 1SG Allen Mansfield made Jun 25 at 2018 4:30 PM

1SG Allen Mansfield — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 16:30:38 -0400

Top by my Soldiers, most others 1SG

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Jun 25 at 2018 6:28 PM

1SG Bill Farmerie — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 18:28:44 -0400

I know some 1SGs hate the term top. I felt my soldiers used it respectfully toward me. I was fine with it.

Response by 1SG Britt Smith made Jun 26 at 2018 1:57 PM

1SG Britt Smith — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 13:57:12 -0400

I also was comfortable with both. My troops could always call me "Top" (unless one was being called on the mat) and in some formal situations "First Sergeant" worked a bit better.

Response by 1SG John V. made Jun 26 at 2018 6:56 PM

1SG John V. — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 18:56:50 -0400

I’m with 1SG Kupsh; it depended on the setting/situation. In formal settings, it’s 1SG, in less formal, day-to-day situations either is fine.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Jun 27 at 2018 7:35 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 07:35:24 -0400

That's an Artillery thing, women should not be called TOP!

Response by 1SG Petet Barreto made Jun 27 at 2018 8:24 AM

1SG Petet Barreto — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 08:24:41 -0400

I am a retired 1SG. I want to be addressed as First Sergeant. When I get to know my Soldiers and they get to know me only a few selected my call me Top, and I’m the one who selects who will call me that.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 27 at 2018 10:05 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 10:05:24 -0400

As long as it was respectful- I didn't mind either.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 10:37 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 10:37:01 -0400

In my mind, "Top" is a sign of respect, whereas 1SG is a formal title that everyone is required to address you by.

Response by 1SG Derek Lincoln made Jun 28 at 2018 10:42 PM

1SG Derek Lincoln — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 22:42:50 -0400

I was ok with TOP and it showed I had the respect of my troops. Most of them called me by my proper rank.

Response by 1SG Thomas Roman made Jul 10 at 2018 8:44 AM

1SG Thomas Roman — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 08:44:15 -0400

Top to me is a sign of respect, just as much as 1SG

Response by 1SG Gary Bacon made Aug 6 at 2018 12:56 PM

1SG Gary Bacon — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 12:56:32 -0400

Either, or. I'm sure I've been called worse at times...lol

Response by 1SG J Rafael Morales made Aug 9 at 2018 6:32 PM

1SG J Rafael Morales — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 18:32:05 -0400

Traditionally its Top, but in this new age Army some don’t like it. I went by Top and then again I was Infantry and we are way different than the other MOS’s.

Response by MSG Michael McDaniel made Aug 21 at 2018 8:23 AM

MSG Michael McDaniel — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 08:23:39 -0400

1SG McDaniel.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2018 8:00 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 20:00:58 -0400

My final Army assignment was as 1SG of a MEDEVAC company, and it will always stand out in my mind as one of the best times of my life.
I preferred to be called 1SG by Soldiers and NCOs I didn’t know, but always felt that the Officers, Warrant Officers, and Enlisted Troops in my unit called me “Top” with both affection and pride. My unit could call me Top, and it was part of our relationship. Someone outside of my unit likely hadn’t earned that relationship.
As with most things though, the intent and delivery was always more important than just the phrase itself.

Response by 1SG Marcus Whitfield made Nov 16 at 2018 10:51 PM

1SG Marcus Whitfield — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 22:51:11 -0500

I had no preference either way, it is all respect.

Response by 1SG Mark Mendenhall made Dec 12 at 2018 11:50 AM

1SG Mark Mendenhall — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 11:50:04 -0500

I liked being addressed as both, but both my subordinates and higher up most of the time called me Top.

Response by 1SG Charles Madden made Jan 25 at 2019 9:17 AM

1SG Charles Madden — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 09:17:56 -0500

Top

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 12:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:18:04 -0400

First Seregeant, but don't really care. As long as they are respectful.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Jun 17 at 2020 7:08 AM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 07:08:11 -0400

Having served under some cantankerous and scary 1SG's I was taught early that you did your very best to avoids senior NCO's at every opportunity and when you lose that opportunity you address them as TOP as in Top Sergeant or 1SG unit you run into one who losses their mind and starts the whole do I look like a wooden toy and spin in circles rant. I have heard 1SG's discussed as First Shirt but never in a derogatory manner. I have been addressed as Top, 1SG and assorted other non official descriptives in the 8 years I served as a 1SG and when I run into those IO have served with and others that served at one time or another as TOP/1SG and I have NEVER had an issues with it because I understand the title and those addressing me by it. I would also take into account the location and situation of where a 1SG gets addressed. I always laughed at other 1SG's that got all wound up in the titles, as many are diamond wearers for the wrong reasons. Then again take my opinion with a grain of salt as I am far from the average 1SG in my actions and words. I became what I am from the examples of far better Senior NCO's mentoring me and my own sick brand of character despite many trying to make me more acceptable to the higher ranks.

Response by 1SG Wayne Cannon made Jun 22 at 2020 7:04 PM

1SG Wayne Cannon — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 19:04:54 -0400

I think by Rank and last name. I noticed when officers would get together to many first names. I had Drill Sergeants and if you called one Drill the world would explode. They'd yell do i look like Black and decker. Same ones would call me top. So we had to have a conversation. Respect each others rank. They wanted Drill Sergeant. I was to be First Sergeant.

Response by 1SG Clyde Kessler made Nov 4 at 2020 11:43 AM

1SG Clyde Kessler — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 11:43:14 -0500

I was a 1SG for 6 years and I found that if your troops called you "Top", it was a sign of respect. It was better than something else behind your back. I also had some of my company call me "First Shirt". I

Response by SPC Joshua Ulch made Apr 1 at 2021 6:47 PM

SPC Joshua Ulch — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 18:47:55 -0400

How about an E7 that blew up on you for not calling him 1st Sgt?