When holding the position of first sergeant, while uncommon, the master sergeant is referred to as "first sergeant"; however, when not in the position of first sergeant, master sergeants are addressed as "sergeant".
In the Army, a master sergeant is addressed as "Master Sergeant" or "Sergeant." All others Sergeant (E-5). Staff Sergeant (E-6) Sergeant First Class (E-7 and Master Sergeant (E-8)are addressed as Sergeant and then their name. Out of respect most will say Master Sgt when addressing a Master Sgt.
Staff sergeants are addressed as "Staff Sergeant" or "Staff", but never "Sergeant". Staff sergeants may be appointed as company sergeant major if they are due for promotion to master sergeant.
What is the proper way to address a Master Sergeant? The correct way to address a Master Sergeant named Mr. Smith is "Sergeant Smith", or written as MSG Smith. In formal situations, a Master Sergeant should always be addressed by their full rank.
The term sergeant refers to a non-commissioned officer placed above the rank of a corporal, and a police officer immediately below a lieutenant in the US, and below an inspector in the UK. In most armies, the rank of sergeant corresponds to command of a squad (or section).
As a general rule, "Sir"/"Ma'am" is used in speaking either officially or socially to any senior. The word is repeated with each complete statement. "Yes" and "No" should always be accompanied with "Sir"/"Ma'am". All NCOs will be addressed as "Sergeant" with the exception of the First Sergeant and Sergeant Major.
Sergeants and staff sergeants are addressed as "Sergeant ______” (followed by their last name). Sergeant First Class and Master Sergeant are addressed as “Sergeant ______” (followed by their last name). First Sergeant are addressed as “First Sergeant _______” (followed by their last name).
Master Sergeant (MSG)
Not charged with all the leadership responsibilities of a 1SG, but expected to dispatch leadership and other duties with the same professionalism. Eight year minimum time in service for promotion.
Use common sense. If you are carrying something with both hands or doing something that makes saluting impractical, you are not required to salute a senior officer or return a salute to a subordinate. A simple greeting of the day, “Good morning, Sir (Ma'am),” is acceptable and encouraged.
A sergeant is sometimes addressed as sarge or referred to as the sarge. "Good luck, sarge," he said.
Staff Sergeant is the 7th rank in the United States Army , ranking above Sergeant and directly below Sergeant First Class. A staff sergeant is a Noncommissioned Officer at DoD paygrade E-6, with a starting monthly pay of $2,849.
Drill sergeants in the United States Army are sergeants (E-5), staff sergeants (E-6), sergeants first class (E-7), and rarely master sergeants (E-8). Drill instructors in the United States Marine Corps normally hold the rank of sergeant (E-5) through gunnery sergeant (E-7).
Customs and courtesies
The enlisted member of choice renders the first salute to the new 2ndLt. The 2ndLt returns the first salute and cuts (drops) the salute first. The 2ndLt shakes hands with the enlisted servicemember, passing them a silver dollar (with the other hand) as they do.
When holding the position of first sergeant, while uncommon, the master sergeant is referred to as "first sergeant"; however, when not in the position of first sergeant, master sergeants are addressed as "sergeant". This is the standard address for all pay grades E-5 through E-8.
All military enlisted personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize a commissioned or warrant officer, except when it is inappropriate or impractical (for example, if you're carrying something using both hands).
Senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs) hold the highest responsibilities among NCO ranks. Under this command is sergeant first class, master sergeant, first sergeant, sergeant major, command sergeant major, and Sergeant Major of the Army.
US Army Salary FAQs
How does the salary as a First Sergeant at US Army compare with the base salary range for this job? The average salary for a First Sergeant is $87,710 per year in United States, which is 10% higher than the average US Army salary of $79,542 per year for this job.
Through out the film Lt. Dan refers to Forrest as Private Gump, despite him achieving the rank of Sergeant at the time of his discharge (signified by the patch on his sleeve).
lieutenant colonel. noun. : a military commissioned officer with a rank just below that of colonel.
In several cavalry regiments including the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards and the Queen's Royal Hussars, NCOs holding the rank of lance corporal wear two stripes. Full corporals are distinguished by the addition of a cypher above their two stripes in dress uniforms.
USE OF “SIR” and “SERGEANT”
All cadre and cadet officers are addressed as “SIR”/”MA'AM”. As a general rule, “Sir”/”Ma'am” is used in speaking either officially or socially to any senior. The word is repeated with each complete statement. “Yes” and “No” should always be accompanied with “Sir”/”Ma'am”.
No more, “Yes, sir!” The US Marines may ban recruits from respectfully addressing senior members as “sir” or “ma'am” to avoid “misgendering” and offending them. The woke recommendation was made in a new report commissioned by the Corps from the University of Pittsburgh.
In the Marines, at least for boot camp, you use “sir” at the beginning and end of an actual sentence, but not when responding to a question or order. And in the fleet, it's “yes sir” until you're not a boot snd you can just say “rah” or “kill” or whatever. Military SIR abbreviation meaning defined here.