gunnery sergeant
Definition
Noun A noncommissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps holding the rank above staff sergeant and below master sergeant/first sergeant. This rank is a senior leadership position, often involving significant responsibility for training, discipline, and the welfare of junior Marines, as well as technical expertise in infantry weapons and tactics.
Usage
The term "gunnery sergeant" is used as a title and a rank. It is commonly abbreviated as "GySgt". * The gunnery sergeant inspected the platoon's equipment before the exercise. * She was promoted to gunnery sergeant after ten years of exemplary service. * "Report to Gunnery Sergeant Jones," the captain ordered.
Advanced Usage
- As a form of address: It is proper to address an individual holding this rank as "Gunnery Sergeant" or simply "Gunny" in informal contexts.
- "Gunnery Sergeant, the unit is ready for inspection."
- "Gunny, what's the plan for today's training?"
Variants and Related Words
- Gunny: (Noun) A common and accepted informal term for a gunnery sergeant.
- Staff Sergeant: (Noun) The noncommissioned officer rank immediately below gunnery sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
- Master Sergeant / First Sergeant: (Noun) The noncommissioned officer ranks immediately above gunnery sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Synonyms
- Senior Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO): A broader category of ranks that includes gunnery sergeant.
- NCO (Noncommissioned Officer): A general term for enlisted leaders, which includes the rank of gunnery sergeant.
Related Phrases
- To pin on gunnery sergeant: An idiom referring to the ceremony where the rank insignia is attached to the uniform, signifying promotion to this rank.
- He will pin on gunnery sergeant next month.
Noun
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a noncommissioned officer ranking above a staff sergeant in the marines
