Definition

Noun: 1. A senior noncommissioned officer rank in the United States Army and Marine Corps: A Master Sergeant is a high-ranking enlisted member, typically serving in a leadership role with significant responsibility for training, discipline, and the welfare of other soldiers or marines.

Usage Examples

• He was promoted to master sergeant after 15 years of exemplary service.
• The master sergeant conducted the training exercise for the new recruits.
• You need to report that issue to the master sergeant.

Advanced Usage

• Addressing the rank: The title "Master Sergeant" is used as a formal form of address, often abbreviated as "MSG" in written correspondence or "Master Sergeant" when speaking directly.
  • Example: "Master Sergeant, the report is ready for your review."

Variants and Related Words

• First Sergeant (Noun): A separate senior noncommissioned officer rank in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, often focused on the administrative and disciplinary functions of a unit. While of similar pay grade, the roles of Master Sergeant and First Sergeant are distinct.
• Sergeant Major (Noun): A noncommissioned officer rank superior to Master Sergeant.
• Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) (Noun): The broader category of enlisted leaders that includes the rank of Master Sergeant.

Synonyms

• Senior NCO
• Enlisted leader

Notes on Meaning

• The specific duties and authority of a Master Sergeant can vary between the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps, though the core concept of a senior enlisted leader remains consistent.
• This term is specific to the U.S. military structure. Other nations' armed forces may have equivalent ranks with different titles.

Noun

1. a senior noncommissioned officer in the Army or Marines