Posted on Apr 26, 2018
What exactly is the difference between a Master Sergeant and a 1st Sergeant? Is one technically higher than the other?
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They are both in the E-8 grade, however the First Sergeant rank is applies to the SNCO that is given a role and responsibility as part of the Command Team. It is not unusual for a MSG to have done time as a First Sergeant. Even if the MSG has more time in grade than the E8 in the First Sergeant Role, the First Sergeant, just by virtue of position, becomes the NCOIC of the company.
Often a Master Sergeant will perform their duties as a Senior Staff NCO, especially at higher echelons. The closest analogy would be the difference between a Sergeant Major (SGM) and a Command Sergeant Major (CSM). The SGM is similar to a MSG, where CSM is similar to 1SG.
I am sure you can find plenty of information on this topic with that new thing called the internet.
Often a Master Sergeant will perform their duties as a Senior Staff NCO, especially at higher echelons. The closest analogy would be the difference between a Sergeant Major (SGM) and a Command Sergeant Major (CSM). The SGM is similar to a MSG, where CSM is similar to 1SG.
I am sure you can find plenty of information on this topic with that new thing called the internet.
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SPC Daniel Rankin
I know that the First Sergeant spent more time with the plt and the MSG spent more time in the office. He did an inspection of the barracks on occasion but usually left that to the 1st sgt.
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1SG (Join to see)
SPC Daniel Rankin , One of the responsibilities that fall to the First Sergeant Position is the management of the unit's Soldier's housing. Both in garrison and bivouac settings.
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SPC Daniel Rankin
I usually worked with the battalion level so did not know this. I was also married and lived off base. Got my own housing arrangement also. Not once was I ever compensated for my rent.
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If you are an E4 and you are asking this question, your drill sergeants and every leader that you have had after that have failed you.
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SFC (Join to see)
I joined in 1999.. you joined well after that scout. I was Infantry for 15 years before changing my MOS, I'll have 21 years this year. Don't kid yourself, Professor, you may have that degree, good for you. I have a Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering. I know it's not as impressive as your English focus or whatever the hell... But no pal, we're not soft, we're just not completely full of shit, like you. You didn't make past E5 with 7 years... so what the hell does that say for you? Don't you have papers to grade?
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
SFC (Join to see) - It doesn't matter what your MOS was or the time you have under your belt, or how quickly or slowly you make grade. What matters is how you affect your soldiers, and this pussyfooting around feelings makes for horrible soldier development. My guys still hit me up for answers and advice because they know that though I was hard on them at times I was always looking out for them and trying to make them better. Nearly all of my soldiers have been promoted further than I ever was, and that's exactly how I like it. They are all SGT (P) and higher, and a good handful still say that my style was a major factor in the creation of their own leadership style and success.
None of this really has to do with my original comment, however. I chastised the leadership, not the soldier. Although, such a simple question could have been answered by a five second google search. Perhaps you can quit your whining and chest beating.
None of this really has to do with my original comment, however. I chastised the leadership, not the soldier. Although, such a simple question could have been answered by a five second google search. Perhaps you can quit your whining and chest beating.
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SFC (Join to see)
So you decided that instead led of utilizing this moment as a teachable moment, to berate this soldier? Great job( heavy sarcasm)
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
SFC (Join to see) plenty of people answered the question. And, in truth, my statement didn't berate the soldier but pointed out the failure of his leaders. But, hey, you can respond to comments made a literally years ago and add you two worthless cents if you like, bud.
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I will add a bit to the ground that others have covered.
A First Sergeant works for the company commander and is responsible for the training and welfare of the unit. They are seldom used at echelons above company level except for headquarters companies at battalion, brigade, etc.
A Master Sergeant usually works for one of the staff sections and is the senior NCO of that section usually responsible for work assignment and flow and supporting the primary staff officer in their duties. Mostly MSGs reside at brigade staffs and above, although you will see them sometimes as the Operations Sergeant in a battalion or a senior in a more technical kind of unit.
A First Sergeant works for the company commander and is responsible for the training and welfare of the unit. They are seldom used at echelons above company level except for headquarters companies at battalion, brigade, etc.
A Master Sergeant usually works for one of the staff sections and is the senior NCO of that section usually responsible for work assignment and flow and supporting the primary staff officer in their duties. Mostly MSGs reside at brigade staffs and above, although you will see them sometimes as the Operations Sergeant in a battalion or a senior in a more technical kind of unit.
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CPT William Jones
Thanks Top you explained it more clearly than I did. I guess I forgot a bit been out for 45+ years. Appreciate your service.
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