What does TOP mean in the Marine Corps?

In the Army and Marines, the First Sergeant is often referred to as "Top," or "Top Kick." Why is this so offensive for some? RallyPoint. Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

What does TOP mean in the military?

First sergeants are generally the senior non-commissioned officers of company (battery, troop) sized units, and are unofficially but commonly referred to as "top", "top sergeant", "top soldier", "top kick", "first shirt", due to their seniority and their position at the top of the company's enlisted ranks.

What are the ranks in the Marines in order?

What is the highest rank in the Marines?

Major General (MajGen/O-8)

A major general is a two-star general. In peacetime, this is the highest permanent Marine Corps rank.

What is a female Marine called?

When the Marines began recruiting women reservists seven months ago, the Corps decided that its uniformed women would carry no telescoped name like WACs, WAVES or SPARS; they would be Marines. But "women Marines" is a lip-twisting phrase. "She-Marines" (TIME, June 21) was frowned on, too.

20 Military Terms and Phrases | Military Monday

What do you call an ex Marine?

“Once you go through the trails and tribulations, it stays with you forever and cannot be taken away.” Contrary to calling a retired Marine or a Marine who got out of service an ex-Marine, they should be referred to as “former enlisted” or “former commissioned officers,” Hoke said.

What is a Wookie in Marines?

"Wook" is a derogatory term for a female Marine. The comments go beyond the usual trolling one sees on Facebook and quickly devolve into mudslinging, sexist remarks and worse. The threads frequently feature posts and memes about rape.

Why are master sergeants called top?

In the Marine Corps, master sergeants may be referred to by the nickname of "Top". This usage is an informal one, however, and would not be used in an official or formal setting. Use of this nickname by Marines of subordinate rank is at the rank holder's discretion.

What rank do most Marines retire at?

As a result, many career officers who are eligible to retire after 20 years of active service retire at this rank. Lieutenant Colonel is the 22nd rank in the United States Marine Corps , ranking above Major and directly below Colonel.

How much do Marines make?

Basic Marine active-duty salary

As of 2020, the basic Marine active-duty pay for Private (E-1) Marines is: First four months of service: $1,602.30 per month or $19,227.60 per year. Over four months of service: $1,733.10 per month or $20,797.20 per year.

Who's tougher Marines or Navy SEALs?

Although the Marines are highly respected and considered one of the most elite fighting forces, the Navy SEALs training is far more rigorous and demanding than that of the Marines.

Can Marines be Navy SEALs?

Can a Marine be a Navy SEAL? An active-duty Marine cannot become a Navy SEAL. In order to go through Navy SEAL training, an individual must be a member of the Navy.

Is a Jarhead a Marine?

So, during World War II sailors began referring to Marines as Jarheads. Presumably the high collar on the Marine Dress Blues uniform made a Marine's head look like it was sticking out of the top of a Mason jar. Marines were not insulted. Instead, they embraced the new moniker as a term of utmost respect.

How do you greet a Marine?

“Rah.” or “Rah!” or “Rah?” Short for “Oohrah,” a Marine greeting or expression of enthusiasm similar to the Army's “Hooah” or the Navy's “Hooyah.” Rah, however, is a bit more versatile.

What does it mean to be at the top?

: having among the highest grades in one's class.

Do Marines get paid for life?

Marine retirement pay is the same as retirement pay in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. As with the Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard, a Marine Corps pension is based on years of service and rank (pay grade) upon retirement.

Is 20 years in the military worth it?

The total expected value of retiring at 20 years is worth nearly a million dollars, which means that the last two years of work in uniform are worth roughly half a million each to a typical officer (annual base pay plus half of their retirement stream).

How old are master sergeants?

Sergeant First Class (E-7) - 32 (join + 13.6 years) Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) - 35 - (join + 17 years) Sergeant Major (E-9) - 39 - (join + 20.8 years)

What do you call a Marine first sergeant?

E-8 First Sergeant - Senior Enlisted Advisor - U.S. Marine Corps Ranks.

How much money does a Master Sergeant make?

Starting pay for a Master Sergeant is $4,739.10 per month, with raises for experience resulting in a maximum base pay of $6,759.00 per month. You can use the simple calculator below to see basic and drill pay for a Master Sergeant, or visit our Army pay calculator for a more detailed salary estimate.

Is it OK to say oorah to a Marine?

Oorah is a battle cry common in the United States Marine Corps since the mid-20th century. It is comparable to hooah in the US Army and hooyah in the US Navy and US Coast Guard. It is most commonly used to respond to a verbal greeting or as an expression of enthusiasm. (Source: Wikipedia.)

Do you salute a Marine?

If it is a military member, they will salute officers. It is customary to return the salute whether you are in uniform or wearing civilian clothes.

Is it appropriate to say Semper Fi to a Marine?

However, “Semper Fi” (as it's yelled, cheered, or used as a greeting) is not just a motto for the Marines – it's a way of life. The phrase is Latin for “Always Faithful” and it embodies the Marine Corps' forever commitment to both their fellow Marines and the United States.