Why are master sergeants called top?

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.

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 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 military?

Top - (US Army and Marines) The First Sergeant or Master Sergeant (USMC), senior enlisted man at company level.

How are master sergeants addressed?

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.

US Military (All Branches) ENLISTED Ranks Explained

Is Master Sergeant a high rank in the army?

Master Sergeant (MSG)

Sergeants Major are non-commissioned officers (NCO's) in the United States Army. They are the highest-ranking enlisted soldiers in the military.

Is Master Sergeant a high rank Marines?

Master Sergeant is the 8th rank in the United States Marine Corps , ranking above Gunnery Sergeant and directly below First Sergeant. A master sergeant is a Staff Noncommissioned Officer at DoD paygrade E-8, with a starting monthly pay of $4,739.

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.

What does Oscar Mike Foxtrot mean?

The saying is radio operator jargon, and sayings such as 'Oscar Mike' are a way for radio operators to cut down on their radio time. Ideally, those on the radio spend as little time as possible talking, so their position goes undetected.

What does the term Bravo Foxtrot mean?

Answer: A Blue Falcon is also sometimes called a Bravo Foxtrot and is someone who messes things up for other members of their squad, either by causing drama or by betraying other members.

Why do Marines say until Valhalla?

The words “until Valhalla” hold special meaning among soldiers. The Vikings believed that should they fall in battle, Valhalla awaited them beyond death. “Until Valhalla” conveys the simple yet powerful message that there is no greater distinction in life than to die with valor and honor.

What does Booyah mean in the military?

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.)

Why do Marines call Army doggies?

Though its precise origin is uncertain, contemporaneous newspapers accounted for the nickname by explaining that soldiers "wear dog-tags, sleep in pup tents, and are always growling about something" and "the army is a dog's life . . . and when they want us, they whistle for us."

Are master sergeants addressed as sergeant?

Enlisted Soldiers and NCOs:

Address sergeants, staff sergeants, sergeants first class, and master sergeants as “Sergeant (last name).” Address first sergeants as “First Sergeant (last name).”

Do you salute a master sergeant?

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).

What rank is called top in the Marines?

COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS – the highest-ranking Marine Officer, also a four-star general, serves on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

What does Bravo Zulu mean in the military?

Bravo Zulu. This is a naval signal, conveyed by flaghoist or voice radio, meaning "well done"; it has also passed into the spoken and written vocabulary. It can be combined with the "negative" signal, spoken or written NEGAT, to say "NEGAT Bravo Zulu," or "not well done."

What does Hotel Sierra mean?

Sierra Hotel or sometimes Hotel Sierra. Meaning s***-hot, or its opposite. When that new lieutenant makes it through his first field training exercise without getting his platoon lost, you've got a sierra hotel lieutenant.

What does Delta Echo mean?

Delta and echo are the standard words for D and E in an international code for spelling out words clearly: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, . . . The usual word for I is India, but the alphabet has variations. 'Niner' is used for distinctiveness so it's not confused with the monosyllable 'one'.

What is a squid in the Navy?

A term used in the old Navy (not the store), Squid is what other branches. (especially Marines) generally called sailors. The term refers to the aquatic animal and how it can swim fast in a straight line but similar to inexperienced motorcyclists, have trouble quickly changing directions.

What is Devil Dog in Marine Corps?

According to United States Marine Corps legend, the moniker was used by German soldiers to describe U.S. Marines who fought in the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918. The Marines fought with such ferocity that they were likened to "Dogs from Hell." The reports were made by American media and not verified by actual Germans.

Why is a Marine called a Leatherneck?

"Leatherneck"

Also mandated was a leather stock to be worn by officers and enlisted men alike. This leather collar served to protect the neck against cutlass slashes and to hold the head erect in proper military bearing. Sailors serving aboard ship with Marines came to call them “leathernecks.”

How long does it take to become a Master Sergeant?

There are no minimum time-in-grade requirements for promotion to E-7, E-8, or E-9, but soldiers must meet the following minimum time-in-service requirements to be eligible for promotion: Sergeant First Class (E-7) — Six years. Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) — Eight years.

Why do Marines blouse their boots?

And while blousing your boots may serve the purpose of keeping your slacks from flapping in the wind, loose fabric from catching while jumping out of an aircraft, or just keeping dirt from finding its way between your toes, the act of securing the bottoms of your trousers can be hard work.