1stSgt. and MSgt.

[Accord]

At what point in your career do you decide whether you want to go the route of a 1stSgt. or MSgt. and what are some of the more common reasons that Marines choose to go one route versus the other?

[Marine Shu]

My recruiter told me that one was a company grade SNCO, and the other was a field grade SNCO. I think 1st is company grade and Master is field grade.

[Accord]

I found this but it doesn't really explain much:

In the United States Marine Corps, First Sergeant is one level below Sergeant Major and Master Gunnery Sergeant and is the next rank above Gunnery Sergeant. It is equal in grade to Master Sergeant, although the two ranks have different responsibilities. First Sergeant have a command responsibility while Master Sergeants have technical responsibilities. Unlike the first sergeant and master sergeant programs in the U.S. Army, no lateral movement is possible between the two ranks in the Marine Corps. In their annual performance evaluations, called "fitness reports," eligible Gunnery Sergeants indicate whether they wish to be considered for promotion to Master Sergeant or First Sergeant. A First Sergeant is then eligible to be promoted to a Sergeant Major while a Master Sergeant would be on the promotional track for Master Gunnery Sergeant.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

Don't forget to add that if you can get along with me you can't be a MSGT. (Although MGYSGTs and I always got along well.)

[Kegler300]

Some have technical skills and can think on their feet; the others supervise squadbay field days and formations.

[usmchauer]

LOL Kegler300. My Top once told me a PFC can do a 1stSgt's Job..... To answer your question poolee when a GySgt gets promoted to 1stSgt his MOS actually changes. Generally he is put in a administrative billet ie: taking care of troops, legal bs, company things. A Master Sgt on the other hand remains in his field. He just goes up higher on the food chain. I honestly never understood why someone would want to be 1stSgt. No offense to you 1stSgts out there!

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

The only reason to be a 1st Sgt that I know of is that it is the route to Sgt. Maj. And, when you're a Sgt. Maj. you can use the classic line below:

A young 2nd Lt. was checking into his first unit in the fleet. He walked past an old Sgt. Major. When the Sgt. Major did not salute, the Lt. walked over to him, while pointing at his collar. "Sgt. Major don't you know you're supposed to salute officers?"

The Sgt. Maj then pointed to his own collar. "Son, do you see these stars? Until you have more of them than I do, I'm not saluting ****!"

[jackson07]

HA :thumbup: Thats a good one. I have never heard it before.

[Hobson]

I remember my grandpa, who got out as a MGYSGT, was telling me about some 2nd LT who just got his commission. He asked my grandpa the same thing. My grandpa turned to him and said, "Son i was in the Marine Corps when you were still suckin on your moms titties." or something to the sort.

It was comedy ;)

[SkilletsUSMC]

The only reason to be a 1st Sgt that I know of is that it is the route to Sgt. Maj. And, when you're a Sgt. Maj. you can use the classic line below:

A young 2nd Lt. was checking into his first unit in the fleet. He walked past an old Sgt. Major. When the Sgt. Major did not salute, the Lt. walked over to him, while pointing at his collar. "Sgt. Major don't you know you're supposed to salute officers?"

The Sgt. Maj then pointed to his own collar. "Son, do you see these stars? Until you have more of them than I do, I'm not saluting ****!"

our old Battalion SgtMaj. did the same thing to a 2nd LT. Same senario, only he told the LT that if he wanted his salute, he'd have to climb his ****ing rockers and get it.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

I've heard of a master guns saying that one. I love senior enlisted Marines.

[Kildars]

Too bad that wasn't hobson's grandpa, it was mine haha. He just knew him well :) and he stole my story!

[jcdc1]

During PT,Top used to run with a cigar in his mouth. Crazy **** huh ?

[Old Marine]

1stSgt is on the administrative end.
MSgt is on the field end.