Perceptions of Master Sergeants in the United States Marine Corps (USMC)

In the United States Marine Corps (USMC), the rank of Master Sergeant is often held in high regard. However, do enlisted Marines dislike Master Sergeants, or is there more to the relationship than meets the eye?

Interaction Levels and Personal Experiences

No, it is rather unlikely that most enlisted Marines will ever interact with a Master Sergeant due to the hierarchical structure of the military. Enlisted members typically serve under directly managing Junior Sergeants, Staff Sergeants, and Gunnery Sergeants. Interaction with higher ranks such as Master Sergeants, Sergeant Majors, and Corpsmen (Specialists) is less frequent.

However, personal interactions with Master Sergeants are not necessarily negative. Personal opinions can vary based on the individual:

Respect vs. Dislike: While enlisted Marines are expected to show respect to all senior ranks, their personal feelings can run the gamut from dislike to respect. Diversity of Character: Just as the military is a diverse institution, so are its leadership. A Master Sergeant can be a "fucking prick" or the "chillest leader" depending on the individual's experience and character.

Example:

I had a Sergeant Major who was a total fucking prick, and I hated him, but I always respected him because he was a Sergeant Major. On the other hand, I had a Gunnery Sergeant who was one of the chillest leaders I served with. I liked and had great respect for him as a person as well as a Gunnery Sergeant.

Reverence for Master Sergeants in the USMC

Despite the personal dynamics, Master Sergeants are generally highly esteemed in the corps. Many Marines, including myself, wanted to call them "Sir."

My own First Sergeant has a remarkable history from the Pacific Theater. This individual had been a part of the fight against Colonel Ichiki's landing force at Guadalcanal. He recounted walking that beach the following morning, a testament to the enduring legacy of Marine service:

My own First Sergeant had been in the fight against Col. Ichiki's landing force at Guadalcanal. He told me of walking that beach the next morning. The Old Corps.

This shared history and the hard-fought battles that bring our Corps together are a significant reason for the reverence Commander-in-Chief promotes widely among Marines. Time-honored traditions and the pride in Marine heritage contribute to the high regard Master Sergeants command.

Conclusion

While the relationship between enlisted Marines and Master Sergeants can vary, the overall sentiment toward these seasoned leaders is one of respect and appreciation. The personal interactions and the history that binds Marines together play crucial roles in shaping this lasting admiration for the rank of Master Sergeant within the United States Marine Corps.