Master Gunnery Sergeant Insignia

Master Gunnery Sergeant is the ninth and highest enlisted rank (along with the grade-equivalent rank of Sergeant Major) in the U.S. Marine Corps. Master Gunnery Sergeants are non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and are assigned a pay grade of E-9. The title may be abbreviated as MGySgt.

Master Gunnery Sergeants are sometimes referred to by the nickname "Master Guns" or "Master Gunny." These nicknames can sometimes be unacceptable in formal or ceremonial situations, or, at the rank holder's discretion, for use by lower-ranking Marines.

History and modern role

The rank was derived from another rank unique to the United States Marine Corps, the gunnery sergeant, and has been in use (though not continuously) since the time of the Spanish-American War.

Establishment of the rank in its current form and paygrade occurred during sweeping reorganization of ranks and paygrades in 1958 and 1959. The rank was included, along with the rank of master sergeant, in a new program for the paygrades of E-8 and E-9 which allowed senior NCO billets to now be filled by occupational specialists. This move was designed to officially acknowledge the ever-increasing complexity of modern warfare, while still maintaining the first sergeant and sergeant major programs, with their historic command prestige.

In their annual performance evaluations, called "proficiency reports," eligible gunnery sergeants indicate whether they wish to be considered for promotion to master sergeant or first sergeant, and thus whether they enter the promotional track for master gunnery sergeant or sergeant major. Once promoted, the promotional track is permanent; lateral movement between the two programs is not possible.

One of the major differences between the two E-9 ranks is that master gunnery sergeants retain their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), while sergeants major are given a new MOS to reflect their general command focus. This reinforces the master gunnery sergeant's role as a provider of technical military leadership.

See also

• Military rank
• Sergeant
• Comparative military ranks
• U.S. Marine Corps enlisted rank insignia

External links