Sergeant Major and Master Gunnery Sergeant differences

When you  look at the pay grade of a Sergeant Major and Master Gunnery Sergeant you will notice that they are both E-9s.  What makes a Sergeant Major and Master Guns different?  They are both E-9s.  The answer is they chose a certain career path as a Gunnery Sergeant that set them on that path.  Their choice will set them on the course for becoming a First Sergeant or a Master Sergeant.

USMC E-7 Gunnery Sergeant

USMC E-7 Gunnery Sergeant

A Gunnery Sergeant must consider their path wisely.  When a Gunnery Sergeant is promoted to E-8 they will embark on their respective careers.  A First Sergeant will be promoted to Sergeant Major.  A Master Sergeant will be promoted to a Master Gunnery Sergeant.  Both ranks are E-9.

Sgt Maj Ronald Green meets Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter

Sgt Maj Ronald Green meets Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter

First Sergeant/Sergeant Major

As a First Sergeant/Sergeant Major your duties would be to train, educate, and counsel your Marines.  You must also enforce all articles governing the UCMJ (United Code of Military Justice).  Any of the Marines under your charge caught in violation of these articles will be subject to disciplinary action, given under your hand.  As a First Sergeant or Sergeant Major you are directly responsible to the Commanding Officer as their senior enlisted advisor.

Gen. James F. Amos, speaks with Master Gunnery Sgt. Douglas P. Fraser

Gen. James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks with Master Gunnery Sgt. Douglas P. Fraser

Master Sergeant/Master Gunnery Sergeant

The realm of the Master Sergeant/Master Gunnery Sergeant is quite different.  Whereas the Sergeant Major takes an administrative role, the Master Gunnery Sergeants are masters of their MOS.  They take a behind the scenes approach to ensure the operational success of their respective MOS.  Master Gunnery Sergeants are even eligible to become an MOS Monitor.  An MOS Monitor is responsible in distributing manpower throughout the Marine Corps entire MOS.

Sergeant Major and Master Gunnery Sergeants Coins   Sergeant Major and Master Gunnery Sergeant Coins Marine Coin Company

A Sergeant Major and Master Gunnery Sergeant have equally important roles in the Marine Corps.  It is up to them to take the administrative or technical helm, respectively.  Without them our Corps would have no direction.  A Master Gunnery Sergeant can be critical in the creation of Joint Regulations and updating Technical Manuals.  A Sergeant Major however could eventually be eligible to hold the billet of Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

Either way a Marine chooses to go, they must embody the persona that each billet holds.  A Sergeant Major and Master Gunnery Sergeant can hold much weight in influencing the direction of the Marine Corps.  That is a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly.

Devil Dog Shirts honors the Marines that have made a life commitment to the Corps.  To our Sergeants Major and Master Gunnery Sergeants, thank you!  We honor those that have chose to commit their life to the Corps!  Semper Fi!