First sergeant (E-8)

How to read it

The Marine Corps has two ranks at E-8. First sergeants are senior enlisted advisors who assist the commanding officer in matters of discipline, administration, and the morale and welfare of the unit, and each is the senior enlisted Marine in a company, battery or similar unit. Master sergeants, at the same pay grade, are technical specialists instead. A first sergeant’s counterpart at E-9 is the sergeant major, who does the same job for a battalion, squadron or larger unit. Gunnery sergeants (E-7) state on their annual evaluations which of the two E-8 tracks they prefer.

Also searched as: 1st Sgt, 1stSgt, first sergeant marines.

First sergeant or master sergeant?

The chevrons and three rockers are the same. The diamond between them marks the first sergeant; the master sergeant has crossed rifles there.

Marine or Army first sergeant?

The Army’s first sergeant insignia is built the same way: three chevrons above three arcs with a pierced lozenge, a diamond, between them. Both are E-8.