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It started in the Army. A master sergeant in the Army is the "top" enlisted person of a command. Master sergeants are laterally promoted to first sergeant upon selection by the senior leadership at Department of the Army, depending on available billets and opportunities. Upon reassignment to a non-first sergeant billet, the soldier reverts back to their original rank of master sergeant. First sergeants are generally the senior non-commissioned officers of company sized units, and are unofficially but commonly referred to as "first shirt", "top", "top sergeant", "top soldier", "top kick", or "top hat", due to their seniority and their position at the top of the company's enlisted ranks.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoUnit First Sergeants are referred to as "Top" due to their position as the chief or highest ranking NCO within the unit. Top is also a term of respect.
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What was the difference between a Master Sergeant and a First Sergeant in WW2?
In the United States Army, the rank of First Sergeant (abbreviated as 1SG) is above Sergeant First Class, below the ranks of Sergeants Major and shares the paygrade of E-8 with Master Sergeant. The rank of First Sergeant carries more responsibility than the rank of Master Sergeant, and the rank may be either given to the soldier upon promotion to the paygrade of E-8 or they may be "laterally promoted" (promoted in rank but not paygrade) from Master Sergeant at a later date. They are also known unofficially as Top Sergeant or just Top, due to the fact that First Sergeants are the most senior non-commissioned officers in an Army company. Right - that is Current, but what was the difference during World War II, when Master Sergeant was technically higher than First Sergeant (Although both E-7)? - Master Sergeants were higher in responsibility than FSgt's. Master Sergeants were commonly Battalion level NCO's during WWII, also more experienced members of the Armored and Air Corps. First Sergeant was the most senior NCO positions in a Company.
How does a private greet a retired master gunnery sergeant in public meeting?
Unless requested otherwise, I always addressed retired personnel by their rank, in this case Master Gunnery Sergeant, in a less formal situation "Top" would be acceptable as well.
What is the name of the top sergeant in beetle bailey?
The name of the top sergeant in Beetle Bailey is Sergeant First Class Orville P. Snorkel.
What are the ratings and certificates for Top Sergeant - 1942?
Top Sergeant - 1942 is rated/received certificates of: Sweden:15
Who is top ranking officer captain colonel sergeant?
Colonel then Captain then Sergeant .
The term top when referring to a us army first sergeant where did originate from?
The term "top" when referring to a US Army First Sergeant is derived from the phrase "top sergeant." This phrase likely originated from the idea that the First Sergeant holds a position of high authority and responsibility within the unit, often serving as the senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) and advisor to the commanding officer. The use of "top" is a colloquialism that has become synonymous with the role of a First Sergeant in the army.
What is a champion chess player called?
Chess World Champion
Why are marine corps master sergeants called top?
They are referred d to as Top because they are at the top of the NCO ladder. They are the highest rank a NCO can be without a MOS.
what is the principal duty of the first sergeant?
The First Sergeant, or Top, is the senior NCO of the Company, Battery, or Troop.
What does the military term Top mean where did come from?
The term TOP as i have heard from my lieutenant colonel refers to the TOP sergeant. Usually that of the rank First Sergeant. Typically a senior non-commissioned officer.
When was Master Top Airlines created?
Master Top Airlines was created in 2006.
What are the ratings and certificates for Top Sergeant Mulligan - 1941?
Top Sergeant Mulligan - 1941 is rated/received certificates of: USA:Passed (National Board of Review) USA:Approved (PCA #7746)
