!

RANKS
A complete break down of all
Enlisted, Warrant Officer and Officer
ranks and their associated grades.

E NLI STE D
Often referred to as the backbone of the
Corps, enlisted Marines with pay grades
of E-4 and E-5 are non-commissioned
officers (NCOs). Staff NCOs are career
Marines serving in grades E-6 through
E-9. Together they are responsible to
the commanding officer for the welfare,
morale, discipline, and efficiency of
Marines in their charge.

The ranks of E-8 and E-9 each have two

ranks per pay grade, with distinct
responsibilities. Gunnery sergeants (E-
7) indicate their preferred promotional
track on their annual evaluations. First
sergeants (E-8) and sergeants major (E-
9) serve as senior enlisted advisors
assisting the commanding officer in
matters of discipline, administration, and
the morale and welfare of the unit. First
sergeants serve as the senior enlisted
Marine in a company, battery, or other
unit at similar echelon, while sergeants
major serve the same role in battalions,
squadrons, or larger units. Master
sergeants (E-8) and master gunnery
sergeants (E-9) provide technical
leadership as occupational specialists in
their specific MOS.

The sergeant major of the Marine Corps

is the senior enlisted Marine of the entire
Marine Corps, personally selected by
the commandant. The sergeant major of
the Marine Corps and the Marine gunner
are the only billets which rate modified
rank insignia in place of traditional rank
insignia.

RANK PAY G R A D E

PVT
Private
E-1

PFC
Private First Class E-2

LCpl
Lance Corporal E-3

Cpl
Corporal E-4

Sgt
E-5
Sergeant

SSgt
E-6
Staff Sergeant

GySgt
E-7
Gunnery Sergeant

MSgt
E-8
Master Sergeant

1st Sgt
E-8
First Sergeant

MGySgt
Master Gunnery E-9
Sergeant

SgtMaj
E-9
Sergeant Major

SMMC
Sergeant Major of E-9
the Marine Corps

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil

"