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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.
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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
E-9
Master Gunnery Sergeant
SgtMaj
E-9
Sergeant Major
SMMC
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SMMC
E-9
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
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