Editing Master sergeant

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{{Ratings}}
{{References}}
{{Rank Infobox
|name=Master Sergeant
|image=[[File:USMC-E8-MSG.png|150px]]<ref>[http://screenshots.teamxbox.com/screen/80438/Halo-3-Recon/ ''Halo 3: ODST'' Screenshot of the Rookie] - Upper left chest plate has clear sign of one chevron and two crossed rifles of a [[United States Marine Corps]] [[Lance Corporal]]. It is assumed that the UNSC uses the same insignia for its Marines.</ref>[[File:MSgt_(USAF).png|150px]] [[File:MSG_(USA).png|150px]]
|affiliation=*[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
*[[UNSC Army]]
*[[UNSC Air Force]]
|higher rank=[[Master Gunnery Sergeant (rank)|Master Gunnery Sergeant]]
|lower rank=[[Gunnery Sergeant (UNSC)|Gunnery Sergeant]]
|command=
|known=*[[Lister (Marine)|Lister]]
*[[Frost]]
*[[Cortez]]
}}

'''Master Sergeant''' is the eighth enlisted rank of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] and the [[UNSC Army]], and the seventh enlisted rank in the [[UNSC Air Force]]. It is a [[staff non-commissioned officer]] rank. It is equal in pay grade to [[First Sergeant]], although the two have different responsibilities. The rank of Master Sergeant in the UNSC Marine Corps and Army is equal to the rank of [[Senior Chief Petty Officer]] in the [[UNSC Navy]].

Master Sergeants may also be referred to by the nickname of "Top". This usage is an informal one, however, and would not be used in an official or formal setting. Use of this nickname by Marines of subordinate rank is at the rank holder's discretion.

==First Sergeant and Master Sergeant==
In the United States Marine Corps, eligible [[Gunnery Sergeant]]s indicate whether they wish to be considered for promotion to Master Sergeant or [[First Sergeant]], and thus whether they enter the promotional track for [[Master Gunnery Sergeant]] or [[Sergeant Major]]. Once promoted, the promotional track is permanent; lateral movement between the two programs is not possible.

One of the major differences between the two ranks is that First Sergeants have a general command status, while a Master Sergeant's role is as a provider of technical military leadership.

Whether this carries over into UNSC Gunnery Sergeants is unconfirmed.

==Responsibilities==
When a First Sergeant is not available, a Master Sergeant may take up the role as the senior NCO for company level units. They then become the assistants and advisers for the company commander. This is seen during the events of ''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', when Master Sergeant [[Lister (Marine)|Lister]] became [[First Lieutenant]] [[Melissa McKay]]'s senior NCO.<ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', Page 148</ref>

==Sources==
<references/>

{{Clear}}
{{UNSC Enlisted Ranks}}
[[Category:Ranks]]
[[Category:UNSC Enlisted Ranks]]