<P> A master sergeant is typically assigned as a brigade - level section noncommissioned officer in charge and serves as the subject matter expert in his or her field, but may also hold other positions depending on the type of unit . The equivalent - grade first sergeant is the senior noncommissioned officer of a company, battery, or troop . </P> <P> When holding the position of first sergeant, while uncommon, the master sergeant is referred to as "first sergeant"; however, when not in the position of first sergeant, master sergeants are addressed as "sergeant". This is the standard address for all pay grades E-5 through E-8 . Use of the term "top" or "master sergeant" is not a requirement, but is considered courteous and remains to be at the discretion of the one addressing the master sergeant . </P> <P> In 1920 the Army combined several regimental level "staff" NCO ranks, including four grades of sergeant major, three grades of quartermaster sergeant, regimental supply sergeant, senior ordnance sergeant, senior band sergeant, four grades of senior master sergeant, and seven additional master - level technical and specialist ranks into the new master sergeant rank . Master sergeant then became the senior enlisted rank, ranking above technical sergeant and first sergeant (a positional rank / title for the senior technical sergeant in a company / battery / troop), while "sergeant major" became a "courtesy title" for the senior master sergeant in a battalion / squadron or higher headquarters . </P> <P> In 1942, the rank of first sergeant was elevated one grade and was then considered as a junior version of master sergeant, because while first sergeants served as senior NCOs at the company / battery / troop level, master sergeants held positions as the senior NCO in their MOS at battalion / squadron and higher level headquarters . In 1958, both first sergeant and master sergeant were elevated one grade to the new E-8 pay grade, while the rank of sergeant major was restored as the senior enlisted rank at the new pay grade of E-9 . </P>

How do you become a master sergeant in the air force