Welcome to the Marine Corps!

E-1, Private, Pvt
E-2, Private First Class, PFC
E-3, Lance Corporal, LCPL

Noncommissioned Officers, or NCOs:
E-4, Corporal, CPL
E-5, Sergeant, SGT

Staff Noncommissioned Officers, or SNCOs:
E-6, Staff Sergeant, SSGT
E-7, Gunnery Sergeant, GYSGT
E-8
Master Sergeant, MSGT
First Sergeant, 1SGT

E-9
Master Gunnery Sergeant, MGYSGT
Sergeant Major, SGTMAJ
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

The E-8 and E-9 levels each have two ranks per pay grade, each with different responsibilities. Gunnery Sergeants indicate on their annual evaluations, called "fitness reports," or "fitreps" for short, their preferred promotional track: Master Sergeant or First Sergeant. The First Sergeant and Sergeant Major ranks are command-oriented, with Marines of theses ranks serving as the senior enlisted Marines in a unit, charged to assist the commanding officer in matter of discipline, administration and the morale and welfare of the unit. Master Sergeants and Master Gunnery Sergeants provide technical leadership as occupational specialists in their specific MOS. First Sergeants typically 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.