Which rank comes before Master Sergeant?

The correct answer is Gunnery Sergeant. In military rank structures, specifically within the U.S. Marine Corps, the rank of Master Sergeant is positioned two ranks above Gunnery Sergeant and is part of the enlisted ranks that follow a hierarchical order.

A Gunnery Sergeant is an E-7 rank, while a Master Sergeant is an E-8 rank. This rank structure establishes that a Gunnery Sergeant is, by definition, one rank below a Master Sergeant. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for those studying military organization as it allows personnel to comprehend the chain of command and the relationships between different ranks. Recognizing the roles and responsibilities associated with each rank can also contribute to effective communication and leadership within the service.

Other ranks listed, such as Staff Sergeant, First Sergeant, and Corporal, do not fit the positional context leading to the Master Sergeant rank based on the standard military ranking system where Gunnery Sergeant precedes Master Sergeant in organizational hierarchy.