Gunnery sergeant
A gunnery sergeant (GySgt), pay grade E-7, is the seventh enlisted rank in the United States Marine Corps and the lowest staff non-commissioned officer (NCO) grade, positioned above staff sergeant (E-6) and below master sergeant and first sergeant (both E-8).[1] This rank is unique to the USMC among the U.S. armed services and emphasizes technical expertise, leadership, and operational advisory roles within Marine units.[1] The rank of gunnery sergeant was established on March 3, 1899, through the Navy Personnel Act (30 Stat. 1004), which authorized 72 such positions in the Marine Corps with the rank and pay allowances equivalent to those of a first sergeant ($35 per month at the time).[2] Originally created to address the specialized duties of Marines serving on naval vessels, where smaller detachments required leaders capable of handling both platoon-level responsibilities and gunnery oversight, the role evolved to support broader infantry and technical operations as the Corps expanded.[3] Over time, the insignia—featuring three chevrons above three rockers with a bursting bomb emblem—has symbolized the rank's focus on weapons proficiency and combat readiness, with modifications in 1959 to include crossed rifles for infantry alignment.[4] In contemporary service, gunnery sergeants function as unit operations chiefs, collaborating with officers on planning training exercises, tactical maneuvers, and mission execution while maintaining high standards of discipline and morale among subordinates.[1] They often serve in billets such as company gunnery sergeant, platoon sergeant, or staff roles in logistics and weapons training, drawing on extensive experience (typically 8–12 years of service) to mentor junior Marines and ensure operational efficiency.[5] Promotion to gunnery sergeant requires demonstrated leadership, completion of required professional military education like the Career Course, and selection by a promotion board convened annually by the Marine Corps.[6]Overview and Rank Structure
Definition and Pay Grade
The gunnery sergeant (GySgt) is the seventh enlisted rank in the United States Marine Corps (USMC), classified as a staff noncommissioned officer (SNCO) at pay grade E-7.[7] This rank serves as a senior enlisted position emphasizing technical and supervisory responsibilities, particularly in gunnery, weapons systems, and operational proficiency within the Marine's military occupational specialty (MOS).[8] It is positioned immediately above staff sergeant (E-6) and below master sergeant or first sergeant (E-8) in the USMC enlisted hierarchy.[7] In terms of pay grade equivalence across U.S. military branches, the E-7 gunnery sergeant aligns with sergeant first class in the Army, chief petty officer in the Navy, and master sergeant in the Air Force and Space Force. These equivalences are standardized by the Department of Defense to facilitate interoperability and seniority comparisons among enlisted personnel from different services. As of 2025 (effective April 1, 2025), the base pay for an E-7 gunnery sergeant varies by years of service, starting at $3,788.10 per month for those with two or fewer years (though typically achieved after more service) and reaching $5,951.10 for over 18 years, with further increases up to $6,808.80 for over 40 years.[9] Total compensation includes this basic pay plus allowances such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) based on location and dependents, Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for meals, and special pays for deployment (e.g., imminent danger pay) or longevity increments.| Years of Service | Monthly Base Pay (E-7, 2025) |
|---|---|
| 2 or less | $3,788.10 |
| Over 2 | $4,134.30 |
| Over 3 | $4,293.00 |
| Over 4 | $4,502.10 |
| Over 6 | $4,666.50 |
| Over 8 | $4,947.60 |
| Over 10 | $5,106.30 |
| Over 12 and above | $5,387.10 to $6,808.80 (depending on years of service) |