For E-8, which designation is listed in the material?

For E-8, which designation is listed in the material?

• A. Senior Master Sergeant; First Sergeant
• B. Chief Master Sergeant; Command Chief Master Sergeant; First Sergeant
• C. Master Sergeant
• D. First Sergeant

Answer: (A)

Think about the difference between a rank (pay grade) and a duty designation. For pay grade E-8, the rank is Senior Master Sergeant. The material also lists First Sergeant as a designation that can be attached to someone at that level, since First Sergeant is a leadership designation that can be assigned to senior NCOs, including SMSgts. So the pairing that accurately reflects what can appear for E-8 is Senior Master Sergeant together with First Sergeant. The other options mix in the wrong rank (for example, Chief Master Sergeant is E-9) or omit the rank or designation, which is why they don’t fit as well.

Think about the difference between a rank (pay grade) and a duty designation. For pay grade E-8, the rank is Senior Master Sergeant. The material also lists First Sergeant as a designation that can be attached to someone at that level, since First Sergeant is a leadership designation that can be assigned to senior NCOs, including SMSgts. So the pairing that accurately reflects what can appear for E-8 is Senior Master Sergeant together with First Sergeant. The other options mix in the wrong rank (for example, Chief Master Sergeant is E-9) or omit the rank or designation, which is why they don’t fit as well.