Which rank is above Gunnery Sergeant in the paygrade structure?

• A. Master Gunnery Sergeant
• B. First Sergeant/Master Sergeant
• C. Sergeant Major
• D. Gunnery Sergeant

Answer: (B)

In the Marine Corps paygrade ladder, Gunnery Sergeant is an E-7. The next step up is E-8, which has two ranks: Master Sergeant and First Sergeant. So the ranks directly above a Gunnery Sergeant are both Master Sergeant and First Sergeant. The option that lists both of these ranks captures the correct relationship, making it the best answer.

For context, higher steps exist: at E-9 you find Master Gunnery Sergeant and Sergeant Major, with the potential exception of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. The other options point to ranks that are either at a different paygrade level or are the same rank, rather than accurately representing the immediate higher paygrades.