USMC FIRST SERGEANT METAL CHEVRONS

Use the selection box to the right to choose between 22K gold-plated or stamped black metal pin-on First Sergeant Insignia.

Gold pin-on First Sergeant chevrons are worn only on the epaulettes of the Blue Dress sweater introduced in 1992 and now classified as an optional item to be worn at the individual’s discretion (unless the Blue Dress coat would be more appropriate). The insignis are worn with the chevrons pointing toward the neck, centered between the rear and front edges of the epaulettes with its outermost edge 3/4-inch from the armhole seam.

Black pin-on First Sergeant chevrons are worn in the same manner on the epaulettes of the Tanker Jacket and Green Service sweater. They are also worn on the collars of coats (All-Weather, MCCUU, Maternity Working Uniform) and organizational clothing where they’re positioned point up with center of the insignia on a line bisecting the angle of the point of the collar; the lower outside edges of the insignia should be equidistantly spaced .5” from both sides of the collar.
 

The rank title of First Sergeant was first officially used by the Marine Corps in 1872, when it was introduced to replace Orderly Sergeant to reflect the position’s larger administrative and leadership responsibilities in relation to other Sergeant ranks at the time. By the middle of World War II, First Sergeants were in the highest pay grade (Grade 1).

But after 1 December 1946, First Sergeants—along with Sergeant Majors, Master Gunnery Sergeant, Master Technical Sergeant, Quartermaster Sergeant, Paymaster Sergeant, Maser Steward, and Master Cook—were designated as Master Sergeants. Eight years later, the Corps backpedaled somewhat and brought back First Sergeant in the new highest grade of E-7, below Sergeant Major and above Master Sergeant.

Finally, in 1958, First Sergeants were placed in the E-8 Grade along with Master Sergeants, sharing the same rocker/chevron configuration but with a lozenge in lieu of the crossed rifles introduced to enlisted insignia as a reminder that “Every Marine is a rifleman.”

More USMC First Sergeant Insignia/Devices
First Sergeant Sew-On Chevrons
First Sergeant Scarlet and Gold Tie Tack

Staff Noncommissioned Officer Accouterments
SNCO Cuff Links
SNCO Chain-Link Buttons for Evening Dress Jacket
SNCO Waist Plate

More USMC Enlisted Insignia/Devices
Enlisted Dress Cap Insignia 
Enlisted Service / Garrison Cap Insignia
Enlisted Dress Uniform Collar Device
Enlisted Service Uniform Collar Device
Enlisted Gold Tie Tack
Enlisted / NCO Cuff Links
Service Stripes