Which rank uses Three stripes up, Three Down, Diamond?

• A. First Sergeant (E-8)
• B. Master Sergeant (E-8)
• C. Sergeant Major (E-9)
• D. Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9)

Answer: (A)

In Marine Corps enlisted insignia, the rhythm of stripes and the symbol in the middle identify the exact rank. Three chevrons up with three rockers down marks the E-8 level, and the center device differentiates which E-8 rank it is. A diamond-shaped device in the middle signals a First Sergeant, while a star in the middle would indicate a Master Sergeant. So the combination of three stripes up, three down, plus a diamond is the mark of a First Sergeant, making that the correct identification. The other ranks at the same pay grade use different center devices (a star for Master Sergeant, and distinct devices for the E-9 ranks), which is why they don’t fit this description.