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Step 1
Start identification of Marine enlisted ranks with the single stripe of the Private First Class. The PFC enlisted rank is earned after basic training.
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Step 2
Identify a Lance Corporal by the single stripe with crossed rifles beneath. The rank of Corporal is signified by a second stripe on the rank insignia. Do not make the mistake of calling a Marine Lance Corporal "Corporal," since it is improper in the Marine Corps.
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Step 3
Determine a ranking of Sergeant through additional stripes and center emblems. A Marine Sergeant's rank is indicated by three stripes above and crossed rifles beneath. A Marine Staff Sergeant's rank insignia has three top stripes and one bottom stripe, with crossed rifles in the center.
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Step 4
Move up the enlisted ranks to Gunnery Sergeant. A Gunnery Sergeant's insignia has three top stripes and two bottom stripes with crossed rifles in the center.
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Step 5
Identify a Master Sergeant by the three top stripes and three bottom stripes with crossed rifles in the center. The Marine Corps' First Sergeant has the same arrangements of stripes as the Master Sergeant with a diamond replacing the crossed rifles in the center.
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Step 6
Recognize the enlisted rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant by an insignia of three top stripes and four bottom stripes. In the center of a Master Gunnery Sergeant's insignia is a bursting bomb.
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Step 7
Notice the slight difference in the insignias of a Master Gunnery Sergeant and a Sergeant Major who serve at the same pay grade. Sergeant Major's insignias have three stripes up, four stripes down and a five-pointed star in the center.
