gunnery sergeant

noun

Marine Corps.

1. a noncommissioned officer ranking above a staff sergeant and below a first or master sergeant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gunnery sergeant¹

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Example Sentences

Any Marine gunnery sergeant in a movie — and no doubt some in the real world too — operates in the shadow of R. Lee Ermey in “Full Metal Jacket.”

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On the night of Aug. 12, Captain Ball, called “Six” by his Marines, was on a training exercise in Jordan when he received a text from his gunnery sergeant.

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“We run, we get inside and I remember our gunnery sergeant telling us: `Welcome to Sangin. You just got your combat action ribbon.’

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The retired Marine Corps gunnery sergeant shared his views last month during an appearance on Fox News’ "America Reports."

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“Look, I’m a dedicated Marine,” said Mr. Whitfield, the former gunnery sergeant.

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