Which ranks comprise the E-9 Technical Expert track?

• A. Master Gunnery Sergeant and Master Chief Hospital Corpsman
• B. Sergeant Major and Master Chief Hospital Corpsman
• C. Chief Petty Officer and Master Chief Hospital Corpsman
• D. Senior Chief and Master Gunnery Sergeant

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is the recognition of the E-9 level as a technical expert track, not just a leadership tier. At the E-9 level, some communities designate a track that emphasizes advanced technical mastery within a specialty. The ranks that embody this Technical Expert track are Master Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps and Master Chief Hospital Corpsman in Navy Medicine. Both represent the pinnacle of technical proficiency in their respective fields, serving as subject-matter experts who provide high-level guidance, training, and standards to others in the specialty. The pairing in the other options mixes ranks from different contexts or leadership-focused tracks, so they do not represent the same technical-expertise designation. This is why Master Gunnery Sergeant and Master Chief Hospital Corpsman are the correct pair.