What's the highest military rank an enlisted member can reach?

I'm curious about the highest possible rank an enlisted person can achieve in the military. What does it take to get there, and are there specific roles or responsibilities involved?

The highest military rank an enlisted member can reach in the United States Armed Forces varies depending on the branch of service.

For the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, the highest enlisted rank is E-9. This is designated as Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) for the Army, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) for the Air Force, and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SMMC) for the Marine Corps.

In the Navy and Coast Guard, the highest enlisted rank is E-9, but it is designated as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG) respectively.

These are all special positions and the holders oftentimes serve as the senior enlisted advisors to the Chiefs of Staff of their respective services. In these roles, they communicate the concerns and issues affecting other enlisted members directly to the top military leadership. It certainly requires extreme dedication, experience, and leadership skills to reach these highest ranks. These positions are held by individuals who have risen through the ranks over many years of service, often over 20-30 years, and exhibited outstanding leadership, expertise, and dedication to their duties.

Remember, attaining these ranks involves more than simply longevity. It involves demonstrating competence in increasingly responsible positions, an ongoing commitment to professional development, and an ability to lead and mentor younger service members.