Which rank in the Army corresponds to the E-9 pay grade?

• A. Staff Sergeant
• B. Sergeant Major
• C. Sergeant First Class
• D. Command Sergeant Major

Answer: (B)

In the Army, E-9 is the highest enlisted pay grade, assigned to the most senior noncommissioned officers. Ranks at this level include Sergeant Major and Command Sergeant Major (with a unique Sergeant Major of the Army at the top). A Sergeant Major serves as the senior enlisted adviser at many units, guiding the commander on enlisted matters. That makes Sergeant Major the best match among the options for the E-9 pay grade. The other choices are lower ranks (Staff Sergeant is E-6, Sergeant First Class is E-7), and while Command Sergeant Major is also E-9, it represents a different role with its own scope.