In the United States Marine Corps, a Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) is a specialized non-commissioned officer who manages firepower and logistics for a company-sized unit of Marines. It is the seventh enlisted rank in the Marine Corps, above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant and First Sergeant, and is a senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO) . The rank of Gunnery Sergeant is unique to the Marine Corps and was introduced in the 19th century when Marine contingents were expected to help man the ships weapons in gun crews of four to five Marines. The leader of each gun crew was a specialized Marine who trained his gun crew in firing procedure, ammunition handling, and other essential skills. Recognizing the importance of this position, the rank of Gunnery Sergeant was introduced and made permanent in 1899. Today, Gunnery Sergeants in the Marine Corps infantry forces serve as fire and operations chief for a full company of 180+ Marines. During company operations, the company Gunnery Sergeant coordinates weapons and indirect fire, manages firepower logistics, and works with the Company Commander on logistics and company operations strategy. Gunnery Sergeants are commonly referred to by the informal abbreviation "Gunny" or "Guns".