I don't know about anything other than the USMC. In the Corps, everyone works, even officers. Our SgtMaj as well as our Colonel were frequently seen filling san

I don't know about anything other than the USMC. In the Corps, everyone works, even officers. Our SgtMaj as well as our Colonel were frequently seen filling sandbags when deployed, out on the rifle/pistol range training during deployments, setting up their own GP tents (shared large tent). There are generally no exemptions in the Corps for officers or senior enlisted and nor should there be. If you lead, lead. Show the way. Troops respect men who lead from the front right alongside their men. Ours certainly did. Nothing better than a solid, engaged Gunny or Warrant Officer right alongside you when crap gets weird.