Sergeant
Encyclopedia
Sergeant is a rank
used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent.
In most armies the rank of sergeant corresponds to command of a squad
(or section
). In Commonwealth
armies, it is a more senior rank, corresponding roughly to a platoon
second-in-command. In the United States Army
, sergeant is a more junior rank, corresponding to a five-man fireteam
leader.
More senior non-commissioned ranks are often variations on sergeant, for instance staff sergeant
, sergeant first class
, master sergeant
, first sergeant
and sergeant major
. The spelling serjeant is used in a few regiments of the British Army
.
In most non-naval military
or paramilitary
organizations, the various grades of Sergeant are non-commissioned officer
s (NCOs) ranking above privates
and corporal
s, and below Warrant Officer
s and commissioned officer
s. The responsibilities of a sergeant differ from army to army. There are usually several ranks of sergeant, each corresponding to greater experience and responsibility for the daily lives of the soldiers of larger units.
In medieval European usage, a sergeant was simply any attendant or officer with a protective duty. The etymology of the term is from Anglo-French
sergant, serjant, from Latin
servient, serviens, to serve.
and the Royal Australian Air Force
. The ranks are equivalent to each other and the Royal Australian Navy
rank of Petty Officer
(PO).
Although the rank insignia of the RAAF rank of Flight Sergeant
(FSGT) and the Australian Army rank of Staff Sergeant
(SSG) are identical, Flight Sergeant in fact outranks the rank of Staff Sergeant
in the classification of rank equivalencies. The Australian Army rank of Staff Sergeant
is now redundant and is no longer awarded, due to being outside the rank equivalencies and the next promotional rank is Warrant Officer Class Two. The ranks of Chief Petty Officer
, Warrant Officer Class Two and Flight Sergeant
fall in-line with US Enlisted Rank Eight (E-8). Chief Petty Officers and Flight Sergeants do not need to provide the courtesy of calling a Warrant Officer Class Two "sir".
The rank of sergeant exists in all Australian police forces and is more senior than a constable or senior constable, but less senior than an inspector
.
There are generally two sergeant ranks which are classed as Non-Commissioned Officers:
Some state police forces have slightly different variations of the sergeant structure.
All three sergeant ranks are informally referred to as "Sergeant", "Boss", or "Sarge". However at the New South Wales Police College, recruits must address all ranks of Sergeants as "Sergeant" and this is rigidly enforced by members of the NSW Police College Professional Standards Unit.
Sergeants are usually Team Leaders in charge of an entire team of Constables to Senior Constables at large stations, to being in charge of sectors involving several police stations. In country areas, sergeants are often in charge of an entire station and its constabulary
. Senior Sergeants are usually in specialist areas and are in charge of Sergeants and thus act as middle management.
(NCO) rank of the Canadian Forces
. Its Naval equivalent is Petty Officer 2nd Class
(PO2) (French: maître de 2e classe or m2). It is senior to the appointment of Master Corporal
(MCpl) and its equivalent naval appointment, Master Seaman
(MS), and junior to Warrant Officer
(WO) and its naval equivalent, Petty Officer 1st Class
(PO1). Sgts and PO2s together make up the cadre of senior non-commissioned officers (Sr NCOs).
In army units, Sergeants usually serve as section
commanders; they may often be called to fill positions normally held by Warrant Officer
s, such as Platoon
or Troop
Warrant, Company Quartermaster Sergeant
, Chief Clerk
, etc.
The rank insignia of a Sergeant is a three-bar chevron, worn point down, surmounted by a maple leaf. Embroidered rank badges are worn in "CF gold" thread on rifle green melton, stitched to the upper sleeves of the Service Dress jacket; as miniature gold metal and rifle-green enamel badges on the collars of the Army dress shirt and Army outerwear jackets; in "old-gold" thread on air force blue slip-on
s on Air Force shirts, sweaters, and coats; and in tan thread on CADPAT
slip-ons (Army
) or dark blue thread on olive-drab slip-ons (Air Force
) on the Operational Dress
uniform.
Colour Sergeant
in the Canadian Forces is not a rank of Sergeant, but a Warrant Officer in one of the two Foot Guards
regiments (the Governor General's Foot Guards
and the Canadian Grenadier Guards). Likewise, a Sergeant-Major (including Regimental Sergeant-Major) is not a Sergeant rank, but an appointment held by a Master Warrant Officer
or Chief Warrant Officer
.
Sergeants generally mess and billet with Warrant Officers, Master Warrant Officers, and Chief Warrant Officers, and their naval counterparts, Chief Petty Officer
s and Petty Officer
s. Their mess on military bases or installations is generally named the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess.
Historically, the rank of sergeant was severely downgraded after unification of the three services in 1968. An Army Sergeant before unification was generally employed in supervisory positions, such as the second in command of a platoon sized unit (i.e. an infantry Platoon Sergeant, or Troop Sergeant in an armoured unit). After unification sergeants were downgraded in status to section commander, a job previously held by Corporal
s, and the former "Platoon/Troop Sergeant"s were replaced by "Platoon/Troop Warrant Officers."
Example of Insignia
Kersantti is in Finnish Defence Forces
the second and highest NCO rank that a conscript can possibly reach before entering the reserve. The beginning and most common NCO rank is alikersantti (lit. lower sergeant); see Corporal.
Only a few NCOs in each conscript company reach the higher rank of full three-chevron kersantti. There's no difference between the 4-month squad leader training and service time of alikersantti and kersantti; all start their squad leader tour with the lower rank and the optional promotion is based on superior's assessment of individual performance and intended duties in the war-time organization; special roles such as that of Platoon Sergeant or Company First Sergeant are typically reserved for kersantti and upwards.
A Corporal can also obtain the rank of Sergeant (and possibly above, the next rank being four-chevron ylikersantti, which is comparable to Staff Sergeant) by taking some military refresher courses while in reserve, or by enlisting to (short-term) professional service in the military.
"(Corporal), "Brigadier-Chef"(Senior Corporal) and "Brigadier-Major"
French sergeant ranks are used by the entire Air Force, by the Engineers, the Infantry, the Foreign Legion
, the Troupes de marine
, the Communications, the Administration, all part of the French Army, and the Gendarmerie mobile, part of the Gendarmerie Nationale
. Other corps in the Army and the Gendarmerie use three equivalent ranks of maréchal des logis ("marshal of lodgings" in English) instead.
. The rank has existed since the 18th century, with usage as a title dating to the Middle Ages
. One important difference between Sergeants and Feldwebel exists: in a typical Bundeswehr
company
, only two Züge (platoon
s) are under the command of an officer, while the other Zugführer (platoon leader) positions are held by Feldwebel-ranked NCOs (typically Hauptfeldwebel and above).
In the German Navy the rank is called Bootsmann.
In the modern German Army, Feldwebel and Oberfeldwebel have a NATO rank code
of OR-6, with Unteroffizier
(historically considered generically equivalent to Corporal) and Stabsunteroffizier having a rank code of OR-5.
The rank order is: Feldwebel, Oberfeldwebel, Hauptfeldwebel, Stabsfeldwebel and Oberstabsfeldwebel.
or Sergeant (Air Crew)) or British Army
serving in Hong Kong
.
The rank was held by local enlisted men with the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) and Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) Regimental Police.
Sergeants are in charge of a section or commander of a vehicle on patrol. Their ranks is symbolized by three chevrons and worn on their arm and/or lapel. The rank is also used by the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force
(Station Sergeant (Auxiliary) and Sergeant (Auxiliary)). There also Sergeants in the Hong Kong Police Force Pipe Band
, who carry their rank from their regular policing duties.
police forces in both India and Pakistan e.g. Kolkata Police
, a Sergeant is equivalent to Police Head Constable
and senior to Police Constable in the Indian police. Head Constables or Police Sergeant wear three point-down chevrons on their sleeve or three bars on their epaulette
s.
, the equivalent rank to Sergeant was Daffadar
in cavalry regiments and Havildar
in other units. These ranks are still used in the armies of India
and Pakistan
.
and the Pakistan Air Force
, the rank of Sergeant is above a Corporal
and below of Junior Warrant Officer (JWO). The rank insignia is a three pointed-down chevron. The rank of Flight Sergeant is now obsolete with the responsibilities given to Junior Warrant Officer.
The Rank sergeant is included in SNCO i.e. Senior Non commissioned Officer
this rank is above Corporal i.e. NCO Non Commissioned Officer
and the Pakistan Navy
, the rank of Petty Officer
are roughly equivalent.
Sergeant (Sgt) (Sáirsint in Irish
) is the second rank of non-commissioned officer within the Irish Army
. The Naval
equivalent is Petty Officer
(PO).
The Army rank insignia consists of three winged chevrons (or "stripes"). The Service Dress Insignia consists of three wavy red chevrons 9 cm wide bordered in yellow. The main infantry role of a Sergeant is as Second in Command of a platoon
or commander of a Fire Support Section of a weapons platoon, such as an anti-tank or mortar platoon. Another role is that of Company Clerk and Instructor. There are higher ranks of Company Sergeant
and Company Quartermaster Sergeant
. Artillery Sergeants are usually assigned as Detachment and Section Commanders, as well as in administrative roles. The difference in roles of Sergeant and Corporal in the Artillery Corps is not as clearly defined as in the Infantry Corps.
Sergeant is also the second rank of NCO in the Irish Air Corps
. Before 1994, the Air Corps was considered part of the Army and wore Army uniforms with distinct Corps Badges
, but the same rank insignia. With the introduction of a unique Air Corps blue uniform in 1994, the same rank markings in a white colour were worn, before the introduction of a new three-chevron with wing rank marking. There are higher ranks of Flight Sergeant
and Flight Quartermaster Sergeant.
In the Israel Defense Forces
, soldiers are promoted from Corporal to Sergeant (Samál, originally the Hebrew abbreviation for Non Commissioned Officer) after approximately 18 months of service, if they performed their duties appropriately during this time, and did not have disciplinary problems. Soldiers who take a commander's course may become Sergeants earlier. Sergeants get a symbolic pay raise of 1.80 NIS
.
the rank of Sergeant, Sergente, is the first rank of the Warrant Officers Sergeant Role, Sottufficiali ruolo sergenti, followed by Sergente Maggiore (literally Major Sergeant) and Sergente Maggiore Capo (literally Chief Major Sergeant). The ranks of Sergente and Sergente Maggiore intended for paratroopers are bordered in blue.
and New Zealand Army
use Sergeant as a rank, identifiable by the three chevrons. The Royal New Zealand Navy
has the equivalent rank of Petty Officer
. Promotion to Sergeant in the New Zealand Defence Force
is usually around nine to ten years service and commands considerable responsibility and an increase in pay.
are just the same as their U.S. counterparts but, they never use "Specialist", "Sergeant First Class", "First Sergeant" (for Philippine Army
and Philippine Air Force
except the Philippine Marine Corps
), "Lance Corporal", "Gunnery Sergeant", "Master Gunnery Sergeant" in the Philippine Army and Marine Corps. They simply start to address their ranks from Private Second Class up to Sergeant Major. Sergeant Majors in the AFP are only appointments rather than ranks.
, they also use Airman Second Class up to Chief Master Sergeant, the same as in its U.S. counterparts.
In the Polish Army rank insignia system
there are two grades of sergeant: Sierżant (OR-6 in NATO code) and Starszy Sierżant (OR-7). The rank first appeared in Henryk Dąbrowski's Polish Legions in Italy
in the late 18th century. Both ranks are used in the infantry, armoured forces, air force and cavalry. In the artillery the equivalent is Ogniomistrz (literally Firemaster). In the Polish Navy
, the equivalent is Bosman (literally Boatswain
).
(SAF), there are five different grades of sergeant along with apple pie
Soldiers must complete their Specialist course at the Specialist Cadet School, formerly known as the School of Infantry Specialists
(SISPEC) or other training institutes before being promoted to Third Sergeant. While active duty National Servicemen
may be promoted to Second Sergeant, most personnel holding ranks above that are career soldiers.
Promotion from 3SG to SSG takes an average of 6 years, although there are many factors which may cause a soldier's promotion to cease. These factors include failure to pass an annual physical fitness proficiency test, poor performance, or being charged for offences.
3SGs are usually section
commanders. They may also hold certain logistics or administrative posts such as Company Quartermaster Sergeant
. 2SGs usually serve as Platoon Sergeant
s. 1SGs, SSGs, and MSGs usually serve as Company Sergeant Major
or administrative Specialists at company
level or higher.
, Singapore Civil Defence Force
, Singapore Prison Service
and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
, the rank of Sergeant lies between Corporal
and Staff Sergeant
.
and junior to Staff Sergeant
. It is denoted by three chevrons.
and junior to Flight Sergeant
. It is denoted by three chevrons.
. It is senior to constable but junior to sub-inspector
. There are several grades which are classed as Non-Gazetted Officers:
In addition, there are four non-commissioned officer ranks above Byeong-Jang: Ha-Sa (하사), Jung-Sa (중사), Sang-Sa (상사), and Won-Sa (원사). Ha-Sa is equivalent to US Army's rank of Staff Sergeant and its rank is one chevron. Jung-Sa is equivalent to US Army's Sergeant First Class and its rank is denoted by two chevrons. Sang-Sa is equivalent to the US Army Master Sergeant and its rank is denoted by three chevrons. Won-Sa, the most senior NCO rank, is denoted by three chevrons and a star above the chevrons and is equivalent to the US Army Sergeant Major rank.
is a military rank above Korpral
and below Förste sergeant
. The insignia of rank was changed in 2009 to resemble American and British Sergeants.
Within the British police, Sergeant is the first supervisory rank. Sergeant is senior to the rank of Constable, and junior to Inspector. The rank is mostly operational, meaning that Sergeants are directly concerned with day-to-day policing. Uniformed Sergeants are often responsible for supervising a shift of Constables and allocating duties to them. Large stations have a separate Custody Sergeant
who is responsible for authorising detention of arrested persons under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act
, along with effective running of the custody suite
.
Plain clothes Detective Sergeants are equal in rank to their uniformed counterparts, the prefix 'detective
' identifies them as being trained in criminal investigations and part of or attached to CID
.
Uniformed Sergeants' epaulettes feature three down-pointed chevrons, above a personal identification number
. Sergeants in service with the Metropolitan Police
, which is responsible for law enforcement
in Greater London
, also have a divisional call sign attached to the epaulette, due to the size of the force.
Until the abolition of 1st Class Detective Sergeants
in 1973, Metropolitan Police Detective Sergeants were officially known as 2nd Class Detective Sergeants.
Unlike in the military, addressing a police Sergeant as "Sarge" is not seen as incorrect. Constables in some forces (including the Metropolitan Police) refer to their Sergeants as "Skipper".
the annual salary for newly promoted Sergeants is of £36,519, rising to £41,040 after four years as a Sergeant.
In the case of the Police Service of Northern Ireland
, Sergeants' chevrons point upwards. This is derived from the practices of the Royal Irish Constabulary
, who were a mounted police force and followed a tradition of upward-pointing ranks.
wears three point-down chevrons on their sleeve and usually serves as a platoon
or troop
sergeant, or in a specialist position. Staff Sergeant
or Colour Sergeant
(in the Royal Marines
and the Infantry
), is the next most senior rank, above which come Warrant Officers. The Household Cavalry
use the rank of Corporal of Horse
instead, the only regiments to preserve the old cavalry
tradition of having corporals but not sergeants.Informally, a sergeant is often referred to as either "sarnt'" or "stripey" .
A Lance-Sergeant (LSgt) was formerly a Corporal acting in the capacity of a Sergeant. The appointment now survives chiefly in the Guards
, where it is awarded to all Corporals. A Lance-Sergeant in the Guards and Honourable Artillery Company
wears three chevrons, belongs to the Sergeants' Mess, however, for functionally he remains a Corporal rather than an acting Sergeant (e.g., he will typically command a section
). In the Household Cavalry, the equivalent appointment is Lance-Corporal of Horse
.
A Sergeant in infantry regiments usually holds the appointment of "platoon sergeant" and is second in command of a platoon. Some British infantry regiments, such as The Rifles
, still use the pre-1953 spelling 'Serjeant'.
also has the rank of Sergeant, wearing the same three chevrons. The rank lies between Corporal
and Flight Sergeant
(or Chief Technician
for technicians and musicians).
Between 1950 and 1964 in technical trades there was a rank of Senior Technician which was the equivalent of a Sergeant. Senior Technicians wore their chevrons point up.
On 1 July 1946, aircrew
sergeants were re-designated as Aircrew IV, III or II, replacing the chevrons with one, two or three six-pointed stars within a wreath and surmounted by an eagle. This was unpopular and in 1950 they returned to the old rank, but have worn an eagle above their chevrons ever since.
Sergeants of the Royal Flying Corps
wore a four-bladed propeller above their chevrons.
In the United States Army
, although there are several ranks of sergeant, the lowest carries the title of Sergeant (SGT). Sergeant is the enlisted rank in the U.S. Army above specialist
and corporal
and below staff sergeant
, and is the second-lowest grade of non-commissioned officer
. Sergeants in the infantry
, for example, lead fire teams of four men. There are two fire teams in a 9-man rifle squad
, which is led by a staff sergeant
.
In the United States Army, sergeants, staff sergeants, sergeants first class, and master sergeants are typically referred to in short form by their subordinates as "Sergeant", except in some training environments, or "First Sergeant" in the case of First Sergeants and "Sergeant Major" in the case of Sergeants Major (SGM), Command Sergeants Major (CSM) and the Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA).
Drill sergeants are typically addressed as "Drill Sergeant" regardless of rank, though this term is used depending on post policy. When serving a tour as drill sergeant this is indicated by the traditional campaign hat
, commonly referred to as the "Brown Round" or "Smokey Bear". The drill sergeant will always wear the drill sergeant badge indicating he completed the school. The Army drill sergeant badge appears on the right breast pocket.
and the Confederate Army during the American Civil War
. The same rank insignia was used similarly by both armies. Both varied the color of the stripes by assigning red for artillery, yellow for cavalry, blue for infantry and later in the war, green for sharpshooters. Some militia units varied these colors even further and had other colors including black and red with gold piping for various units. The rank was just below First Sergeant
and just above Corporal
. They usually commanded a section of twenty men with two corporals under him. As the war progressed these men were often in command of platoons and even companies as the units were depleted of officers during combat.
The United States Marine Corps
has several ranks that carry the title of Sergeant, the lowest of which is Sergeant (Sgt). Marine Sergeants are the fifth enlisted rank in the U.S. Marine Corps, just above Corporal
and below Staff Sergeant
. The rank of Sergeant is the oldest rank in the Marine Corps. Once a Marine reaches Sergeant, their promotion no longer derives from a composite or cutting score; instead, they receive a Fitrep (Fitness Report). Sergeants serve as squad leaders in an infantry company while staff sergeants serve the billet of "platoon sergeant", supervising squad leaders and the platoon as a whole, and are second in command under the platoon commander.
In the Marine Corps, enlisted ranks above Sergeant are referred to as Staff Non-Commissioned Officers (Staff NCOs or SNCOs). These ranks, Staff Sergeant through Sergeant Major, are always referred to by their full rank and never merely as "Sergeant". Gunnery Sergeants are commonly addressed as simply "Gunny" informally.
Master Sergeants are addressed as "Master Sergeant" or "Top" at the preference of the Marine wearing the rank and dependent on the MOS community. This privilege is usually extended to Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) or SNCOs and above, and even Marines that are the same rank or higher. Master Gunnery Sergeants follow the same protocol but are commonly referred to as "Master Guns", or "Master Gunny".
The U.S. Air Force rank of Sergeant (E-4) was phased out in the 1990s. Previously, Senior Airmen
were promoted to Sergeant and granted NCO status after 12 months time in grade; this lateral promotion is no longer conferred and Senior Airmen compete directly for promotion to Staff Sergeant
. The old rank of Sergeant was commonly referred to in the Air Force as "Buck" Sergeant. In today's Air Force, the term Sergeant refers to all Air Force NCOs up to Senior Master Sergeant
(E-8). An airman who has achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant
(E-9) is referred to as Chief. This does not distract, however, from the differentiation between junior and senior non-commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force. In the U.S. Air Force, NCOs in the grade of Staff Sergeant
(E-5) and Technical Sergeant
(E-6) are referred to as non-commissioned officers (NCOs), while those in the grade of Master Sergeant
(E-7) through Chief Master Sergeant
(E-9) are referred to as Senior Non-commissioned Officers (SNCOs). The attainment of SNCO status confers additional responsibilities and obligations beyond those of NCOs, such as the ability to be the senior rater for those below SNCO status. In this way, the U.S. Air Force places great responsibility upon its SNCO corps to mentor and develop future leaders.
departments. It ranks above "officer" and "corporal", and it represents the first level of management within the organization. The Washington, D.C. Police Department and Fire Departments both have the rank Sergeant though they have different roles for each department.
The rank of Sergeant is often used in corrections. It is a supervisory rank above the rank-and-file correctional officer.
Military rank
Military rank is a system of hierarchical relationships in armed forces or civil institutions organized along military lines. Usually, uniforms denote the bearer's rank by particular insignia affixed to the uniforms...
used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent.
In most armies the rank of sergeant corresponds to command of a squad
Squad
In military terminology, a squad is a small military unit led by a non-commissioned officer that is subordinate to an infantry platoon. In countries following the British Army tradition this organization is referred to as a section...
(or section
Section (military unit)
A section is a small military unit in some armies. In many armies, it is a squad of seven to twelve soldiers. However in France and armies based on the French model, it is the sub-division of a company .-Australian Army:...
). In Commonwealth
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
armies, it is a more senior rank, corresponding roughly to a platoon
Platoon
A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing 16 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the...
second-in-command. In the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, sergeant is a more junior rank, corresponding to a five-man fireteam
Fireteam
A fireteam is a small military unit of infantry. It is the smallest unit in the militaries that use it and is the primary unit upon which infantry organization is based in the British Army, Royal Air Force Regiment, Royal Marines, United States Army, United States Marine Corps, United States Air...
leader.
More senior non-commissioned ranks are often variations on sergeant, for instance staff sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
, sergeant first class
Sergeant First Class
Sergeant First Class is the seventh enlisted rank in the U.S. Army, above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant and First Sergeant, and is the first senior non-commissioned officer rank...
, master sergeant
Master Sergeant
A master sergeant is the military rank for a senior non-commissioned officer in some armed forces.-Israel Defense Forces:Rav samal rishoninsignia IDF...
, first sergeant
First Sergeant
First sergeant is the name of a military rank used in many countries, typically a senior non-commissioned officer.-Singapore:First Sergeant is a Specialist in the Singapore Armed Forces. First Sergeants are the most senior of the junior Specialists, ranking above Second Sergeants, and below Staff...
and sergeant major
Sergeant Major
Sergeants major is a senior non-commissioned rank or appointment in many militaries around the world. In Commonwealth countries, Sergeants Major are usually appointments held by senior non-commissioned officers or warrant officers...
. The spelling serjeant is used in a few regiments of the British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
.
Usage
In most non-naval military
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
or paramilitary
Paramilitary
A paramilitary is a force whose function and organization are similar to those of a professional military, but which is not considered part of a state's formal armed forces....
organizations, the various grades of Sergeant are non-commissioned officer
Non-commissioned officer
A non-commissioned officer , called a sub-officer in some countries, is a military officer who has not been given a commission...
s (NCOs) ranking above privates
Private (rank)
A Private is a soldier of the lowest military rank .In modern military parlance, 'Private' is shortened to 'Pte' in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries and to 'Pvt.' in the United States.Notably both Sir Fitzroy MacLean and Enoch Powell are examples of, rare, rapid career...
and corporal
Corporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
s, and below Warrant Officer
Warrant Officer
A warrant officer is an officer in a military organization who is designated an officer by a warrant, as distinguished from a commissioned officer who is designated an officer by a commission, or from non-commissioned officer who is designated an officer by virtue of seniority.The rank was first...
s and commissioned officer
Officer (armed forces)
An officer is a member of an armed force or uniformed service who holds a position of authority. Commissioned officers derive authority directly from a sovereign power and, as such, hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of a specific office or position...
s. The responsibilities of a sergeant differ from army to army. There are usually several ranks of sergeant, each corresponding to greater experience and responsibility for the daily lives of the soldiers of larger units.
In medieval European usage, a sergeant was simply any attendant or officer with a protective duty. The etymology of the term is from Anglo-French
Anglo-Norman language
Anglo-Norman is the name traditionally given to the kind of Old Norman used in England and to some extent elsewhere in the British Isles during the Anglo-Norman period....
sergant, serjant, from Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
servient, serviens, to serve.
Defence forces
Sergeant (SGT) is a rank in both the Australian ArmyAustralian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
and the Royal Australian Air Force
Royal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
. The ranks are equivalent to each other and the Royal Australian Navy
Royal Australian Navy
The Royal Australian Navy is the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force. Following the Federation of Australia in 1901, the ships and resources of the separate colonial navies were integrated into a national force: the Commonwealth Naval Forces...
rank of Petty Officer
Petty Officer
A petty officer is a non-commissioned officer in many navies and is given the NATO rank denotion OR-6. They are equal in rank to sergeant, British Army and Royal Air Force. A Petty Officer is superior in rank to Leading Rate and subordinate to Chief Petty Officer, in the case of the British Armed...
(PO).
Although the rank insignia of the RAAF rank of Flight Sergeant
Flight Sergeant
Flight sergeant is a senior non-commissioned rank in the British Royal Air Force and several other air forces which have adopted all or part of the RAF rank structure...
(FSGT) and the Australian Army rank of Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
(SSG) are identical, Flight Sergeant in fact outranks the rank of Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
in the classification of rank equivalencies. The Australian Army rank of Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
is now redundant and is no longer awarded, due to being outside the rank equivalencies and the next promotional rank is Warrant Officer Class Two. The ranks of Chief Petty Officer
Chief Petty Officer
A chief petty officer is a senior non-commissioned officer in many navies and coast guards.-Canada:"Chief Petty Officer" refers to two ranks in the Canadian Navy...
, Warrant Officer Class Two and Flight Sergeant
Flight Sergeant
Flight sergeant is a senior non-commissioned rank in the British Royal Air Force and several other air forces which have adopted all or part of the RAF rank structure...
fall in-line with US Enlisted Rank Eight (E-8). Chief Petty Officers and Flight Sergeants do not need to provide the courtesy of calling a Warrant Officer Class Two "sir".
Police
Inspector
Inspector is both a police rank and an administrative position, both used in a number of contexts. However, it is not an equivalent rank in each police force.- Australia :...
.
There are generally two sergeant ranks which are classed as Non-Commissioned Officers:
- Sergeant (SGT) (three chevrons); and
- Senior Sergeant (SENSGT) (three chevrons, crown surmounted by a laurel leaf)
Some state police forces have slightly different variations of the sergeant structure.
- New South Wales Police Force, for example, have the additional rank of Incremental Sergeant (SGT) (three chevrons and a crown). This is an incremental progression, following appointment as a Sergeant for 7 years. This rank is less senior than senior sergeant. Upon appointment as a Sergeant or Senior Sergeant, the Sergeant is given a Warrant of Appointment under the Commissioners hand and seal. In addition, the Sergeant is given a Navy Blue backing (which replaces a light blue backing to the officer's police badge), a navy blue name plate (which replaces a light blue nameplate), and a silver chin strap positioned above his peaked cap on his headdress, replacing a black chinstrap.
- South Australia PoliceSouth Australia PoliceThe South Australia Police is the police force of the Australian state of South Australia. It is an agency of the Government of South Australia within the South Australian Department of Justice.-History:...
have the additional rank of BrevetBrevet (military)In many of the world's military establishments, brevet referred to a warrant authorizing a commissioned officer to hold a higher rank temporarily, but usually without receiving the pay of that higher rank except when actually serving in that role. An officer so promoted may be referred to as being...
Sergeant (two chevrons below an inverted arrow head) which is an authorization for a temporarily higher rank. A brevet sergeant is less senior than a sergeant.
All three sergeant ranks are informally referred to as "Sergeant", "Boss", or "Sarge". However at the New South Wales Police College, recruits must address all ranks of Sergeants as "Sergeant" and this is rigidly enforced by members of the NSW Police College Professional Standards Unit.
Sergeants are usually Team Leaders in charge of an entire team of Constables to Senior Constables at large stations, to being in charge of sectors involving several police stations. In country areas, sergeants are often in charge of an entire station and its constabulary
Constabulary
Constabulary may have several definitions.*A civil, non-paramilitary force consisting of police officers called constables. This is the usual definition in Britain, in which all county police forces once bore the title...
. Senior Sergeants are usually in specialist areas and are in charge of Sergeants and thus act as middle management.
Army
Sergeant (Sgt) ( or ) is an Army or Air Force non-commissioned officerNon-commissioned officer
A non-commissioned officer , called a sub-officer in some countries, is a military officer who has not been given a commission...
(NCO) rank of the Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
. Its Naval equivalent is Petty Officer 2nd Class
Petty Officer 2nd Class
Petty officer, 2nd class, PO2, is a Naval non-commissioned member rank of the Canadian Forces. It is senior to the rank of master seaman and its equivalents, and junior to petty officer 1st-class and its equivalents...
(PO2) (French: maître de 2e classe or m2). It is senior to the appointment of Master Corporal
Master Corporal
Master Corporal , in the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Army Cadets is an appointment of the rank of Corporal in the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Airforce...
(MCpl) and its equivalent naval appointment, Master Seaman
Master Seaman
Master seaman , or matelot-chef in French, is a non-commissioned member rank of the Canadian Navy, which is between leading seaman and petty officer 2nd class . Technically, the rank is actually an appointment, with appointees holding the rank of leading seaman...
(MS), and junior to Warrant Officer
Warrant Officer
A warrant officer is an officer in a military organization who is designated an officer by a warrant, as distinguished from a commissioned officer who is designated an officer by a commission, or from non-commissioned officer who is designated an officer by virtue of seniority.The rank was first...
(WO) and its naval equivalent, Petty Officer 1st Class
Petty Officer 1st Class
Petty officer, 1st class, PO1, is a Naval non-commissioned member rank of the Canadian Forces. It is senior to the rank of petty officer 2nd-class and its equivalents, and junior to chief petty officer 2nd-class and its equivalents. Its Army and Air Force equivalent is warrant officer .The French...
(PO1). Sgts and PO2s together make up the cadre of senior non-commissioned officers (Sr NCOs).
In army units, Sergeants usually serve as section
Section (military unit)
A section is a small military unit in some armies. In many armies, it is a squad of seven to twelve soldiers. However in France and armies based on the French model, it is the sub-division of a company .-Australian Army:...
commanders; they may often be called to fill positions normally held by Warrant Officer
Warrant Officer
A warrant officer is an officer in a military organization who is designated an officer by a warrant, as distinguished from a commissioned officer who is designated an officer by a commission, or from non-commissioned officer who is designated an officer by virtue of seniority.The rank was first...
s, such as Platoon
Platoon
A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing 16 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the...
or Troop
Troop
A troop is a military unit, originally a small force of cavalry, subordinate to a squadron and headed by the troop leader. In many armies a troop is the equivalent unit to the infantry section or platoon...
Warrant, Company Quartermaster Sergeant
Company Quartermaster Sergeant
Company quartermaster sergeant is a military rank or appointment.-Canada:A Company Quartermaster Sergeant in the Canadian Forces is the non-commissioned officer in a company who is in charge of supplies. The CQMS also serves as deputy to the Company Sergeant Major and is the second most senior NCO...
, Chief Clerk
Chief Clerk
The Chief Clerk, between 1789 and 1853, was the second-ranking official within the United States Department of State, known as the Department of Foreign Affairs before September 5, 1789. Section 2 of the Act of Congress of July 27, 1789 The Chief Clerk, between 1789 and 1853, was the second-ranking...
, etc.
The rank insignia of a Sergeant is a three-bar chevron, worn point down, surmounted by a maple leaf. Embroidered rank badges are worn in "CF gold" thread on rifle green melton, stitched to the upper sleeves of the Service Dress jacket; as miniature gold metal and rifle-green enamel badges on the collars of the Army dress shirt and Army outerwear jackets; in "old-gold" thread on air force blue slip-on
Slip-on
A shoulder mark, also called a shoulder board, shoulder loop, shoulder slide, rank slide, slip on, epaulette sleeve, or an epaulette, is a flat cloth sleeve worn on the shoulder strap of a uniform. It may bear rank or other insignia...
s on Air Force shirts, sweaters, and coats; and in tan thread on CADPAT
CADPAT
Canadian Disruptive Pattern is the computer-generated digital camouflage pattern currently used by the Canadian Forces . CADPAT is designed to reduce the likelihood of detection by night vision devices. The basic uniform consists of a wide brim combat hat, helmet cover, shirt, jacket, trousers,...
slip-ons (Army
Army
An army An army An army (from Latin arma "arms, weapons" via Old French armée, "armed" (feminine), in the broadest sense, is the land-based military of a nation or state. It may also include other branches of the military such as the air force via means of aviation corps...
) or dark blue thread on olive-drab slip-ons (Air Force
Air force
An air force, also known in some countries as an air army, is in the broadest sense, the national military organization that primarily conducts aerial warfare. More specifically, it is the branch of a nation's armed services that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from an army, navy or...
) on the Operational Dress
Battledress
Battledress, or fatigues in the general sense, is the type of uniform used as combat uniforms, as opposed to 'display' dress or formal uniform worn at parades and functions. It may be either monochrome or in a camouflage pattern...
uniform.
Colour Sergeant
Colour Sergeant
Colour sergeant or colour serjeant is a non-commissioned title in the Royal Marines and infantry regiments of the British Army, ranking above sergeant and below warrant officer class 2....
in the Canadian Forces is not a rank of Sergeant, but a Warrant Officer in one of the two Foot Guards
Foot Guards
-British Army:The Foot Guards are the Regular Infantry regiments of the Household Division of the British Army. There have been six regiments of foot guards, five of which still exist. The Royal Guards Reserve Regiment was a reserve formation of the Household Brigade in existence from 1900-1901...
regiments (the Governor General's Foot Guards
Governor General's Foot Guards
The Governor General's Foot Guards is one of three Household regiments in the Primary Reserve of the Canadian Army, along with The Governor General's Horse Guards and the Canadian Grenadier Guards. The GGFG is the most senior militia infantry regiment in Canada."Civitas et Princeps Cura Nostra" is...
and the Canadian Grenadier Guards). Likewise, a Sergeant-Major (including Regimental Sergeant-Major) is not a Sergeant rank, but an appointment held by a Master Warrant Officer
Master Warrant Officer
Master warrant officer is a senior military rank in the Canadian Forces, Singapore Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces.-Canadian Forces:...
or Chief Warrant Officer
Chief Warrant Officer
Chief warrant officer is a military rank used by the Canadian Forces and the Israel Defence Forces.-Canada:In the Canadian Forces, a chief warrant officer or CWO is the most senior non-commissioned member rank in the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force...
.
Sergeants generally mess and billet with Warrant Officers, Master Warrant Officers, and Chief Warrant Officers, and their naval counterparts, Chief Petty Officer
Chief Petty Officer
A chief petty officer is a senior non-commissioned officer in many navies and coast guards.-Canada:"Chief Petty Officer" refers to two ranks in the Canadian Navy...
s and Petty Officer
Petty Officer
A petty officer is a non-commissioned officer in many navies and is given the NATO rank denotion OR-6. They are equal in rank to sergeant, British Army and Royal Air Force. A Petty Officer is superior in rank to Leading Rate and subordinate to Chief Petty Officer, in the case of the British Armed...
s. Their mess on military bases or installations is generally named the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess.
Historically, the rank of sergeant was severely downgraded after unification of the three services in 1968. An Army Sergeant before unification was generally employed in supervisory positions, such as the second in command of a platoon sized unit (i.e. an infantry Platoon Sergeant, or Troop Sergeant in an armoured unit). After unification sergeants were downgraded in status to section commander, a job previously held by Corporal
Corporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
s, and the former "Platoon/Troop Sergeant"s were replaced by "Platoon/Troop Warrant Officers."
Example of Insignia
Police
Police forces across Canada also use this rank for senior non-commanding officers above the rank of Constable or Corporal. Staff Sergeants are responsible for a unit or team within a station or division.Army
Finnish Defence Forces
The Finnish Defence Forces are responsible for the defence of Finland. It is a cadre army of 15,000, of which 8,900 are professional soldiers , extended with conscripts and reservists such that the standard readiness strength is 34,700 people in uniform...
the second and highest NCO rank that a conscript can possibly reach before entering the reserve. The beginning and most common NCO rank is alikersantti (lit. lower sergeant); see Corporal.
Only a few NCOs in each conscript company reach the higher rank of full three-chevron kersantti. There's no difference between the 4-month squad leader training and service time of alikersantti and kersantti; all start their squad leader tour with the lower rank and the optional promotion is based on superior's assessment of individual performance and intended duties in the war-time organization; special roles such as that of Platoon Sergeant or Company First Sergeant are typically reserved for kersantti and upwards.
A Corporal can also obtain the rank of Sergeant (and possibly above, the next rank being four-chevron ylikersantti, which is comparable to Staff Sergeant) by taking some military refresher courses while in reserve, or by enlisting to (short-term) professional service in the military.
Police
The ranks of "BrigadierBrigadier
Brigadier is a senior military rank, the meaning of which is somewhat different in different military services. The brigadier rank is generally superior to the rank of colonel, and subordinate to major general....
"(Corporal), "Brigadier-Chef"(Senior Corporal) and "Brigadier-Major"
Army
There are three sergeant ranks in France, although the most junior, contract sergeant, is rare now that conscription has been suspended. In general the term sergeant is used for both contract sergeant and career sergeant. Contract sergeant is classified as the lowest NCO rank, the rank below being chief corporal.- Contract sergeant (Sergent sous contrat): One chevron, gold or silver.
A rank used for junior sergeants, either conscripts or reservists. Junior to commonwealth sergeant but senior to commonwealth corporal. The rank insignia is used nowadays for NCOs-in-training.
- Career sergeant (Sergent de carrière): Two chevrons.
Normal sergeant rank, though normally directly recruited from civilian life into this rank, so the rank implies less experience than for a commonwealth sergeant. Normally simply referred to as sergeant, dropping the "de carrière". With long service, promotion to chief sergeant is automatic. Equivalent to a US sergeant. Roughly equivalent to, but slightly junior to, a commonwealth sergeant.
- Chief sergeant (Sergent-chef): Three chevrons.
With long service, a sergeant's promotion to chief sergeant is automatic. This rank corresponds exactly to a US staff sergeant. There is no commonwealth equivalent, this rank lying between commonwealth staff sergeant and commonwealth sergeant. The rank may be said to be roughly equivalent to, but perhaps slightly superior to, a commonwealth sergeant. The next rank up is adjutantAdjutantAdjutant is a military rank or appointment. In some armies, including most English-speaking ones, it is an officer who assists a more senior officer, while in other armies, especially Francophone ones, it is an NCO , normally corresponding roughly to a Staff Sergeant or Warrant Officer.An Adjutant...
.
French sergeant ranks are used by the entire Air Force, by the Engineers, the Infantry, the Foreign Legion
French Foreign Legion
The French Foreign Legion is a unique military service wing of the French Army established in 1831. The foreign legion was exclusively created for foreign nationals willing to serve in the French Armed Forces...
, the Troupes de marine
Troupes de marine
The or Infanterie de marine, formerly Troupes coloniales, are an arm of the French Army with a colonial heritage. The Troupes de marine have a dedicated overseas service role. Despite their title they have been a part of the Army since 1958...
, the Communications, the Administration, all part of the French Army, and the Gendarmerie mobile, part of the Gendarmerie Nationale
Gendarmerie Nationale (France)
In France, the National Gendarmerie is a branch of the French Armed Forces, in charge of public safety, with police duties among the civilian population. It also contains a military police force and a special forces component . It has a strength of more than 105,975 persons...
. Other corps in the Army and the Gendarmerie use three equivalent ranks of maréchal des logis ("marshal of lodgings" in English) instead.
Army
In German the rank of Sergeant is known as FeldwebelFeldwebel
Feldwebel is a German military rank which has existed since at least the 18th century with usage as a title dating to the Middle Ages. The word Feldwebel is usually translated as sergeant being rated OR-6 in the NATO rank comparison scale, equivalent to the British Army Sergeant and the US Army...
. The rank has existed since the 18th century, with usage as a title dating to the Middle Ages
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
. One important difference between Sergeants and Feldwebel exists: in a typical Bundeswehr
Bundeswehr
The Bundeswehr consists of the unified armed forces of Germany and their civil administration and procurement authorities...
company
Company (military unit)
A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 80–225 soldiers and usually commanded by a Captain, Major or Commandant. Most companies are formed of three to five platoons although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure...
, only two Züge (platoon
Platoon
A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing 16 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the...
s) are under the command of an officer, while the other Zugführer (platoon leader) positions are held by Feldwebel-ranked NCOs (typically Hauptfeldwebel and above).
In the German Navy the rank is called Bootsmann.
In the modern German Army, Feldwebel and Oberfeldwebel have a NATO rank code
Ranks and insignia of NATO Armies Enlisted
The following lists the enlisted ranks and insignia of NATO member armies:-Other/Enlisted ranks :-See also:* NATO* Ranks and insignia of NATO* Ranks and insignia of NATO Armies Officers* Ranks and insignia of NATO Armies Enlisted...
of OR-6, with Unteroffizier
Unteroffizier
Unteroffizier is both a specific military rank as well as a collective term for non-commissioned officers of the German military that has existed since the 19th century. The rank existed as a title as early as the 17th century with the first widespread usage occurring in the Bavarian Army of the...
(historically considered generically equivalent to Corporal) and Stabsunteroffizier having a rank code of OR-5.
The rank order is: Feldwebel, Oberfeldwebel, Hauptfeldwebel, Stabsfeldwebel and Oberstabsfeldwebel.
Army and air force
During British rule, the rank of Sergeant was held by members of the RAF (Flight SergeantFlight Sergeant
Flight sergeant is a senior non-commissioned rank in the British Royal Air Force and several other air forces which have adopted all or part of the RAF rank structure...
or Sergeant (Air Crew)) or British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
serving in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
.
The rank was held by local enlisted men with the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) and Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) Regimental Police.
Police
Hong Kong Police ForceHong Kong Police Force
The Hong Kong Police Force is the largest disciplined service under the Security Bureau of Hong Kong. It is the world's second, and Asia's first, police agency to operate with a modern policing system. It was formed on 1 May 1844, with a strength of 32 officers...
Sergeants are in charge of a section or commander of a vehicle on patrol. Their ranks is symbolized by three chevrons and worn on their arm and/or lapel. The rank is also used by the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force
Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force
The Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force is established in 1914 as the Police Reserve unit, provides additional manpower to the Hong Kong Police Force, especially during emergencies and other incidents...
(Station Sergeant (Auxiliary) and Sergeant (Auxiliary)). There also Sergeants in the Hong Kong Police Force Pipe Band
Hong Kong Police Force Pipe Band
The Hong Kong Police Band is a ceremonial unit and a military band of the Hong Kong Police Force and is used for official events. It was established in 1954 and initially performed with the Hong Kong Police Silver Band . Both bands merged together to form a single band and was later renamed the...
, who carry their rank from their regular policing duties.
Others
Two other non-military organizations use the ranks of Sergeant:- Hong Kong Air Cadet CorpsHong Kong Air Cadet CorpsThe Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps is a voluntary uniformed group subsidised by the Home Affairs Bureau of the Hong Kong government and is registered under the Societies Ordinance as a non-profit making charitable organisation...
-
- Sergeant Instructor
- Cadet Sergeant
- Hong Kong Adventure CorpsHong Kong Adventure CorpsThe Hong Kong Adventure Corps is a voluntary uniformed group subsidised by the Hong Kong government and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Created in 1995 with ties to the British Army's Army Cadet Force and Combined Cadet Force...
also used the rank of Sergeant:
-
- Staff Sergeant
- Sergeant
- Cadet Staff Sergeant
- Cadet Sergeant
Police
In many metropolitanMetropolitan area
The term metropolitan area refers to a region consisting of a densely populated urban core and its less-populated surrounding territories, sharing industry, infrastructure, and housing. A metropolitan area usually encompasses multiple jurisdictions and municipalities: neighborhoods, townships,...
police forces in both India and Pakistan e.g. Kolkata Police
Kolkata Police
The Kolkata Police Force is one of the two police forces of the Indian state of West Bengal....
, a Sergeant is equivalent to Police Head Constable
Head Constable
Head constable was a rank used in some British and British colonial police forces, and is still used in the Indian police.-England:In the Liverpool City Police and a few very small borough police forces in the United Kingdom, the head constable was the chief officer, equivalent to the chief...
and senior to Police Constable in the Indian police. Head Constables or Police Sergeant wear three point-down chevrons on their sleeve or three bars on their epaulette
Epaulette
Epaulette is a type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia of rank by armed forces and other organizations.Epaulettes are fastened to the shoulder by a shoulder strap or "passant", a small strap parallel to the shoulder seam, and the button near the collar, or by laces on the...
s.
Army
In the British Indian ArmyBritish Indian Army
The British Indian Army, officially simply the Indian Army, was the principal army of the British Raj in India before the partition of India in 1947...
, the equivalent rank to Sergeant was Daffadar
Daffadar
Daffadar was the equivalent rank to Sergeant in the cavalry of the British Indian Army, the next rank up from Lance Daffadar. The equivalent in other units was Havildar. Like a British sergeant, a Daffadar wore three rank chevrons....
in cavalry regiments and Havildar
Havildar
Havildar ) was the Military 'In Charge' of a Fort during the times of Maratha Empire. In the British Indian Army it was equivalent rank to Sergeant, next above Naik, and is still used in the modern Indian Army and Pakistan Army. The cavalry equivalent is Daffadar...
in other units. These ranks are still used in the armies of India
Indian Army
The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. With about 1,100,000 soldiers in active service and about 1,150,000 reserve troops, the Indian Army is the world's largest standing volunteer army...
and Pakistan
Pakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
.
Air Force
In the Indian Air ForceIndian Air Force
The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict...
and the Pakistan Air Force
Pakistan Air Force
The Pakistan Air Force is the leading air arm of the Pakistan Armed Forces and is primarily tasked with the aerial defence of Pakistan with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy. The PAF also has a tertiary role of providing strategic air transport...
, the rank of Sergeant is above a Corporal
Corporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
and below of Junior Warrant Officer (JWO). The rank insignia is a three pointed-down chevron. The rank of Flight Sergeant is now obsolete with the responsibilities given to Junior Warrant Officer.
The Rank sergeant is included in SNCO i.e. Senior Non commissioned Officer
this rank is above Corporal i.e. NCO Non Commissioned Officer
Navy
In the Indian NavyIndian Navy
The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. The President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff , usually a four-star officer in the rank of Admiral, commands the Navy...
and the Pakistan Navy
Pakistan Navy
The Pakistan Navy is the naval warfare/service branch of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Pakistan's Navy is responsible for Pakistan's coastline along the Arabian Sea and the defense of important civilian harbors and military bases...
, the rank of Petty Officer
Petty Officer
A petty officer is a non-commissioned officer in many navies and is given the NATO rank denotion OR-6. They are equal in rank to sergeant, British Army and Royal Air Force. A Petty Officer is superior in rank to Leading Rate and subordinate to Chief Petty Officer, in the case of the British Armed...
are roughly equivalent.
Army
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
) is the second rank of non-commissioned officer within the Irish Army
Irish Army
The Irish Army, officially named simply the Army is the main branch of the Defence Forces of Ireland. Approximately 8,500 men and women serve in the Irish Army, divided into three infantry Brigades...
. The Naval
Irish Naval Service
The Naval Service is the navy of Ireland and is one of the three standing branches of the Irish Defence Forces. Its main base is in Haulbowline, County Cork....
equivalent is Petty Officer
Petty Officer
A petty officer is a non-commissioned officer in many navies and is given the NATO rank denotion OR-6. They are equal in rank to sergeant, British Army and Royal Air Force. A Petty Officer is superior in rank to Leading Rate and subordinate to Chief Petty Officer, in the case of the British Armed...
(PO).
The Army rank insignia consists of three winged chevrons (or "stripes"). The Service Dress Insignia consists of three wavy red chevrons 9 cm wide bordered in yellow. The main infantry role of a Sergeant is as Second in Command of a platoon
Platoon
A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing 16 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the...
or commander of a Fire Support Section of a weapons platoon, such as an anti-tank or mortar platoon. Another role is that of Company Clerk and Instructor. There are higher ranks of Company Sergeant
Company Sergeant
Company Sergeant is a non-commissioned officer rank in the Irish Army equivalent to a First Sergeant in the United States Army and Warrant Officer Class 2 in the British Army....
and Company Quartermaster Sergeant
Company Quartermaster Sergeant
Company quartermaster sergeant is a military rank or appointment.-Canada:A Company Quartermaster Sergeant in the Canadian Forces is the non-commissioned officer in a company who is in charge of supplies. The CQMS also serves as deputy to the Company Sergeant Major and is the second most senior NCO...
. Artillery Sergeants are usually assigned as Detachment and Section Commanders, as well as in administrative roles. The difference in roles of Sergeant and Corporal in the Artillery Corps is not as clearly defined as in the Infantry Corps.
Sergeant is also the second rank of NCO in the Irish Air Corps
Irish Air Corps
The Air Corps is the air component of the Defence Forces of Ireland providing support to the Army and Naval Service, together with non-military air services such as search and rescue and the Ministerial Air Transport Service...
. Before 1994, the Air Corps was considered part of the Army and wore Army uniforms with distinct Corps Badges
Corps Badges
A Corps Badge is a Distinct badge worn by military personnel to distinguish themselves from other Corps, where a Corps is a grouped by a common function A Corps Badge is a Distinct badge worn by military personnel to distinguish themselves from other Corps, (Known as Branch insignia in the United...
, but the same rank insignia. With the introduction of a unique Air Corps blue uniform in 1994, the same rank markings in a white colour were worn, before the introduction of a new three-chevron with wing rank marking. There are higher ranks of Flight Sergeant
Flight Sergeant
Flight sergeant is a senior non-commissioned rank in the British Royal Air Force and several other air forces which have adopted all or part of the RAF rank structure...
and Flight Quartermaster Sergeant.
Defense forces
Israel Defense Forces
The Israel Defense Forces , commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal , are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has no civilian jurisdiction within Israel...
, soldiers are promoted from Corporal to Sergeant (Samál, originally the Hebrew abbreviation for Non Commissioned Officer) after approximately 18 months of service, if they performed their duties appropriately during this time, and did not have disciplinary problems. Soldiers who take a commander's course may become Sergeants earlier. Sergeants get a symbolic pay raise of 1.80 NIS
Israeli new sheqel
The Israeli New Shekel is the currency of the State of Israel. The shekel is divided into 100 agorot...
.
Army
In the Italian ArmyItalian Army
The Italian Army is the ground defence force of the Italian Armed Forces. It is all-volunteer force of active-duty personnel, numbering 108,355 in 2010. Its best-known combat vehicles are the Dardo infantry fighting vehicle, the Centauro tank destroyer and the Ariete tank, and among its aircraft...
the rank of Sergeant, Sergente, is the first rank of the Warrant Officers Sergeant Role, Sottufficiali ruolo sergenti, followed by Sergente Maggiore (literally Major Sergeant) and Sergente Maggiore Capo (literally Chief Major Sergeant). The ranks of Sergente and Sergente Maggiore intended for paratroopers are bordered in blue.
Army
In the Mexican Army the "Cabo" (Corporal) is upgraded to "Sargento segundo" (2nd Sergeant) and then to "Sargento primero" (1st Sergeant).New Zealand
Only the Royal New Zealand Air ForceRoyal New Zealand Air Force
The Royal New Zealand Air Force is the air arm of the New Zealand Defence Force...
and New Zealand Army
New Zealand Army
The New Zealand Army , is the land component of the New Zealand Defence Force and comprises around 4,500 Regular Force personnel, 2,000 Territorial Force personnel and 500 civilians. Formerly the New Zealand Military Forces, the current name was adopted around 1946...
use Sergeant as a rank, identifiable by the three chevrons. The Royal New Zealand Navy
Royal New Zealand Navy
The Royal New Zealand Navy is the maritime arm of the New Zealand Defence Force...
has the equivalent rank of Petty Officer
Petty Officer
A petty officer is a non-commissioned officer in many navies and is given the NATO rank denotion OR-6. They are equal in rank to sergeant, British Army and Royal Air Force. A Petty Officer is superior in rank to Leading Rate and subordinate to Chief Petty Officer, in the case of the British Armed...
. Promotion to Sergeant in the New Zealand Defence Force
New Zealand Defence Force
The New Zealand Defence Force consists of three services: the Royal New Zealand Navy; the New Zealand Army; and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The Commander-in-Chief of the NZDF is His Excellency Rt. Hon...
is usually around nine to ten years service and commands considerable responsibility and an increase in pay.
Army
The ranks of enlisted personnel in FilipinoFilipino people
The Filipino people or Filipinos are an Austronesian ethnic group native to the islands of the Philippines. There are about 92 million Filipinos in the Philippines, and about 11 million living outside the Philippines ....
are just the same as their U.S. counterparts but, they never use "Specialist", "Sergeant First Class", "First Sergeant" (for Philippine Army
Philippine Army
The Philippine Army is the ground arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Tagalog is Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas. On July 23, 2010, President Benigno Aquino III appointed Maj. Gen...
and Philippine Air Force
Philippine Air Force
The Philippine Air Force is the air force of the Republic of the Philippines, and one of the three main services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas....
except the Philippine Marine Corps
Philippine Marine Corps
The Philippine Marine Corps is the marine corps of the Philippines, and is part of the Philippine Navy.- History :...
), "Lance Corporal", "Gunnery Sergeant", "Master Gunnery Sergeant" in the Philippine Army and Marine Corps. They simply start to address their ranks from Private Second Class up to Sergeant Major. Sergeant Majors in the AFP are only appointments rather than ranks.
Air Force
In the Philippine Air ForcePhilippine Air Force
The Philippine Air Force is the air force of the Republic of the Philippines, and one of the three main services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas....
, they also use Airman Second Class up to Chief Master Sergeant, the same as in its U.S. counterparts.
Army
Polish Armed Forces rank insignia
- Origins :Present Polish system of rank insignia is a direct descendant of various systems used in the past in the Polish Army. Some of the grades trace their name back to Middle Ages, for instance the rank of chorąży literally means a flag bearer...
there are two grades of sergeant: Sierżant (OR-6 in NATO code) and Starszy Sierżant (OR-7). The rank first appeared in Henryk Dąbrowski's Polish Legions in Italy
Polish Legions in Italy
The Polish Legions, in the Napoleonic period, were several Polish military units that served with the French Army from the 1790s to the 1810s....
in the late 18th century. Both ranks are used in the infantry, armoured forces, air force and cavalry. In the artillery the equivalent is Ogniomistrz (literally Firemaster). In the Polish Navy
Polish Navy
The Marynarka Wojenna Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej - MW RP Polish Navy, is the branch of Republic of Poland Armed Forces responsible for naval operations...
, the equivalent is Bosman (literally Boatswain
Boatswain
A boatswain , bo's'n, bos'n, or bosun is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The boatswain supervises the other unlicensed members of the ship's deck department, and typically is not a watchstander, except on vessels with small crews...
).
Armed forces
In the Singapore Armed ForcesSingapore Armed Forces
The Singapore Armed Forces is the military arm of the Total Defence of the Republic of Singapore; as well as the military component of the Ministry of Defence. The SAF comprises three branches: the Singapore Army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Navy...
(SAF), there are five different grades of sergeant along with apple pie
- Third SergeantThird SergeantThird Sergeant is a Specialist rank in the Singapore Armed Forces. Third Sergeants are the most junior of Specialists, ranking above Corporal First Class, who, in the SAF, are not considered Specialists and do not have command authority...
(3SG), Second SergeantSecond SergeantSecond Sergeant is a Specialist rank in the Singapore Armed Forces. Second Sergeants are more senior than Third Sergeants, but less senior than First Sergeants. The rank insignia for a Second Sergeant features the three chevrons pointing down shared by all Specialists, and one chevron pointing...
(2SG), First SergeantFirst SergeantFirst sergeant is the name of a military rank used in many countries, typically a senior non-commissioned officer.-Singapore:First Sergeant is a Specialist in the Singapore Armed Forces. First Sergeants are the most senior of the junior Specialists, ranking above Second Sergeants, and below Staff...
(1SG), Staff SergeantStaff SergeantStaff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
(SSG), and Master SergeantMaster SergeantA master sergeant is the military rank for a senior non-commissioned officer in some armed forces.-Israel Defense Forces:Rav samal rishoninsignia IDF...
(MSG). Sergeants are considered SpecialistSpecialist (rank)Specialist is one of the four junior enlisted ranks in the U.S. Army, just above Private First Class and equivalent in pay grade to Corporal. Unlike Corporals, Specialists are not considered junior non-commissioned officers...
s in the SAF. They are equivalent to the non-commissioned officers of other militaries.
Soldiers must complete their Specialist course at the Specialist Cadet School, formerly known as the School of Infantry Specialists
School of Infantry Specialists
The Specialist Cadet School , formerly the School of Infantry Specialists , is the military training centre for specialists in the Singapore Army. The school is situated in Pasir Laba Camp in the western part of Singapore...
(SISPEC) or other training institutes before being promoted to Third Sergeant. While active duty National Servicemen
National Service in Singapore
Conscription in Singapore, called National Service , requires all male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents who have reached the age of 18 to enrol in the military...
may be promoted to Second Sergeant, most personnel holding ranks above that are career soldiers.
Promotion from 3SG to SSG takes an average of 6 years, although there are many factors which may cause a soldier's promotion to cease. These factors include failure to pass an annual physical fitness proficiency test, poor performance, or being charged for offences.
3SGs are usually section
Section (military unit)
A section is a small military unit in some armies. In many armies, it is a squad of seven to twelve soldiers. However in France and armies based on the French model, it is the sub-division of a company .-Australian Army:...
commanders. They may also hold certain logistics or administrative posts such as Company Quartermaster Sergeant
Company Quartermaster Sergeant
Company quartermaster sergeant is a military rank or appointment.-Canada:A Company Quartermaster Sergeant in the Canadian Forces is the non-commissioned officer in a company who is in charge of supplies. The CQMS also serves as deputy to the Company Sergeant Major and is the second most senior NCO...
. 2SGs usually serve as Platoon Sergeant
Platoon Sergeant
In many militaries, a platoon sergeant is the senior enlisted member of a platoon, who advises and supports the platoon's commanding officer in leading the unit.-Singapore:...
s. 1SGs, SSGs, and MSGs usually serve as Company Sergeant Major
Company Sergeant Major
A company sergeant major is the senior non-commissioned soldier of a company in the armies of many Commonwealth countries, responsible for standards and discipline. In combat, his prime responsibility is the supply of ammunition to the company...
or administrative Specialists at company
Company (military unit)
A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 80–225 soldiers and usually commanded by a Captain, Major or Commandant. Most companies are formed of three to five platoons although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure...
level or higher.
Paramilitary force
In the Singapore Police ForceSingapore Police Force
The Singapore Police Force is the main agency tasked with maintaining law and order in the city-state. Formerly known as the Republic of Singapore Police , it has grown from an 11-man organisation to a 38,587 strong force...
, Singapore Civil Defence Force
Singapore Civil Defence Force
The Singapore Civil Defence Force is the main agency in charge of the provision of emergency services in Singapore during peacetime and emergency.A uniformed organisation under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the main role of SCDF is to provide...
, Singapore Prison Service
Singapore Prison Service
The Singapore Prison Service is an agency of the Government of Singapore under the hierarchy of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It runs 14 prisons and drug rehabilitation centres in Singapore. It is situated at Upper Changi Road....
and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Singapore Government.-Overview:...
, the rank of Sergeant lies between Corporal
Corporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
and Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
.
Army
Sergeant (Sgt) is used as a rank in the Sri Lanka Army. It is senior to CorporalCorporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
and junior to Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
. It is denoted by three chevrons.
Air Force
Sergeant (Sgt) is also used as a rank in the Sri Lanka Air Force. It is senior to CorporalCorporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
and junior to Flight Sergeant
Flight Sergeant
Flight sergeant is a senior non-commissioned rank in the British Royal Air Force and several other air forces which have adopted all or part of the RAF rank structure...
. It is denoted by three chevrons.
Police
The rank of sergeant exists in the Sri Lanka Police ServiceSri Lanka Police Service
The Sri Lanka Police Service is the civilian national police force of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The police force has a manpower of approximately 85,000. It is responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace...
. It is senior to constable but junior to sub-inspector
Sub-inspector
Sub-inspector is a rank used extensively in the Indian Police, Pakistani Police and Sri Lankan Police, which is primarily based on the British model. It was formerly used in most British colonial police forces and in certain British police forces as well...
. There are several grades which are classed as Non-Gazetted Officers:
- Police Sergeant Class 1 (PS)
- Police Sergeant Class 2 (PS)
Army
In the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, Byeong-Jang (병장) is equivalent to US Army's rank of Sergeant. It is typically attained after 15–18 months of service as an enlisted personnel. The rank insignia for Byung-Jang is four horizontal bars.In addition, there are four non-commissioned officer ranks above Byeong-Jang: Ha-Sa (하사), Jung-Sa (중사), Sang-Sa (상사), and Won-Sa (원사). Ha-Sa is equivalent to US Army's rank of Staff Sergeant and its rank is one chevron. Jung-Sa is equivalent to US Army's Sergeant First Class and its rank is denoted by two chevrons. Sang-Sa is equivalent to the US Army Master Sergeant and its rank is denoted by three chevrons. Won-Sa, the most senior NCO rank, is denoted by three chevrons and a star above the chevrons and is equivalent to the US Army Sergeant Major rank.
| Army | Navy | Airforce |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
Army
In Sweden Sergeant (Sweden)Sergeant (Sweden)
- Obtaining the rank in Finland :In Finnish army after two months basic training some of conscripts are selected for a two-stage NCO -course with a rank of NCO -student , of which after stage 1 few are sent to Reserve Officer School and the rest continue in NCO -course stage 2 , after which they...
is a military rank above Korpral
Korpral
- Swedish insignias before 2009 :-1600 - 1700:A korpral held the position as platoon leader of 24 men during the Swedish allotment system. The korpralskap consisted of four rote of 6 men each...
and below Förste sergeant
Förste sergeant
- Obtaining the rank in Sweden :Three months of Basic Military Training , three months of Extended Military Training followed by 18 months of professional specialist training.- Sweden: June 6, 2008 :...
. The insignia of rank was changed in 2009 to resemble American and British Sergeants.
Police
Custody officer
A Custody Officer is an attested constable of at least the rank of Sergeant in the United Kingdom who works in a custody suite. They are responsible for the care and welfare of arrested persons who are brought to the custody suite.-Responsibilities:...
who is responsible for authorising detention of arrested persons under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 is an Act of Parliament which instituted a legislative framework for the powers of police officers in England and Wales to combat crime, as well as providing codes of practice for the exercise of those powers. Part VI of PACE required the Home Secretary...
, along with effective running of the custody suite
Custody suite
A custody suite is a designated area within a police station designed and adapted to process and detain those who have been arrested, or who are there for purposes such as answering bail....
.
Plain clothes Detective Sergeants are equal in rank to their uniformed counterparts, the prefix 'detective
Detective
A detective is an investigator, either a member of a police agency or a private person. The latter may be known as private investigators or "private eyes"...
' identifies them as being trained in criminal investigations and part of or attached to CID
Criminal Investigation Department
The Crime Investigation Department is the branch of all Territorial police forces within the British Police and many other Commonwealth police forces, to which plain clothes detectives belong. It is thus distinct from the Uniformed Branch and the Special Branch.The Metropolitan Police Service CID,...
.
Uniformed Sergeants' epaulettes feature three down-pointed chevrons, above a personal identification number
Collar number
A collar number, also known as a shoulder number, Force Identification Number or occasionally as Force Number , identifies uniformed officers, Police Community Support Officers , and some police staff in UK police forces. Although now displayed on epaulettes A collar number, also known as a...
. Sergeants in service with the Metropolitan Police
Metropolitan Police Service
The Metropolitan Police Service is the territorial police force responsible for Greater London, excluding the "square mile" of the City of London which is the responsibility of the City of London Police...
, which is responsible for law enforcement
Law enforcement agency
In North American English, a law enforcement agency is a government agency responsible for the enforcement of the laws.Outside North America, such organizations are called police services. In North America, some of these services are called police while others have other names In North American...
in Greater London
Greater London
Greater London is the top-level administrative division of England covering London. It was created in 1965 and spans the City of London, including Middle Temple and Inner Temple, and the 32 London boroughs. This territory is coterminate with the London Government Office Region and the London...
, also have a divisional call sign attached to the epaulette, due to the size of the force.
Until the abolition of 1st Class Detective Sergeants
Station sergeant
Station sergeant was a rank in the London Metropolitan Police and continues as a rank in the Hong Kong Police Force, and Royal Barbados Police Force...
in 1973, Metropolitan Police Detective Sergeants were officially known as 2nd Class Detective Sergeants.
Unlike in the military, addressing a police Sergeant as "Sarge" is not seen as incorrect. Constables in some forces (including the Metropolitan Police) refer to their Sergeants as "Skipper".
the annual salary for newly promoted Sergeants is of £36,519, rising to £41,040 after four years as a Sergeant.
In the case of the Police Service of Northern Ireland
Police Service of Northern Ireland
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is the police force that serves Northern Ireland. It is the successor to the Royal Ulster Constabulary which, in turn, was the successor to the Royal Irish Constabulary in Northern Ireland....
, Sergeants' chevrons point upwards. This is derived from the practices of the Royal Irish Constabulary
Royal Irish Constabulary
The armed Royal Irish Constabulary was Ireland's major police force for most of the nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries. A separate civic police force, the unarmed Dublin Metropolitan Police controlled the capital, and the cities of Derry and Belfast, originally with their own police...
, who were a mounted police force and followed a tradition of upward-pointing ranks.
Army
A Sergeant (Sgt) in the British ArmyBritish Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
wears three point-down chevrons on their sleeve and usually serves as a platoon
Platoon
A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing 16 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the...
or troop
Troop
A troop is a military unit, originally a small force of cavalry, subordinate to a squadron and headed by the troop leader. In many armies a troop is the equivalent unit to the infantry section or platoon...
sergeant, or in a specialist position. Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
or Colour Sergeant
Colour Sergeant
Colour sergeant or colour serjeant is a non-commissioned title in the Royal Marines and infantry regiments of the British Army, ranking above sergeant and below warrant officer class 2....
(in the Royal Marines
Royal Marines
The Corps of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, commonly just referred to as the Royal Marines , are the marine corps and amphibious infantry of the United Kingdom and, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, form the Naval Service...
and the Infantry
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
), is the next most senior rank, above which come Warrant Officers. The Household Cavalry
Household Cavalry
The term Household Cavalry is used across the Commonwealth to describe the cavalry of the Household Divisions, a country’s most elite or historically senior military groupings or those military groupings that provide functions associated directly with the Head of state.Canada's Governor General's...
use the rank of Corporal of Horse
Corporal of Horse
Corporal of horse is a rank in the British Army's Household Cavalry corresponding to sergeant in other regiments. Formerly, no cavalry regiments had sergeants, but the Household Cavalry are the only ones to keep this tradition alive. It is said to stem from the origin of the word sergeant, which...
instead, the only regiments to preserve the old cavalry
Cavalry
Cavalry or horsemen were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback. Cavalry were historically the third oldest and the most mobile of the combat arms...
tradition of having corporals but not sergeants.Informally, a sergeant is often referred to as either "sarnt'" or "stripey" .
A Lance-Sergeant (LSgt) was formerly a Corporal acting in the capacity of a Sergeant. The appointment now survives chiefly in the Guards
Guards Division
The Guards Division is an administrative unit of the British Army responsible for the administration of the regiments of Foot Guards and the London Regiment.-Introduction:...
, where it is awarded to all Corporals. A Lance-Sergeant in the Guards and Honourable Artillery Company
Honourable Artillery Company
The Honourable Artillery Company was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1537 by King Henry VIII. Today it is a Registered Charity whose purpose is to attend to the “better defence of the realm"...
wears three chevrons, belongs to the Sergeants' Mess, however, for functionally he remains a Corporal rather than an acting Sergeant (e.g., he will typically command a section
Section (military unit)
A section is a small military unit in some armies. In many armies, it is a squad of seven to twelve soldiers. However in France and armies based on the French model, it is the sub-division of a company .-Australian Army:...
). In the Household Cavalry, the equivalent appointment is Lance-Corporal of Horse
Lance-Corporal of Horse
Lance-corporal of horse is an appointment unique to the Household Cavalry of the British Army, equivalent to lance sergeant in the Foot Guards. It was introduced in 1971...
.
A Sergeant in infantry regiments usually holds the appointment of "platoon sergeant" and is second in command of a platoon. Some British infantry regiments, such as The Rifles
The Rifles
The Rifles is the largest regiment of the British Army. Formed in 2007, it consists of five regular and two territorial battalions, plus a number of companies in other TA battalions, Each battalion of the Rifles was formerly an individual battalion of one of the two large regiments of the Light...
, still use the pre-1953 spelling 'Serjeant'.
Air force
The Royal Air ForceRoyal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
also has the rank of Sergeant, wearing the same three chevrons. The rank lies between Corporal
Corporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
and Flight Sergeant
Flight Sergeant
Flight sergeant is a senior non-commissioned rank in the British Royal Air Force and several other air forces which have adopted all or part of the RAF rank structure...
(or Chief Technician
Chief Technician
Chief technician is a non-commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force which is only held by airmen in technical trades and by musicians. It is between sergeant and flight sergeant and, like the latter has a NATO code of OR-7. Airmen in non-technical trades progress directly from sergeant to flight...
for technicians and musicians).
Between 1950 and 1964 in technical trades there was a rank of Senior Technician which was the equivalent of a Sergeant. Senior Technicians wore their chevrons point up.
On 1 July 1946, aircrew
Aircrew
Aircrew are the personnel who operate an aircraft while in flight. The composition of the crew depends on the type of aircraft as well as the purpose of the flight.-Civilian:*Aviator** Pilot-in-command** First officer** Second officer** Third officer...
sergeants were re-designated as Aircrew IV, III or II, replacing the chevrons with one, two or three six-pointed stars within a wreath and surmounted by an eagle. This was unpopular and in 1950 they returned to the old rank, but have worn an eagle above their chevrons ever since.
Sergeants of the Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
wore a four-bladed propeller above their chevrons.
Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, although there are several ranks of sergeant, the lowest carries the title of Sergeant (SGT). Sergeant is the enlisted rank in the U.S. Army above specialist
Specialist (rank)
Specialist is one of the four junior enlisted ranks in the U.S. Army, just above Private First Class and equivalent in pay grade to Corporal. Unlike Corporals, Specialists are not considered junior non-commissioned officers...
and corporal
Corporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
and below staff sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
, and is the second-lowest grade of non-commissioned officer
Non-commissioned officer
A non-commissioned officer , called a sub-officer in some countries, is a military officer who has not been given a commission...
. Sergeants in the infantry
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
, for example, lead fire teams of four men. There are two fire teams in a 9-man rifle squad
Squad
In military terminology, a squad is a small military unit led by a non-commissioned officer that is subordinate to an infantry platoon. In countries following the British Army tradition this organization is referred to as a section...
, which is led by a staff sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
.
In the United States Army, sergeants, staff sergeants, sergeants first class, and master sergeants are typically referred to in short form by their subordinates as "Sergeant", except in some training environments, or "First Sergeant" in the case of First Sergeants and "Sergeant Major" in the case of Sergeants Major (SGM), Command Sergeants Major (CSM) and the Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA).
Drill sergeants are typically addressed as "Drill Sergeant" regardless of rank, though this term is used depending on post policy. When serving a tour as drill sergeant this is indicated by the traditional campaign hat
Campaign hat
A campaign cover is a broad-brimmed felt or straw hat, with a high crown, pinched symmetrically at the four corners .It is associated with the New Zealand Army, the Royal Canadian...
, commonly referred to as the "Brown Round" or "Smokey Bear". The drill sergeant will always wear the drill sergeant badge indicating he completed the school. The Army drill sergeant badge appears on the right breast pocket.
American Civil War
The rank was used by both the Union ArmyUnion Army
The Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known as the Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the Northern Army and the National Army...
and the Confederate Army during the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. The same rank insignia was used similarly by both armies. Both varied the color of the stripes by assigning red for artillery, yellow for cavalry, blue for infantry and later in the war, green for sharpshooters. Some militia units varied these colors even further and had other colors including black and red with gold piping for various units. The rank was just below First Sergeant
First Sergeant
First sergeant is the name of a military rank used in many countries, typically a senior non-commissioned officer.-Singapore:First Sergeant is a Specialist in the Singapore Armed Forces. First Sergeants are the most senior of the junior Specialists, ranking above Second Sergeants, and below Staff...
and just above Corporal
Corporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
. They usually commanded a section of twenty men with two corporals under him. As the war progressed these men were often in command of platoons and even companies as the units were depleted of officers during combat.
Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
has several ranks that carry the title of Sergeant, the lowest of which is Sergeant (Sgt). Marine Sergeants are the fifth enlisted rank in the U.S. Marine Corps, just above Corporal
Corporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
and below Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
. The rank of Sergeant is the oldest rank in the Marine Corps. Once a Marine reaches Sergeant, their promotion no longer derives from a composite or cutting score; instead, they receive a Fitrep (Fitness Report). Sergeants serve as squad leaders in an infantry company while staff sergeants serve the billet of "platoon sergeant", supervising squad leaders and the platoon as a whole, and are second in command under the platoon commander.
In the Marine Corps, enlisted ranks above Sergeant are referred to as Staff Non-Commissioned Officers (Staff NCOs or SNCOs). These ranks, Staff Sergeant through Sergeant Major, are always referred to by their full rank and never merely as "Sergeant". Gunnery Sergeants are commonly addressed as simply "Gunny" informally.
Master Sergeants are addressed as "Master Sergeant" or "Top" at the preference of the Marine wearing the rank and dependent on the MOS community. This privilege is usually extended to Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) or SNCOs and above, and even Marines that are the same rank or higher. Master Gunnery Sergeants follow the same protocol but are commonly referred to as "Master Guns", or "Master Gunny".
Air Force
The U.S. Air Force rank of Sergeant (E-4) was phased out in the 1990s. Previously, Senior Airmen
Senior Airman
Senior airman is the fourth enlisted rank in the United States Air Force, just above airman first class and below staff sergeant. It has a pay grade of E-4...
were promoted to Sergeant and granted NCO status after 12 months time in grade; this lateral promotion is no longer conferred and Senior Airmen compete directly for promotion to Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
. The old rank of Sergeant was commonly referred to in the Air Force as "Buck" Sergeant. In today's Air Force, the term Sergeant refers to all Air Force NCOs up to Senior Master Sergeant
Senior Master Sergeant
Senior Master Sergeant is the eighth enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force, just above Master Sergeant and below Chief Master Sergeant and is a senior non-commissioned officer ....
(E-8). An airman who has achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant
Chief Master Sergeant
CMSgt ChevronChief Master Sergeant is the ninth, and highest, enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force, just above Senior Master Sergeant, and is a senior non-commissioned officer. The official term of address is "Chief Master Sergeant" or "Chief".Attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant is the...
(E-9) is referred to as Chief. This does not distract, however, from the differentiation between junior and senior non-commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force. In the U.S. Air Force, NCOs in the grade of Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
(E-5) and Technical Sergeant
Technical Sergeant
Technical Sergeant is the name of one current and two former enlisted ranks in the United States military.-United States Air Force:Technical Sergeant, or Tech Sergeant, is the sixth enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force, just above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant. A technical sergeant is...
(E-6) are referred to as non-commissioned officers (NCOs), while those in the grade of Master Sergeant
Master Sergeant
A master sergeant is the military rank for a senior non-commissioned officer in some armed forces.-Israel Defense Forces:Rav samal rishoninsignia IDF...
(E-7) through Chief Master Sergeant
Chief Master Sergeant
CMSgt ChevronChief Master Sergeant is the ninth, and highest, enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force, just above Senior Master Sergeant, and is a senior non-commissioned officer. The official term of address is "Chief Master Sergeant" or "Chief".Attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant is the...
(E-9) are referred to as Senior Non-commissioned Officers (SNCOs). The attainment of SNCO status confers additional responsibilities and obligations beyond those of NCOs, such as the ability to be the senior rater for those below SNCO status. In this way, the U.S. Air Force places great responsibility upon its SNCO corps to mentor and develop future leaders.
Police and corrections
Sergeant is also a commonly-used rank within United States policePolice
The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...
departments. It ranks above "officer" and "corporal", and it represents the first level of management within the organization. The Washington, D.C. Police Department and Fire Departments both have the rank Sergeant though they have different roles for each department.
The rank of Sergeant is often used in corrections. It is a supervisory rank above the rank-and-file correctional officer.
Types of sergeant
"Sergeant" is generally the lowest rank of Sergeant, with individual military entities choosing some additional words to signify higher ranking individuals. What terms are used, and what seniority they signify, is to a great extent dependent on the individual armed service. The term "sergeant" is also used in many appointment titles.Ranks
- Chief Master SergeantChief Master SergeantCMSgt ChevronChief Master Sergeant is the ninth, and highest, enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force, just above Senior Master Sergeant, and is a senior non-commissioned officer. The official term of address is "Chief Master Sergeant" or "Chief".Attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant is the...
- Chief Master Sergeant of the Air ForceChief Master Sergeant of the Air ForceThe Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force is a unique non-commissioned rank in the United States Air Force. The holder of this rank and post represents the highest enlisted level of leadership in the Air Force, and as such, provides direction for the enlisted corps and represents their interests,...
- Colour SergeantColour SergeantColour sergeant or colour serjeant is a non-commissioned title in the Royal Marines and infantry regiments of the British Army, ranking above sergeant and below warrant officer class 2....
- Command Sergeant Major
- Company SergeantCompany SergeantCompany Sergeant is a non-commissioned officer rank in the Irish Army equivalent to a First Sergeant in the United States Army and Warrant Officer Class 2 in the British Army....
- First SergeantFirst SergeantFirst sergeant is the name of a military rank used in many countries, typically a senior non-commissioned officer.-Singapore:First Sergeant is a Specialist in the Singapore Armed Forces. First Sergeants are the most senior of the junior Specialists, ranking above Second Sergeants, and below Staff...
- Flight SergeantFlight SergeantFlight sergeant is a senior non-commissioned rank in the British Royal Air Force and several other air forces which have adopted all or part of the RAF rank structure...
- Gunnery SergeantGunnery SergeantGunnery Sergeant is the seventh enlisted rank in the United States Marine Corps, just above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant and First Sergeant, and is a staff non-commissioned officer...
- Master Gunnery SergeantMaster Gunnery SergeantMaster Gunnery Sergeant is the ninth and highest enlisted rank in the United States Marine Corps...
- Master SergeantMaster SergeantA master sergeant is the military rank for a senior non-commissioned officer in some armed forces.-Israel Defense Forces:Rav samal rishoninsignia IDF...
- Senior Master SergeantSenior Master SergeantSenior Master Sergeant is the eighth enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force, just above Master Sergeant and below Chief Master Sergeant and is a senior non-commissioned officer ....
- Senior Sergeant
- Senior Staff SergeantSenior Staff SergeantA senior staff sergeant in the Singapore Police Force ranks between staff sergeant and station inspector....
- Sergeant First ClassSergeant First ClassSergeant First Class is the seventh enlisted rank in the U.S. Army, above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant and First Sergeant, and is the first senior non-commissioned officer rank...
- Sergeant MajorSergeant MajorSergeants major is a senior non-commissioned rank or appointment in many militaries around the world. In Commonwealth countries, Sergeants Major are usually appointments held by senior non-commissioned officers or warrant officers...
- Sergeant Major of the ArmySergeant Major of the ArmyThe Sergeant Major of the Army is a unique non-commissioned rank in the United States Army. The holder of this rank is the most senior enlisted member of the Army, unless an Army NCO is serving as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, when in that case that NCO will be the most senior...
- Sergeant Major of the Marine CorpsSergeant Major of the Marine CorpsSergeant Major of the Marine Corps is a unique non-commissioned rank and billet in the United States Marine Corps....
- Staff SergeantStaff SergeantStaff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
- Station SergeantStation sergeantStation sergeant was a rank in the London Metropolitan Police and continues as a rank in the Hong Kong Police Force, and Royal Barbados Police Force...
- Technical SergeantTechnical SergeantTechnical Sergeant is the name of one current and two former enlisted ranks in the United States military.-United States Air Force:Technical Sergeant, or Tech Sergeant, is the sixth enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force, just above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant. A technical sergeant is...
Appointments
- Academy Sergeant MajorAcademy Sergeant MajorThe Academy Sergeant Major is the senior non-commissioned officer instructor at a military academy.At the British Army's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the AcSM holds the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1...
- Band Sergeant MajorBand Sergeant MajorBand Sergeant Major is the appointment held by the senior playing musician in a British Army or Royal Marines band, who holds the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2. The BSM also functions as the band's second senior non-commissioned officer after the Bandmaster and has various administrative duties...
- Battery Quartermaster Sergeant
- Battery Sergeant Major
- Company Quartermaster SergeantCompany Quartermaster SergeantCompany quartermaster sergeant is a military rank or appointment.-Canada:A Company Quartermaster Sergeant in the Canadian Forces is the non-commissioned officer in a company who is in charge of supplies. The CQMS also serves as deputy to the Company Sergeant Major and is the second most senior NCO...
- Company Sergeant MajorCompany Sergeant MajorA company sergeant major is the senior non-commissioned soldier of a company in the armies of many Commonwealth countries, responsible for standards and discipline. In combat, his prime responsibility is the supply of ammunition to the company...
- First SergeantFirst SergeantFirst sergeant is the name of a military rank used in many countries, typically a senior non-commissioned officer.-Singapore:First Sergeant is a Specialist in the Singapore Armed Forces. First Sergeants are the most senior of the junior Specialists, ranking above Second Sergeants, and below Staff...
- Garrison Sergeant MajorGarrison Sergeant MajorA Garrison Sergeant Major in the British Army is the senior warrant officer of a garrison and holds the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1. The GSM London District, always a guardsman, holds one of the four most senior WO1 appointments in the British Army, and has military ceremonial responsibility...
- Lance SergeantLance SergeantA lance sergeant in the armies of the Commonwealth was a corporal acting in the rank of sergeant. The appointment is retained now only in the Foot Guards and Honourable Artillery Company...
- Platoon Sergeant MajorPlatoon Sergeant MajorPlatoon Sergeant Major was an appointment in the British Army in the short-lived rank of Warrant Officer Class III , created in 1938. The Platoon Sergeant Major, and his cavalry counterpart, the Troop Sergeant Major, were part of an experiment in giving experienced NCOs command of units formerly...
- Platoon SergeantPlatoon SergeantIn many militaries, a platoon sergeant is the senior enlisted member of a platoon, who advises and supports the platoon's commanding officer in leading the unit.-Singapore:...
- Provost SergeantProvost SergeantA Provost Sergeant is a non-commissioned officer associated with military police.-United Kingdom and Commonwealth:In the British Army and land forces of the Commonwealth, a Provost Sergeant is the non-commissioned officer in charge of the regimental police and is responsible to the Regimental...
- Quartermaster Sergeant InstructorQuartermaster Sergeant InstructorQuartermaster Sergeant Instructor is an appointment held by Warrant Officers Class 2 in the British Army's Small Arms School Corps and Army Physical Training Corps and by some in the Royal Engineers....
- Recruiting SergeantRecruiting sergeantA recruiting sergeant is a British or American soldier of the rank of sergeant who is tasked to enlist recruits. The term originated in the British army of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries....
- Regimental Quartermaster SergeantRegimental Quartermaster SergeantRegimental Quartermaster Sergeant is a military rank in some militaries, and an appointment in others.-Irish Defence Forces:Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant is a rank in the Irish Army and Irish Air Corps equivalent to Warrant Officer Class 2 in the British Army...
- Regimental Sergeant MajorRegimental Sergeant MajorRegimental Sergeant Major is an appointment held by warrant officers class 1 in the British Army, the British Royal Marines and in the armies of many Commonwealth nations, including Australia and New Zealand; and by chief warrant officers in the Canadian Forces...
- Sergeant Major InstructorSergeant Major InstructorSergeant Major Instructor is a British Army appointment held by Warrant Officers Class 1 in the Small Arms School Corps and the Army Physical Training Corps and by some WO1s in the Royal Engineers.- Cadet forces :...
- Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant
- Squadron Sergeant Major
- Staff Sergeant MajorStaff Sergeant Major-Canada:Staff Sergeant Major is a Royal Canadian Mounted Police rank above Staff Sergeant but junior to Sergeant Major. It is roughly equivalent to a Canadian army Master Warrant Officer or a British army Warrant Officer Class 2.-Britain:...
- Troop Sergeant MajorTroop Sergeant MajorIn the British Army, the Troop Sergeant Major is the senior NCO in a Royal Artillery troop, usually a Warrant Officer Class 2.This differs from a cavalry troop or infantry platoon, in which the highest-ranking NCO is usually a sergeant....
- Sergeant PilotSergeant PilotA Sergeant Pilot was a non-commissioned officer who had undergone flight training and was a qualified pilot in the air forces of several Commonwealth countries and in the United States Army Air Force before, during and after World War II where they were called Flying Sergeants...