First Sergeant
Encyclopedia
First sergeant is the name of a military rank used in many countries, typically a senior non-commissioned officer
.
s. The rank insignia for a First Sergeant features the three chevrons pointing down shared by all Specialists, and two chevrons pointing up.
In combat units, First Sergeants are often given the responsibility for independently-operating detachments of support weapons. They are often given instructional billets as well.
Förste sergeant
is a new Swedish squad leader rank above Sergeant and reached after 23 to 29 months of total time in training and service. The rank is the most junior professional NCO rank (OR6) and was established by the Swedish Armed Forces to align Swedish ranks better with NATO.
that equate to a Company Sergeant Major
, and generally serve as the senior enlisted advisor
of a unit. While the specifics of the title may differ between the United States Army
, Marine Corps
and Air Force
, all first sergeants can be identified by the presence of a lozenge
(colloquially "diamond") shaped figure on their rank insignia.
In the United States Army
, the rank of First Sergeant (abbreviated 1SG) is above the rank of Sergeant First Class
and below the rank of Sergeant Major
. It is equal in grade to Master Sergeant
, although the two ranks have different responsibilities. The rank is abbreviated as "1SG" in the Army. Master sergeants are laterally promoted to first sergeant upon selection by the senior leadership at a battalion
or higher level, depending on available billets and opportunities. Upon reassignment to a non-first sergeant billet, the soldier reverts back to their original rank of master sergeant. First sergeants are generally the senior non-commissioned officers of company
(battery
, troop
) sized units, and are unofficially but commonly referred to as "first shirt
", "top", "top sergeant", "top soldier", "top kick", or "top hat", due to their seniority and their position at the top of the company's enlisted ranks. They are sometimes referred to as "second hat" because the Company Commander
may entrust them with important responsibilities, even over one of the company's lieutenant
s.
First Sergeants handle the leadership and professional development of their soldiers, manage the promotable soldiers within the company, and are the first step in an Article 15 (non-judicial punishment) proceeding, as well as the daily responsibilities of running the company/unit.
Until September 1942, First Sergeant was a Grade 2 enlisted rank, equivalent to Technical Sergeant; it was then elevated to Grade 1, equivalent to Master Sergeant.
In the United States Marine Corps
, First Sergeant (abbreviated 1stSgt) is one level below Sergeant Major
and Master Gunnery Sergeant
. It is equal in grade to Master Sergeant
, although the two ranks have different responsibilities. A first sergeant has a command responsibility as a senior enlisted advisor
, while master sergeants have technical responsibilities. Unlike the first sergeant and master sergeant programs in the U.S. Army, no lateral movement is possible between the two ranks in the Marine Corps; rather a gunnery sergeant elects a preference on fitness reports, which are considered before promotion. A first sergeant is then eligible to be promoted to a sergeant major, while a master sergeant would be on the promotional track for master gunnery sergeant.
The grade of first sergeant initially appeared in the Marine Corps in 1833, when Congress
created the grade of Orderly Sergeant; 30 billets for the rank were established. In 1872, the Corps replaced the title of orderly sergeant with the rank of first sergeant. The rank of first sergeant was another casualty of the rank realignment of 1947. It was reestablished in 1955 as the second most senior grade, just behind sergeant major.
, First Sergeant is not a rank, but a special duty held by the senior enlisted advisor
of a military unit who reports directly to the unit commander
. This billet is held by individuals of pay grades E-7 through E-9 (Master Sergeant
, Senior Master Sergeant
and Chief Master Sergeant
), and is denoted on the rank insignia by a lozenge
(known colloquially as a "diamond"). Often referred to as the "first shirt
", or "shirt", the first sergeant is responsible for the morale, welfare, and conduct of all the enlisted members in a squadron
and is the chief adviser to the squadron commander concerning the enlisted force. Most units have a master sergeant in this position, while larger units use senior master sergeants and chief master sergeants as first sergeants.
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...
.
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 SergeantStaff 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:...
s. The rank insignia for a First Sergeant features the three chevrons pointing down shared by all Specialists, and two chevrons pointing up.
In combat units, First Sergeants are often given the responsibility for independently-operating detachments of support weapons. They are often given instructional billets as well.
Sweden
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 :...
is a new Swedish squad leader rank above Sergeant and reached after 23 to 29 months of total time in training and service. The rank is the most junior professional NCO rank (OR6) and was established by the Swedish Armed Forces to align Swedish ranks better with NATO.
United States
In the United States, First Sergeant is the title given to holders of certain ranks and positions within the United States armed forcesUnited States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
that equate to a 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...
, and generally serve as the senior enlisted advisor
Senior Enlisted Advisor
A Senior Enlisted Advisor in the United States armed forces is the most senior enlisted service member in a unit, and acts as an advisor to the commanding officer. Most units will have a formal billet for the senior enlisted advisor, from a platoon's platoon sergeant to the Senior Enlisted Advisor...
of a unit. While the specifics of the title may differ between 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...
, 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...
and Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
, all first sergeants can be identified by the presence of a lozenge
Lozenge
A lozenge , often referred to as a diamond, is a form of rhombus. The definition of lozenge is not strictly fixed, and it is sometimes used simply as a synonym for rhombus. Most often, though, lozenge refers to a thin rhombus—a rhombus with acute angles of 45°...
(colloquially "diamond") shaped figure on their rank insignia.
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...
, the rank of First Sergeant (abbreviated 1SG) is above the rank of 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...
and below the rank of 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...
. It is equal in grade to 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...
, although the two ranks have different responsibilities. The rank is abbreviated as "1SG" in the Army. Master sergeants are laterally promoted to first sergeant upon selection by the senior leadership at a battalion
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
or higher level, depending on available billets and opportunities. Upon reassignment to a non-first sergeant billet, the soldier reverts back to their original rank of master sergeant. First sergeants are generally the senior non-commissioned officers of 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...
(battery
Artillery battery
In military organizations, an artillery battery is a unit of guns, mortars, rockets or missiles so grouped in order to facilitate better battlefield communication and command and control, as well as to provide dispersion for its constituent gunnery crews and their systems...
, 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...
) sized units, and are unofficially but commonly referred to as "first shirt
First shirt
First Shirt is military slang for the First Sergeant of a unit of the United States Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps. In this context, the title "First Sergeant" refers to the senior non-commissioned officer of the unit, rather than specifically to the rank of First Sergeant...
", "top", "top sergeant", "top soldier", "top kick", or "top hat", due to their seniority and their position at the top of the company's enlisted ranks. They are sometimes referred to as "second hat" because the Company Commander
Company Commander
A company commander is the commanding officer of a company, a military unit which typically consists of 100 to 350 soldiers, often organized into three or four smaller units called platoons....
may entrust them with important responsibilities, even over one of the company's lieutenant
Lieutenant
A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank...
s.
First Sergeants handle the leadership and professional development of their soldiers, manage the promotable soldiers within the company, and are the first step in an Article 15 (non-judicial punishment) proceeding, as well as the daily responsibilities of running the company/unit.
Until September 1942, First Sergeant was a Grade 2 enlisted rank, equivalent to Technical Sergeant; it was then elevated to Grade 1, equivalent to Master Sergeant.
United States 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...
, First Sergeant (abbreviated 1stSgt) is one level below 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...
and Master Gunnery Sergeant
Master Gunnery Sergeant
Master Gunnery Sergeant is the ninth and highest enlisted rank in the United States Marine Corps...
. It is equal in grade to 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...
, although the two ranks have different responsibilities. A first sergeant has a command responsibility as a senior enlisted advisor
Senior Enlisted Advisor
A Senior Enlisted Advisor in the United States armed forces is the most senior enlisted service member in a unit, and acts as an advisor to the commanding officer. Most units will have a formal billet for the senior enlisted advisor, from a platoon's platoon sergeant to the Senior Enlisted Advisor...
, while master sergeants have technical responsibilities. Unlike the first sergeant and master sergeant programs in the U.S. Army, no lateral movement is possible between the two ranks in the Marine Corps; rather a gunnery sergeant elects a preference on fitness reports, which are considered before promotion. A first sergeant is then eligible to be promoted to a sergeant major, while a master sergeant would be on the promotional track for master gunnery sergeant.
The grade of first sergeant initially appeared in the Marine Corps in 1833, when Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
created the grade of Orderly Sergeant; 30 billets for the rank were established. In 1872, the Corps replaced the title of orderly sergeant with the rank of first sergeant. The rank of first sergeant was another casualty of the rank realignment of 1947. It was reestablished in 1955 as the second most senior grade, just behind sergeant major.
United States Air Force
In the United States Air ForceUnited States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
, First Sergeant is not a rank, but a special duty held by the senior enlisted advisor
Senior Enlisted Advisor
A Senior Enlisted Advisor in the United States armed forces is the most senior enlisted service member in a unit, and acts as an advisor to the commanding officer. Most units will have a formal billet for the senior enlisted advisor, from a platoon's platoon sergeant to the Senior Enlisted Advisor...
of a military unit who reports directly to the unit commander
Commanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
. This billet is held by individuals of pay grades E-7 through E-9 (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...
, 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 ....
and 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...
), and is denoted on the rank insignia by a lozenge
Lozenge
A lozenge , often referred to as a diamond, is a form of rhombus. The definition of lozenge is not strictly fixed, and it is sometimes used simply as a synonym for rhombus. Most often, though, lozenge refers to a thin rhombus—a rhombus with acute angles of 45°...
(known colloquially as a "diamond"). Often referred to as the "first shirt
First shirt
First Shirt is military slang for the First Sergeant of a unit of the United States Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps. In this context, the title "First Sergeant" refers to the senior non-commissioned officer of the unit, rather than specifically to the rank of First Sergeant...
", or "shirt", the first sergeant is responsible for the morale, welfare, and conduct of all the enlisted members in a squadron
Squadron (aviation)
A squadron in air force, army aviation or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force...
and is the chief adviser to the squadron commander concerning the enlisted force. Most units have a master sergeant in this position, while larger units use senior master sergeants and chief master sergeants as first sergeants.