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Comparative military ranks
Armies,
air forces
(non-Commonwealth)		 Navies,
coast guards		 Air forces
(Commonwealth system)
General officers, Flag officers, Air officers
Marshal or
field marshal		 Admiral of the fleet Marshal of the air force
General or
colonel general or
army general		 Admiral Air chief marshal
Lieutenant general or
army corps general		 Vice admiral Air marshal
Major general or
divisional general		 Rear admiral or
counter admiral		 Air vice-marshal
Brigadier or
brigadier general		 Commodore or
flotilla admiral		 Air commodore
Senior officers
Colonel (Ship-of-the-line)
Captain		 Group captain
Lieutenant colonel Commander or
frigate captain		 Wing commander
Major or
commandant		 Lieutenant
commander or corvette captain		 Squadron leader
Junior officers
Captain Lieutenant Flight lieutenant
First lieutenant or
lieutenant		 Lieutenant
junior grade or
sub-lieutenant		 Flying officer
Second lieutenant or
junior lieutenant		 Ensign or
midshipman		 Pilot officer
Senior NCOs
Warrant officer or
sergeant major		 Warrant officer or
chief petty officer		 Warrant officer
Junior NCOs
Sergeant Petty officer Sergeant
Corporal or
bombardier		 Leading seaman Corporal
Enlisted ranks
Lance corporal or
Lance bombardier or
specialist		 Able seaman Leading aircraftman or
Air specialist
Private or
gunner or
trooper or
Sepoy or
sapper		 Seaman Aircraftman or
airman or
aviator

First sergeant is typically a senior non-commissioned officer rank, used in many countries.

Singapore

[edit]

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 Sergeants. The rank insignia for a First Sergeant features the three chevrons pointing down shared by all specialists, and two chevrons pointing up.[1]

In combat units, First Sergeants are very often platoon sergeants or given the responsibility for independently operating detachments of support weapons. They are often given instructional billets as well in training schools. First sergeants normally answer to the company sergeant major, assisting the latter in the mentorship, guidance and command of the more junior specialists (Third and Second Sergeants) who are section commanders.

Specialist ranks of the Singapore Armed Forces
Insignia
Rank Third sergeant Second sergeant First sergeant Staff sergeant Master sergeant
Abbreviation 3SG 2SG 1SG SSG MSG

United States

[edit]

In the United States, a first sergeant generally serves as the senior enlisted advisor (SEA) of a unit, such as a company, battery, or troop, or a USAF squadron or higher level unit. (USA and USMC squadrons and battalions, as well as all higher-level units, have a Command Sergeant Major [USA] or Sergeant Major [USMC] as the SEA.) 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-shaped (colloquially "diamond") figure on their rank insignia.

Armed Forces

[edit]
First sergeant
Army and Marine Corps insignia
Country United States
Service branch
Abbreviation
  • 1SG (USA)
  • 1stSgt (USMC)
Rank groupNon-commissioned officer
NATO rank codeOR-8
Pay gradeE-8
Formation1781
Next higher rank
Next lower rankMaster sergeant (USA)
Gunnery sergeant (USMC)

United States Army

[edit]
World War I First sergeant rank insignia

The rank of "first sergeant" has existed in the American Army since 1781,[2] when a fifth sergeant was added to the table of organization for Continental Army infantry regiments. Previously, under the tables of organization approved by the Continental Congress in 1776 and 1779, there were four and three sergeants, respectively, authorized in each company. The sergeants were numbered in order of seniority, and the "first sergeant" was simply the senior sergeant in the company, but not a separate rank.[3] After the 1781 Battle of Green Spring, Ebenezer Denny called the company first sergeant "the most important officer."[4]

In 1833, first sergeant and orderly sergeant became separate pay grades, ranking below sergeants major and quartermaster sergeants, but above sergeants. In 1851, first sergeant was combined with the separate rank of orderly sergeant.[5]

In the United States Army, since 1958,[6] the rank of first sergeant (abbreviated 1SG) is considered a temporary rank in E-8 pay grade, ranking above sergeant first class (SFC), and below sergeant major (SGM) or command sergeant major (CSM). While first sergeant is equal in paygrade to master sergeant (MSG), the two ranks have different responsibilities.[7] Both ranks are identical as indicated by three chevrons (standard sergeant insignia) above three inverted arcs ("rockers"), an arrangement commonly referred to as "three up and three down", though the first sergeant has the pierced lozenge "diamond" in the middle. A first sergeant is generally senior to a master sergeant in leadership matters, though a master sergeant may have more general military authority such as when in charge of a military police (MP) section.

Master sergeants are laterally appointed to first sergeant upon selection by senior Department of the Army leadership; qualified sergeants first class are promoted, depending on available billets and opportunities. A promotable sergeant first class, or a master sergeant, may be selected for promotion to, or appointment as, a first sergeant, but will continue to wear the initial rank until successful completion of first sergeant leadership school, when the 1SG insignia of rank is authorized ("getting one's diamond"). Upon reassignment to a non–first sergeant billet, the soldier reverts to rank of master sergeant, unless promoted to the E-9 rank of SGM or CSM. First sergeants can retire at that rank, if they so choose, as long as they have completed first sergeant school and served satisfactorily in rank.

CSM is a leadership position that is a higher ranking equivalent of 1SG on a battalion level or higher command, while SGM is an MOS-specific technical equivalent to a MSG on a battalion level or higher command or in certain specialty billets.

The position of first sergeant is the highest US Army NCO rank position that is still in a direct "hands-on" leadership setting, as are command sergeant major (CSM/E-9) positions in a battalion command or higher level unit assignments of higher rank. CSMs have expanded administrative duties, and less direct leadership duty requirements with enlisted and junior NCO soldiers than do 1SGs.

First sergeants are generally the senior non-commissioned officers of company (battery, troop) sized units, and are unofficially but commonly referred to as "first sausage", "top", "top sergeant", "top soldier", "top kick", "first shirt", due to their seniority and their position at the top of the company's enlisted ranks. In the Bundeswehr, the German Army, the first sergeant (German: Kompaniefeldwebel) is colloquially called "mother of the company" (even for male soldiers), a concept also in place in the US Army. Only 1% of US Soldiers are promoted to or appointed as 1SG, so selection is extremely competitive and only the highest rated Soldiers "wear the diamond." 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 lieutenants, especially junior lieutenants.

First sergeants handle the leadership and professional development of their soldiers, especially the non-commissioned officer development and grooming of enlisted soldiers for promotions. They also manage company logistical issues, supervise administrative issues, recommend and prepare enlisted soldiers for specialty and leadership schools, re-enlistment, career development and they manage the promotable soldiers within the company. First sergeants are the first step in disciplinary actions such as an Article 15 (non-judicial punishment) proceeding. A first sergeant may place a soldier under arrest and on restriction to quarters in certain cases, as well as manage all of the daily responsibilities of running the company/unit.

A first sergeant who has completed the US Army's first sergeant course and who satisfactorily served a tour of duty as a first sergeant, will retire as a first sergeant, even if they later serve as a master sergeant until honorable retirement.

Historically, Army National Guard Soldiers, who often remained in uniform under Title 32, USC state status, until days or weeks shy of their 62nd birthday, often stayed in one unit for decades, especially with cases of senior enlisted promotions or appointments. After the mass mobilization of Guard troops in the Persian Gulf War in 1991, many states began a statewide promotion system, resulting in Soldiers transferring units frequently. This generally brought an end to the long-serving first sergeants, fondly known by other Soldiers as "Top For Life," "TFL "

Insignia
[edit]

Beginning in 1821, first sergeants were recognizable by wearing a red worsted waist sash (along with all other senior sergeant grades),[8] while all junior sergeant grades had to discard this item.[9] In 1872, sashes were eliminated for all ranks (except for general officers who retained their buff sashes until 1917).[10] Though the sergeant major and quartermaster sergeant already had distinctive staff NCO rank insignia, it was not until 1847 that the first sergeant received the characteristic lozenge, or diamond, with the three chevrons of a sergeant as its insignia of rank.[5]

United States Marine Corps

[edit]

In the United States Marine Corps, first sergeant (abbreviated 1stSgt) is a permanent rank and ranks above gunnery sergeant and below sergeant major and master gunnery sergeant. It is equal in grade to master sergeant (E8), although the two ranks have different responsibilities. A first sergeant has command leadership responsibilities and serves as the senior enlisted adviser to the commander at the company, battery or detachment level, while master sergeants have technical responsibilities within their respective occupational fields, and serve important leadership roles within various company or battery sections. Master sergeants may also perform staff functions at the battalion/squadron level or above. Unlike first sergeants and master sergeants in the U.S. Army, no lateral movement is possible between the two ranks in the Marine Corps; they are permanent appointments and require a change in occupational specialty. Rather, gunnery sergeants elect a preference on their fitness reports, which are considered before promotion. Ultimately, those selected for either rank are appointed based on suitability, previous duty assignments, and the needs of the Marine Corps. Later in their careers, first sergeants are eligible to be considered for promotion to sergeant major, while master sergeants can be promoted to master gunnery sergeant.

The grade of first sergeant initially appeared in the Marine Corps in 1833, when Congress created the ranks of "first sergeant of the guard at sea" and "orderly sergeant of the post" (of which 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.[11]

United States Air Force

[edit]

In the United States Air Force, first sergeants are special duty temporary ranks[12] and positional billets. First sergeants are not guaranteed to be promoted to the next level paygrade of first sergeant. 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.[12] They are held by a senior enlisted member of a military unit who reports directly to the unit commander or deputy commander of operations. This positional 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"). Most units have a master sergeant in this position. Larger units use senior master sergeants and chief master sergeants as first sergeants. While both services don't have separate first sergeant ranks,[12] those who hold these positional billets are senior to their non-diamond counterparts.[citation needed] All first sergeants can retire at that rank, within their respective paygrade, if they so choose, as long as they have served satisfactorily in rank.

Serving as first sergeant
Pay grade E-9 E-8 E-7
Insignia
Rank Chief master sergeant Senior master sergeant Master sergeant

Law enforcement

[edit]

Some U.S. law enforcement agencies, especially state police and highway patrol organizations, have first sergeants, who are typically in charge or command of a detachment, district, region, area, barracks, or post consisting of anywhere from ten to fifty or more troopers or officers. Most law enforcement first sergeants are mid-level management leaders, with ten to thirty or more years of service. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol first sergeants for example, must complete the 6-weeks advanced police management training institute at the Southern Police Institute (SPI) in Louisville, KY. Other states also use SPI, or Northwestern University IL or the FBI National Academy (FBINA) Quantico, VA.

Some such state agencies may have a first sergeant in charge of special state police or highway patrol units such as SWAT, K-9, aviation, personnel, major traffic accident reconstruction, research, public information, logistics, training, recruitment, internal affairs, accreditation, inspections, mounted, motorcycle, communications, detectives, administration, and other specialized sections or services other than general patrol.

Some municipal and county agencies also have a first sergeant. Civil law enforcement first sergeants are senior to sergeants and junior to lieutenants.

The insignia of such a first sergeant is usually similar to a military first sergeant but may only may have a chevron of three stripes with no bottom curved stripes "rockers", or just one or two rockers, but generally always[clarification needed] have the lozenge under the chevrons. The rank insignia may be displayed by sewn-on sleeve shoulder stripes, slip-on epaulet stripes or pin-on metal stripes of black, silver or gold tone that may be pinned on the collar or epaulet.

NATO code

[edit]

While the rank of first sergeant is used in some NATO countries, it is ranked differently depending on the country.

NATO code Country[13] English equivalent
UK US
OR-8 Warrant officer class 2 First sergeant
OR-7 Spain Staff sergeant Sergeant first class
OR-6 Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal Sergeant Staff sergeant
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See also

[edit]

References and notes

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

First sergeant

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The first sergeant is a senior position in the United States armed forces, primarily in the , Marine Corps, , and , serving as the chief enlisted assistant to the commander of a - or squadron-sized unit, with primary responsibilities for the , , , and welfare of enlisted personnel. In the United States , the first sergeant holds the of E-8 and is typically selected from among master sergeants based on demonstrated , serving as the commander's principal advisor on enlisted matters within a commanded by a . The role involves ensuring unit readiness, overseeing administrative tasks, enforcing standards, and acting as a key link between officers and enlisted soldiers, with first sergeants described as specially selected for their unparalleled responsibilities in sustaining and soldier welfare. In the United States Marine Corps, the first sergeant is also an E-8 , functioning as a to the on issues of , administration, and personnel at the company level, while assisting in the execution of the commander's intent and maintaining high standards of . This position emphasizes advising on all matters affecting enlisted , supporting training for deployment, and upholding Marine Corps traditions. In the United States Air Force and , the first sergeant is a special duty assignment rather than a distinct rank, often held by master sergeants (E-7) or senior master sergeants (E-8), where the individual advises commanders on the readiness, health, morale, and of Airmen/Guardians and their families to support mission accomplishment. First sergeants in these branches focus on personnel issues, disciplinary actions, , and acting as visible leaders to foster a supportive environment, often serving as the "eyes and ears" of the unit commander.

Overview

Definition and Role

A first sergeant is a senior (NCO) rank held by experienced enlisted personnel, primarily in the United States Armed Forces, serving as a key leadership position focused on unit management and personnel oversight. In the U.S., this rank is equivalent to code OR-8 and emphasizes practical leadership over tactical command, distinguishing it from junior roles that primarily handle small-team supervision. The primary role of a first sergeant involves advising unit commanders on all enlisted personnel issues, including , , , and welfare, while enforcing standards to maintain operational readiness. They act as the principal enlisted assistant to the , bridging the gap between commissioned officers and enlisted troops by facilitating communication, resolving conflicts, and ensuring policies are effectively implemented at the ground level. First sergeants also mentor junior NCOs, providing guidance on and leadership skills to build a cohesive . Historically connoted as the "father of the company," the first embodies a paternal role as the unit's , prioritizing welfare, logistical support, and disciplinary measures to foster a disciplined yet supportive environment. This extends to or levels, where they oversee daily operations, personnel accountability, and training programs, setting them apart from lower ranks by their broader advisory and administrative scope rather than direct leadership.

Pay Grade and Equivalents

In the United States Army and Marine Corps, the first sergeant holds the pay grade of E-8, a senior (NCO) level within the enlisted structure, while in the and , it is a special duty assignment typically held by personnel at E-7 or E-8. This corresponds to basic monthly pay ranging from approximately $5,450 for those with fewer than 10 years of service to over $7,800 for those with 26 or more years, as outlined in the 2025 enlisted ; actual compensation includes additional allowances for housing, subsistence, and special duties. Promotion to E-8 typically requires at least 8 years of total service, 2 years in the prior grade of E-7, completion of the Senior Leader Course, and selection by a promotion board based on performance evaluations and potential. The first sergeant position is equivalent to other E-8 roles like in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, but it is distinguished primarily by duty assignment rather than a separate permanent rank, with first sergeants serving as the senior enlisted advisor in company-sized units. In comparison, junior ranks such as (E-6) focus on squad-level leadership after about 4-6 years of service, while senior ranks like (E-9) oversee or higher operations, often requiring 10-12 years of service for eligibility. This places the first sergeant in the upper echelon of NCOs, bridging tactical execution and strategic guidance. The for a U.S. Army first sergeant consists of three chevrons above three arc-shaped rockers, with a central (lozenge) to denote the specific , worn on the or collar in drab for standard uniforms. Similar designs are used across U.S. branches, adapting the E-8 chevron base with positional markers.

History

Origins

The position of first sergeant traces its roots to the 17th-century , where the served as the company sergeant responsible for administrative tasks, such as maintaining records and overseeing supplies, as well as enforcing among enlisted personnel. This role positioned the as a paternal figure to the troops, handling daily operations and morale while bridging officers and soldiers, a model that emphasized noncommissioned officers' critical function in . The Prussian Feldwebel concept influenced European military structures, including those adopted by British forces, which in turn shaped 18th-century colonial militias in America. In these militias, a senior enlisted member, often called a sergeant, assisted captains in training, equipment distribution, and maintaining order during irregular engagements against French and Native American forces. The specific term "first sergeant" was formalized in the Continental Army in 1779. Following the formation of the Continental Army in 1775, first sergeants played a vital role in professionalizing the force, particularly under the guidance of Prussian officer Baron Friedrich von Steuben, who arrived at in 1778 to implement standardized training. Von Steuben's "Blue Book" regulations formalized the first sergeant as one of five ranks, assigning duties such as conducting drills, managing rations and supplies, reporting morning strengths, and promoting soldier welfare to build discipline and . These responsibilities ensured first sergeants acted as the primary enforcers of order and efficiency within companies, directly contributing to the army's improved performance in later Revolutionary War campaigns. The rank was further formalized in the U.S. Army Regulations of 1812, which outlined the first sergeant's specific procedural duties, including calling company rolls under the captain's inspection during formations and maneuvers. This codification during the solidified the position as an essential leadership role in the standing army, emphasizing accountability and operational support.

Evolution in the United States

The rank of first sergeant in the experienced notable formalization and elevation during the , particularly amid the (1861–1865). As the senior in a , the first sergeant assumed expanded leadership responsibilities, often directing assaults, maintaining formation under fire, and overseeing and care in the chaos of battle. This period marked a shift from earlier administrative duties to more tactical roles, reflecting the demands of large-scale warfare and the need for reliable enlisted leadership to support officers. In the early 20th century, the rank evolved further during World War I and World War II to address expanding military needs. A key change occurred on September 22, 1942, when Army Regulation 600-35 elevated the first sergeant from second grade to first technical grade, granting higher pay and enhanced authority to reflect its critical position in unit discipline, training, and operations. This upgrade, implemented amid wartime expansion, underscored the role's importance in sustaining combat effectiveness. Postwar adjustments briefly reverted the grade, but the authority persisted. Additionally, in 1958, the U.S. Army introduced a distinctive diamond (lozenge) in the center of the chevron insignia to clearly differentiate the first sergeant from the master sergeant, emphasizing its unique leadership focus on company-level management. Following the Vietnam War, the 1970s brought reforms prioritizing professional development for noncommissioned officers, including first sergeants, to improve leadership quality amid lessons from and challenges. This era saw the establishment of mandatory training, such as the First Sergeant Course in 1981, which focused on administrative, disciplinary, and training responsibilities outlined in Army Regulation 600-20, aiming to standardize skills for company-level command support. In recent decades, the first sergeant role has adapted to contemporary military structures and challenges. Since the creation of the U.S. in 2019, the rank has been incorporated using the U.S. Air Force model, maintaining equivalent pay grades and insignia while supporting space domain operations through enlisted leadership. Post-2001, amid operations in and , first sergeants have increasingly addressed modern issues like support, integrating training and resilience programs to foster unit well-being and reduce stigma around seeking care.

Singapore

Rank in the Singapore Armed Forces

The First Sergeant (1SG) is classified as a junior specialist rank in the (SAF), serving as the most senior among junior specialists and equivalent to OR-6 . This rank was introduced in the as part of the SAF's development of dedicated and career tracks, aimed at building a professional cadre of non-commissioned leaders following the establishment of in 1967. In the SAF hierarchy, the First Sergeant ranks above Second Sergeant and below within the specialist structure, as outlined in the official ranks of servicemen. Promotion to First Sergeant typically occurs based on demonstrated and performance in the dual-track system that distinguishes specialists from commissioned officers. into the specialist track, including progression to First Sergeant, draws from conscripts and regular personnel, with candidates selected based on performance during basic military and advanced individually to Specialist Cadet if they demonstrate potential. Individuals progress from Third Sergeant through structured promotion, requiring mandatory vocational to build technical and skills tailored to operational needs. The SAF's unique dual-track system for warrant officers and specialists integrates traditional duties with specialized technical roles, shaped by British colonial military traditions and post-independence collaborations with U.S. forces to enhance professionalization after 1965. The rank and roles are consistent across the , , and , with variations in specific duties by service.

Responsibilities and Insignia

In the , the First Sergeant (1SG) acts as the second-in-command of a , serving as and providing direct leadership to sections of 7-8 personnel within a of approximately 25-30 in combat and support units such as battalions or regiments. This role involves overseeing daily programs to ensure operational readiness, enforcing through counseling and corrective measures, and coordinating logistical needs like equipment maintenance and supply distribution to maintain and effectiveness. The for the First Sergeant consists of three silver chevrons pointing upward, topped by an arc, typically worn on the sleeves of the No. 4 uniform for easy identification during field operations. This distinguishes it from the star-based used by warrant officers, emphasizing the specialist cadre's focus on junior rather than appointed . Promotion to First Sergeant requires strong performance evaluations from superiors, demonstrating in and unit administration, along with completion of required courses. Selections prioritize those who exhibit initiative in mentoring junior specialists and national servicemen. Notable evolutions in the included refinements to the First Sergeant rank structure as part of broader SAF initiatives to professionalize and reserve forces, introducing clearer pathways for non-commissioned leadership to support 's total defense posture amid regional security shifts. These updates aligned with modernized uniforms to enhance recognition in integrated operations.

United States

United States Army

In the United States Army, the first sergeant serves as an E-8 (NCO) and is the principal enlisted advisor to the company in units typically comprising 150-200 soldiers. This position emphasizes maintaining unit readiness, , and administrative discipline, acting as a vital link between the enlisted force and the officer leadership to ensure operational effectiveness. Key responsibilities of the Army first sergeant include overseeing training cycles to prepare soldiers for missions, managing soldier welfare programs such as family support and mental health resources, and ensuring accountability during deployments or field exercises. They lead company physical training sessions, conduct individual counseling on career progression and performance, and enforce standards of discipline and conduct to foster a cohesive unit environment. During sustainment operations, first sergeants synchronize logistics and personnel actions to support prolonged combat efforts, serving as a combat multiplier through their focus on enlisted welfare and tactical administration. Selection for the first sergeant role occurs through promotion boards that evaluate master sergeants (also E-8) based on performance, potential, and unit needs, often incorporating tools like the First Sergeant Talent Alignment Assessment (1SG TAA) to match candidates to specific company vacancies using peer feedback, tests, and cognitive evaluations. The Master Leader Course (MLC) provides senior NCOs with training relevant to first sergeant duties, including administrative procedures, , and training oversight. However, as of 2025, completion of MLC is not required for promotion to E-8 due to the ongoing suspension of the STEP . Selection for first sergeant emphasizes demonstrated and experience among master sergeants. The distinctive features three chevrons above three arcs with a central lozenge () device, symbolizing authority and achievement within the NCO ranks. Historically, the first sergeant role gained prominence during the Civil War, where incumbents led small units on the battlefield, enforced discipline amid rapid tactical changes, and trained soldiers in advanced weaponry like the Sharps Carbine, often carrying regimental colors to maintain unit cohesion during intense engagements such as the . In , as the Army mechanized and formed armored divisions, first sergeants adapted to manage training, equipment accountability, and morale in these units during European campaigns, maintaining their administrative and roles.

United States Marine Corps

In the , the first sergeant holds the of E-8 and serves as the senior enlisted advisor in a , battery, or equivalent unit typically comprising around 180 , functioning as the primary link between the and the enlisted personnel on matters of discipline, , and operational readiness. This position emphasizes leadership, with the first sergeant responsible for enforcing unit discipline, overseeing equipment maintenance and accountability, and coordinating ceremonial duties such as formations and honors, ensuring the unit upholds Marine Corps standards during both and field operations. Unlike more administrative roles in other branches, the Marine first sergeant focuses on fostering a warrior , directly influencing the company's combat effectiveness through hands-on guidance. Distinct responsibilities include leading annual marksmanship training programs to sharpen proficiency and skills, rigorously enforcing the Marine Corps ethos of honor, courage, and commitment, and providing tactical advice to the company on maneuvers and small-unit operations. Often addressed informally as "Top" or "First " by subordinates, reflecting their authoritative yet approachable presence, the first sergeant acts as the commander's enforcer for welfare issues, personnel accountability, and adherence to traditions, bridging the gap between policy and practice in high-tempo environments. The for a first sergeant consists of three chevrons above three arc-shaped rockers, centered with a device symbolizing distinction, worn on the sleeves of dress uniforms and collars of service uniforms. Selection occurs via a lateral appointment from the rank of (typically in like ), based on demonstrated , performance evaluations, and billet vacancies, with newly selected first sergeants required to complete the First Sergeants Course at the Marine Corps Senior Enlisted Academy to prepare for their expanded advisory and transitional duties. Marine Corps traditions underscore the first sergeant's pivotal role in unit cohesion, such as serving as during formal mess nights—structured dinners honoring heritage with toasts, rituals, and speeches that reinforce esprit de corps—or presiding over promotion ceremonies to instill pride and continuity among rising noncommissioned officers. The position evolved during World War II's Pacific island-hopping campaigns, where first sergeants maintained discipline, supported assaults, and ensured equipment readiness in amphibious operations, reinforcing their role as key combat leaders.

United States Air Force and Space Force

In the , the first sergeant serves as a special duty assignment for senior noncommissioned officers in pay grades E-7 through E-9, typically assigned to squadrons of approximately 100 to 200 Airmen where they act as the primary advisor to commanders on enlisted matters. These personnel focus on ensuring unit readiness by addressing health, morale, welfare, and quality-of-life issues for Airmen and their families, while promoting legal compliance through oversight of discipline, performance evaluations, and administrative actions. First sergeants conduct quality force reviews, mentor subordinates on , and support programs like Comprehensive Airmen Fitness, which encompasses physical, mental, social, and spiritual readiness to maintain a mission-capable force. They also manage deployment preparations, family support services, and compliance with standards on issues such as financial readiness and . To qualify for the role, candidates must complete the First Sergeant Academy, a mandatory leadership and technical training program established in 1973 at Keesler Air Force Base, which certifies senior NCOs in areas like crisis intervention, legal guidance, and unit cohesion. The academy emphasizes practical skills for advising on personnel issues, with graduates serving as the commander's key enlisted advisor in squadrons. First sergeants are identified by a distinctive diamond device superimposed on their chevron insignia, worn on the sleeves of service uniforms to denote their special duty status. The , established in December 2019, has adapted the first sergeant role to align with its operational structure, assigning similar E-7 through E-9 special duties primarily at the E-8 level within deltas and operations groups that oversee missions. In these units, first sergeants—now supporting Guardians—prioritize personnel readiness for domain operations, including cyber and orbital mission assurance, while focusing on the , , welfare, and family support needs of space professionals to sustain high-tempo missions. They advise commanders on Guardian fitness programs, deployment cycles, and quality-of-life initiatives tailored to the unique demands of operations, such as in control centers and resilience in contested environments. Space Force first sergeants draw from the Air Force's First Sergeant Academy for initial certification, with role-specific adaptations emphasizing space warfighting readiness and Guardian welfare. Their insignia features delta-modified chevrons introduced in September 2021, incorporating the branch's signature delta symbol alongside the traditional diamond for special duty designation, distinguishing them on service uniforms.

United States Law Enforcement

In law enforcement, the title "first sergeant" is used in select agencies, particularly state police and some sheriff's departments, to denote a senior supervisory non-commissioned position analogous to the E-8 but adapted to civilian hierarchies and pay scales. This rank emerged within quasi- police structures, where organizational models draw from armed forces traditions to emphasize discipline and chain of command. Post-World War II, a surge of veterans entering roles contributed to the adoption of such titles, as they brought familiarity with hierarchical and operational oversight from their service. State police agencies commonly employ the first sergeant rank for mid-level supervision of patrol shifts, divisions, or specialized units. For instance, in the , first sergeants act as assistant barrack commanders across the agency's 23 , handling administrative duties and supporting operational leadership; the first sergeant specifically oversees the daily supervision and training of candidates during academy sessions. Similarly, the positions first sergeants as second-level supervisors who direct sergeants and troopers in enforcing state laws, including criminal investigations and traffic enforcement, while planning work assignments, evaluating performance, and managing resources. In the , first sergeants often coordinate internal investigations, as seen in recent promotions where individuals with extensive prior service were assigned to oversight roles in intelligence and investigative support. The uses the rank for directing activities in and enforcement, emphasizing supervisory guidance on patrols and incident response. Responsibilities typically include training new recruits, conducting or overseeing internal investigations, and managing community policing initiatives or shift operations, requiring strong knowledge of state laws, police procedures, and leadership skills. Promotion to first sergeant generally demands 10 or more years of prior experience, completion of a certified , a competitive promotional process involving exams and interviews, U.S. , a valid , and a clean . In the Department of Public Safety, for example, the role commands a of approximately $94,598, reflecting its seniority in supervising enforcement teams. Variations exist across departments, often as a promotional title without military-style , focusing on administrative and supervisory functions rather than combat-oriented duties. In sheriff's offices, such as , deputy sheriff first sergeants assist superiors in , disseminate police information to the , supervise assignments, initiate daily reports, and handle disciplinary matters among deputies. This adaptation highlights the rank's role in bridging operational fieldwork with departmental policy enforcement, distinct from federal or military police contexts.

International Aspects

NATO Code

The first sergeant rank is standardized under NATO's STANAG 2116 as the OR-8 grade within the Other Ranks (OR) category, representing a senior (NCO) position. This classification encompasses roles focused on , discipline, and unit administration, aligning the first sergeant with comparable senior NCO designations across member nations' armies, such as the German Hauptfeldwebel or the British Class 2 in certain contexts. STANAG 2116, titled "NATO Codes for Grades of ," was initially established in approximately 1971 to create a unified system for rank identification, with subsequent editions refining the structure for greater clarity and applicability; the 2010 Edition 6 incorporated updates to reflect evolving alliance needs. The primary purpose of this coding is to promote during joint multinational operations by enabling seamless recognition of personnel grades, reducing confusion in command structures, and supporting coordinated efforts among diverse forces. In the United States armed forces, the OR-8 code maps directly to the E-8 , where it designates both first sergeant and positions, emphasizing the first sergeant's precedence in company-level roles. This alignment ensures that U.S. personnel integrate effectively with allied units. The codes are practically applied in scenarios like deployments, where standardized rank references maintain clear communication and hierarchical order during exercises and missions.

Equivalents in Other Countries

In the , the role equivalent to the First Sergeant is the Company Sergeant Major (CSM), an appointment typically held by a Class 2 (OR-8). The CSM serves as the senior at the company level, overseeing discipline, training, administration, and welfare of personnel, a position with roots dating back to the . In the Canadian Armed Forces, functional equivalents are found among (OR-7 or OR-8), particularly who manage platoon-level operations, discipline, and soldier development in a manner akin to the First Sergeant. Company-level is often provided by Master (OR-8) serving as Company Sergeant Majors. The Australian Defence Force aligns its Class 2 (OR-8) with the First Sergeant's responsibilities, where individuals in this rank act as senior advisors on subunit discipline, morale, and operational readiness, though higher-level equivalents like Regimental Sergeant Majors handle broader duties. The employs ranks inspired by the U.S. military structure during the American colonial period, including senior enlisted positions such as and (OR-7 and OR-8) for company-level leadership roles analogous to the First Sergeant. In some African nations with British colonial legacies, such as and , equivalents include senior non-commissioned ranks like Class 2 (OR-8), which perform analogous functions in unit discipline and administration without using the "First Sergeant" title; for example, the Company in the or Class 2 in the .

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