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Platoon sergeant
Platoon sergeant
from Wikipedia

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

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In the Singapore Armed Forces, a platoon sergeant serves as the bridge between the platoon commander and the rest of the platoon, leading the platoon in many assigned tasks and assuming command in the platoon commander's absence. In some platoons, there may be more than one platoon sergeant.

Platoon sergeants exercise authority over section commanders who are only responsible for the management of a given section in the platoon. Platoon sergeants work with the Company Sergeant Major and subordinate section commander. They are responsible for the discipline and training of the men. The platoon sergeant is responsible for preparing the men for parades and ceremonies. In exercises and operations, he is in charge of logistics, medical aid, and ensuring that the formation of the platoon is maintained during movement to a mission objective.

For NSF soldiers (conscripts), platoon sergeants are selected as third sergeants. They are usually specialists who graduated with a Silver/Gold Bayonet whilst at the Specialist Cadet School, though it may not often be the case. NSFs who are in active units and who have shown exemplary conduct on and off the field can be recommended to attend the course and take up a NSF Platoon Sergeant Role. On completion of the platoon sergeant course at the Specialist and Warrant Officer Advanced School, they will assume their appointments. Promotion to the rank of 2SG will be determined by the parent unit. NSF platoon sergeants do not normally attain the rank of First Sergeant (1SG) before their national service period has concluded, although they may go on to achieve this rank during their annual reservist cycles.

For Regulars, they are usually first sergeants. It is a must to have completed their section commander tour before assuming the appointment.

Insignia
Rank Third sergeant Second sergeant First sergeant Staff sergeant Master sergeant
Abbreviation 3SG 2SG 1SG SSG MSG


United States

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A platoon sergeant at the Officer Candidate School aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, dedicated to training, educating, evaluating and screening the many candidates who go through the course and turning them into Marine leaders.

U.S. Army

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In the United States Army, a platoon sergeant is usually a sergeant first class (E-7) and is the senior enlisted member of the platoon. From 1929 until 1942 (replaced by technical sergeant) and again from 1958 until 1988 (merged with sergeant first class), the separate rank title of platoon sergeant existed (abbreviated PSGT or PSgt.).

The platoon sergeant is the primary assistant and advisor to the platoon leader (and acts as the platoon leader in his or her absence). Unless the platoon leader has extensive prior experience as an enlisted member or warrant officer before being commissioned as a lieutenant, it is likely that the platoon sergeant will have a greater wealth of military experience due to the disparity in military service length between a new lieutenant and a sergeant first class. (Typically a platoon leader has less than three years of service, whereas a platoon sergeant has from 7 to 15 years of service.)

However, service experience is not a prerequisite for commissioning and command. Rather, as has been since the beginning of professional armies, the privilege of and eligibility for command is usually predicated primarily on rank and is entrusted to those who have earned it, on the combined basis of: innate aptitude (leadership and management) and intelligence (intellectual and emotional); completed education (civil and military) and training (tactical and technical); and demonstrated skills (physical and conceptual) and competencies (practical and theoretical).

Therefore, the platoon is usually commanded by a commissioned officer (normally a second lieutenant) as his/her first real command position after commissioning. Nonetheless, the wise and successful newly commissioned officer takes full advantage of the experience of the platoon sergeant by readily seeking and accepting the advice and counsel of a more experienced soldier and leader. Therefore, the platoon sergeant functions as the crucial conduit of interface between the soldier and the officer by bringing the experience of a senior noncommissioned officer into a sort of "on-the-job training" for the junior company-grade officer, helping to enable the officer to prepare for subsequent increases in levels of command.

On occasion, when a sergeant first class is not available, either organically within the platoon or from another unit, a responsible Staff Sergeant (E-6) will probably be appointed to fill the platoon sergeant position instead. Here is an excerpt from the Army's Field Manual titled "The Army Noncommissioned Officer Guide" (FM 7-22.7).

"While the 'Platoon Sergeant' is a duty position, not a rank, the platoon sergeant is the primary assistant and advisor to the platoon leader, with the responsibility of training and caring for soldiers. The platoon sergeant helps the commander to train the platoon leader and in that regard has an enormous effect on how that young officer perceives NCOs for the rest of his career. The platoon sergeant takes charge of the platoon in the absence of the platoon leader. As the lowest level senior NCO involved in the company METL [Mission Essential Task List], and individual tasks to soldiers in their squads, crews or equivalent small units."[1]

U.S. Marine Corps

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In the United States Marine Corps, the billet of platoon sergeant in a rifle platoon is usually held by a staff sergeant (E-6). In scout sniper, reconnaissance, weapons (i.e., crew-served weapons), armored vehicle (e.g., tank, assault amphibian, light armored reconnaissance), field artillery (both headquarters and firing platoons), and air defense (viz., LAAD) platoons, a gunnery sergeant (E-7) is usually the platoon sergeant.

In 1929 the rank of platoon sergeant was officially authorized.[2] During World War II the rank of platoon sergeant was a "line" grade while staff sergeant with a bar instead of an inverted arc, or "rocker", was a staff grade. The separate rank title of platoon sergeant was eliminated in 1946, with all NCOs at this grade converting to staff sergeant. As in the past, the platoon sergeant is in charge of taking care of the Marines and the platoon's operational control while advising the platoon commander.[3]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A platoon sergeant is the senior (NCO) and second-in-command of an in the United States Army, serving as the primary enlisted advisor to the while ensuring the leadership, discipline, training, maintenance, and welfare of the platoon's Soldiers. This role demands extensive experience to uphold standards, prepare the unit for missions through precombat checks and inspections, and maintain across offensive, defensive, and patrol operations. In practice, the platoon sergeant manages key logistical and administrative functions, including the distribution of and supplies, establishment of casualty collection points, and coordination of resupply operations with higher to sustain continuous . They also oversee equipment maintenance using forms such as DA Form 2404, supervise squad leaders in preparing sector sketches and fire plans, and enforce measures like fighting position during defensive setups. Positioned strategically—often to the rear and opposite the platoon leader—the platoon sergeant monitors , , and discipline while positioning to control fires or support elements like machine gun teams. The platoon sergeant further acts as a mentor and coach, conducting rehearsals, backbriefs, and after-action reviews to enhance proficiency and , and is prepared to assume full command in the leader's absence, executing the mission intent up to two levels higher in the chain of command. This position, typically held by a or , embodies the NCO Creed's emphasis on selfless service and tactical expertise, bridging the gap between junior enlisted personnel and commissioned officers in high-stakes environments.

Overview

Definition

A platoon sergeant is the senior (NCO) within a military platoon, responsible for advising and supporting the platoon leader, who is typically a such as a . This role forms a critical partnership, where the platoon sergeant provides enlisted perspective, operational expertise, and mentorship to ensure effective and mission accomplishment. A platoon generally comprises 20 to 50 soldiers, subdivided into smaller squads or sections for tactical maneuverability and coordination. The platoon sergeant acts as the primary enlisted advisor, focusing on the welfare, , and training of enlisted personnel rather than exercising direct , which remains with the . This distinction emphasizes the sergeant's function as a bridge between commissioned officers and the rank-and-file troops. Qualification for the position usually demands substantial prior experience, such as serving as a , along with demonstrated leadership in small-unit tactics and operations. The specific rank required varies by and country; for example, in the U.S. Army, the role is normally filled by a (pay grade E-7), while in the U.S. Marine Corps, it is held by a (E-6).

Responsibilities

The platoon sergeant serves as the principal (NCO) in a , enforcing , overseeing and readiness, managing and supplies, and ensuring welfare to maintain operational effectiveness. This role involves supervising precombat checks and inspections to prepare the for missions, updating leaders on status reports, and monitoring , health, and among personnel. By coaching, counseling, and mentoring s, the platoon sergeant upholds standards and fosters , acting as a key advisor to the . In tactical operations, the platoon sergeant coordinates movements, assists in mission planning, and positions themselves where most needed, such as in the base of fire or elements during engagements. They take charge of task-organized elements like quartering parties or patrols, establish casualty collection points, and prepare to assume the platoon leader's responsibilities if required. These actions ensure seamless execution of troop-leading procedures, integrating external support such as fire or medical assets to build cohesive teams. Administratively, the platoon sergeant conducts personnel evaluations, handles equipment accountability, and mentors junior NCOs to sustain platoon readiness. This includes receiving reports on , , and administration from squad leaders; requesting essential supplies like rations, water, fuel, and ; and ensuring proper distribution and accountability of post-operation. By managing combat loads and logistical status, they prevent disruptions in operations.

Historical Development

Origins in Early Militaries

The platoon as a tactical subunit first emerged in European armies during the , particularly in the French military under , where battalions were divided into smaller groups of 30 to 50 men for coordinated in tactics. This structure allowed for disciplined firing sequences, with senior enlisted personnel, including sergeants, responsible for maintaining formation alignment, reloading cycles, and troop discipline during maneuvers. By the , this had spread across European forces, such as in the British and Prussian armies, where non-commissioned officers (NCOs) like sergeants enforced drill precision and prevented breakdowns in linear formations under fire. In the , the role of sergeants in managing small-unit cohesion became more formalized amid major conflicts, though without a specific "platoon sergeant" designation. During the (1803–1815), sergeants in armies like the British and French supervised formations—such as columns, lines, and squares—ensuring troops executed battle drills, stayed cohesive under fire, and maintained , often leading platoons or equivalent subunits directly behind officers. Similarly, in the (1861–1865), U.S. sergeants acted as file closers in company lines, training soldiers in marching and handling, guarding prisoners, and correcting tactical errors like improper loading to preserve subunit integrity on open battlefields. British influence extended the structure to colonial armies by the late 1800s, where senior sergeants or warrant officers served as de facto leaders of these subunits, overseeing discipline and tactical execution in diverse theaters like and . Prussian reforms following the Napoleonic defeats, further refined in the mid-19th century, emphasized NCO roles in tactical subunits by mandating rigorous for sergeants to advise officers on platoon-level maneuvers and enhance small-unit advisory functions, laying groundwork for modern enlisted leadership. These early developments transitioned into more structured 20th-century roles during the world wars.

Evolution in the 20th Century

During , the role of the platoon sergeant in the U.S. and Allied forces became standardized amid the demands of , where senior noncommissioned officers were assigned to advise platoon leaders on rapid maneuvers and reorganization for . The platoon sergeant, typically the most in the platoon headquarters, supported the lieutenant commander by managing specialized sections such as rifle, automatic rifle, and grenade teams, ensuring tactical efficiency in static defenses and limited offensives. This advisory function was crucial for integrating Allied influences from British and French structures, adapting pre-war formations to the protracted, attrition-based combat of the Western Front. In the , the introduced the Platoon Sergeant Major (PSM) rank as Class III (WOIII) in the late to address officer shortages and enhance administrative efficiency, particularly in units. Created around 1938, the PSM commanded rifle platoons, handling personnel management, logistics, and training to support the transition to motorized warfare, with two of three platoons per initially led by WOIII appointees. This innovation persisted into the early years of but was abolished by 1941 as officer numbers recovered and all platoons reverted to commissioned leadership. World War II saw further expansions of the platoon sergeant role in the U.S. Army, where senior noncommissioned officers—often technical sergeants (E-6)—were embedded in and armored platoons to facilitate integration across diverse theaters. In rifle platoons, these NCOs led squads and sections during assaults, coordinating with tanks, , and engineers to execute fluid maneuvers beyond static lines, as exemplified in operations like . The emphasis on versatility grew with the Army's global commitments, requiring platoon sergeants to balance combat leadership with administrative oversight in rapidly deploying units. Post-World War II reforms during the elevated the platoon sergeant to (E-7), formalized in 1948 as the standard senior enlisted advisor in U.S. Army platoons, reflecting a shift toward professionalized NCO . doctrines, such as the 1980 edition of FM 7-8 Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad, underscored this evolution by detailing the platoon sergeant's responsibilities in planning, supervising maneuvers, and integrating fires, tailored for interoperability and potential scenarios like those in . These manuals standardized the role across allied forces, emphasizing adaptive tactics for prolonged engagements and multinational operations to counter Soviet threats.

In the United States

U.S. Army

In the United States Army, the platoon sergeant position is typically held by a (E-7), the seventh enlisted rank, who serves as the key enlisted advisor to the and oversees the platoon's noncommissioned officers and soldiers. The insignia for a consists of three chevrons above two arc-shaped rockers. Selection for this position occurs through centralized promotion boards after gaining experience as a at the (E-6) level, emphasizing proven leadership in operational units. The selection process requires a minimum of 8 to 10 years of service, completion of the Senior Leader Course (SLC) as part of the Professional Development System (NCOPDS), and demonstrated proficiency in Army Warrior Tasks and battle drills. Candidates are prioritized from branches such as (11-series MOS) or armor (19-series MOS), where they must have served successfully in key developmental positions like for at least 12 to 18 months. Promotion boards evaluate performance records, including evaluations from prior assignments, physical fitness scores, and completion of mandatory distributed learning courses like the Distributed Leader Course Level II (DLC II). Platoon sergeants integrate closely with the during troop-leading procedures, as outlined in , to ensure mission readiness through tasks such as supervising precombat checks, updating the leader on platoon status, and coordinating in high-tempo environments like brigade combat teams. This collaboration supports operations in , , or armored brigade combat teams, where the platoon sergeant manages squad leaders to execute maneuvers under conditions of decisive action. Training for platoon sergeants begins with Advanced Individual Training () specific to their military occupational specialty (MOS), followed by progressive courses in the NCOPDS, including SLC, which focuses on small-unit , tactical , and development to prepare them for advising junior officers and enforcing standards in the field. These courses emphasize competencies in readiness reporting, , and collective task , often conducted at institutions like the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence.

U.S. Marine Corps

In the United States Marine Corps, the platoon sergeant serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the platoon commander, typically holding the rank of (E-6). This position is filled by experienced noncommissioned officers who have progressed through the ranks of (E-4) and (E-5), often in or weapons platoons, where they gain hands-on leadership in small-unit tactics. The staff sergeant insignia consists of three chevrons above two rockers, worn on the sleeves of the service and dress uniforms. Selection for platoon sergeant emphasizes combat experience and completion of key professional military education, including the Sergeant's Course, which prepares sergeants for advancement to by focusing on , tactics, and operational planning. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in marksmanship and weapons handling to train subordinates. This training prioritizes practical skills developed in rifle or weapons platoons, enabling the platoon sergeant to mentor junior effectively during high-intensity scenarios. Within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), the platoon sergeant plays a pivotal role in expeditionary operations, including amphibious assaults and sustained combat in austere environments, as outlined in Marine Corps Interim Publication (MCIP) 3-10A.4i, Marine Rifle Squad. They coordinate such as distribution and equipment maintenance to support prolonged missions without resupply. In these contexts, the platoon sergeant facilitates integration and , adapting to dynamic threats in offensive, defensive, and patrol actions. Unique to the role, the platoon sergeant works closely with the platoon commander to direct fire team maneuvers, oversee squad leaders in consolidating positions after assaults, and maintain discipline and morale during night operations or infiltrations. This includes conducting pre-patrol inspections, rehearsals, and resource management to ensure operational readiness in remote or hostile settings, such as during MAGTF-led amphibious landings. Their advisory input helps translate strategic objectives into executable tactics, emphasizing the Corps' focus on maneuver warfare and rapid response.

In Commonwealth Nations

Singapore Armed Forces

In the (SAF), the platoon sergeant is typically a junior (NCO) holding the rank of Second Sergeant (2SG) or (1SG), appointed after completing basic military and specialized courses. These specialists are selected from graduates of the Specialist Cadet Course (SCC), a 22-week program at the Specialist Cadet School that trains enlistees to become section leaders, with outstanding performers advancing to the 13-week Basic Warfighter-Platoon Sergeant (BWF-PS) Course at the Specialist and Warrant Officer Advanced School. The BWF-PS Course equips participants, often 2SGs with at least one year of section commander experience, with skills in small arms coaching, physical , , and confidence-building to prepare them for platoon-level command in , Guards, or units. The primary role of the platoon sergeant in the SAF involves overseeing the discipline, physical training, and welfare of national servicemen (NSFs) in short-service platoons, typically comprising 30-40 conscripts serving two-year terms. As the senior enlisted advisor to the platoon commander (an officer), the platoon sergeant ensures operational readiness by motivating soldiers, managing daily duties, and fostering team cohesion without relying on punitive measures, instead emphasizing positive reinforcement and personal development. This is particularly crucial in managing diverse NSF cohorts, where platoon sergeants promote multicultural leadership to build unity and resilience in units focused on urban defense and rapid mobilization. They play a key part in force preparation exercises, such as Exercise Wallaby, the SAF's largest overseas unilateral training event held biennially in Australia, where they lead platoons in complex strike missions and multi-domain integration to enhance combat effectiveness. A distinctive aspect of the platoon sergeant position in the SAF is its integration with the platoon commander under the doctrine, which emphasizes whole-of-society resilience across , civil, economic, social, digital, and psychological pillars. Platoon sergeants contribute to this by training NSFs not only for operations but also for civil-military roles, such as community emergency response and national resilience building, ensuring conscripts transition effectively between uniformed service and civilian life. This approach aligns with Singapore's conscription-based force structure, where junior NCOs like platoon sergeants bridge tactical leadership with broader societal defense objectives, promoting a cohesive .

British Army

In the , the is typically a holding the OR-5 rank under standards, serving as the to the commander in and armored formations. This appointment positions the as the senior (NCO) within the , providing leadership and continuity to the unit of approximately 25 to 30 soldiers. Historically, during the period from 1938 to 1945, the role was sometimes filled by a platoon sergeant major, a short-lived class III (WOIII) rank introduced to address officer shortages in battalions, which was abolished postwar as the rank became standardized. The duties of a platoon sergeant encompass managing section-level tactics, administrative functions, and the welfare of soldiers within their context, ensuring operational readiness and discipline. In light role platoons, they oversee the execution of platoon maneuvers, coordinate , and mentor junior ranks on daily tasks, while in mechanized units, they integrate with vehicle-based operations to maintain . Training for the role occurs through specialized courses at the Infantry Battle School in , , including the Platoon Sergeants' Battle Course, which emphasizes tactical command, leadership under stress, and live-firing exercises over several weeks. Selection for platoon sergeant typically follows promotion from , based on merit, evaluations, and accumulated experience, with a strong emphasis on operational deployments in missions or expeditionary operations such as those in . Candidates must demonstrate proven leadership in combat or high-intensity environments before attending training. The for the rank consists of three chevrons worn on the upper arm, and the platoon sergeant is a core member of the , alongside the , , and sometimes a or driver, in both light and structures.

Australian Army

In the , the holds the rank of (OR-5) and acts as the second-in-command to the commander, typically a , in or maneuver platoons. This role involves assisting with leadership of up to 40 soldiers, managing discipline, administration, and training while advising the officer on tactical matters. In , the is armed with the EF88 Austeyr , the standard issue service weapon known for its accuracy, reliability, and modularity. The platoon sergeant coordinates three sections, each comprising 7-9 soldiers, to execute amphibious, land, or combined operations tailored to regional defense needs. This coordination emphasizes with allied forces from the and , enabling seamless joint maneuvers under frameworks like and Five Eyes alliances. Responsibilities include ensuring section-level readiness for diverse environments, from littoral assaults to inland advances, while maintaining operational tempo and soldier welfare. Selection for the role occurs post-promotion from Corporal, typically after several years of service, following completion of Infantry Initial Employment Training at the School of Infantry and specialized promotion courses that assess leadership and tactical proficiency. Training prioritizes skills in jungle and urban warfare, reflecting the Indo-Pacific theater's challenges, such as dense terrain navigation and close-quarters combat during exercises like Wantok Warrior. As part of the Australian Defence Force's modernization efforts to create more agile platoons, platoon sergeants now integrate drone reconnaissance and sensor systems for real-time intelligence, enhancing decision-making and force protection in contested environments. This structure draws from shared military traditions, adapting British influences to Australia's joint operational focus.

Canadian Armed Forces

In the (CAF), the platoon sergeant equivalent is typically a or senior at ranks OR-6 () or OR-7 (), serving as the platoon second-in-command (2IC). This role draws from non-commissioned officer (NCO) traditions, emphasizing disciplined and operational support to commissioned officers. Bilingual rank designations are used, with "sergeant" in English and "sergent" in French for OR-6, and "warrant officer" in English and "adjudant" in French for OR-7, reflecting the CAF's official bilingualism. The platoon 2IC supports the platoon commander—usually a lieutenant—in executing tactical tasks across various units, including light infantry battalions and armored reconnaissance squadrons. In light infantry, the 2IC supervises battle preparations, leads reconnaissance parties, manages logistics such as ammunition distribution and casualty evacuation, and assumes command in the commander's absence, ensuring the platoon's combat effectiveness during offensive, defensive, or stability operations. In armored reconnaissance, the role involves leading vehicle patrols beyond line-of-sight, coordinating with troop leaders on intelligence gathering, and maintaining vehicle and crew readiness for rapid maneuvers. This position is particularly vital in multinational UN and NATO missions, where platoons conduct peace support operations like peacekeeping and stability tasks under capstone doctrine outlined in B-GL-300-000, aligning with NATO standards such as AJP-3.2 for joint land operations. Selection for the platoon 2IC role occurs after promotion to , through the Canadian Forces (CFPD) System, which structures NCO career progression via developmental periods emphasizing , tactical proficiency, and specialized skills. The CFPD prioritizes training in Arctic operations—such as cold-weather survival and mobility exercises conducted year-round—to address 's northern security challenges—and counter-terrorism scenarios, including urban clearance and integrations, preparing leaders for domestic and expeditionary deployments. Candidates undergo assessments via courses like the Primary Qualification and advanced NCO programs at the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre. The 2IC manages a formation of 30-40 personnel, organized into a element, three or sections (each with 8-10 members), and a weapons detachment for support assets like general-purpose machine guns or short-range anti-armour weapons. for 2ICs includes standard rank chevrons on the upper sleeve, supplemented by the trade qualification badge—crossed s embroidered in gold—worn above the rank for those who have completed specific training, denoting expertise in dismounted and mechanized tactics.

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