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Technical sergeant
Technical sergeant
from Wikipedia

Technical sergeant is the name of three current and two former enlisted ranks in the United States Armed Forces,[citation needed] as well as in the U.S. Civil Air Patrol. Outside the United States, it is used only by the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Marine Corps.

Philippines

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The rank of technical sergeant is used by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is a enlisted personnel rank used by Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Marine Corps (under the Philippine Navy). The rank stands above the rank of staff sergeant and below master sergeant.

United States

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Technical sergeant
Technical sergeant insignia
Country United States
Service branch
Rank groupNon-commissioned officer
NATO rank codeOR-6
Pay gradeE-6
Formation
  • 1920 (USA)
  • 2021 (USSF)
Abolished
  • 1948 (USA)
  • 1958 (USMC)
Next higher rankMaster sergeant (USAF and USSF)
Next lower rankStaff sergeant (USAF)
Sergeant (USSF)
Equivalent ranks
Related articles
HistorySergeant first class

Technical sergeant is a rank in the United States Air Force, United States Space Force, and Civil Air Patrol. It is a former rank in the United States Army and United States Marine Corps.

Army

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The rank of technical sergeant existed from after World War I until 1948 when the rank was renamed sergeant first class. In 1920 the army combined several battalion/squadron level "staff" NCO ranks, including battalion quartermaster sergeant, battalion supply sergeant, ordnance sergeant, hospital sergeant, three grades of master sergeant (junior grade), and six additional senior-level technical and specialist ranks into the new technical sergeant rank. In 1944 when rifle squad leaders became staff sergeants, platoon sergeants were promoted to technical sergeants. In 1948 the army renamed technical sergeant as sergeant first class.[1]

Marine Corps

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Technical sergeant was a rank in the United States Marine Corps until 1958. From 1941 until 1946, the rank was equivalent to grade 2, ranking with gunnery sergeant and other technical ranks. From 1947 until 1958, the rank was reclassified as E-6 and became the sole rank in this grade. The rank gunnery sergeant replaced it and elevated to E-7 after the reorganization of grades in 1959.[citation needed]

Air Force

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Technical sergeant, "tech sgt" or "TSgt" in informal parlance, is the sixth enlisted rank (pay grade E-6) in the U.S. Air Force, just above staff sergeant and below master sergeant. A technical sergeant is a noncommissioned officer and abbreviated as TSgt (with no period in official USAF and other military correspondence). Official terms of address are "technical sergeant" or "sergeant",[2] although many use "tech sergeant" in informal situations.[citation needed]

Civil Air Patrol

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The Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a non-profit corporation Congressionally chartered to operate as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, has a quasi-military structure which includes the rank of technical sergeant. The grade of technical sergeant is above staff sergeant and beneath master sergeant. Former military enlisted personnel who held the rank of technical sergeant in the United States Armed Forces may retain that rank as members of the CAP.[3]

Cadets in the Civil Air Patrol can hold the grade of cadet technical sergeant (abbreviated C/TSgt). The grade of cadet technical sergeant is above cadet staff sergeant and beneath cadet master sergeant. Cadet technical sergeants typically serve as flight sergeants

Space Force

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On February 1, 2021, the United States Space Force announced its permanent rank structure, establishing the grade of technical sergeant as its permanent E-6 grade. This continued its usage from the Air Force. The grade of technical sergeant is above sergeant and beneath master sergeant.[4]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A technical sergeant (abbreviated as TSgt) is an enlisted (NCO) rank in the (USAF) and (USSF), corresponding to E-6 and positioned above (E-5) and below (E-7). The rank is also used in the armed forces of the and in the . This rank embodies the NCO tier's focus on technical expertise, supervision, and leadership, with technical sergeants typically possessing 5–8 years of service and a 7-level skill qualification in their (AFSC). They are addressed officially as "Technical Sergeant," "Tech Sergeant," or simply "," and their consists of three chevrons above one rocker, with a centered star, often worn on the sleeve of the uniform. In their roles, technical sergeants function as the backbone of the enlisted force, serving as unit technical experts who supervise junior airmen, ensure mission readiness, and mentor personnel in professional and personal development. They oversee training programs, enforce USAF core values—Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do—and manage administrative tasks such as counseling, inspections, and compliance with directives like Air Force Instruction (AFI) 1-1 and AFI 90-302. Promotion to technical sergeant requires at least 5 years of total service, 23 months as a staff sergeant, and a successful Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS) evaluation under AFI 36-2502, including minimum scores on the Promotion Fitness Exam (PFE) and Specialty Knowledge Test (SKT). These airmen also uphold the Airman's Creed and Code of Conduct, applying principles of ethical leadership, diversity inclusion, and operational security to support deployments and unit cohesion. The technical sergeant rank originated in the USAF's inaugural enlisted structure under Air Force Regulation 39-36, issued on April 24, 1952, which established unique titles distinct from the U.S. Army's system. Prior to this, a similar "technical sergeant" designation existed in the U.S. Army during World War II as a specialized technician role (T/5 and T/4 grades), but it was phased out in 1948 when the Army restructured its ranks. The USAF's version has remained consistent in title and purpose since 1952, with insignia refinements in 1975 to align with the three-tier enlisted structure (airman, NCO, senior NCO) and minor uniform updates in 1997. Upon the USSF's establishment in December 2019, the rank was adopted unchanged to maintain continuity in the enlisted hierarchy. Today, technical sergeants exemplify the enlisted force's heritage of valor and adaptability, contributing to the branches' operational effectiveness across air, space, and cyberspace domains.

Overview

Definition

A technical sergeant is an enlisted (NCO) rank in various forces, classified as a mid-level position that emphasizes technical proficiency and team supervision. In the United States Armed Forces, it is primarily utilized by the and at pay grade E-6, where individuals serve as skilled specialists capable of leading small units and mentoring junior personnel. This rank represents a key transition in enlisted careers, bridging junior NCO roles with more senior advisory functions. Within military hierarchies, the technical sergeant typically ranks above and below , forming part of the corps responsible for operational execution and training. In some international contexts, such as the , a similar rank exists at pay grade equivalent to E-6, maintaining the NCO but adapted to local organizational needs. The civilian equivalent in the U.S. federal General Schedule system is approximately GS-5, reflecting comparable levels of supervisory and technical responsibility in government roles. The designation "technical" originates from the rank's historical focus on denoting personnel with advanced specialized expertise, distinguishing them from purely command-oriented sergeants while incorporating supervisory duties. Insignia for this rank generally features three upward chevrons and two downward , symbolizing its intermediate NCO status.

Role and Responsibilities

The technical sergeant, as a mid-level (NCO), primarily supervises junior enlisted personnel, delivers technical expertise in specialized fields such as , , or communications, and supports unit operations by managing resources and ensuring task execution aligns with mission objectives. In this capacity, technical sergeants operate at a 7-skill level within their , handling complex supervisory duties that include planning work schedules, allocating equipment, and resolving operational issues to maintain efficiency and readiness. As a key figure without full , the technical sergeant emphasizes and mentoring subordinates to build skills and foster professional growth, while promoting mission readiness through oversight of fitness standards, protocols, and ethical conduct. They lead by example in , demonstrating attributes like accountability, resilience, and inclusivity to inspire teams, manage conflicts, and integrate diverse perspectives, all while upholding core values such as and service before self. Career progression to technical sergeant typically requires at least five years of time in service and 23 months of time in grade as a , though selectees average about 10.00 years of total service and 5.14 years in grade as of the 2025 promotion cycle (25E6), reflecting competitive evaluations of . Promotion involves the Weighted Airman Promotion System, including a Promotion Fitness Examination, Specialty Knowledge Test (with minimum scores of 40 each and a combined 90), commander recommendations, and demonstrations of technical proficiency and through evaluations. Essential skills for technical sergeants include advanced problem-solving in technical domains, such as applying and the Osborn-Parnes model to innovate solutions; strict compliance with regulations like and the ; and effective team coordination through communication, consensus-building, and to achieve unit goals. These competencies ensure they serve as mentors who diagnose developmental needs, recognize achievements, and prepare Airmen for higher responsibilities while safeguarding information and promoting a culture of respect and discipline.

Insignia and Uniform

United States Variants

In the and , the technical sergeant (E-6) rank consists of three silver chevrons pointing upward, two silver rockers below, and a centered in the blue space between them. This design is embroidered using silver thread for the chevrons, rockers, and star, reflecting the services' emphasis on technical expertise in roles. The differs between the branches; the uses the traditional design, while variants feature four chevrons with a delta symbol and orbital paths in blue within a hexagonal border to align with service colors. Historically, in the United States prior to , the technical rank (T/Sgt, equivalent to modern E-6) featured three upward-pointing chevrons with two rockers below, sometimes with a "T" identifier below the chevrons in variants, distinguishing it from other grades. To further identify specialized technical positions, a "T" identifier was sometimes added below the chevrons in variants, though the core rank used the rockers for supervisory technical duties during . This design was phased out in with the reorganization of enlisted ranks, eliminating the technical title in favor of modern structures. In the United States Marine Corps, the technical sergeant rank was utilized from 1946 to 1959 as an E-7 grade, with comprising three upward-pointing chevrons flanked by two rockers below, emphasizing technical leadership without command authority. This chevron design with rockers mirrored influences but was adapted for Marine uniforms, using olive-drab thread on wool backgrounds during the post-World War II era. The rank was discontinued in 1959, replaced by the restored with crossed rifles added to the chevrons. The (), as an auxiliary, adapts the technical sergeant for senior members (aged 18 and older) who opt for grades rather than officer commissions. This features three silver chevrons pointing upward, two silver rockers below, and a centered in the blue space, similar to specifications, but often rendered on spade-shaped blue patches for collar or epaulet wear to denote affiliation. These are used by senior members in leadership or training roles, maintaining alignment with standards while incorporating -specific elements like embroidered "CAP" collar devices. Placement of technical sergeant insignia follows uniform regulations across U.S. branches, primarily on service dress and utility for enlisted personnel. On long-sleeve coats or shirts, chevrons are centered on the outer , positioned halfway between the seam and bend, with the bottom of the parallel to the ground; the standard width is 4 inches for full-size versions. For collar wear on short-sleeve shirts or jackets, smaller 1-inch versions are centered 1 inch from the front and lower edges, using silver embroidered thread on dark blue cloth backgrounds to ensure visibility and uniformity. These rules apply to , , and CAP uniforms, with historical variants adhering to similar sleeve placements adjusted for era-specific coat designs.

Philippine Variant

The technical sergeant rank in the Philippine Armed Forces (AFP) utilizes an of three gold chevrons topped by a star, a adapted to reflect national symbolism while maintaining functional clarity for enlisted personnel. This is positioned on the sleeves of both battle dress and service uniforms, with branch-specific color adaptations such as olive drab fabric for the and blue for the to ensure visibility and uniformity across environments. Equivalent to OR-6 (E-6) within the AFP structure, the rank carries a base monthly salary of 32,756 as of 2024, supporting mid-level technical and supervisory roles. The rank was adopted post-independence in 1946, drawing from U.S. influences during the transition to , and was formally standardized in the as part of broader AFP reorganization efforts.

Historical Development

Origins in the United States Army

The rank of technical sergeant was established in the United States Army through the Army Reorganization Act of June 4, 1920, which consolidated the diverse pre- enlisted grades into a standardized seven-grade structure to better accommodate the needs of a modernized force. This reform, enacted in the aftermath of , introduced the technical sergeant ( 2) as a distinct role sharing status with , to honor enlisted personnel with specialized technical expertise, such as in or signals, separate from traditional command-focused sergeants like the first sergeant. The rank's consisted of three chevrons above two rockers, worn on the upper sleeves, and it carried the pay and authority of a senior NCO while emphasizing proficiency in technical duties over leadership of troops. During , the technical sergeant role expanded significantly with the introduction of technician grades in early , designed to reward skilled specialists without granting full supervisory responsibilities. Under War Department Circular No. 5 dated January 8, , the (T/3) was created as the equivalent to at 3, denoted by a prominent "T" beneath the staff sergeant chevrons (three chevrons above one rocker) to signify roles in areas like mechanics, radio operations, and combat engineering. These technicians provided critical logistical and in theaters of operation, maintaining equipment, repairing vehicles, and ensuring communication lines in units such as engineer battalions and signal companies, thereby enabling the Army's rapid mobilization and sustained combat effectiveness across global campaigns. In , further consolidation under War Department directives refined the rank structure, integrating technician designations more firmly into the NCO while preserving their specialist focus. By war's end, technical sergeants and equivalent formed a vital backbone for the Army's technical operations, supporting everything from supply chains to battlefield innovations in divisions and corps-level . The rank's emphasis on expertise proved essential in an era of mechanized warfare, where technical proficiency directly influenced operational success. Following , the technical sergeant designation was abolished in 1948 as part of a broader reorganization that eliminated grades and merged their functions into the standard NCO structure. Personnel in these roles were reclassified into equivalent s, such as (pay grade 3), paving the way for the introduction of specialist ratings in 1955 to fill the gap for non-command technical experts. This shift reflected the Army's post-war emphasis on a unified while retaining recognition for specialized skills within the evolving pay grades 3 and 4.

Evolution in the United States Marine Corps

The technical sergeant rank was established in the United States Marine Corps in 1935 as part of a broader restructuring of grades to accommodate specialized roles, initially in the second alongside and drum major, focusing on duties unrelated to ordnance and leadership. This creation paralleled similar technical ranks in the U.S. Army, aiming to reward skilled personnel in administrative, logistical, and maintenance fields without disrupting the traditional command structure dominated by gunnery sergeants. By 1941, amid expansion, the rank was formalized at 2, emphasizing its role in supporting amphibious operations through technical expertise. During the war, particularly in the Pacific Theater from onward, technical sergeants peaked in utilization, serving as specialists in equipment maintenance, reconnaissance, and support tasks critical to Marine amphibious assaults. For instance, they managed repair and upkeep of , weapons systems, and communications gear during intense campaigns like and , where figures such as Technical Sergeant contributed to 3rd and operations across multiple islands. Their expertise ensured operational readiness in harsh environments, often bridging the gap between combat units and logistical support in expeditions like the . Post-war, the rank underwent significant changes; in 1946, it was restructured under simplified enlisted titles, and by 1947, demoted to pay grade 3, aligning it more closely with duties rather than the senior leadership of grade 2. This demotion reflected a shift toward integrating technical skills into broader NCO roles, leading to its full phase-out in 1958 as part of a Marine Corps rank overhaul prompted by amendments to the 1949 Career Compensation Act, which deemed the title redundant amid evolving specialization needs. The position was effectively replaced by enhanced technical leadership responsibilities within the (pay grade 3, modern E-7) and (pay grade 4, modern E-6) grades. The legacy of the technical sergeant endures in the modern USMC through its influence on Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), where technical proficiency is now emphasized at the level for roles in , , and , ensuring specialized expertise supports expeditionary forces without a dedicated rank. This evolution prioritized MOS-specific over rank titles, a direct outcome of the rank's wartime validation and post-war redundancy.

Current Usage in the United States

Air Force

In the United States Air Force, the technical sergeant (TSgt) holds the pay grade of E-6 and serves as a (NCO) within the NCO tier of the enlisted force structure, marking the second level of NCO leadership alongside the (E-5). This rank emphasizes a transition to advanced supervisory and technical responsibilities, with airmen typically reaching it after 8-10 years of service, reflecting the average time in service of approximately 9-10 years among recent promotees. Promotion to technical sergeant occurs through the Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS), which evaluates candidates based on a combination of factors including scores from the Specialty Knowledge Test (SKT), the Promotion Fitness Examination (PFE), and Enlisted Performance Reports (EPRs). Staff sergeants become eligible after completing at least 36 months of time in grade (TIG) as an E-5, though the average TIG for selectees is around 5 years, with testing cycles occurring annually and selections determined by overall scores and Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) quotas. Candidates must also demonstrate a 7-level skill qualification in their AFSC and complete relevant professional military education to qualify. Technical sergeants provide technical supervision and leadership in specialized fields such as cyber defense operations and , where they act as unit experts responsible for planning, directing, and evaluating the work of subordinates to ensure mission accomplishment. In squadrons, they typically lead small teams of 3-5 airmen, fostering team development through mentoring, enforcing standards, and applying leadership models like to build trust, promote innovation, and maintain operational readiness. Their duties extend to , where they identify training needs, conduct performance counseling, and integrate core values such as and excellence to support unit effectiveness. The 2021 update to the Enlisted Force Structure refined the roles of NCOs like technical sergeants by emphasizing technical proficiency and in high-demand areas, aligning with the 's focus on advanced skills including those in science, , , and mathematics (STEM) to meet competition requirements. As of mid-2024, the active-duty included approximately 40,000 technical sergeants, underscoring their in the enlisted force of about 260,000 personnel.

Space Force

The , established on December 20, 2019, directly inherited the enlisted rank structure from the , designating technical sergeant as the E-6 rank. This inheritance included transferring approximately 16,000 personnel into the new service, many already holding the technical sergeant rank, with the first Space Force-specific promotions to this level occurring in as part of initial force integration efforts. The rank serves as a key supervisory position within the 's corps, emphasizing technical expertise in the space domain. In the Space Force, technical sergeants hold specialized roles centered on space operations, including the management and maintenance of systems for communications, , and , as well as warning operations to detect and track threats in real time. They supervise junior guardians— the term for Space Force enlisted personnel—in organizational units known as deltas, such as Space Delta 4, which focuses on theater warning and from bases like . These responsibilities highlight the rank's adaptation to the service's mission of protecting U.S. interests in space through offensive and defensive operations, often in joint environments with the . Promotion to technical sergeant in the Space Force aligns closely with Air Force standards under the Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS), requiring a minimum of 36 months time in grade as a staff sergeant, along with completion of Airman Leadership School. Candidates are evaluated via a central board considering performance evaluations, the Promotion Fitness Examination (PFE) on leadership and Air Force instructions, and the Specialty Knowledge Test (SKT) tailored to space-specific career fields, which incorporates knowledge of orbital mechanics, satellite operations, and cyber defense principles. In the 2024 cycle, for example, 366 out of 573 eligible sergeants were selected, with an average time in grade of 3.7 years and time in service of 8.16 years for selectees. As of fiscal year 2025, the maintains a critical mid-level leadership cadre that supports joint operations with the in areas like and . This strength underscores the service's emphasis on technical proficiency to ensure resilient capabilities amid growing domain challenges.

Civil Air Patrol

In the (CAP), the civilian auxiliary of the , the technical sergeant (TSgt) rank is designated for adult volunteer senior members and corresponds to the E-6 enlisted grade in the U.S. structure. This (NCO) grade recognizes experienced volunteers who contribute to CAP's operational and educational objectives without authority. Senior members achieve the TSgt rank upon completing Level II of the Senior Member Professional Development Program, which emphasizes and mission support skills, followed by one year of service in the prior grade of (SSgt). Promotion requires a recommendation from the unit commander, review by a promotion board, and final approval from the squadron commander, ensuring candidates demonstrate readiness for increased responsibilities. This progression aligns with CAP's emphasis on volunteer development, allowing TSgts to transition from basic roles to supervisory positions within squadrons. Technical sergeants in CAP support the organization's three core missions: emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs. In emergency services, they coordinate search-and-rescue operations, manage ground teams, and assist in disaster response logistics, leveraging their training to enhance mission efficiency. For aerospace education, TSgts facilitate workshops and outreach activities to promote aviation knowledge among youth and communities. Within cadet programs, they mentor junior members, oversee drill and uniform standards, and lead unit activities to foster leadership development. Overall, these roles emphasize mentorship, team leadership, and practical support, drawing on NCO expertise to "take care of people" in a volunteer context. The insignia for CAP technical sergeants adapts U.S. chevron designs for senior member uniforms, featuring three upward-pointing silver chevrons on a dark cloth background, often with two rocker arcs below for the E-6 grade. These 3½- to 4-inch full-color embroidered chevrons are worn centered on the outer , halfway between the shoulder seam and elbow (when the arm is bent at 90 degrees), or on the chest for (OCP) uniforms. Variations include white chevrons for mess dress and service uniforms, ensuring visibility and alignment with 's corporate style while distinguishing auxiliary wear from active-duty attire. CAP senior membership includes over 38,000 adults as of recent reports, with forming a key segment of the dedicated to non-military auxiliary duties such as and emergency preparedness.

Usage in the Philippines

Philippine Army

In the , the Technical Sergeant is classified as an E-6/OR-6 (NCO) rank, situated above (OR-5) and below (OR-7) in the enlisted hierarchy. This position emphasizes specialized expertise within ground forces, with a base pay of PHP 32,756 as of 2025 under the scale for uniformed personnel. Technical Sergeants exercise technical leadership across , , and units, where they oversee squad-level operations and ensure the execution of complex tasks in dynamic environments. Their responsibilities include supervising junior NCOs and enlisted personnel during counter-insurgency missions, assisting platoon leaders in tactical planning, and stepping in as leaders when needed to maintain operational continuity. These duties highlight their role in bridging technical proficiency with frontline command in the Army's ground combat focus. Promotions to Technical Sergeant operate under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) merit-based system, which evaluates performance, skills, and fitness to ensure a qualified leadership pool. Eligibility typically requires at least two years of time in grade from the prior rank, along with accumulation of service points—such as 6-7 years of active cumulative service—and completion of relevant technical training or certifications to demonstrate competency. Advancements are announced through special orders on fixed cycles, including March 1, June 1, and December 1, to align with operational needs. The Technical Sergeant rank was retained in the Philippine 's structure following national independence on July 4, 1946, when the force transitioned from U.S. oversight to a sovereign entity while preserving its NCO framework inspired by American models. It has since supported key counter-insurgency efforts, including squad supervision and technical coordination during the 2017 Marawi Siege, where Army units engaged in urban combat against ISIS-affiliated militants. The rank's adheres to the standard AFP NCO chevron design with specialized bars, as outlined in broader service guidelines.

Philippine Air Force and Marine Corps

In the (PAF) and (PMC), the Technical Sergeant (TSgt) serves as a rank designated E-6, equivalent to the OR-6 grade. This rank is shared across both branches under the unified structure of the Armed Forces of the (AFP), positioned above (E-5) and below (E-7). Technical Sergeants in the PAF and PMC are responsible for executing highly technical duties while supervising junior non-commissioned officers in their respective domains. In the PAF, this includes oversight of aviation-related technical operations, such as and support for flight and systems, contributing to the branch's role in aerial patrols over contested areas like the . The PMC emphasizes technical expertise in naval integration, where TSgts provide support for amphibious operations, including equipment handling during assaults and joint exercises. Promotion to Technical Sergeant follows the AFP's standardized enlisted personnel advancement system, requiring a minimum of two years in the prior grade (), along with performance evaluations, training completion, and board recommendations. This unified process ensures consistency across branches, with an emphasis on joint training to enhance , particularly in multinational exercises like . In the PMC, TSgts bolster amphibious capabilities, integrating with naval forces for expeditionary missions.

References

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