Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and
other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French
term Sergent.
Military usage
In most non-naval military or paramilitary
organizations, a Sergeant is a non-commissioned officer (NCO) ranking above
Privates and Corporals, and below Warrant Officers and Commissioned Officers.
There are usually several ranks of Sergeant, each corresponding to greater experience and responsibility for the daily lives
of the soldiers of larger units.
The responsibilities of a Sergeant differ from army to army. In the British and most other Commonwealth armies a Sergeant is second-in-command (2IC) of a platoon (30-50 soldiers) or troop (the commander of a platoon typically being a
2nd Lieutenant or Lieutenant). In the US Army a Sergeant and Staff Sergeant are both
ranks corresponding to command of a squad (7-10 soldiers), with a Sergeant First Class equating to a British/Commonwealth Staff
Sergeant.
In some armies, particularly the German army with its system of mission-based
tactics, sergeants have much greater responsibility and use of initiative than in other armies.
Sergeants Major are senior NCO appointments of a company/squadron, battalion, or regiment. (In the
US army company/troop senior NCO rank is Master Sergeant or First Sergeant; in British and most Commonwealth forces, sergeant
major is an appointment e.g. (company sergeant major (CSM) or Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), whereas the rank is Warrant
Officer Class 2 or 1. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have a single Warrant Officer grade. Although even the most
senior sergeant major (or equivalent) is lower in rank than any officers, the position of Sergeant Major is in many ways more
prestigious than junior officer ranks.
Australia
Sergeant (SGT) is a rank in both the Australian Army and the
Royal Australian Air Force. The ranks are equal to each other and the
Royal Australian Navy rank of Petty Officer
(PO).
However, the RAAF rank of Flight Sergeant (FSGT) outranks the Army rank of
Staff Sergeant (SSGT). There is no Navy or RAAF equivalent of SSGT, however the Navy rank
of Chief Petty Officer (CPO) and Army rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) are equivalent to a Flight Sergeant.
In the Australian army the rank of Sergeant is above Corporal but below Warrant Officer Class 2. Although Staff Sergeant is
technically between the two ranks, this rank is currently being phased out of the Australian Army. The insignia of a Sergeant in
the Australian Army is three chevrons vertically adjacent to each other. Sergeants are non commissioned officers and are usually
the 2IC's of infantry platoons or armoured sections.
Canada
Sergeant (Sgt) (French: sergent or sgt) is an
Army or Air
Force non-commissioned member (NCM) rank of the Canadian Forces. Its Naval equivalent is
Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO2) (French: maître de 2e classe or m2).
It is senior to the appointment of Master Corporal (MCpl) and its equivalent naval
appointment, Master Seaman (MS), and junior to Warrant
Officer (WO) and its naval equivalent, Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1).
Sgts and PO2s together make up the cadre of senior non-commissioned officers
(Sr NCOs).
In army units, Sergeants usually serve as section commanders; they may often
be called to fill positions normally held by Warrant Officers, such as Platoon or Troop Warrant, Company Quartermaster Sergeant, Chief Clerk,
etc.
The rank insignia of a Sergeant is a 3-bar chevron, worn point down, surmounted by a maple leaf. Embroidered rank badges are
worn in "CF gold" thread on rifle green melton, stitched to the upper sleeves of the Service Dress jacket; as miniature gold
metal and rifle-green enamel badges on the collars of the Army dress shirt and Army outerwear jackets; in "old-gold" thread on
air force blue slip-ons on Air Force shirts, sweaters, and coats; and in tan (Army) or dark blue
(Air Force) thread on CADPAT slip-ons on the Operational
Dress uniform. Sergeants are generally initially addressed as "Sergeant Bloggins" and thereafter as "Sergeant"; the
colloquialism "Sarge" is used only in informal situations.
Colour Sergeant in the Canadian Forces is not a rank of Sergeant, but a Warrant
Officer in one of the two Foot Guards regiments (the Governor General's Foot Guards and the Canadian Grenadier Guards). Likewise, a Sergeant-Major (including Regimental Sergeant-Major)
is not a Sergeant rank, but an appointment held by a Master Warrant Officer or
Chief Warrant Officer.
Sergeants generally mess and billet with Warrant Officers, Master Warrant Officers, and Chief
Warrant Officers, and their naval counterparts, Chief Petty Officers and
Petty Officers. Their mess on military bases or installations is generally named the
Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess.
Historically, the rank of sergeant was severely downgraded after Unification of the three services in 1968. An Army Sergeant
before unification was generally employed in supervisory positions, such as the second in command of a platoon sized unit (ie an
infantry Platoon Sergeant, or Troop Sergeant in an armoured unit). After unification he was downgraded in status to section
commander, a job previously held by Corporals, and the former "Platoon/Troop Sergeant"s were
replaced by "Platoon/Troop Warrant Officers."
France
- See the article Ranks in the French Army
There are three sergeant ranks in France, although the most junior, contract sergeant, is rare now that conscription has been
suspended. In general, the term sergent is used indifferently for both contract sergeant and career sergeant. Contract
sergeant is classified as the lowest NCO[1] rank, the rank
below being chief corporal.
Career sergeant (top : infantry, bottom :
chasseurs alpins)
- Contract sergeant : Sergent sous contrat: One chevron, gold or silver[2].
A rank used for junior sergeants, either conscripts or reservists. Junior to commonwealth sergeant but senior to commonwealth
corporal. The rank insignia is used nowadays for NCOs-in-training.
- Career sergeant : Sergent de carrière: Two chevrons.
Normal sergeant rank, though normally directly recruited from civilian life into this rank, so the rank implies less experience
than for a commonwealth sergeant. Normally simply referred to as sergeant, dropping the "de carrière". With long service,
promotion to chief sergeant is automatic. Equivalent to a US sergeant. Roughly equivalent to, but slightly junior to, a
commonwealth sergeant.
- Chief Sergeant : Sergent-chef: Three chevrons.
With long service, a sergeant's promotion to chief sergeant is automatic. This rank corresponds exactly to a US staff sergeant.
There is no commonwealth equivalent, this rank lying between commonwealth staff sergeant and commonwealth sergeant. The rank may
be said to be roughly equivalent to, but perhaps slightly superior to, a commonwealth sergeant. The next rank up is
adjutant.
French sergeant ranks are used by the entire Air Force, by the Engineers, the Infantry, the Foreign Legion, the Troupes de marine, the
Communications, the Administration, all part of the French Army, and the Gendarmerie mobile, part of the Gendarmerie Nationale. Other corps in the Army and the Gendarmerie use three equivalent
ranks of maréchal des logis ("marshal of lodgings" in English) instead.
Germany
In the German language, the rank of Sergeant is known as Feldwebel. The rank has existed since the 18th century, with usage as a title dating to the
Middle Ages. One important difference between Sergeants and Feldwebel exists: in a
typical Bundeswehr company, only one
Zug (platoon) is under the command of an officer, while the other Zugführer
(platoon leader) positions are held by Feldwebel-ranked NCOs (typically Hauptfeldwebel and above).
In the modern German Army, Feldwebel and Oberfeldwebel have a NATO rank code
of OR-6, with Unteroffizier (historically considered generically equivalent to
Corporal) and Stabsunteroffizier having a rank code of OR-5.
India and Pakistan
Army
In the British Indian Army, the equivalent rank to Sergeant was
Daffadar in cavalry regiments and Havildar in
other units. These ranks are still used in the Indian Army and Pakistan Army.
Police
In many metropolitan police forces in India e.g. Kolkata Police, a Sergeant is senior to an Assistant Sub-Inspector but junior to an Inspector.
Ireland
Sergeant (Sgt) (Sáirsint in Irish) is the second rank of
non-commissioned officer within the Irish Army. The Naval equivalent is Petty Officer (PO).
The Army rank insignia consists of three winged chevrons (or "stripes"). The Service Dress Insignia consists of three wavy red
chevrons 3½ inches wide bordered in yellow. The main infantry role of a Sergeant is as Second in Command of a platoon or commander of a Fire Support Section of a weapons platoon, such as an anti-tank or mortar platoon.
Another role is that of Company Clerk and Instructor. There are higher ranks of Company
Sergeant and Company Quartermaster Sergeant. Artillery Sergeants
are usually assigned as Detachment and Section Commanders, as well as in administrative roles. The difference in roles of
Sergeant and Corporal in the Artillery Corps is not as clearly defined as in the Infantry Corps.
Sergeant is also the second rank of NCO in the Irish Air Corps. Before 1994,
the Air Corps was considered part of the Army and wore Army uniforms with distinct Corps
Badges, but the same rank insignia. With the introduction of a unique Air Corps blue uniform in 1994, the same rank
markings in a white colour were worn, before the introduction of a new three-chevron with wing rank marking. There are higher
ranks of Flight Sergeant and Flight
Quartermaster Sergeant.
Finally, sergeant is the second rank in an Garda Síochána.
Israel
In the Israel Defense Forces, soldiers are promoted from Corporal to Sergeant
(Samál) after approximately 20 months of service, if they performed their duties appropriately during this time.
Soldiers who take a commander's course may become Sergeants earlier. Sergeants get a symbolic pay raise of 1.80 NIS.
Italy
In the Italian Army the rank of Sergeant, Sergente, is the first rank of
the Warrant Officers Sergeant Role, Sottufficiali ruolo sergenti, followed by Sergente Maggiore (literally
Major Sergeant) and Sergente Maggiore Capo (literally Chief Major Sergeant). The ranks of Sergente and
Sergente Maggiore intended for paratroopers are bordered in blue.
Insignia of Sergeant (Sergente) of the Italian Army (insignia for the shoulder
for the invernal service uniform)
|
Paratrooper insignia of Sergeant of the Italian Army
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Insignia of Major Sergeant (Sergente Maggiore) of the Italian Army
|
Paratrooper insignia of Major Sergeant (Sergente Maggiore) of the Italian Army
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Insignia of Chief Major Sergeant (Chief Sergente Maggiore) of the Italian Army
|
Mexico
In the Mexican Army the "Cabo" (Corporal) is upgraded to "Sargento segundo" (2nd Sergeant) and then to "Sargento primero" (1st
Sergeant).
Poland
In the Polish Army rank
insignia system there are two grades of sergeant: Sierżant (OR-6 in NATO
code) and Starszy Sierżant (OR-7). The rank first appeared in Henryk Dąbrowski's Polish Legions in
Italy in the late 18th century. Both ranks are used in the infantry, armoured forces, air force and cavalry. In the
artillery the equivalent is Bombardier or Ogniomistrz (literally
Firemaster). In the Polish Navy, the equivalent is Bosman (literally Boatswain).
Singapore
In the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), there are five different grades of
sergeant: Third Sergeant (3SG), Second Sergeant
(2SG), First Sergeant (1SG), Staff Sergeant
(SSG), and Master Sergeant (MSG). Sergeants are considered Specialists in the SAF. They are equivalent to the non-commissioned officers of other militaries.
Soldiers must complete their Specialist course at School of Infantry
Specialists (SISPEC) or other training institutes before being promoted to Third Sergeant. While active duty
National Servicemen may be promoted to Second Sergeant, most personnel
holding ranks above that are career soldiers.
Promotion from 3SG to SSG takes an average of 6 years, although there are many factors which may cause a soldier's promotion
to cease. These factors include failure to pass an annual physical fitness proficiency test, poor performance in their
appointments or getting charged for offences.
3SGs are usually section commanders. They may also hold certain logistics or
administrative posts such as Company Quartermaster Sergeant. 2SGs usually
serve as platoon sergeants. 1SGs, SSGs, and MSGs usually serve as Company Sergeant Major or administrative Specialists at company level or higher.
In the Singapore Police Force, the rank of Sergeant lies between
Corporal and Staff Sergeant.
Sweden
Army
|
Sergeant (Sgt) is a rank awarded after 15 months of conscript training as squad leader (Swedish Cavalry). The rank
corresponds to Corporal in the British Army.
|
 |
| Rank above |
Fänrik |
| Rank below |
Furir |
| Rank criteria |
15 months of conscript training |
| Command KFOR |
Team Leader of 5-7 men |
|
United Kingdom
British sergeants are usually addressed as "Sergeant". The shortening "Sarge" is sometimes used by subordinates, although many
sergeants object to this term. In the British Army and Royal Marines, however, the abbreviated "Sarn't" is commonly heard.
Army
A Sergeant (Sgt) in the British Army wears three point-down
chevrons on their sleeve and usually serves as a platoon or troop sergeant, or in a specialist position. Staff Sergeant or Colour Sergeant (in the Royal Marines and the Infantry), is the next most senior rank, above
which come Warrant Officers. The Household Cavalry use the rank of Corporal of Horse instead, the only regiments to preserve the old cavalry tradition of having corporals but not sergeants.
A Lance-Sergeant (LSgt) was formerly a Corporal acting in the capacity
of a Sergeant. The appointment now survives chiefly in the Guards, where it is awarded
to all Corporals. A Lance-Sergeant in the Guards and Honourable Artillery
Company wears three chevrons, belongs to the Sergeants' Mess, and is considered senior to
"normal" Corporals: however, for practical purposes he remains a Corporal rather than an acting Sergeant (e.g., he will typically
command a section). In the Household Cavalry, the equivalent appointment is
Lance-Corporal of Horse.
The official spelling was Serjeant (Sjt) (still used by The Rifles) until
after the Second World War, although the modern spelling had already been in common use for
many years.
Air force
The Royal Air Force also has the rank of Sergeant, wearing the same three
chevrons. The rank lies between Corporal and Flight
Sergeant (or Chief Technician for technicians and musicians). Between 1950 and
1964 sergeants in technical trades were known as Senior Technicians and wore their chevrons point up.
On 1 July 1946, aircrew
sergeants were redesignated as Aircrew IV, III or II, replacing the chevrons with one, two or three six-pointed stars
within a wreath and surmounted by an eagle. This was unpopular and in 1950 they returned to the old rank, but have worn an eagle
above their chevrons ever since. Sergeants of the Royal Flying Corps wore a
four-bladed propeller above their chevrons.
Police Usage
A Sergeant in the police force is more senior than a Police Constable but less senior than
an Inspector in the UK police ranks. Police
Sergeant's chevrons are normally white print or silver-coloured metal pin badge insignia as shown to the right. For High
Visibility Uniform, they are often yellow with printed silver insignia. As with Police Constable epaulettes, the Sergeants'
collar numbers (and Division Call Sign if from the Metropolitan Police) are also displayed.
A Sergeant in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is known
as a Detective Sergeant (DS). Until the abolition of 1st Class Detective Sergeants in
1973, Metropolitan Police Detective Sergeants were officially known as 2nd Class Detective Sergeants.
Unlike the military, addressing a Sergeant as "Sarge" is not seen as incorrect. Constables in some forces (including the
Metropolitan Police) refer to their Sergeants as "Skipper".
Australia
Within the New South Wales Police Force (established 1862) there are the following Sergeant Ranks:
- Sergeant (SGT) (three chevrons);
- Incremental Sergeant (SGT) (three chevrons and a crown)- this is an incremental progression, following appointment as a
Sergeant for 7 years; and
- Senior Sergeant (SEN/SGT) (three chevrons, crown surmounted by a laurel leaf)
Upon appointment as a Sergeant or Senior Sergeant within the New South Wales Police Force, the Sergeant is given a Warrant of
Appointment under the Commissioners hand and seal. In addition the Sergeant is given a Navy Blue backing (Which replaces a light
blue backing to the officers police badge), a navy blue name plate (which replaces a light blue nameplate), and a silver chin
strap positioned above his peaked cap on his headdress, replacing a black chinstrap. These are symbols of the officers authority
and standing.
As for slang, all three sergeants ranks are referred to as "Sergeant", "Boss", or "Sarge". However at the New South Wales
Police College, recruits must address all ranks of Sergeants as "Sergeant".
Sergeants are usually Team Leaders in charge of an entire team of Constables to Senior Constables at large stations, to being
in charge of sectors involving several police stations. Senior Sergeants are usually in specialist areas and are in charge of
Sergeants and thus act as middle management.
United States
Army
In the United States Army, although there are several ranks of sergeant, the
lowest carries the title of Sergeant (SGT), colloquially referred to as buck sergeant (A new seargeant
within one yaer). Sergeant is the fifth enlisted rank in the U.S. Army, just above Specialist and Corporal and below Staff Sergeant, and is the second-lowest grade of non-commissioned officer. Sergeants typically command squad-sized elements.
Sometimes the senior U.S. Army sergeant holding the rank first sergeant or acting first sergeant are called "top" in reference
to their being the Top (senior ranking) enlisted soldier in the unit.
Drill Sergeants are always addressed as "Drill Sergeant", regardless of rank (only
when on an instruction tour indicated by the traditional World War I campaign hat, commonly referred to as the "Brown Round".)
For example; if a Drill Sergeant is done with his/her instruction tour, they go back to wearing their beret and are referred to
as whatever rank they achieved before becoming a Drill Sergeant. The Drill Sergeant will always wear the Drill Sergeant badge
indicating they completed the school. The Army Drill Sergeant badge appears on the right upper shirt pocket.
Marine Corps
Similarly, the United States Marine Corps has several ranks which carry
the title of Sergeant, the lowest of which is Sergeant (Sgt). Marine Sergeants are the fifth enlisted rank in the
U.S. Marine Corps, just above Corporal and below Staff
Sergeant.
In the Marine Corps, enlisted ranks above Sergeant are referred to as Staff Non-Commissioned Officers (Staff NCOs or SNCOs).
These ranks, Staff Sergeant through Sergeant Major, are always referred to by their full rank and never merely as "Sergeant".
Gunnery Sergeants are commonly addressed as simply "Gunny".
Master Sergeants are addressed as "Master Sergeant" or "Top" at the preference of the Marine wearing the rank and dependent on
the MOS community/culture. This privilege is usually extended to NCO's or SNCO's and above, and even Marines that are the same
rank or higher. Master Gunnery Sergeants follow the same protocol but are commonly referred to as "Top" or "Master Guns".
A Marine Corps Sergeant is always addressed as "Sergeant" and never "Sarge" or any sort of nickname or abbreviation, and 1st
Sergeants and Sergeants Major are always addressed by full rank title.
Air Force
The U.S. Air Force rank of Sergeant (E-4) was phased out in the 1990s.
Previously, Senior Airmen were promoted to Sergeant and granted NCO status after 12 months
time in grade; this lateral promotion is no longer conferred and Senior Airmen compete directly for promotion to Staff Sergeant. In today's Air Force, the term Sergeant refers to all Air Force NCOs up to and including
Chief Master Sergeant.
Police
Sergeant is also a commonly-used rank within United States police departments. It is often the
first rank above "officer" and represents the first level of management within the organization.
Types of Sergeant
"Sergeant" is generally the lowest rank of Sergeant, with individual militaries choosing some additional words to signify
higher ranking individuals. What terms are used, and what seniority they signify, is to a great extent dependent on the
individual armed service. The term "sergeant" is also used in many appointment titles.
Ranks
Appointments
External links
See also
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