Definition

Noun 1. A senior non-commissioned officer rank in the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps: The "first sergeant" is a specific senior enlisted rank, positioned above staff sergeant and below master sergeant or sergeant major, depending on the service. This rank typically holds significant leadership responsibility for a company-sized unit.

Examples of Usage

• The first sergeant is responsible for the discipline, training, and welfare of all the soldiers in the company.
• After his promotion, he was assigned as the new first sergeant for Headquarters Company.
• The platoon leaders reported the issue directly to the first sergeant.

Advanced Usage

• "The First Sergeant" (as a title/role): Often used with the definite article "the" to refer to the specific individual holding that position within a unit, emphasizing their unique authority and role.
  • All personnel matters must be approved by the First Sergeant.

Variants and Related Words

• First Sergeant (1SG): The official abbreviation and pay grade (E-8) for this rank in the U.S. Army.
• Sergeant First Class (SFC): In the U.S. Army, this is a separate rank at the same pay grade (E-7) as a Master Sergeant but with a different career track and typical duties, often preceding promotion to First Sergeant.
• Master Sergeant: A senior non-commissioned officer rank, often at the same pay grade as a First Sergeant but typically serving in a more specialized technical role rather than as the senior enlisted advisor of a company.

Synonyms

• Senior Enlisted Advisor: A general term for the role a first sergeant often fulfills within their unit.
• Top: (Military Slang) A common informal nickname for a first sergeant.
  • "Take this request to Top for his signature."

Related Phrases

• Company First Sergeant: Specifies the first sergeant assigned to a particular company, as opposed to a battalion or higher level.
  • He served as the Company First Sergeant for five years.

Noun

1. a sergeant in the Army above the rank of staff sergeant and below master sergeant