Definition

Noun: 1. A non-commissioned officer rank in the U.S. Army: A specific pay grade (E-7) and rank for enlisted personnel, positioned above Staff Sergeant (E-6) and below Master Sergeant (E-8) or First Sergeant (E-8). A Sergeant First Class typically serves as a platoon sergeant or in a similar senior supervisory role.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • After fifteen years of dedicated service, she was promoted to sergeant first class.
  • The sergeant first class was responsible for the training and discipline of the entire platoon.
  • He held the rank of sergeant first class before applying for a commission as an officer.

Advanced Usage

• The rank is often abbreviated as SFC in written correspondence, name tags, and organizational charts.
  • SFC Miller will be your point of contact for the logistics exercise.
• In formal address, the title "Sergeant First Class" is used, often shortened to "Sergeant" in casual conversation within the chain of command.
  • "Sergeant First Class Jones, report to the commander's office."

Variants and Related Words

• First Sergeant (Noun): A separate and distinct non-commissioned officer rank in the U.S. Army at the same pay grade (E-8) as Master Sergeant. A First Sergeant typically serves as the senior enlisted advisor for a company-sized unit.
• Master Sergeant (Noun): A non-commissioned officer rank in the U.S. Army at pay grade E-8, often serving in a technical specialist role rather than a primary leadership role like a First Sergeant.
• Staff Sergeant (Noun): The U.S. Army rank (E-6) directly below Sergeant First Class.

Synonyms

• Non-commissioned officer (NCO): A general term for enlisted personnel who hold leadership authority. Sergeant First Class is a specific senior NCO rank.
• Platoon Sergeant: A common duty position or role filled by a Sergeant First Class.

Notes on Meaning

• The term sergeant first class refers specifically to a rank within the U.S. Army. Other branches of the U.S. military (e.g., Marine Corps, Air Force) have different rank structures and nomenclature for their E-7 personnel.
• It denotes both a level of seniority and a set of increased responsibilities, including advanced leadership, mentorship of junior NCOs, and complex operational planning.

Noun

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