staff sergeant
Definition
- Noun:
- A noncommissioned officer in the United States Army or Marine Corps holding a rank above corporal and below sergeant first class.
- A noncommissioned officer in the United States Air Force holding a rank above airman first class and below technical sergeant.
Usage
- The rank of staff sergeant is a leadership position responsible for the training, discipline, and welfare of junior enlisted personnel.
- A staff sergeant often leads a squad-sized element.
- The abbreviation for staff sergeant is commonly "SSG" in the Army and "SSgt" in the Marine Corps and Air Force.
Examples
- Noun:
- The platoon leader gave the mission briefing to the staff sergeant.
- After six years of service, she was promoted to staff sergeant.
- Staff Sergeant Miller received a commendation for his actions.
Advanced Usage
- The term staff sergeant is specific to the U.S. military. Equivalent ranks in other nations' militaries have different titles (e.g., Colour Sergeant in the British Army).
- In some contexts, staff sergeant can be used as a form of direct address, though "Sergeant" is more common.
Variants and Related Words
- Sergeant: A lower noncommissioned officer rank.
- Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt): A Marine Corps rank above staff sergeant.
- Technical Sergeant (TSgt): An Air Force rank above staff sergeant.
- Sergeant First Class (SFC): An Army rank above staff sergeant.
Synonyms
- Noncommissioned officer (NCO)
- Squad leader (in a specific tactical context)
Related Phrases
- Staff Sergeant Major: A very senior noncommissioned officer rank in some armies, distinct from and senior to a staff sergeant.
- Staff Sergeant of the Marine Corps: A ceremonial senior enlisted post.
Noun
-
a noncommissioned officer ranking above corporal and below sergeant first class in the Army or Marines or above airman 1st class in the Air Force
