first sergeant

English

Noun

first sergeant (plural first sergeants)

1. (US) In the United States Army, a non-commissioned officer ranking above sergeant first class and below sergeant major; equal in rank to a master sergeant but with greater command authority.
2. (US) In the United States Marine Corps, a non-commissioned officer ranking above gunnery sergeant and below sergeant major or master gunnery sergeant; equal in rank to a master sergeant, but with command rather than technical responsibilities.
3. (US) In the United States Air Force, an appointment (not a rank) for the senior member of enlisted personnel in a squadron or other unit. The appointment is usually held by a master sergeant.

References

• US Military Rank Insignia
• First Sergeants, US Military website
• First Sergeant Duty, Infantry Magazine, September 2000
• US Army Enlisted Rank Insignia
• First Sergeantry, article at Firstsergeant.net