first sergeant

== English == === Noun === first sergeant (plural first sergeants) (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. (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. (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