first sergeant

American  

noun

U.S. Army.

1. the senior noncommissioned officer of a company, squadron, etc., responsible for personnel and administration.

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Etymology

Origin of first sergeant

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

But I also remember the first sergeant cautioning me against doing so.

From Slate • Jul. 17, 2024

She also befriended Hillary, a former reporter whose marriage to a first sergeant meant that the couples could not socialize as a group — the Army still maintains many rank-based rules and traditions.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2024

The 73-year-old was a retired first sergeant and served in Vietnam, she said.

From Washington Post • Jun. 2, 2022

“It’s my duty,” said Nyzhnyk, who is a first sergeant in the National Guard of Ukraine, part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2022

No one stared up at the first sergeant, yet there was complete silence as he spoke.

From "Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two" by Joseph Bruchac