sergeant first class

noun

, U.S. Army.

1. a noncommissioned officer ranking next above a staff sergeant and below a first or master sergeant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sergeant first class¹

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50

Example Sentences

He obtained the rank of sergeant first class and deployed overseas twice, according to the Guard.

From Seattle Times

In his final review, in April, evaluators said Card, a sergeant first class, “exceeded standards” in almost all areas of his role as senior trainer, including instruction on the use of grenades.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Card was a sergeant first class assigned to the Army Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 304th Regiment, a training unit based in Maine that runs a two-week summer field course for cadets from the U.S.

From New York Times

As a sergeant first class, Card served as a petroleum supply specialist and received several Army achievement medals, Dubee said.

From Los Angeles Times

The work ethic comes from growing up in a military household; Allen’s father was an Army sergeant first class.

From Washington Post