What is the history of the First Sergeant?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 00:47:17 -0500

Through most of our history the importance of the First Sergeant appears to be readiness, training, & the welfare of Soldiers. During the Revolution the 1SG had no such role, but was recognized as the most senior Sergeant in the Company but not a separate rank. After the War of 1812 the 1SG became its own rank, above Sergeant and below Quartermaster Sergeant and Sergeant Major. During the Mexican-American War the Diamond was added to the rank insignia, 3 Chevrons with Diamond. While I was at Fort Benning at the NIM I saw a First Sergeant Rank as a SSG and SFC with the Diamond. Do you know more from personal history or anything to reference?

Response by CPL Dave Hoover made Nov 28 at 2017 12:59 AM

CPL Dave Hoover — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 00:59:26 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Great read, need more sir.

Response by Sgt Bruce C. made Nov 28 at 2017 12:59 AM

Sgt Bruce C. — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 00:59:50 -0500

Thanks, find this very interesting

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Nov 28 at 2017 1:53 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 01:53:06 -0500

Try digging yourself up a copy of this little gem. I can't even remember where I found this, but I have had it for years.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2017 7:20 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 07:20:26 -0500

Back in the Revolutionary War, the First Sergeant's main role was to keep the ranks in order as they advanced. The company commander would be on the left of the formation; the 1SG on the right. They were issued a sword not so much for fighting, but rather as a prod to swat Soldiers who were not maintaining the line or hanging back.
To this day, only the First Sergeant and Platoon Sergeant (who had a similar role) are authorized to wear the NCO Sword.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Dec 1 at 2017 3:15 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 15:15:31 -0500

In my research of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments during the Apache Indian wars, the First Sergeants were wearing the three chevrons (upside down) and with the diamond at the top. Interesting topic, Robert!

Response by 1SG Berlon Roberts made Nov 17 at 2018 12:57 PM

1SG Berlon Roberts — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 12:57:34 -0500

First Sergeant in the U.S. Army.

George Washington relied heavily on the advice of General Baron von Steuben when deciding how to set up what would become the U.S. Army. During this time, von Steuben wrote what is referred to as the "Blue Book of Regulations." This book covered most of the organizational, administrative and disciplinary details necessary to operate the Continental Army.

While Von Steuben outlined the duties of such NCOs as the sergeant major, quartermaster sergeant, and other key NCOs, it was the company first sergeant (the American equivalent of the Prussian Feldwebel) to which he directed most of his attention. First sergeants must be "intimately acquainted with the character of every soldier in the company and should take great pains to impress upon their minds the indispensable necessity of the strictest obedience as the foundation of order and regularity," von Steuben wrote.

Since the first sergeant was responsible for the entire company, he was, in von Steuben's words, "not to go on duty, unless with the whole company, but is to be in camp quarters to answer any call that may be made."

On the march or on the battlefield, they were "never to lead a platoon or section, but always to be a file closer in the formation of the company."