sergeant first class

American  

noun

U.S. Army.

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

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Etymology

Origin of sergeant first class

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50

Example Sentences

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 • Feb. 27, 2024

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

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2023

“I now know that the more I revisit an event, the less painful it becomes,” said Dodge, who retired from the Army as a sergeant first class.

From Washington Post • Dec. 15, 2021

Ray is a sergeant first class with the Army’s 116th Field Artillery Regiment, an had been in South Florida since January to help with COVID-19 response efforts,the Herald reported.

From Washington Times • Mar. 16, 2021

A sergeant first class whose name was not released and who joined Team 3212 just weeks before the ambush as its acting intelligence sergeant also received a Silver Star.

From New York Times • Aug. 14, 2019