11
11
0
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?
1SG
Enlisted
Military History
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 6
7
7
0
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.
To this day, only the First Sergeant and Platoon Sergeant (who had a similar role) are authorized to wear the NCO Sword.
(7)
(0)
1SG (Join to see)
MSG (Join to see) - It is not technically in AR 670-1 anymore.
Tradition holds that wear was appropriate as I enumerated above.
Back in the day (talking 1800s here), all NCOs including the Quartermaster, Ordinance Sergeant, and Pioneers were authorized. Obviously, that regulation for the 1840 NCO sword (which the current version is modeled after) is long since out of date.
As it is a ceremonial sword, it is only appropriate to wear at all in certain ceremonial functions, such as a dining out. Even then, as the bearer would be under arms, the wearer should have headgear on, even after retreat, unless waved by the commander.
Back in my Old Guard days, the rules were only Platoon SGTs, First Sgts, and Command Sergeant Major were authorized to wear them, usually for parades and ceremonies.
So bottom line last, it is more of a tradition, kind of like the sword itself.
Tradition holds that wear was appropriate as I enumerated above.
Back in the day (talking 1800s here), all NCOs including the Quartermaster, Ordinance Sergeant, and Pioneers were authorized. Obviously, that regulation for the 1840 NCO sword (which the current version is modeled after) is long since out of date.
As it is a ceremonial sword, it is only appropriate to wear at all in certain ceremonial functions, such as a dining out. Even then, as the bearer would be under arms, the wearer should have headgear on, even after retreat, unless waved by the commander.
Back in my Old Guard days, the rules were only Platoon SGTs, First Sgts, and Command Sergeant Major were authorized to wear them, usually for parades and ceremonies.
So bottom line last, it is more of a tradition, kind of like the sword itself.
(4)
(0)
SFC David Shepherd
MSG (Join to see) MSG Quintero, the only reference I'm aware of is
TC 3-21.5 (FM 3-21.5) Appendix F
MANUAL OF ARMS—SABER AND SWORD
The saber is worn by officers while participating in ceremonies with troops
under arms, or as directed. It is carried on the left side of the body attached to
the belt by the scabbard chain with the guard of the saber to the rear. The
sword is worn by all platoon sergeants and first sergeants while participating
in ceremonies with troops under arms, or as directed. It is carried in the same
manner as the officer’s saber.
TC 3-21.5 (FM 3-21.5) Appendix F
MANUAL OF ARMS—SABER AND SWORD
The saber is worn by officers while participating in ceremonies with troops
under arms, or as directed. It is carried on the left side of the body attached to
the belt by the scabbard chain with the guard of the saber to the rear. The
sword is worn by all platoon sergeants and first sergeants while participating
in ceremonies with troops under arms, or as directed. It is carried in the same
manner as the officer’s saber.
(3)
(0)
MSG (Join to see)
1SG (Join to see) SFC David Shepherd - Gentlemen, I guess my question then is, how about any other Army NCO, E-4 thru E-8 who is not currently a Platoon Sergeant or First Sergeant. Would they be breaking regulation and or protocol if they wore an NCO sword to a wedding, dining out, military or veterans ball?
(0)
(0)
1SG (Join to see)
MSG (Join to see) - I would say no.
The D&C FM that SFC David Shepherd references above is specifically in reference to ceremonial formations, parades, pass and review and such.
A dining out is a little sketchier, as there are usually rules of the mess and the commander (or President of the Mess) holds sway there.
For a wedding, I would say that you are just fine.
The D&C FM that SFC David Shepherd references above is specifically in reference to ceremonial formations, parades, pass and review and such.
A dining out is a little sketchier, as there are usually rules of the mess and the commander (or President of the Mess) holds sway there.
For a wedding, I would say that you are just fine.
(1)
(0)
4
4
0
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.
(4)
(0)
SGT Matthew S.
MSG (Join to see) - Looks like Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and eBay have a few copies around. Some look to be in good shape and not bad on price.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
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!
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google