First Sergeant (E-8)

When you are talking about the first sergeant you
are talking about the life-blood of the Army. There can
be no substitute of this position nor any question of its
importance. When first sergeants are exceptional, their
units are exceptional, regardless of any other single
personality involved. Perhaps their rank insignia should
be the keystone rather than the traditional one depicted
here. It is the first sergeant at whom almost all unit
operations merge. The first sergeant holds formations,
instructs platoon sergeants, advises the Commander, and
assists in training of all enlisted members.