Table of Contents
Introduction
The Staff Sergeant (SSG) is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in the armed forces of many countries. It is also a police rank in some police services. In its origin, certain senior sergeants were assigned to administrative, supervisory, or other specialist duties as part of the staff of a British Army regiment. As such they held seniority over sergeants who were members of a battalion or company, and were paid correspondingly increased wages.
Role in Different Countries
Australia
In the Australian Army and Cadets, the rank of staff sergeant is being phased out. It was usually held by the company quartermaster sergeant or the holders of other administrative roles. Staff sergeants are always addressed as "Staff Sergeant" or "Staff", never as "Sergeant" as it degrades their rank.
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Canada
In the pre-Unification Canadian Army, the rank of Staff Sergeant existed until 1968 when the Unification of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force into the Canadian Armed Forces occurred. Post-unification, the Canadian Armed Forces replaced the rank with that of Warrant Officer.
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Norway
In the Norwegian Defence Forces, the tasks and responsibilities of the staff sergeant are not clear; quite recently, Norway replaced their old rank system, and implemented a new, which is more adapted to other NATO members. In 1975, all of the Norwegian military branches abolished the system of using non-commissioned officers. Now, however, Norway is reintroducing the Non-Commissioned Officer Corps, allowing people to become officers without graduating from a military academy or having a university degree.
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Philippines
The rank of staff sergeant is used by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is a non-commissioned officer rank currently used by Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Marine Corps (under the Philippine Navy). It is a rank positioned above Sergeant and below the Technical sergeant.
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Singapore
A staff sergeant (SSG) in the Singapore Armed Forces ranks above first sergeant and below master sergeant. It is the second most senior specialist rank. Staff sergeants are addressed as "Staff Sergeant" or "Staff", but never "Sergeant".
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UK
In the British Army, staff sergeant (SSgt or formerly S/Sgt) ranks above sergeant and below warrant officer class 2. The rank is given a NATO code of OR-7. Staff sergeants can also hold other appointments, such as company quartermaster sergeant, and are usually known by that appointment if held.
Responsibilities in the U.S. Military
In the U.S. military, Staff Sergeants are valuable members because of their combat experience. Most staff sergeants were promoted to the position as a result of a record of proficiency on the battlefield or because they have exhibited a talent for leading men. Staff sergeants must prove they have the ability to manage men on the battlefield. They are responsible for the successful development of the troops within their squad. Staff sergeants usually have 9 to 10 soldiers and usually at least one sergeant under their control. They are also expected to help officers maintain order and discipline and provide guidance on issues of leadership and military justice.
