Army Ranks Quiz: Evolution of Army Rank Insignias

When was the first use of the chevron seen on a Sergeant (SGT)?

In what year was it decided that the Corporal (CPL) insignia would be worn only on the right arm below the elbow?

What does a Sergeant Major (SGM) have on each arm above the elbow according to the text?

What year introduced the title 'First Sergeant' in the United States military?

What is the main obligation of a leader in fulfilling their duties as a Noncommissioned Officer?

In what year was the rank of Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) established?

How did Sergeant Morales lead his squad in PT and work details?

What did Sergeant Morales arrange for his Soldiers when money was scarce at the end of the month?

How did Sergeant Morales ensure his squad stayed informed and motivated?

What was a key factor that contributed to the fact that no one in Sergeant Morales' squad went AWOL during his tenure?

How did Sergeant Morales utilize his experience as a barber to support his squad?

What was unique about Sergeant Morales' approach to unit training?

What motivated Sergeant Morales to arrange socializing events for his squad?

How did Sergeant Morales maintain discipline within his squad?

What made Sergeant Morales stand out despite his physical limitations and lack of formal education?

History of Non-Commissioned Officers

The first use of chevrons was in 1833 for Sergeant Major (SGM) and First Sergeant (1SG).
In 1821, the Sergeant Major (SGM) rank was established.
From 1775 to 1833, the Sergeant (SGT) and Corporal (CPL) ranks were denoted by a red sash worn on the right shoulder.
In 1847, the Corporal (CPL) rank was denoted by a chevron worn on the right arm, below the elbow.
In 1851, the Sergeant (SGT) rank was denoted by a chevron worn on each arm, below the elbow.

Charge to Newly Promoted Non-Commissioned Officers

The charge was first introduced in 1898-1907.
The oath states that the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) will discharge their duties diligently and uphold Army traditions and standards.
The NCO accepts responsibility for the actions of soldiers of lesser rank and agrees to correct conditions detrimental to Army readiness.

Modern Era of Non-Commissioned Officers

In 1945, the Charge of the Non-Commissioned Officer was introduced.
In 1958, the ranks of Sergeant First Class (SFC), Sergeant Major (SGM), and Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) were established.
In 1994, the Sergeant Morales Story was recognized as an exemplary model of leadership.

Sergeant Morales Story

Sergeant Morales was a squad leader in an engineer battalion of a U.S. Army division.
Despite physical limitations, lack of formal education, and minority group status, he achieved exceptional leadership.
He led by example, participated in unit training, and showed concern for his Soldiers' personal lives.
His squad consistently placed first in company Army training tests, and no one in his squad went AWOL during his three-year tenure.

Test your knowledge on the historical evolution of Army ranks and insignias, starting from 1775 to the early 20th century. Learn about the placement and first use of chevrons, shoulder patches, and specific designations like Sergeant, Corporal, and First Sergeant.