Sergeant Major of the Army

Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) is a unique non-commissioned rank and billet in the United Stars Army.

History

In the Union Army, sergeant major is the highest regular Enlisted Rank (E-12), just above First Sergeant, and equal in grade to Master Gunnery Sergeant, although the two have different responsibilities. Sergeant major is both a rank and a military billet, and serves as the unit commander's senior enlisted adviser and to handle matters of discipline and morale among the enlisted Soldiers. The Sergeant Major of the Army is chosen by the Commandant of the Army to serve as his adviser and as the preeminent and highest ranking enlisted Marine with a protocol equivalency of a Lieutenant General.

The post of Sergeant Major of the Army was established as the senior enlisted adviser to the Commandant of the Army, as a part of the Unification of the Militaries. While Sergeant Major of the Army is the full wording of the rank, verbal address for this is commonly Sergeant Major.

The Sergeant Major of the Army is selected by the Commandant of the Army and typically serves a ten-year term with them, though his service is at the discretion of the Commandant.