NCO Tier — Staff Sergeant and Technical Sergeant
Tier Overview
The Two NCO Ranks
The Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) tier consists of:
- Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
- Technical Sergeant (TSgt)
Focus Areas
NCOs continue occupational growth and become expert technicians while developing as:
- Leaders
- Supervisors
- Managers
- Mentors in the profession of arms
Readiness Responsibility
NCO Readiness Duty
NCOs ensure they keep themselves and subordinates trained, qualified, and ready to deploy and operate at home station and in an expeditionary environment.
Foundational Competencies
In this tier, NCOs understand and internalize foundational competencies in preparation for increased responsibilities while pursuing professional development through:
- The developmental special duty selection process
- Professional military education
Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
Staff Sergeants are skilled technicians with supervisory and training responsibilities.
7-Skill Level at SSgt
Typically, the 7-skill level (Craftsman) is earned at this rank.
Staff Sergeants ensure proper use of resources under their control for effective, efficient accomplishment of the mission.
SSgt Address
Written abbreviation: "SSgt". Official term of address: "Staff Sergeant" or "Sergeant".
Technical Sergeant (TSgt)
Technical Sergeants are often a unit's technical experts.
They continuously strive to develop as:
- Technicians
- Supervisors
- Leaders
- Mentors
…through professional development opportunities, including professional military education.
NCOA Required Before MSgt
Technical Sergeants must complete the NCO Academy before assuming the grade of Master Sergeant.
TSgt Address
Written abbreviation: "TSgt". Official term of address: "Technical Sergeant", "Tech Sergeant", or "Sergeant".