Which publication established responsibilities of first sergeant?

The Origins of the First Sergeant’s Responsibilities

The First Sergeant is a crucial position in the United States Army, responsible for the daily operations and administration of a company or battalion. But have you ever wondered which publication established the responsibilities of the First Sergeant? In this article, we will delve into the history of the First Sergeant’s role and explore the publication that laid the foundation for their duties.

The Early Years of the First Sergeant

The First Sergeant position has its roots in the early days of the American military. In the 18th century, the Continental Army had a system of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) who were responsible for leading and training soldiers. These NCOs were known as "sergeants" and were responsible for maintaining discipline, leading patrols, and providing administrative support.

As the army grew and evolved, the role of the sergeant became more formalized. In 1775, the Continental Congress established the rank of "First Sergeant" as the senior non-commissioned officer in each company. The First Sergeant was responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the company, including training, discipline, and administration.

The Publication that Established Responsibilities

Fast forward to the late 19th century, when the United States Army was undergoing significant reforms. In 1881, the War Department published "Army Regulations, 1881", which established the responsibilities of the First Sergeant in more detail. This publication, also known as "AR 1881", was a comprehensive guide to army regulations and procedures.

Key Responsibilities Established in AR 1881

AR 1881 established several key responsibilities for the First Sergeant, including:

• Administrative Duties: The First Sergeant was responsible for maintaining company records, issuing pay and allowances, and conducting administrative tasks such as supply and logistics.
• Discipline and Training: The First Sergeant was responsible for enforcing company discipline, conducting training exercises, and leading patrols.
• Leadership and Counseling: The First Sergeant was responsible for providing guidance and counseling to junior NCOs and soldiers, and for leading by example.

Other Important Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities established in AR 1881, the First Sergeant also had other important duties, including:

• Supply and Logistics: The First Sergeant was responsible for ensuring that the company had the necessary supplies and equipment to carry out its mission.
• Personnel Management: The First Sergeant was responsible for managing the company’s personnel, including conducting inspections and evaluations.
• Intelligence and Security: The First Sergeant was responsible for gathering and analyzing intelligence, and for providing security for the company.

Modern-Day Responsibilities

Today, the First Sergeant’s responsibilities have evolved to include many of the same duties established in AR 1881, as well as new responsibilities such as:

• Operational Planning: The First Sergeant is responsible for planning and executing company operations, including training exercises and deployments.
• Force Protection: The First Sergeant is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the company and its personnel.
• Communication: The First Sergeant is responsible for maintaining effective communication with the company commander, other units, and higher headquarters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the publication that established the responsibilities of the First Sergeant is "Army Regulations, 1881". This publication, also known as AR 1881, established the key responsibilities of the First Sergeant, including administrative duties, discipline and training, leadership and counseling, and other important duties. Today, the First Sergeant’s responsibilities continue to evolve, but the core duties established in AR 1881 remain the foundation of their role.

Table: Key Responsibilities of the First Sergeant

Bullets: Modern-Day Responsibilities of the First Sergeant

• Operational Planning
• Force Protection
• Communication
• Maintaining company morale and welfare
• Ensuring company compliance with regulations and policies
• Providing guidance and counseling to junior NCOs and soldiers