There's only one Sergeant Major of the Army

Epitome of what it means to be a Sergeant and oversees all Non-Commissioned Officers

Advisor and consultant to the Chief of Staff of the Army (a four-star General)

(Addressed as "Command Sergeant Major")

A CSM's counsel is expected to be calm, settled, and accurate

Supplies recommendations to the commander and staff with unflagging enthusiasm

Sets standards on performance, training, appearance, and conduct of enlisted personnel

Assists Officers at the brigade level (3,000 to 5,000 Soldiers)

(Addressed as "Sergeant Major")

SGMs experience and abilities are equal to that of the CSM

Leadership is generally limited to those directly under his charge

Assists Officers at the battalion level (300 to 1,000 Soldiers)

(Addressed as "First Sergeant")

Principal NCO and life-blood of the company; provider, disciplinarian, and wise counselor

Instructs other SGTs, advise the Commander and helps train all enlisted Soldiers

Assists Officers at the company level (62 to 190 Soldiers)

(Addressed as "Sergeant")

Principal NCO at the battalion level and often higher

Not charged with all the leadership responsibilities of a 1SG

Expected to dispatch leadership and other duties with the same professionalism

(Addressed as "Sergeant")

Key assistant and advisor to the platoon leader

Generally has 15 to 18 years of Army experience

Makes quick, accurate decisions in the best interests of Soldiers and country

(Addressed as "Sergeant")

Also commands a squad (9 to 10 Soldiers)

Often has one or more SGTs under their leadership

Develops, maintains, and utilizes the full range of his Soldier's potential

(Addressed as "Sergeant")

Typically commands a squad (9 to 10 Soldiers)

Has greatest impact on Soldiers because SGTs oversee daily tasks

SGTs set an example and the standard for Privates to look up to and live up to

(Addressed as "Corporal")

The base of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks

CPLs serve as team leader of the smallest Army units

Responsible for inpidual training, personal appearance, and cleanliness of Soldiers

(Addressed as "Specialist")

Can manage other enlisted Soldiers of lower rank

Served a minimum of two years and attended a training for promotion

People with a four year college degree can enter as a Specialist

(Addressed as "Private")

Promoted to this level after one year or earlier by request of supervisor

Begins BCT at this level with experience or prior military training

Carries out orders issued to them to the best of his/her ability

(Addressed as "Private")

Lowest Rank. A trainee who's starting Basic Combat Training (BCT)

Carries out orders issued to them to the best of his/her ability

(PVT does not have an insignia)