Sergeant
Also known as: chief non-commissioned officer, colour sergeant, army sargeant, commissary sergeant, adjutant, station sergeant
About this occupation
Sergeants command squads as a second in command. They allocate tasks and duties, supervise equipment, and ensure proper training of staff. They also advise commanding officers and perform support duties.
Essential skills and knowledge
- advise superiors on military operations
- identify security threats
- manage troop deployment
- delegate activities
- military code
- military combat techniques
- ensure compliance with types of weapons
- train military troops
- lead military troops
- monitor military equipment use
- defend human rights
- military weaponry
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers (O*NET 33-1011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Take, receive, or check periodic inmate counts.
- Maintain order, discipline, and security within assigned areas in accordance with relevant rules, regulations, policies, and laws.
- Maintain knowledge of, comply with, and enforce all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations.
- Respond to emergencies, such as escapes.
- Supervise and direct the work of correctional officers to ensure the safe custody, discipline, and welfare of inmates.
- Supervise or perform searches of inmates or their quarters to locate contraband items.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Social
Top skills: Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Speaking
US median pay: US$77,970 a year (2025), 53,380 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (4.4)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.2)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (4.1)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.6)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Correctional Officers and Jailers
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
- Bailiffs
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services
- First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.