Which statement about First Sergeant eligibility is true?

• A. Only E-9 can be a First Sergeant.
• B. First Sergeant is true for E-7, E-8, and E-9.
• C. E-7, E-8, and E-9 can hold a First Sergeant position.
• D. First Sergeant is unrelated to rank.

Answer: (C)

First Sergeant is a leadership assignment, not a single rank. In Army units, the First Sergeant serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the company commander and is chosen from among experienced NCOs who meet the rank and schooling requirements.

Eligibility spans multiple ranks because the role is about leadership, experience, and proven performance, not just a specific pay grade. Typically, candidates come from the ranks of E-7 (Sergeant First Class) up through E-9, based on vacancies and successful completion of required training. When a unit needs a First Sergeant, they can select someone from E-7, E-8, or E-9 who has demonstrated the qualifications and has the right time in service.

So the statement that E-7, E-8, and E-9 can hold a First Sergeant position is true. The idea that the role is limited to a single rank or unrelated to rank would not reflect how the assignment works, and options emphasizing exclusivity or no relation to rank don’t fit the structure of Army leadership positions.