The Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks (E-4 through E-9)

  Members and their Personae who are appointed or elected to a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) billet will receive an NCO rank for the duration of their service in that billet.  NCOs are the small-unit leaders of the Royal Dragoon Guards, and assist the officers in the smooth operation of the unit both in-game and out.  See the secition on billets for the specific responsibilities for each NCO billet.

  E-4 through E-6 are considered junior NCOs, with E-7 through E-9 considered senior NCOs.  Although the Specialist ranks, such as MechWarrior and Senior MechWarrior may be in the same pay grades, or even a higher paygrade, a “hard striper” – a true NCO – takes command precedence in the absence of an officer.  A Master Mechwarrior may be grade E-6 in pay, but must follow the orders of their lance NCO even if that NCO is a Corporal (E-4), because the Corporal is an NCO, and the Master MechWarrior is not.

E-4

Corporal (Cpl)
RDGCpl    The Corporal is the first NCO rank, and the most junior of the junior NCOs.  Enlisted MechWarriors beginning a career of leadership start here, usually as Lance NCOs in a BattleMech formation, or as Fire Team or Squad leaders in an infantry unit.  Individual tank commanders may likewise be Corporals, as they are in charge of their enlisted tank crew.  Corporals are addressed as “Corporal” and last name.  Never “sir” or “ma’am”.
Typical Billet:    First-term Lance NCO
Qualifications:
  •  Appointed by Lance Commander. 
  • Basic NCO School preferred.
  • Must have Duty Uniform (or better) for events.

 

E-5

Sergeant (Sgt)
RDGSgt    The Sergeant is the backbone of the Royal Dragoon Guards.  Sergeants for a link between the enlisted troops and the officers, relaying orders and making the officers aware of the needs of the troops.  In the RDG, a Sergeant is typically a member who has served out at least one term as a Corporal and has been selected for advancement in recognition of their service.  In an Armor unit, a Sergeant might command an individual tank.  In the infantry, Sergeants are typically squad leaders.  Sergeants are addressed as “Sergeant” and last name.  Never “sir” or “ma’am”.
Typical Billet:    Most lance NCOs, infantry squad leader
Qualifications:
  • Appointed to NCO billet. 
  • Basic NCO School preferred.
  • Completed one term as an NCO and passed promotion board for E-5.
  • Must have Duty Uniform (or better) for events.

 

E-6

Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
RDGSSgt     The Staff Sergeant is a seasoned and experienced junior NCO that has shown motivation and dedication in the role of a non-commissioned officer.  Staff Sergeants act as staff assistants to officers, unit senior NCOs in smaller units, and help coordinate Sergeants and Corporals under their command.  Staff Sergeants are addressed as “Sergeant” and last name.  Never “sir” or “ma’am”.  A Staff Sergeant is always introduced by full rank title, but may thereafter be simply addressed as “Sergeant”, the “Staff” is not required.
Typical Billet:    Staff NCO, Infantry Section Leader
Qualifications:
  • Appointed to NCO billet. 
  • Basic NCO School preferred.
  • Completed one term as a Sergeant and passed promotion board for E-6.
  • Must have Duty Uniform (or better) for events.

 

E-7

Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt)
RDGGySgt     The Gunnery Sergeant, or “Gunny”, is the first of the Senior NCO ranks and is nearly universally found as a senior Lance or Platoon NCO, or a senior Staff NCO at headquarters.  Gunnery Sergeant often represents the pinnacle of an NCO’s career, and they are both respected and feared for their experience and knowledge.  Gunnery Sergeants are always introduced and spoken to with their full rank title, never shortened to “Sergeant”.  Informally, they may be spoken of or to as “Gunny”, or “Gunny” and last name.  By tradition NCOs in the Royal Dragoon Guards are never referred to as “sir” or “ma’am”.
Typical Billet:    Senior Lance NCO, Infantry Platoon Sergeant
Qualifications:
  • Appointed to NCO billet. 
  • Advanced NCO School preferred.
  • Completed one term as an NCO and passed promotion board for E-7.
  • Must have Duty Uniform (or better) for events.

 

E-8

First Sergeant (1Sgt)
RDG1stSgt     The First Sergeant is the senior NCO is a Company, or Company-sized command such as a fighter squadron.  The purpose and function of the First Sergeant is to coordinate and oversee all the enlisted and NCO personnel within that command.  To that end, the First Sergeant should always be a shining example of professionalism and NCO leadership.  First Sergeants are always spoken of and to with their full rank title, never shortened to “Sergeant”.  By tradition NCOs in the Royal Dragoon Guards are never referred to as “sir” or “ma’am”.
Typical Billet:    Company Senior NCO
Qualifications:
  • Appointed to First Sergeant billet. 
  • Advanced NCO School preferred.
  • Must have Duty Uniform (or better) for events.

 

E-9

Sergeant Major (SgtMaj)
 RDGSgtMajTemp    The Sergeant Major is the senior NCO in a Battalion or Regiment.  Their duties encompass those of the First Sergeant for each enlisted member in their entire command, plus the duty of acting as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Battalion or Regimental commander.  At full Regimental strength, there would be three Sergeants Major in the Royal Dragoon Guards, and one Regimental Sergeant Major.  The insignia to the left is that of a Regimental Sergeant Major, Sergeants Major of a Battalion have one less rocker atop their chevrons.  Sergeants Major  are always spoken of and to with their full rank title, never shortened to “Sergeant”.  By tradition NCOs in the Royal Dragoon Guards are never referred to as “sir” or “ma’am”.
Typical Billet:    None
Qualifications:
  • Appointed to Sergeant Major billet. 
  • Sergeants Major Academy preferred.
  • Must have Duty Uniform (or better) for events.