Due to the gradual spread of contract service, a common peaceful lifestyle and an incredible amount of specialized terms at the household level, military ranks are not easy to remember. Contemporaries often cannot accurately establish the order of the posts of the Soviet army, and even the times when the sergeant major was relevant - this is even something dense.
What kind of word, and who was they usually called?
From the court to the field
The German language is good not only with a clear sound, but also with a clear decoding. Breaking the word under investigation into Feid and Weibel is quite simple. On their basis, it turns out that "sergeant-major" is a concept associated with a specific work:
- in field;
- messenger in court.
Initially, the official was assigned to the court and acting in traveling conditions. From the vague wording, it is obvious only that the person occupies a position above the ordinary.
From Peter to Lenin
The title penetrated into the Russian language with the reforms of Peter the Great in the army. Periodically, his position in the “Table of Ranks” was shifted, but in general the meaning of the word “sergeant-major” did not undergo significant changes. They were pointed to a senior non-commissioned officer in one of the following arms:
- artillery;
- engineering troops;
- infantry.
The designated officer was an assistant company commander, in his department were economic issues, supplies, internal routines. The list of duties allows you to compare the rank with a senior sergeant of the Soviet period, but with the additional functions of an ensign. A similar situation prevailed in some European countries until the beginning of the 20th century. As of 2007, the title remained in the Bundeswehr in five positions:
- F .;
- Ober-F .;
- Haupt-F .;
- Headquarters-F .;
- Ober Headquarters-F.
He exists in the armies of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It remains relevant in countries with German as one of the state languages.
In Russia of the 17th century
In the Streltsy troops there once existed the title of "command". Despite the outlandish sound, it is "sergeant major." More precisely, a word with a distorted pronunciation remade into Russian. It is rather difficult to establish kinship; nevertheless, concepts come from a single German original.
Use today
Where does this title meet? You can go to one of the European states and enter the military service, where they will explain to you in detail what sergeant-major is. This concept is easy to find in fiction as well as historical literature on the theme of the corresponding period of Russian history. Remembering it is not necessary, unless you want to participate in the reconstruction, where it is necessary to take into account every nuance!