A Company sergeant major (CSM), is the senior non-commissioned soldier of a company in the armies of many Commonwealth countries, responsible for administration, standards and discipline. In combat, his prime responsibility is the supply of ammunition to the company. He also oversees the distribution of other supplies such as water or food; although that responsibility mainly is the company quartermaster sergeant's (CQMS), and evacuating the wounded and collecting prisoners of war.
For military units of the same level as company, the equivalent may be squadron sergeant major (SSM) or battery sergeant major (BSM). In the Household Cavalry, squadron corporal major (SCM) is the equivalent. First sergeant and Hauptfeldwebel are the United States Army and German Heer equivalents respectively.
Read more about Company Sergeant Major: Canada, Singapore, United Kingdom
Famous quotes containing the words company, sergeant and/or major:
““In your company a man could die,” I said, “a man could die and you wouldn’t even notice, there’s no trace of friendship, a man could die in your company.””
—Max Frisch (1911–1991)
“A sergeant of the lawe, war and wys,
That often hadde been at the Parvys,
Ther was also, ful riche of excellence.”
—Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?–1400)
“I have not had major experience of talking with people once pronounced brain-dead, but I think we could be safe in saying he did not have great zip.”
—Sir Howard Smith (b. 1919)