Definition of sergeant major

The term "sergeant major" originally came from the British Army during the 18th century. The role of a sergeant major was a senior non-commissioned officer who would oversee the training and discipline of soldiers. The word "major" in the title doesn't refer to a rank, but rather it was a way to indicate the importance and seniority of the role. In fact, the designation of "major" was originally used in the British Army to denote a newly created staff position, intended to serve alongside the colonel commanding a regiment. As the role of sergeant major evolved, the designation of "major" came to be understood more as a title than a rank, and it became a protocol for identifying senior NCOs. Today, the exact origins of the term are somewhat unclear, but the position and title have remained an integral part of military culture, particularly in the British armed forces and its Commonwealth allies, where the sergeant major typically holds a place in the adjutant general's department.