The rank of Colour Sergeant is a curious relic, the Riflemen who have it doubly so.
Ostensibly ER-7, the position of Colour Sergeant in light infantry regiments is treated more like ER-7¾ in that their role is one of platoon commander, not just platoon sergeant, or non-commissioned staff. In most light infantry regiments this is a rare rank, appointed to Staff Sergeants because of Combat losses; usually these Staff Sergeants then go onto Late Entry Officer training, for promotion to Captain. However, in the Solent Rifles there are 90 of them, as every platoon commander is a ER-7 and therefore a Colour Sergeant.
Ostensibly ER-7, the position of Colour Sergeant in light infantry regiments is treated more like ER-7¾ in that their role is one of platoon commander, not just platoon sergeant, or non-commissioned staff. In most light infantry regiments this is a rare rank, appointed to Staff Sergeants because of Combat losses; usually these Staff Sergeants then go onto Late Entry Officer training, for promotion to Captain. However, in the Solent Rifles there are 90 of them, as every platoon commander is a ER-7 and therefore a Colour Sergeant.
Accoutrements & Equipment
3 inverted chevron, with Eagle above rank tabs and sleeve badges. Single-headed eagle lapel Pin.
History
Originally, back in the 18th and 19th century, the rank of Colour Sergeant was given to highly experienced Sergeants, whose role it was to protect the Regimental Colours, and the Ensign who flew them.
Over time it became the name of the ER-7 rank for Rifles Regiments equivalent to Staff Sergeant in other regiments. Their job historically is company level logistic staff, reporting the CSM
Colour Sergeant tab by Myself
Type
Civic, Military, Not Commissioned
Status
Active
Form of Address
Colour Sergeant
Alternative Naming
Colour, Mr/Ms X
Source of Authority
Company Commander
Current Holders
Past Holders
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
Related Military Formations
Comments