From Kautz? Guide
to
                    Military Service
A. The duties of first sergeant are peculiar to his position, and require capacity and knowledge superior to those of other sergeants. Whilst he does not rank as high as some others, nor receive as much pay, his position is one of the most responsible and most honorable that non-commissioned officers can occupy. (419)
B. He has the immediate supervision of the company. He gets his orders from the captain or officer commanding the company, and sees that they are performed in the company. He is, in face, the foreman; the men are the artisans. He lays out and superintends the details of the work which the captain has directed to be executed. (421)
C. Orders received from the commanding officer or other officers by the first sergeant should be communicated to the company commander at once, before being obeyed, if there is time. Under any circumstances, they should be reported to him as soon as possible. Whenever the orderly call sounds, the first sergeant repairs to regimental or post headquarters to receive the orders or instructions, and, if they are at all unusual, they should be communicated to the company commander without delay. (422)
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