General
chief of smoke
What does chief of smoke mean?
The senior NCO of an artillery battery or platoon below the First Sergeant, responsible for the guns; often shortened to 'Smoke.'
"Ask the Smoke how he wants the guns laid."
Origin
US Army artillery slang.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'chief of smoke'?
It's the senior NCO of an artillery firing battery or platoon, ranking below the First Sergeant and responsible for the guns. He's often just called 'Smoke.'
Why is he called 'Smoke'?
The nickname ties to artillery — the smoke of the guns firing — and the role of the senior gun-line NCO who runs them.
What does a chief of smoke do?
He oversees the gun crews and the technical laying and firing of the artillery pieces, acting as the senior hands-on gunnery leader in the battery.
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