General
first shirt
What does first shirt mean?
An informal term for a First Sergeant, also called 'Top' or 'First Soldier.'
"The first shirt wants everyone in formation at 0600."
Origin
US military slang.
Frequently asked questions
What is a first shirt?
Informal slang for a First Sergeant, the senior enlisted leader of a company-sized unit.
What else is a First Sergeant called?
Also known as 'Top' or 'First Soldier.'
Is it disrespectful to say 'first shirt'?
No — it's affectionate in-service slang, though soldiers still address the person formally as 'First Sergeant.'
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