Subedar-major

Subedar-Major (Sergeant Major) is the senior rank of junior commissioned officer in the Indian and Pakistani Armies, and formerly a Viceroy's commissioned officer in the British Indian Army.[1]

Subedar-major rank insignia
India
Pakistan

Although commissioned, they would be considered as senior enlisted personnel and fulfil a role similar to that of the most senior non-commissioned officers in other armies. A battalion's single subedar-major assists the commander in much the same way as a regimental sergeant major would (to the extent that this rank, known as regimental havildar major, is now almost obsolete in the Indian Army).

Under British rule a subedar-major wore the crown of a full major, a tradition which has continued with slight variation after independence. India now uses Ashoka lions with a gold and red stripe below, and Pakistan a wreathed star and crescent with green and red. These stripes separate subedar-majors from full commissioned Majors.

In the cavalry, the equivalent rank is Risaldar-Major. Subedar-Major or Risaldar-Major equated to a British Major and Subedar or Risaldar to Captain, although junior to all British officers.

Use in Pakistan

Similar to other Commonwealth countries, Pakistan Army inherited its rank structure from the British Empire. Sergeant Major is now the highest JCO/OR rank in the Pakistan Army, its equivalent to NATO OR-9 rank.[2] It is also known by other names such as Subedar Major or Risaldar Major. Battalion Subedar-Major (BSM) on the other hand is an appointment within a regiment. A Battalion Subedar-Major is responsible for advising the unit officers on matters pertaining to enlisted ranks. He is also responsible for maintaining enlisted ranks discipline.

During the British Raj, Battalion Subedar-Major was the highest rank natives could achieve. He would serve as a representative of his people to British officers. This holds significance in Pakistan Army culture, as Battalion Sergeant Major is regarded as an advocate for the enlisted ranks. Officers usually refer to senior enlisted ranks like Battalion Sergeant Major as 'Sahab', which translates to Sir or 'Staff', as terms of respect.

Military colleges like College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Military College of Signals, Military College of Engineers, Pakistan Military Academy and Army Medical College also use Battalion Sergeant Major as a cadet appointment reserved for senior year students.[3]

References
  1. Archives, The National. "The National Archives - Homepage". The National Archives. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  2. "Pak Army Ranks Insignia". Pakistan Army. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  3. "PAKISTAN ARMY". www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk. Retrieved 22 January 2021.


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