Lieutenant vs. Sergeant: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A lieutenant is a commissioned officer in the armed forces, above the rank of sergeant, who often serves as second-in-command.
Key Differences
A lieutenant is a junior officer in the military, often holding a position of authority and responsibility over a platoon or unit. Sergeants, on the other hand, are non-commissioned officers (NCOs) who typically command smaller units like squads and provide technical expertise. While lieutenants are typically fresh from officer training and may lack field experience, sergeants are often seasoned veterans with extensive practical knowledge.
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Nov 08, 2023
Lieutenants play a critical role in planning and decision-making, drawing on their education and training. Sergeants, with their hands-on experience, are critical in the implementation of these plans, ensuring that orders are executed effectively on the ground. A lieutenant’s responsibilities are more administrative and strategic, while a sergeant's duties are more tactical and operational.
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Nov 08, 2023
In terms of hierarchy, lieutenants outrank sergeants. This ranking difference means lieutenants have broader authority in military operations and personnel management. Sergeants act as the backbone of the military, providing leadership at a more personal level to enlisted soldiers. They often mentor and develop young officers like lieutenants, providing them with guidance gleaned from practical experience.
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Nov 08, 2023
The rank of lieutenant requires a higher level of education, usually a bachelor’s degree and completion of officer training. Sergeants rise through the enlisted ranks, gaining their position through merit, demonstrated leadership abilities, and often, time in service. Lieutenants typically focus on learning leadership skills, whereas sergeants have honed these skills over their careers.
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Nov 08, 2023
Lieutenants and sergeants work closely together despite their differences. Lieutenants may depend on the sergeants for their knowledge of the troops and their technical expertise. Meanwhile, sergeants rely on lieutenants for direction and the larger tactical picture. Both ranks are essential for the successful operation of the military’s command structure.
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Nov 08, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Position
Often serves as second-in-command or platoon leader
Typically leads smaller units like squads
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Responsibility
Administrative, strategic planning
Tactical operations, direct leadership
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Education
Requires a degree and officer training
Promoted through the enlisted ranks based on experience and merit
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Experience
May be relatively new to the military with less field experience
Usually possesses extensive field experience and practical knowledge
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Nov 08, 2023
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Lieutenant and Sergeant Definitions
Lieutenant
An officer in charge of a police or fire department unit.
The police lieutenant was in charge of the homicide division.
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Sergeant
A rank used in some form by most militaries and police forces.
The new sergeant was respected for his fair but firm approach.
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Lieutenant
A deputy or substitute acting for a superior.
She served as the lieutenant to the ambassador during the negotiations.
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Sergeant
A non-commissioned officer in the armed forces.
The sergeant led his troops through basic training drills.
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Lieutenant
A junior commissioned officer in the military.
The lieutenant issued orders for the platoon to advance.
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Sergeant
A police officer ranking below a captain.
Sergeant Miller took the lead on the new criminal case.
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Lieutenant
A naval officer junior to a lieutenant commander.
The lieutenant oversaw the daily operations on the ship's deck.
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Sergeant
A senior rank in non-commissioned officers, typically above corporal.
As a sergeant, she was responsible for the welfare of her soldiers.
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Nov 08, 2023
Lieutenant
A commissioned rank in the US Navy or Coast Guard that is above lieutenant junior grade and below lieutenant commander.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sergeant
A noncommissioned rank in the US Army or Marine Corps that is above corporal and below staff sergeant.
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Sergeant
Any of several ranks of noncommissioned officers in the US Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps
Master gunnery sergeant.
Staff sergeant.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sergeant
One who holds any of these ranks or a similar rank in another military organization.
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Lieutenant
One who holds any of these ranks or a similar rank in another military organization.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sergeant
The rank of police officer next below a captain, lieutenant, or inspector.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lieutenant
(lĕf-tĕnənt) A commissioned officer in the British and Canadian navies ranking just below a lieutenant commander.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lieutenant
An officer in a police or fire department ranking below a captain.
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Lieutenant
One who acts in place of or represents a superior; an assistant or deputy
The organized crime figure and his lieutenants.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sergeant
(military) UK army rank with NATO code OR-6, senior to corporal and junior to warrant officer ranks.
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Lieutenant
(military) The lowest Junior Commissioned Officer rank(s) in many military forces, often Army and Marines.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sergeant
The highest rank of noncommissioned officer in some non-naval military forces and police.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lieutenant
In the US Army, Air Force and Marines, holding the rank above Second Lieutenant and below Captain. Both ranks may be referred to as "Lieutenant" or as the complete forms of the ranks.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sergeant
A lawyer of the highest rank, equivalent to the doctor of civil law.
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Lieutenant
A naval officer whose rank is above that of Ensign in the United States Navy and below that of a Lieutenant Commander. There are two ranks of lieutenant: Lieutenant Junior Grade and Lieutenant.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sergeant
A title sometimes given to the servants of the sovereign.
Sergeant surgeon, i.e. a servant, or attendant, surgeon
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Lieutenant
A Commissioned Officer in the United States Coast Guard, Public Health Service, or National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration whose rank is above that of Ensign and below Lieutenant Commander. There are two ranks of lieutenant: Lieutenant Junior Grade and lieutenant.
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Lieutenant
A Commissioned Officer in the British Army and Royal Marines, holding the rank above Second Lieutenant and below Captain. Both ranks may be referred to as "Lieutenant," however "Second Lieutenant" is to specify that the officer is not yet a full Lieutenant.
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Sergeant
Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genus Athyma; distinguished from the false sergeants.
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Lieutenant
A naval officer whose rank is above that of Sub-Lieutenant in the British Navy and below that of a Lieutenant Commander.
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Lieutenant
A naval Commissioned Officer who holds the rank above Sub-Lieutenant and below Lieutenant Commander.
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Lieutenant
A person who manages or executes the plans and directives of another, more senior person - i.e. a manager to his director.
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Sergeant
Formerly, in England, an officer nearly answering to the more modern bailiff of the hundred; also, an officer whose duty was to attend on the king, and on the lord high steward in court, to arrest traitors and other offenders. He is now called sergeant-at-arms, and two of these officers, by allowance of the sovereign, attend on the houses of Parliament (one for each house) to execute their commands, and another attends the Court Chancery.
The sergeant of the town of Rome them sought.
The magistrates sent the serjeant, saying, Let those men go.
This fell sergeant, Death,Is strict in his arrest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sergeant
In a company, battery, or troop, a noncommissioned officer next in rank above a corporal, whose duty is to instruct recruits in discipline, to form the ranks, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lieutenant
A military grade that is junior to the grade the adjective modifies: lieutenant colonel, lieutenant general, lieutenant commander.
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Sergeant
A lawyer of the highest rank, answering to the doctor of the civil law; - called also serjeant at law.
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Lieutenant
An officer who supplies the place of a superior in his absence; a representative of, or substitute for, another in the performance of any duty.
The lawful magistrate, who is the vicegerent or lieutenant of God.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sergeant
A title sometimes given to the servants of the sovereign; as, sergeant surgeon, that is, a servant, or attendant, surgeon.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sergeant
Any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the army or air force or marines ranking above a corporal
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Oct 19, 2023
Lieutenant
An officer holding a commissioned rank in the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard; below lieutenant commander and above lieutenant junior grade
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Oct 19, 2023
Sergeant
An officer who enforces military discipline.
The regiment’s sergeant was strict about maintaining discipline.
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Lieutenant
An assistant with power to act when his superior is absent.
The lieutenant took command of the company while the captain was on leave.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does a lieutenant do?
A lieutenant typically commands a platoon and is responsible for strategic planning and decision-making.
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Nov 08, 2023
What’s required to become a sergeant?
A sergeant is usually promoted from within the enlisted ranks based on experience and leadership ability.
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Is a lieutenant a high rank?
A lieutenant is a junior officer rank but higher than any non-commissioned officer or enlisted rank.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can a sergeant become a lieutenant?
Yes, through programs like Officer Candidate School (OCS), an enlisted person can become a lieutenant.
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Nov 08, 2023
What are the duties of a sergeant?
A sergeant oversees a squad, manages tactical operations, and provides direct leadership to soldiers.
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How much authority does a sergeant have?
A sergeant has significant authority over their unit but less than a commissioned officer like a lieutenant.
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Nov 08, 2023
Do lieutenants directly engage in combat?
Lieutenants can and do engage in combat, though they are primarily responsible for leadership.
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Nov 08, 2023
Is the role of a lieutenant more administrative?
Yes, lieutenants often have more administrative duties compared to sergeants.
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Nov 08, 2023
How does one become a lieutenant?
Becoming a lieutenant requires completing a degree and officer training program.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can sergeants give orders to lieutenants?
No, sergeants cannot give orders to lieutenants as they are of a lower rank.
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Nov 08, 2023
How does experience differ between a lieutenant and a sergeant?
Sergeants often have more field experience than lieutenants.
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Nov 08, 2023
Are sergeants involved in strategic planning?
Sergeants are mainly focused on tactical execution, but they may contribute to strategic planning.
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How do you address a sergeant?
Sergeants are addressed as "Sergeant [Last Name]."
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Do lieutenants outrank sergeants in all military branches?
Yes, in all branches of the U.S. military, lieutenants outrank sergeants.
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Nov 08, 2023
Are lieutenants involved in direct troop training?
Lieutenants may be involved, but sergeants typically handle the day-to-day training of troops.
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Nov 08, 2023
What skills are vital for a sergeant?
Tactical expertise, direct leadership, and personnel development are essential for sergeants.
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Nov 08, 2023
Is the rank of sergeant universal across police and military?
The rank of sergeant exists in both, but the specific roles and responsibilities may differ.
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Nov 08, 2023
How are lieutenants addressed?
Lieutenants are addressed as "Lieutenant [Last Name]."
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Nov 08, 2023
What leadership skills are important for a lieutenant?
Critical thinking, strategic planning, and personnel management are key for lieutenants.
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What's the equivalent of a lieutenant in the navy?
A lieutenant junior grade (LTJG) or a full lieutenant (LT) depending on the context.
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Nov 08, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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Hifza Nasir
