What is a buck sergeant in the military?

A buck sergeant is an informal term used to refer to a sergeant in the military who has not yet been promoted to a higher rank, such as staff sergeant. Typically, this designation applies to a soldier who holds the rank of E-5 in the U.S. Army and is often seen as a junior non-commissioned officer (NCO). Buck sergeants are responsible for leading small teams, mentoring junior soldiers, and executing orders from higher-ranking officers. The term highlights the distinction between a sergeant and those who hold higher NCO ranks.