subsergeant

A subsergeant is the leader of a squad in AthPro, specifically the Special Forces. Those who are volunteers or decide to remain in the armed forces after their draft obligations are over have the chance to become senior subsergeants, taking on a role somewhat equivalent to a sergeant major in the US Army.

Qualifications

Subsergeants undergo a four week training upon election. Training can be failed, but if a squad insists that they have faith in their subsergeant and a replacement cannot be made in a timely manner than the squad is either dissolved or (more rarely and only if all members pledge their support) continues but with the title of "rowdy" for the squad and "false subsergeant" for the failing NCO, an implicit challenge to prove their skills at their own risk. Rowdy squads rarely work with non-rowdy squads.
There is no education requirement beyond basic literacy.

Requirements

Must have been an enlisted soldier for at least a year and six months and must be at least 24 years of age.

Appointment

Although unofficial, it is common practice for a subsergeant to be hazed by their own squad upon their election in attempt to keep them from getting full of themselves. This usually involves beating them up. Such behavior is tolerated by most higher ups in Licentia provided things don't get out of hand.

Benefits

If they do well enough after a six-month performance review, they are eligible for better food (usually, in practice, a meal of their choice once a week), a custom patch for their uniform, and the ability to use their grenade launcher on the shooting range.

Accoutrements & Equipment

Subsergeants usually carry assault rifles with grenade launcher attachments, although some just carry grenade launchers as their primary weapon depending on the mission or nature of the squad.

History

The creation of false subsergeants arose during the height of unpopularity in Licentia's draft. At the time, many false subsergeants wore their title as a sign of pride that they would not bend to the will of an unjust superior, with some even purposely failing their training in order to make a statement. Nowadays the draft is much more widely accepted, but pride in maverick subsergeants still exist.

Type

Civic, Military, Not Commissioned

Status

In use

Form of Address

Subsergeant

Alternative Naming

Squad leader

Equates to

US Army -- Sergeant
Licentia Soil -- Petty
Licentia Sea -- Bombardier
Licentia Sky -- Lancer
Licentia Star -- Stargeant

Source of Authority

Elected by the squad

Current Holders

• Erin Turner

Related Organizations

• Licentia

Related Military Formations

• AthPro
• Transformation Troops