The senior commander in charge of the infantry on a field of battle took the title of "Serjeant Major" (using the older English spelling with a j). When this title became used for smaller units such as regiments, the title was renamed Sejeant-Major General. During the eighteenth century the two ranks were shortened respectively to Major and '''Major General'''. The rank of Sergeant Major as a senior non-commissioned officer (enlisted ranks) was introduced later. | The senior commander in charge of the infantry on a field of battle took the title of "Serjeant Major" (using the older English spelling with a j). When this title became used for smaller units such as regiments, the title was renamed Sejeant-Major General. During the eighteenth century the two ranks were shortened respectively to Major and '''Major General'''. The rank of Sergeant Major as a senior non-commissioned officer (enlisted ranks) was introduced later. |