[Radix]

"No, a sergeant is a rank. An NCO is a sergeant who understands his/her authority and responsibility then acts accordingly."

In the Army something such as an E-5 or an O-1 is a rank. There are Specialists E-5s and Sargent E-5s. A Sargent is an NCO!

[TADSLOS]

See post 385 above. That's how I draw the distinction.

Incidentally, there are no more SP5/6 ranks in the Army.