Army - Staff Sergeant - Retired T Shirt - ClassicStaff sergeant (SSG) is E 6 rank in the U. S. Army, just above sergeant and below sergeant first class, and is a non commissioned officer. Staff sergeants are generally placed in charge of squads, but can also act as platoon sergeants in the absence of a sergeant first class. In support units, staff sergeants ordinarily hold headquarters positions because of the number of slots available for them in these units. Staff sergeants are typically assigned