Sorry for having overlooked your posting until now. Thanks for the additional feedback. I cannot think of other modern comparisons in which an NCO exercises command responsibility (namely, serving as General X's "signal officer" and "OIC" of the signal unit assigned, comprised of detailed EM). Nor was there a higher grade sergeant in the CS Sig Corps--no "first sergeant" or the like, although a "pecking order" based on date of appointment established seniority among sig sgts.

Although some seeking higher grade were dissatisfied with "mere" sergeancy, one man (former detailed private) wrote his family that he'd just received the best position the army could bestow, a sig sergeant's stripes.

Not to belabor the point, I'd welcome a better understanding of any hang-ups your modern day signalists had with my WO comparison--just communicate directly. My intention is to clarify, not add to the static, and if that turns out to be the case, I'll either strengthen my justification or stop making the comparison.

Again, much appreciated the Manson info.

Dave Gaddy