Sergeant is a military rank used by the British Army subordinate to lieutenant. They typically command smaller squads within larger units commanded by captains or majors.
British Regulars led into combat by sergeants wielding their halberds.
The position traces its beginnings to Medieval Europe, where the word was used to describe any attendant or officer with a protective duty. It evolved into a junior role to the knight in medieval hierarchy, where they were viewed as reliable professional soldiers, albeit still inferior to knights.
In the British Army, sergeants carry decorative halberds into battle. They are not functional weapons, but symbols of rank. They are used to ensure that infantrymen in ranks stand correctly in alignment with each other, and that their muskets are aimed at the correct level.