[1][2][3][4] Enlisted NCOs start from alikersantti (corporal, OR4) and sergeants (OR5) are slightly more experienced or deemed better leaders.

The promotion is typically awarded a few weeks before being discharged, and it doesn't carry much practical significance in the conscript's everyday service.

Professionals in an open-ended employment contract with the Defence Forces wear a heraldic sword beneath their sergeant's insignia to differentiate themselves from conscripts and reservists who hold the same rank.

Promotion to the rank for professional soldiers requires passing out of the 1.5 year Specialist Officer Course at the Militärhögskolan Halmstad and other centers.

Civil servants of the Armed Forces belonging to position level 7 wear Sergeant's rank insignia when serving in uniform.