MovieChat Forums > G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) Discussion > How can a sergeant major (Roadblock) be ...

How can a sergeant major (Roadblock) be second in command ...

posted 9 years ago by verbalissimo
1 reply | jump to latest

... when under the captain (Duke) they have a first lieutenant (Lady Jaye)? I know that in the comic/cartoon version she's a staff sergeant, but not in this movie version.

I don't know much about the U.S. military (or any military) chain of command, obviously, but to a layperson that doesn't make much sense.

Could anyone shed some light on this? Thanks.

[–] dannyvazmon1 8 years ago

A lieutenant is technically higher ranking than a sergeant major, however they are usually very young and inexperienced, compared to sergeant majors who usually have 20+ years of experience. If *beep* hit the fan and 99% of your unit is wiped out, it makes more sense for the latter to take control.