Which insignia would you expect to see on a Cadet Sergeant Major's rank badge?

• A. 3 stripes, Lamp of Learning, 4 rockers
• B. 3 stripes, Lamp of Learning
• C. 2 discs
• D. 3 stripes, Lamp of Learning, 3 rockers

Answer: (A)

In cadet insignia, a rank badge is read from top to bottom by combining three elements: the number of stripes (chevrons), the central emblem, and the number of rockers at the bottom. The three chevrons indicate a sergeant-level rank, while the Lamp of Learning is the symbol used for leadership/educational roles within the cadet system. The number of rockers at the bottom shows seniority within that rank group—the more rockers, the higher the rank within the same stripe count.

For a Cadet Sergeant Major, you expect the badge to have three stripes, the Lamp of Learning, and four rockers. The four rockers mark the highest NCO level in this stripe group, signifying the senior leadership position. If any element is missing or different—fewer rockers, or omitting the lamp—the badge would correspond to a lower rank or a different seniority level, not the Sergeant Major.