noun
Specific rank in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force; equivalent to master sergeant in many English-speaking armies.
彼は一等陸曹に昇進した。
He was promoted to master sergeant.
一等陸曹の階級章は桜の花が三つです。
The rank insignia for master sergeant has three cherry blossoms.
Compound of 一等 (first class) + 陸曹 (ground sergeant), a modern JGSDF rank term.