Staff Sergeants (SSgt) wear a chevron of four stripes with a silver star in the center. Pay grade is E-5. SSgts are primarily craftsmen with certain NCO supervisory responsibilities. They may hold either a 5- or 7-skill level. SSgts must complete their 7-skill level through upgrade training to be promoted to TSgt. SSgt supervisory duties differ from those of the TSgt only in scope and span of control. SSgts strive for greater supervisory competence as they function in their technical capacity. They are responsible for their subordinates and the effective accomplishment of assigned tasks. They ensure proper and effective use of personnel and materiel. SSgts must continuously strive to further their development as technicians and supervisors. The official term of address is “staff sergeant” or “sergeant.”