Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/1/2004

Question
what does TECH 5 stand for in the army?                          Thank You

Answer
That is an old rank.  It stands for "Technical Sergeant 5" or the non-combat version of a sergeant (E-5).  Tech ranks became "specialist" in the 70s and 80s.  So the equivalent rank would have been "Spec 5."  Today we have gone back to the leadership ranks.  There are a few specialists (E-4).  However Soldiers with a leadership role at that rank are corporals.  All others are sergeants.

If you are talking about a Chief Warrant Officer 5 (W-5).  That is the most senior of the warrant officers, a recently created rank.  

Hope this helps.