A Lance-Sergeant in the Guards and Honourable Artillery Company wears three chevrons , and is considered senior or higher up to `` normal '' Corporals . For most purposes , he still remains a Corporal rather than an acting Sergeant ( e.g. , he will typically command a section ) . A Lance-Sergeant in the Guards and Honourable Artillery Company wears three chevrons , belongs to the Sergeants ' Mess , and is considered senior to `` normal '' Corporals ; however , for practical purposes he remains a Corporal rather than an acting Sergeant ( e.g. , he will typically command a section ) .