US Army Enlisted Ranks
Service members in pay grades E-1 through E-3 are usually either in
some kind of training status or on their initial assignment.
The training includes the basic training phase where recruits are immersed in
military culture and values and are taught the core skills required by their service
component. Basic training is followed by a specialized or advanced training
phase that provides recruits with a specific area of expertise or concentration.
In the Army this area is called a military occupational specialty (MOS)
For rank and precedence within the Army, specialist ranks immediately below
corporal. Among the services, however, rank and precedence are determined by
pay grade. Specialists who have demonstrated leadership abilities and are
serving in Sergeant positions can be promoted to Corporals. This signifies that
they hold a leadership position, and are held to the responsibilities and
authorities inherent in that role. These individuals either do not have enough
"Time in grade" to be promoted, or have not yet had a chance to go to the Primary
Leadership Development Course.
Private E-2
Private First Class
(PFC)
Specialist Corporal
(SPC) (CPL)
Leadership responsibility significantly increases in the mid-level enlisted ranks.
This responsibility is given formal recognition by use of the term
noncommissioned officer (NCO).
Army Corporals and Sergeants are considered NCO ranks.
Sergeant (SGT)
Staff Sergeant
(SSG)
Sergeant First Class (SFC)
At the E-8 level, the Army has two positions at the same pay grade. Whether one
is a Master Sergeant or a first sergeant in the Army depends on the person's job.
A Master Sergeant works in a staff position, whereas a First Sergeant is
responsible for a Company of soldiers. The same is true for the positions at the
E-9 level (SGM and CSM), except that they are at a Battalion or higher level. Army
Sergeant Majors and Command Sergeant Majors receive the same pay but have
