The first rule of the E4M is….dont talk about the E4M. People have had to go into witness protection for such a mistake. Plausible deniability is the name of the game.
In the Navy when I was an E4, I worked at base medical. I was a Corpsman. I had an advanced school and was a Preventive Medicine Technician. I had an office, my own desk. I went around base and inspected food facilities and swimming pools. I grabbed a clipboard and disappeared all day. As long as my inspections were turned in on time, nobody looked for me. If I was caught at the Exchange or MWR, I had a bag of ice in my hand and said, "I I'm getting samples. " Then was told that I was doing a "good job." Sometimes a bag of ice took 3 hours. It's hard work. I did this all the way up to and through E6. At E6, I had to read more reports and go to command meetings. I had to write evaluations on those I supervised. I had to manage 2 other departments on top of that. It started taking 15-20 minutes to collect a bag of ice...and that was more than one bag. I worked harder the more I advanced.
This Humor: E1-E3: Do what you are told E4: Find things to do that seem important before someone tells you what to do, also do what you are told if you fail at previous. Make sure that your MEDPROS is up to date . Sign for things you probably shouldn't. E5: Do what E6 or E7 Tells you what to do and find something for those E4's to do before they find something they think seems important to do. Also, get used to paperwork. May stay on social media for up to 1 hour per day and have limited access to ready room/section resources. Avoid signing for things. E6: Do what the E7 wants, but you're not allowed to ask. Sneak peaks at the current OPORD's. Track down rogue E4's. Watch fights between HHC E7's and S3 E7's. This is your real training. Also, you work for the O-grades now and never forget it. All that matters is your senior rater. Make sure the E5's sign for the things anyway. E7: You made it to the club: Paper work and supervising. Best of all, you will have one or two E4 agents from the E4 mafia. Use them wisely. Also, any orders from 2LT's and 1LT's can now be considered suggestions. Hoard any material you can in secret containers scattered around post, just in case. You're rogue E4's will find that material. Deny any knowledge of who signed for what. You can now spend up to half the duty day on social media. Fight with other E7's. Recommend people for awards. E8 (MSG) Learn the phrase "I'll get back to you on that." But, you actually have to get back to people on that. E8 (1SG). Complain about PT Scores and find out which E5's can track down rogue E4's so you can steal them from the E7's. Be careful, most of those are double-agents. Make the E7 do the investigations for the things people signed for and got lost, but have them report to the Company XO so you don't have to deal with it. Argue against award recommendations. E9 (SMG) Make sure the E8 (MSG's) get back to you. Meetings. More, but less important paperwork. Orders from O3's and O4's can often be considered suggestions. E9 (CSM) Complain about PT Scores, lawn care and find the rogue WO1's-WO3's. They exist and you know it. Deny rival NCO's command elements opportunities to send their junior NCO's to the good schools. Orders from any other O-grade your Commander's rank or less are automatically just suggestions. Don't worry about your senior rater. Retire already. You will never be the SMA the dream is over. Thoughts?
I had an infantry DS who told us that he would give 110% because he’ll never know if one of us would be the next SMA but that we shouldn’t get our hopes up since it’ll probably be another infantryman
I never made it past Spec 4 because I was drafted back in the day, served my two years active duty and went home. But from day one, to the time I went home I never caught a crappy detail, and never served a punishment detail. I just did what I was told, kept to myself, and floated along with whatever was happening. I knew other guys that were always stuck on everthing from KP to burning shit barrels in Vietnman, because they couldn't keep their shit together, or keep their mouths shut. I can honestly say that, while in Vietnam, I did decline the offer to go before an E5 Board. I just wanted to live long enough to go home, get out of the Army, and begin my life. No medals for valor, no wild tales of heroism, just "yep, I served, and I'm proud of that.
You just described my time in the army. I did extend my tour in Vietnam so I could be discharged when I returned to the states. I served 19 months active.
As a PVT at my second reserve drill. Commander: here sign for my sidearm. 30 minutes later, XO: here sign for my sidearm. Me: 17 year old with twin .45's. BADASS!
lol nice. there was a former Argentinian naval officer and former french foreign legion soldier in my Marine platoon. He said he was disappointed and thought the U.S. Marines would be tougher, he should have gone British Royal Marine Commandos. But he married an American woman so, I think that's why. But going from an officer to enlisted had to have been miserable.
Fun Fact: If you do JROTC in highschool or reach the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts, you are automatically promoted to E-3 upon enlistment. This is for all branches, not just the Army. Edit: For JROTC, you also have to do it for a certain amount of time, and you could be just promoted to E-2 instead of E-3. Depends on the branch and how long you're in.
when i was in...E1 was basic trainee for everyone. upon graduation usually to E2 and E3 came upon finishing AIT and first duty station assignment. ...maybe different now?
E-1: Bitch, gripe, and complain. E-2: Gripe, complain, and bitch. E-3: Complain, bitch, and gripe. E-4/SPC: Dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge. E-5: The bosses listen to you half of the time. I never made it higher than E-5. The higher ranks get stuck in battalion or they get comfortable under the C.O.'s desk.
I went to pldc and NCO board got my stripes and realized it's not for me so I did what any true soldier would do. Get demoted back to E-4 where I belong 😂😂😂
I made it to E6, Navy. Bosses dump on you and complain about E5 and below. Then they want you to fix it. E 5 below dump on you and complian about E7 and above, and they want you to fix it. So an E6 is the complaint department, and you fix stuff. You do have some authority, at the E6 rank, it's easier to beg forgiveness than get permission. Unless you really f* something up, you won't get into too much trouble. At E6, I actually had a job and worked my ass off. I was a Hospital Corpsman Preventive Medicine Technician. I basically did all the stuff I did as an E4, but with added responsibilities.
Good review. Keep in mind that soldiers, especially NCO's, have different responsibilities depending on the career field, i.e. an infantry sergeant will have more of a leadership role than an admin sergeant or a supply sergeant.
For sure. Especially when it comes to Corporals. I was a light scout and our Corporals were mothinh like Specialists, they were NCOs and treated as such.
My son was in Jrotc all through high school. Joined the army a week after graduation and has made E5 in 2 years 9 months. Mos 17echo. It's very interesting to hear you talk about duty and responsibility of different ranks. I sometimes wonder what he does on a daily basis. Some stuff he can't say as he has a TS clearance for his job (electronic warfare). I appreciate the content! 👍🏼
I was comfy staying E-4 once I got there, I was 19K (tanker 2 Armor for those who aren't familiar with what that MOS is), so other than constantly on-and-off the tank I delegated tons of tasks to privates pretty much to keep them sharp rather than to get out of any task myself. But what comes around comes around and thats how it all works. Great vid man
E1 private (no insignia) E2 Private E3 PFC (Private First Class) E4 SPC CPL (Specialist) (Corporal) E5 sergeant E6 staff sergeant E7 sergeant first class E8 MSG 1SG (Master Sergeant) (First Sergeant) E9 SGM CSM SMA (Sergeant Major) (Command Sergeant major) (Sergeant Major of etc.) And thats about it. Edit: SMA. The A stands for Army ofc
The e4 corporal rank is intended to be a temporary rank rather than a designation of authority. It is a specialist who is holding the slot at the unit until they finish BLC or whatever they need to get their e5. The reason they do this is so the unit knows who is getting promoted next and no one can transfer into the unit and take the slot. At the same time, the higher ups tend to not want to promote from e4 to e5 early because if the soldier gets promoted without meeting the criteria after a certain time… they have to be demoted and have their nco position stripped… which is a big deal in your records. It looks terrible that they had to take the authority away from you immediately. Thats why corporal and specialist are both e4, it doesnt require a corporal to be demoted in their records if their school gets delayed or something.
The major difference between a spec4 and a corporal is a corporal is a NCO. They have more authority and more responsibility. They are put in charge of duties. I became a squad leader as a corporal and had 3 people under me. I had to take care of them and make sure they did their jobs.
@@mikeellis2025 yes but it is a temporary nco position. If you do not complete the prerequisite schools, they will bump you back down to specialist. The CPL rank is a way for your unit to give you the position of e5 and hold the slot of e5 early without there being a consequence if they have to take it away from you. Theyd take it away from you because someone else who is equally capable DID do their schools. I was also a team leader CPL. I went to BLC as a corporal and got my e5 the day I got back. You are correct about it being an NCO position, it ensures another e5 cant show up from a different unit and take the nco slot from you. The rank exists to ensure that you are the one next promoted to e5 because the unit wants you as a team leader nco e5 permanently. Edit: and to clarify, it is not intended to be a rank of authority. It is more for appointment of position. Typically, if you got promoted from spc to cpl then tell a spc to start pushing, theyd laugh at you. Youd need a sgt or ssg to second it. You wouldnt be giving a counseling statement as a cpl. It isnt really authority. As for the authority… being a team leader and the position gives you the authority because you are in charge of a team or some element. I once, as an e5, was NCOIC of 16 soldiers and 3 vix. I had an e7 and a cpt from a different unit move my vix without telling me and i went over and told them to fuck off and never touch my vix or command my soldiers without telling me. They weren’t having it. Sgt major and LTC took my side because i had authority over my element. Despite my rank, the higher ranks at the other unit jeopardized my mission and therefore I was within my right to yell at them. Technically i had the position of both a 1sg and commander in the moment because my element was operating in a different state (it was a range day, i took the crew serve guys in a convoy). My rank of e5 didnt matter because I was responsible for the element. I answered directly to the LTC/csm. Moral of the story is the RANK of cpl doesnt come with much authority at all. If you had a position, then maybe youd get some authority, but the rank by itself doesnt mean much besides that you are next in line to be promoted.
i was a corporal from 1991 till 2008,didnt get qmp because the cut off score for e-5 never dropped low enuff,did my promotion board,scoared 198,pldc,and bnco with a waiver,i had plenty of authority,3 bronze stars as well@@LongIslandYachtClub
they change corporal a lot. its purely temporary now. to become one you need to have p status and blc complete waiting on points to make 5@@mikeellis2025
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I was a specialist tl for 8 months and then a Corporal for a month and half. Just made Sergeant, but honestly was treated with a lot of respect from the soldiers in my unit the entire journey. It was the other NCOs that kind of acted like I wasn’t doing the same job as them.
I was like you. Except I was a specialist for quite a while before getting my Corporal and then my Sergeant E-5 after I graduated from WLC school. I should of stayed in. Looking back we had three new NCO's and I was still a new NCO and here I was doing all the work at an E-6 and E-7's job while are new E-5's weren't doing much. My unit had me being in charge of PT tests, was a cadre on ranges, an instructor for two classes on Radio and grenades at Fort Drum getting the ENTIRE Battalion trained on both classes and lead our other instructors in formation and march then to the classes. Then my E-7 had me doing ALL L of our platoon's monthly counseling. I had to write up their counseling and do one on one talk with each of them. And when our E-7 was out I had to run our Platoon. Had to attend our E-7's meetings sitting in for my Platoon Sergeant spot when he was absent or on leave. Again while we have NEW NCO's who should of been sharing the work load as a sort of NEW NCO myself seem like I was going all of it. But I did took a good positive look at how much experience I got out of all of this.
Unlike you I get treated like trash as a e4 by my nco. For 2 years straight and when we got two new private into my squad and they saw how bad I get treated by everyone in my squad they also start treating me badly and disrespecting me when I told them to do something like taking out the trash while they were on their phone they flicked me off and complained to our nco. My nco came at me telling me to "NEVER YELL AT MY PRIVATE LIKE WHO THE HELL DO I THINK I AM" and at the point I was utterly broken like my rank no longer matters for being in the army for almost 3 years and being stuck in this squad for 2 years. At the moment I lost all motivation to even work anymore. I just walked away holding back my tears. I eventually went to the platoon leader and asked to changed squad and he agreed to move me. Which is the best decision I ever made in my 3 years in the army. They be chilling and actually respect your rank.
I was a Spec-4 on a 105 howitzer for 4 years in the 80's. We had no corprals in our unit. My gun chief treated me as his E-5. He was an E-6. Our gunner, an E-5, was a great guy, but had no leadership abilities at all. So, I was always put in charge of our gun anytime our gun chief wasn't on the gun with us. He also always put me in charge of getting all of our field equipment cleaned up after we came in from the field. He let me pick a couple of privates to help me. I was offered my 5's more than once. But I was the assistant gunner. I pulled the lanyard. Loved the job! If I would have moved up to E-5, I would have lost that job and moved up to gunner- probably on a different gun. I liked my gun (gun 6) and didn't want to move. I ended up doing 6 years on that gun, 4 as a Spec'4, being treated as a 5. I did enjoy the way it was. My Sgt did give me alot of authority- as well as a lot of perks. I was young back then, and did screw up sometimes. Mainly showing up late here and there after too wild of a night- or weekend. He always let me slide and always had my back. Staff Sgt Gamage. Great guy and a great section chief.
Great post. I was with 105 and 155mm howitzer (6th/11th Field Artillery, Americal Division, Vietnam) then Hawk missiles in Texas. 1969-72. Wa generator mechanic an ran battalion engineer shop in Nam. Got to know a few of the ""cannon cockers " and had lots of respect.
Specialist is advanced Private, Corporal is like the specialist who tries to be in charge. I think another really important detail about the 1SG is that they're generally also the CO's advisor, 1SGs generally have more experience than the company commanders that get companies from what I understand
A Corporal E-4 is a Noncommsioned Officer. It is a lateral appointment, not a promotion. They are generally placed into a vacant duty position of a Sergeant E-5, and in some cases, a Staff Sergeant E-6. They often take the role of a section chief or squad leader. Usually, the First Sergeant recommends the Company, Battery, or Troop Commander of this when the Specialist E-4 demonstrates leadership potential for the next level of promotion. The First Sergeant or Platoon Sergeant often develops the Corporal through Promotion Boards, NCO Boards, and send the Specialist to Basic Leadership Course when they are eligible for promotion. I was laterally assigned as a Corporal in a Signal Support Platoon, assigned as a Combat Signaler Team Chief E-5 duty position because there were no Sergeants available. I was only a Corporal for a month, and I was promoted to Sergeant because I made the cuttoff score of 614 points.
I have a son-in-law who is an E-8 on the SGM list for 2021 he has been in 15 years, has 4 combat tours under his belt. His goal to be the SGM of The Army by 20 years service
when i got promoted to E5/SGT, i was instantly a Squad Leader, which i had been doing for 2 years as a Senior E4, and i was always out “In The Weeds” with my squad, leading from the front, and it didn’t matter what type of weather, if my squad was outside, so was i, which earned me the respect of my squad members, because i never had to raise my voice to them, and they were always willing to step up and do what needed to be done to accomplish the tasks. and it made me so proud to see several of them get promoted to NCO’s and carry on and instruct other junior enlisted soldiers the way that i had trained them.
Your main job as an E1 is to become an E2. As an E2 a big part of your job is to become an E3. To some extent getting ready for the next level is always your job. As you go up the enlisted ranks a growing part of your job is to help the people below you get their promotions. But always, the enlisted ranks are about getting stuff done.
As an NCO you must always have the privates working. If they see specialists working while the privates stand around watching, the privates see no reason to get promoted. Once as First Sergeant I went to the motor pool to check on my troops. I found the three Sergeants working with all their subordinates just watching. I pulled them aside. They were working on the equipment because they knew how to do it. I reminded them that now as NCOs their primary job was to train Soldiers. What if the NCOs get sick or PCS, would their troops know how to get the work done?
My grandson is in the Army. Made E5 just prior to his second deployment. Now looking at his third and E6. Appreciate your explanation of the roles and responsibilities.
I also went to the E6 board prior to my third 18 month deployment, returned home after getting wounded during month 17. Decided to ETS when I got home. Day before getting out, I was told that my rank on dd214 would be reduced to E5, because I got promoted during deployment, I never got a chance to complete BNOC, which they said was required. I was so sick of their games at that point, I didn't care.
@williamrodriguezmswlcsw8119 He just got back from BNOC, so he's good to go on that. Now, he's working on getting to SF Selection. He knows that's a tough one! Slated for his third deployment (if SF is a no-go) in August. Hope it all worked out for you eventually!
For a book I'm writing I was trying to do detailed research on the ranks of the characters in it and I could never figure out how important one was over another and whatnot and this actually helps a lot. Thanks
Something to consider is the size of the unit. The largest units have dozens of junior grade officers and senior NCOs whereas smallest units only have one or two JG officers and Sr NCOs. For a young E-5, the levels of responsibilities differ greatly dependent upon the size of the unit. They will either make major decisions with multiple roles or will have one role at the bottom end of the hierarchy.
I wish I would have joined up, I was upset about flunking out of becoming an air force pilot and always regret not getting in where ever I could fit in and now I'm too old. Respect and many thanks to those who did serve! This was interesting brother thank you for this!
@@sooneradmirer4382 an E4 can tell a PVT or PFC even another SPC if he or she has more time in service than the other what to do.. if an E4 was placed in that duty to delegate, supervise/babysit the lower enlisted by an NCO, then yes that E4 has authority to tell them what to do. Punishment is different that is 100% a NCO's job though. Some units are short on NCOS and place specialists in squad leader positions, I was a Squad leader as a specialist and it gave me authority to delegate and task out lower enlisted, but again if they have an issue with what I say or want them to do and punishment is needed I then go to the Platoon sergeant
E-1s & E-2s train. That is is their most important job. They also perform routine tasks only entry level skills and necessary details in support of the unit under the close supervision of junior NCOs. E-3s and Sp.4s work with a lower level of supervision while continuing to train. It is at these levels that soldiers begin to established their reputations for attention to detail, competence, reliability, efficiency and overall job performance over time sorting themselves into groups who are more or less likely to be be suitable for increased responsibility and their potential for leadership. The better performers are promoted to E4 first and efficient performance in accordance with applicable standards as E-4s places these soldiers in contention for promotion into the NCO ranks. As E-4s they work with a lower level of supervision. E-5s are entry level NCOs they work and supervise lower enlisted ranks. Over time they spend more time supervising larger numbers of enlisted personnel and less time performing tasks themselves. By teaching others they hone their skills as journeymen and become increasingly familiar with the applicable standards. E-6 are full performance level journeymen, trainers and squad (or other small unit) leaders who take direction from senior NCOs and E-7s are in enlisted managers in charge of platoon sized units. They organize, assign lead and direct the unit through the junior NCOs to ensure the its effective accomplishment of a specific task or mission and the unit’s performance in accordance with and in compliance to the applicable standards. They also direct tactical operations for the units and make personnel decisions ensuring that the right soldiers are assigned to the right duties it’s their job to select and groom the junior NCOs and assist them in the assumption of greater responsibility. At this level they train more by directing and monitoring and less by teaching, lecturing and demonstrating. So that the Junior NCOs become self starters who can see the big picture. They are also responsible for maintaining unit discipline. E8s are specialized Section managers who typically have responsibility for essential resources such as armorers who inventory issue store and maintain weapons at a higher level than soldiers who perform operator maintenance. Other examples are supply Sargents who manage stores of clothing paper goods cleaning supplies specialized tools and other essential commodities and Mess Sargents who managed food service operations ensuring that soldiers in the unit have the necessary nutrition to maintain their health individual effectiveness and morale or sergeants in charge of careers counseling, social actions, equal opportunity programs and other personnel issues that are beyond the scope of the First Sargents Finally, First Sargents are E-8s who served as company level enlisted personnel managers responsible for the overall welfare, discipline training equipping morale fitness and performance of soldiers assigned to the company, the implementation of SOP’s the company commander’s personnel policies and the administration of personnel records in accordance with the applicable standards as well as disciplinary actions when frontline supervisors have identified and referred a serious or potentially serious problem that requires administrative or non-administrative personnel actions that require approval or other actions requiring the attention of the Company Commander, corrective custody criminal referrals to the provost marshals through military police separation from the service courts marshals due process and the attendant record keeping. They are also responsible for referrals to other career and personnel managers who have assumed responsibility for special areas of the soldiers’ military life. Finally Theo assist the platoon and company level officers, as needed with personnel matters affecting their troops. E9-s are typically senior enlisted representatives at the battalion level and Command level E9s serve the same functions at the brigade or higher levels they advise the senior commanders who have limited contact with enlisted personnel on matters affecting their performance and their crucial role in mission accomplishment in an effort to maintain discipline, effectiveness and good morale. They also represent the troops to the senior commanders and advocate for their welfare.
I went into the Army as an E-4 Specialist right out college, you get E5 in OCS and then eventually your Butter Bar. For me being a Specialist was just being a Private that got paid more and took all the crap when the other privates decided to go Blue Falcon.
That absolutely proves you didn't do Enlisted for long. E-4 is typically the most looked up to junior enlisted and the least tasked out. They even take a more leadership role over the E-3s and below. Its a highly sought after rank for people joining the miltiary and often isnt one people want to leave which is why its the highest percentage of army personnel.
@@pyrrho2278 It's highest percentage of Army personnel because it's the last enlisted rank you don't have to compete for. Starting at E5, you need points and boards. For E4 and below, all you need is time.
@@pyrrho2278 I went in to be an officer right out of college. I was only an in E-4 for BCTB and then maybe a week after. I had E5 for about 12 weeks if I remember right. Then after OCS I was a 2nd LT.
S3 is the Battalion Training and Schools Section. SGM or Senior MSG is usually the NCOIC. The S2 is the Intel section. Usually an SGT or SSG 35F3 at Battalion level is the NCOIC. And SFC ( 35F4 at Brigade level and a MSG 35F5 at the division G2. S1 is Admin of course usually the NCOIC is a SFC (42A4 or 42A5 or MSG, S4 is Supply which the NCOIC is a MSG, SFC or even a SSG 92Y3, 40 or even 50 level.. S5 is the Plans Section which usually is a MSG or SFC. and S6 is Commo which is usually a MSG ( 25F5) or SFC (25F4) as the NCOIC. Battalion is only authorized one CSM position so there will only be one CSM at the battalion. same with Brigade, Division, Corps and Army Command level. CSM will also be commandants of NCO Academies, Drill Sergeant Schools, MOS Schools, and as well as Recruiting and Retention. SGM (79Z) can be the post NCOIC of Retention ( Career Counselors). SGMs will be the NCOIC of Post training schools as well as be the Asst Commandant of a NCO Academy, Drill Sergeant School and so forth. Most Company level units are only authorized one E8 slot which is the First Sergeant. Some aviation units may have a another MSG position because he/she will be the NCOIC of the production control for the unit. CORRECTION. The POST Command Sergeant Major is combined with the division unit or corp unit whichever is higher at that base For example 101st Airborne division is the highest level unit on Fort Campbell. SO the Division unit commands the entire post so the 101st ABN DIV CSM is also the post command sergeant major. Since Fort Bragg has the 18th ABN Corps. but also has 82nd ABN DIV. under it as well as other divisions at other post. 101 at Campbell, 3ID at Stewart, 10th mountain at drum. the 18th ABN Corps CSM is the Corps CSM and the fort Bragg Post CSM as well. The Garrison Command Sergeant Major asst the Garrison commander (COL) who controls what buildings are occupied by what unit commands. Example, Building 1001 which is Post Command HDQTRS is controlled by garrison but the command that's in that building which is the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) controls all units and the post itself. So basically Garrison Command is not in level of Chain of command by unit level
@@briangulley6027 Once again, Another clueless civilian, making comments on subjects they have no idea how the Army works. Stop trolling Army videos so you can go around learning what you think you know so you can go around and tell stolen valor lies
My story: As a PFC M1 Tanker in the 2d Armored Cavalry stationed in West Germany 1985-86 Due to a shortage of E5's and E6's in our squadron, I was made an acting Corporal. My responsibilities included being a Tank Commander with two crewman (a Spec4 and a PV2), Troop NBC NCO, UCOFT (Unit Conduct of Fire Training) instructor/operator, and as the 2d ACR's primary mission before the end of the Cold War was inner German and Czechoslvokian border surveillance, I was an Assistant Patrol and Reaction Force Team Leader. During this time I would become promoted to E4 and successfully pass the E5 promotion board. Upon my PCS back to the States and my new unit, 3/3 ACR I was "demoted" to mere Spec4 until my promotion to E5.
Yep barred for reinlistment over bullshit LT. That didn't stop them from putting me in charge of the company AT section for a year as an PFC. Pizza hut helped me escape the madness.
As a former mechanic in the Army I wondered if other MOS's had a similar social structure around ranks. I heard combat Arms MOS's are way more strict in their ranks For me being an E5 was like being an E1 all over again. Every crappy thing you get put in charge off. I was put in charge of stuff with no guidance or support. I eventually figured it out but still...
I was in the USMC Jan.1985 - March 1989 and because of my disciplinary record I never made above E-4. The only thing I learned was to fire a rifle well. I was marksman with the M-40, M-21, M-16, if it shot a projectile from a rifle, I could shoot it. All because of Gunnery Sgt. T.W.Smith. He was honest, loyal to his men, patient and instilled discipline to me when I fucked up. He was, in my opinion, the best shot with a rifle, in the world!!! Some of the best Sgt’s are/were in the USMC. They always took great care of the men and women that serve.
My favorite rank was E6 SSG.. I deployed at that rank and was put in the the Platoon SGT slot due to an accident during MOB station at FT. Benning.. Squad leader had some rank responsibilities, but not the upper company lever meeting things.. I did NCOERs for team leaders and other schedule type things..E7 did look better, but E6 was just enough to keep from labor type work..
yep, E6 is when you've made it and get to escape the labor, at least that's how it is in the Marines, I'd assume the same in all branches. except it can often take 10 years to reach E6.
It works thusly: I use the "mopping floor analogy. In addition to the lowest ranks have to mop floors, period. After a few years, one may graduate to supervisor of the mopper. That means if there's a beef about the floor, they yell at the mopper's supervisor instead directly to the mopper. It’s one of the reasons I didn’t reenlist…
Shows Specialist: "What does this guy do?" Nothing, Sham, dissapear every day, have eternal appointments at dental or the clinic. show privates how to get a paycheck without doing much work (without being an officer or warrant officer).
@@FS-wd3hu to be perfectly honest, officers do work, of course they do, maybe just a little bit less because they dont have 5 NCOs above them telling them they gotta stay late and come in early. if Cpt says he wants everyone in by 8. He arrived at 7:45, lt at 7:30, first sarge by 7:20, staff sarge by 7:10 and the privates are there by 7 and so on. Now, most of their work is however paperwork related, instead of cleaning, fixing stuff and so on. Sure, medical officer's work may be little different from a medic's work, takijg care of sick patients, filling charts and doing some helathcsre related paperwork, but generally, the officers have less "manual" work and more "desk" work. So of course they work, and pretty much the same hours, but their work is different, and should the cpt decide to just take a break and pop into the px to grab a snack, no first sarge or sgm will chew his ass for slacking off. It is however a running joke that "officers dont work for a living"
@@FS-wd3hu really really depends. 7-5/6, 8-5/6, maybe even 6/6:30-6. Thats not counting PT and so on that will probably happen before you go in. It will depend on your MOS, your unit, your leadership and so on. You may be a medic at a clinic and be there at 7 until 5, have pt at 6, then change leadership and have pt at 5 and have to be in at 6, You may have days where a really cool NCO lets you off at 4-4:30 cause you're done for the day, you may have days a REALLY cool NCO tells you that they dont need you right now and just go to the barracks in case they need you during the day, and you might have plenty of days that you went in at 6-7am and are "asked" to stay well into 6, 7 maybe even 8pm. All depends on leadership, mos, unit, and so on. Thats of course talkin stateside.
@@Fede_uyz now I know they call it serving and not working lmao. Thanks for the answer bud. Seems almost disrespectful to make people work for below minimum wage while being pro military I feel sorry for them.
When I made rank in the Navy, it meant more to me than when I made it in the Army. When you get your crow and they tack it on…is a real sense of accomplishment. All the studying, doing 20-35 modules and passing the promotion exam (and getting promoted, you can or could when I was in the Navy, pass but not be promoted) was great. In the Army, go to the board, get commanders points, civilian education points, military education points, PT score points and wait for BNCOC or ANCOC. Was a shock switching from the Nav to the Army.
I mastered the art of the complete vanish as a Spc 4. Mastered it I was better than Houdini Then as the E-5 it was my job find others who mastered this art, Drove me nuts. But I did develop the skill set to convince my first and x o that at any given time I knew where the troops were and what they were doing.
Big miss on Senior NCO ranks. Even at the Company/Battery/Troop level, they are advisors to the Commander. The 1SG doesn’t necessarily receive orders from the SGM/CSM. The 1SG supports and advises the Commander. They make their intent happen. Knowing what the Commander’s Mission Essential Task List (METL) is very important. Same with CSM. They advise the BN/BDE/DIV Commanders. All senior NCOs support their commander.
Your right. I think he was just trying to stay on the enlisted side. He could have explained a little bit more but maybe he thought it would have made hes video longer but your absolutely right. Intent and missions come from your OIC's.
Agreed, the same is true for platoon sgts. They are working closely with their platoon leaders. Plus, unless things are now different, the main difference between a corporal and a spec4, the corporal is in a position of authority, track commander, fire team leader, etc…
Also very much depends on your MOS and your position. An SFC who is a Battle NCO in S-3 will have a very different role than a SFC who is the PSG of an infantry platoon. Same thing with a Master Sergeant. In general, there are a lot of misses here. A SSG is not necessarily a 'Squad Leader/Section Sergeant'. In fact, this is the point at which many NCO's leave their line units for different roles. For example, when I promoted to SSG I was transferred to S-3 to work as an Assistant Operations NCO. I then went back and finished that duty station as a Section Sergeant in a line platoon. When I PCS'ed, I was assigned to Recruiting (which depending on your era can also be done as an E-5 Promotable). Most of my fellow friends who were SSG's got orders to go to Recruiting/Drill/Instructor billets. May seem minor, but this can play a big role in an enlisted Soldier's career as it shows versatility in your job history when you get your looks for SFC.
In the Infantry Airborne, they are on fast track to E-2, E-3. They are young, impressionable troopers that want to do a good job. Great guys who take to good leadership.
You should read the 1st stanza of the NCO Creed. Specialist is a saturated rank in the Army. Too many around with not a lot of positions available to prove themself.
youre not wrong.. SPC>SGT ive met more SPC's that actually know what they are talking about than SGT's who have just completed online courses to get their rank lol.
@@Ishmail762 You are right. I can remember the shammers who ask for time to study for the board, instead of doing their job just to get promoted. There is always some sort of politics involved, but it’s usually nepotism where Soldiers that hang out after duty hours help themselves, leaving the truly hardworking Specialist to do all the work. When I was a Specialist, I was given a Soldier who outranked me in time in rank. I thought it was to provide me experience, but turned out my Section Sergeant wanted to give another Specialist in my section (who were friends) time to do corespondent courses, and study for the board). My section Sergeant had 5 Soldiers, including myself and all were Specialist.
I think it's different based on if it's Active, National Guard, Reserve, and the needs of the company. I'm a E-5 promotable to E-6, I'm a platoon sergeant with 77 soldiers in my platoon 49 boots on ground 28 Pre- EIT, shit gets heavy sometimes, I have a total of 8 other Ncos. We all cover down and help each other, we have too. It's definitely a team effort, I couldn't do it without the other 8 that's for sure!
Great Video - I'm a Brit Army vet and I served as a corporal with the US section in SHAPE in the late 60s. A great load of guys and I had a great time.
Flow Chart: CO/O3: “Hey 1SGT, can you get everybody to clean up the armory. 1SGT: “Yes Sir, right away!” 1SGT: “PSG’s/E7’s, get your guys to clean up the armory!” SFC: “Rodder Fur Sarnt”...spits chew SFC: “Squad Leaders/SSG, get your joes to clean up the armory” SSG: “Rodder”..spits chew into Monster can SSG: “Team Leaders/SGT, get your joes to clean up the armory” SGT: ...spits chew into Monster can, yells “E4 and below clean up the f*** armory!” SPC and Below: ..yell back “Yes Sarnt!” SPC: ... “let’s all take a dump at the same time...” ...they go to the bathroom and 5 stalls are in use by the Lieutenants PFC/PV2/FUZZ: cleans armory so everyone can leave
This was awesome!! Can you please make the same video, but for officers? That would be super interesting since I’m sure a lot of people don’t really know much about the officer community
@@RK7LifeLine Corporals do not need BLC or a promotion board to obtain the rank since it’s a lateral promotion. Some units might prefer or want you you to go through BLC or have a P status but it is not required to promote from SPC to CPL.
@@Arbiter3751 got it and thanks for ur answers , I am specialist maself and didn't know abt that since I enlisted as an E-4! Most enlisted dont like us boys with automatic promotion to E4 due to school credits!
@@RK7LifeLine Ahh I picked up my SPC back in July and have been in for a little over 2 years; I don’t really mind specialists or PFCs who promote because they have time in school. If you’ve got any other questions I’m unsure if I could answer them but I can give it my best shot 😂
@@RK7LifeLine CPL in the Marine Corps have to go through the Corporals Course or something like that. Mind you I’m in the Guard, I got lateral promoted to CPL on deployment because I was promotable to E5 but I hadn’t done BLC, AND I was a team leader. As soon as I did BLC I picked up my 5. In active duty you need so many points as well as TIS/TIG requirements, and then you have to go to a board before you go to BLC to get your 5. It’s different for CPL. You have to be in a leadership role, 2 years as a SPC, and either there isn’t a slot for E5 in your MOS or there’s a hold up for you to go to BLC, then they’ll curse you with the CPL rank until you can check your boxes to get your 5. To be honest, CPL was the worse rank I’ve been by far. Double barrel private for sure.
@@richardmcgee8315 Wow, E-5 PLT SGT? Your time frame is very close to mine. I re-upped in 1989 for the 82nd, and had to get a commander's override because the DIV was at 110% I told them it was 82nd or I was getting out. They worked it out for me.
Yep I was in HHC 3/504 PIR 1ST BRIGADE CT. E4 mafia best rank ever i did make E-4 P ( promotable) after passing the Promotion board. Never saw points drop ETS d.
@@RivetGardener Well I mean yeah, S-3 schedules training, officers plan it and NCO’s exist to take the fall. But all of the gear, equipment, morale, purpose, reason, man power, lies with the joes. A lot of leadership doesn’t realize that, but without our joes the cogs stop turning. Who’s gonna PMCS and drive the trucks? Who’s gonna move the ammo and guard it? Who’s doing SI checks? Who’s squaring away privates in the woods before an NCO can? Who’s smashing PT tests? Who’s got schools to attend? Who’s got shit to sign for? Who’s keeping the secrets secret? Ain’t shit happening without the men. Everyone else just does paperwork and contemplated suicide.
US Army Vet here..Sept.78-Sept.81, 1St Armored Division, 501st Combat Aviation Battalion. Nuremberg, (West) Germany, 67 V MOS , OH-58 Helicopter Crew-Chief and proud member of the Spec 4 mafia.. Brought back some memories!!
Just to mention, alongside the command surgeon major rank holders in the regular army there are a few distinguished in the National Guard. Every state has a state command sergeant major.. So if you're in Illinois the Illinois national guard's state command sergeant major is Michael R Behary. Which is a more intense position, because instead of being in charge of a single installation, you have a full state worth of National Guard depot's ( Along with air National Guard and joint bases, arng & Reseves, liason duties) that are spread across the state. Stete level CSM run oversight for every single duty station from 1 central location. When I was in Arizona the state command sergeant major was at Papago park military plaza in Phoenix but there was 1st 180th field artillery that was located in Tucson for alpha Phoenix for Bravo and flagstaff for Charlie. (There are multiple other units and support wings in a state National Guard purvey)So they had to go from about as far North as you can get to about as far South as you can get, just to review installations. Generally if you are on a National Guard post, it will have a sign that you know the command sergeant major of the state National Guard is located here office at admin. Random great advice-They're usually more Public relations minded NCOs, and they appreciate being greeted and acknowledged (on top of merely merely respecting the standard when greeting a higher ranked NCO). If you catch them on a is them on a great day, get them talking, and keep them engaged than you may end up with a challenge coin. More than that, you will have a great connection to the enlisted peak. Referrals for training and classes look great with a State CSM as the endorser. They will make time for the recruits with a shipping date, or a very strong drive to join and may be unsure of Mos, or even what to expect, they usually have a BTOC ( Basic training orientation course) Where you can spend 3 days on post in the barracks, living like you're doing basic training, you will take apart an M4 and put it back together, learn all the parts, and you will have your army APFT, additional training in DNC and etiquette, and an official graduation document with your name and rank and an official depth of the Army award that shows you took the initiative and completed an army training course before you even left for basic, you'll have army physical fitness test APFT results and coaching on where you need to focus your training to ace it by the time basic begins Personal story of my experience and an interesting but abnormal way it benefitted me but relates to an early entry D.O.D. boot camp I had attended before going meps and choosing a branch and mos-I knew that, generally, if you set up an appointment with the state CSM after BTOC or catch them at graduation, you will also get an endorsement from them when you go into basic, because because you had that dedication ofcwill to seek out work before most ever do. Unless you plan to be a profile ranger, or shitbag Sam, which I had no desire to be among their numbers; it'll open doors to have powerful men invested in your careers "enduring" growth and success. I PCS'd as an E4 at JBLM in Washington and ended up in 2/75 B Co. I had a day 2 weeks into Regiment when 2 command sergeant majors from Arizona, command sergeant major Lutz and command sargent major Craig stopped by the Ranger Compound, unknown to me, they opted tk take me out for lunch just to catch up. They were both in Washington for some kind of command seminar, and they knew I was stationed there. They wanted to see how I was doing (Especially considering I had made it through some of the tough is training into ranger battalion), So I get pulled from my training area being told that 2 commands sgt majors wanted to speak with me, I'm wondering what the hell I did, and the next thing I know (Keep in mind I was brand new to the unit) This Evt First Class had this grin on his face, like he was gonna have the time of his life watching me getting my ass reamed for whatever I did (New Rangers life is scrutinized for any and every excuse to smoke and teach, so he's gonna smoke me once they shared why they wanted me and did their thing). I get greeted in the most unofficial manner possible.. Commands sgt major Craig AZ State CSM steps forward and says Chris you little bastard, slapping both shoulders at once and holding me at arms length. Looks for a moment, lets his right hand d4op to hks pocket and hands me 5-20s (because he bet $100.00 Iwouldn'tget into Regiment, after I told him doubt motivated me)"Damn, now my wife's gonna yell at me for gambling, anyways how are you doing (as he shakes my hand) How is your dad?" Command Sgt Major Lutz pipes up and asked me if I had gone out and collected any scorpions or if there were any to be found in this part of the country. (He knew the answer because he taught as a scien e teacher, but he was making a nostalgic call to nights with him, a blacklight, tongs, and a jar catching scorpions for his students and knew i missed it. Then asked me if my brother was was still planning on leaving for the Marine Corps. I told him it was most likely Army after he was invited to go to Washington D Washington DC, be a part of the tune of the unknown soldiers ceremony, and and be a keynote speaker you know speaker to address Congress regarding the project challenge program as well as taking a tour of the pentagon. From where they were standing you could see me from the end of a hallway but you could not see who I was talking to, mama my assistant squad leader came out at the end of the hallway, saw me,And proceeded to talk as much shit as he stormed down this hall as fast as he can only to come around the corner to 2 command sergeant majors the majors who were visiting with the guest that he just cussed out a. And they ripped into him like I have never seen from the 2. About that time a major walks in and ask what is going on, to watch the Arizona state sergeant major tells him that they are guessed there and they are visiting a personal friend and he decided to disrespect them do disrespect them by showing no respect to their rank, as they were guessed, and I was the individual that they were here to see. This Sgt First Class's jaw hit the floor as the Sgt gets pushed outsideandsmoked by the Major personally, and when I got back the SFC kina smoked me because he wanted to ensure that I didn't feel like I was special just because I had friends in high places. But he was too curiousat that point, he let me recover, and then asked me how the hell I knew them... and what that was all about. Which led to talking about the Arizona project challenge program, which he didn'tcare about until I told him I had 2 Regimental Rangers, CIB and all, who were Cadre in AZPC. IT turned out Ranger Dave Owens was deployed with that SFC during desert storm. Of course, he checked up with Owens and I got a major jump in the level of respect, because I had earned his praise based off all he saw in half a year as my Cadre and Cadre f4om my brothers class, as well as his personal respect for our father a combat medic and field surgeon from Vietnam. His opinion (Owens) made a difference, Hearing that the other ranger was the elephant ranger Kenny Bucy, who got beat up by an elephant in front of his platoon in Vietnam, and as he was recuperating in an Army hospital, as the marine unit that his ranger team was sharing a f.o.b. with were attacked and a few people were "eaten by freaking Tigers". He has been asked to speak at so many ranger rendezvous and other events, that I had some of the scariest NCO's and officers known to man, in the ranger regiment, talking to me like they were an excited child because I knew the elephant ranger and Ask me to have him come for a visit to tell the story in person, and I made it happen. It was a weird day when everything that I'd ever done to get to where I was came together and and involve the coolest state command sergeant major ever. If you're still out there CSM, here's to you. All of this was brought to light because of a state command sergeant major that I made friends with before I even got into the army.
SO glad I told my son to join the Navy. Boot camp then immediately 2 years of full time school with no crappy details, Non-Com rank when finished school.
My dad now retired since 1978 was an E8 - First Sargeant. Seems like (all) he did on a daily basis was hand out disciplinary to those under his command! He would complain daily to my mom about the crap that happens...he use to say he felt like a judge and jury. Near the end his career he was moved into a Master Sargeant position and life was better as he ended his military career.
As E-4 Specialist.. I was the Unit Barracks NCO.. I was the Unit Fire Marshal (E-5's and above).. The ONLY Unit Fire Marshal on Ft Campbell @ the rank of Specialist (@ the time).. The only unit Fire Marshal on the base that was MOSQ (HELD A FIREFIGHTING MOS).. On orders from commanding officer appointing me to each position.. Usually, you can serve one rank above or one rank lower.. The Commanding Officer can appoint whomever he chooses for whatever job.. Along with signed orders appointing them to that position.. Too often, I had to show these orders to E5's & E6's letting them know who was in charge.. The look of knowing that a E4 Specialist can write you up is priceless.. Thankfully, it never came to that..
E5 is entry into the NCO ranks, but it also feels like your a private again within the NCO ranks as well. E7 also can take over O1-2 on missions as well
@@Holyhandgrenade-tx6xd I was in Finance in the reserves. Was probably 6 or 7 drills before I saw ours, I asked who she was, was informed she hides very well!
I am what is kinda unicorn. A specialist NCO, corporal, specifically gunsmith. Was trained and worked as a platoon leader in my company. Had the same paygrade and privileges as O-1. Idk if this "rank" exists in other armed forces but yeah there are others like Specialist Medic NCO who are almost at par with a doctor when it comes to battlefield medicine. Just something to throw a wrench at your wheels ;)
I went from a Hawk Missile Battery in Germany as a Spec. 4 in 1986 ( 16E-10 radar Operator ) , to the Sgt. Majors Academy in El Paso , Tx for a year. I was assigned as a 72 Lima ( clerk ) but was offered a job as the Corresponding Studies Supply maintenance specialists . That job was held by an E-6 and slotted as an E-6 slot . No one wanted the job as the place was a total wreck and a one man position .. I went in and completely cleaned the place up and was given permission to rewrite the S.O. P. , as it was useless ! I did both and when I went to my E-5 board and they asked me " Why should we make you a Sgt. Toth ? I showed them pictures of my building before and after I took over . I worked with three of the Sgt. Majors on my board and they knew exactly what I did . There was an old saying " Never Volunteer " ! When you stand in a formation with your class A's with ribbons and metals . The guys who volunteer get the medals and awards . I went into the National Guard as an E-4 , I got my E-5 after PLDC two years later , and I had more ribbons and metals as an E-4 than the E-5 's they had from what I did in active service . One of the 11 leadership traits is " Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions " .
When I was in a E1 was (Private Fuzzy) E2 was Mosquito Wings. With Corporal in the 8 years in my unit I seen only one guy get that rank because they needed another Sargeant to watch over the medic soldiers but didn't have opening, also I heard of them giving that rank if they need someone in the Sargeant rank for a position but they don't trust the soldier enough to give them the Sargeant rank they will move them from specialist to Corporal.
I'm in artillery and we only have one corporal. That's because he switched from the Marines to the army and was a corporal in the Marines. I have only seen maybe 5 or 6 corporals in the army in my 7 years so far.
In the Marine Corps, every Master Sergeant I met was the chillest SNCOs I've ever met. My company master sergeant chain smoked newport 100s and monster energy drinks, and was missing a finger. He was in 26 years. When the day came for his retirement ceremony, He left early as shit in the morning because he didn't want everyone doing retirement ceremony practice all fuckin week. Great guy. If I ever go back in, I'd definitely want to end my career as an E-8 Master Sergeant. Or lord willing E-9 Master Guns
I've got an all purpose loathing for corporals. Last one I had as squad lead would counsel you negatively if you breathed the wrong goddamn way and then would probably make you write a 5000 word essay on the importance of oxygen or some wack ass shit like that
@@Ghostrider6A I wonder if being pinned a sergeant would look good on your resume on the outside in civilian world. I know at least one person right now who is promotable even though he's got like six months left in army and says he's not reenlisting.
The Garrison Commander is like the Mayor of the base (Executive Authority) and the Garrison CSM is like the City Manager (Operational Manager) 25X60,H,M,P (1988-2010)
Also depends on how many new dudes there are. 2 other guys and I were PFCs who got pimped out on every detail for a while because we were still the newest guys. Then we got a BUNCH of new guys and we were hardly ever doing details. I had proven myself as a good soldier and as long as I showed face no one would wonder that I was doing. Just as I was reaching peak sham as an E3 we had a bunch of NCOs and senior Spc leave so I got a TL position as an E3. Right as I got SPC (and still a team leader) my SL went to a bunch of classes and then alc so I was an acting squad leader.
Man i was blessed of becoming a promotible specialist literally at my 2 and a half year mark with BLC completed. As soon as i passed BLC i became the fueler in-charge over other E-4s who had been in for 5+ years without going to the board. All those E4s were all pissed and i understood why (We didnt have any fueler E-5s). I sat down with everyone that was a lower enlisted fueler and i told them "hey im not here to boss yall around i know some of yall have more experience than me so im here to listen to all of you because at the end of the day you are all over me" after that day they respected me but i also didnt let them walk over me. i would just brief them on what detail we were put on and we would get it done as a team. I treated them as people and i would reward them with pizza and drinks at the end of a hard working day.. Yes as a E4 because i knew the soldiers would care for me if i cared for them. I am still a E4 but im glad im not in a leadership position anymore without the proper pay lol.
You overlooked the relationships between the platoon leader and his platoon sergeant; the company/troop/battery commander and his first sergeant; and the division/brigade/group/battalion/squadron commander and his command sergeant major. Furthermore, the garrison sergeant major works for the garrison commander, not the installation commander. On an Army installation, the installation commander is also the senior Army commander on the installation (so, if the largest Army formation on post is a division, then the division commander is also the installation commander); thus, the command sergeant major who works for the senior Army commander on the installation also fulfills the role as installation command sergeant major. The main thing to take away from this is to remember the close relationship between the officer and the senior NCO at platoon level and higher echelons of command.
Your examples are good general idea for regular Army but E-6 and E-7 in Special Special Forces is totally different as there are no privates on an ODA and rarely E-4s. Totally different mission so functions differently
When I was an E-4 I was slotted in a SSG spot, a 1LT spot (twice), and a SGT spot at least 5 times. Was in for 8 years, made E-4 in 11 months and was promotable with all schools and etc. at 24 months, at 7 years went to Ranger school to finally break the cut-off glass ceiling for my MOS after failed attempt to reclass (Had 750+ promotion points out of 800). Broke both legs and lower back damage in a jump at Ranger school and was medically retired. Month I ETS'd cut-off dropped and shortly later MOS was discontinued! LOL!
That's actually pretty common in the Reserves to have E7s fill in E8 roles depending on the MOS due to personnel shortages and O2s and worst case scenario O1s fill in an O3 role. I've even heard frocking may be coming back in January.
Was commissioned as 2Lt in 1983. Wqs 42A, AG in the rear with the beer, Death from Behind. I was assigned to be the Admin Services Branch Chief as a 1LT taking over a captains slot. So being assigned to a higher level position is not uncommon. SFC commonly get tapped to be the Top, and 1LTs can be company commanders, especially if they are on the captain's promotable list already.
The one you missed. Corps command sergeant major. Usually, a unit of about 150 soldiers that over see a couple of divisions. At corps level, it is usually officer heavy, and you are working for a 3 or 4 star general.
"Private Second Class" does not exist in the US Army. They might change that one day, but so far its not in any of the regs (even though Recruiting Command put it on its website for some unknown reason)
The mean difference between a specialist and a corporal is the corporal is a NCO and a specialist is not. The corporal is more of a leadership position and if I remember correctly, has to go through NCO school before moving from specialist and corporal.
At specialist, you also get automatic entry into the E4 Mafia.
Not as no damn IET E4 you don't 😂 Corporal gets you kicked out of the mafia faster than you can say "oops"
Unless you're a rat.
Sham shield
First rule of the E4 Mafia, DON'T talk about the E4 mafia!
Beaten in, beaten out.
*Gets Promoted to Sgt Major of the Army*
“Hey man I don’t know what to do. Can you help me out a little?”
I dont know either
Pass out some challenge coins, tour some bases, and yell HOOAH!
You get to fly around on a nice biz-jet.
You micro manage. Make sure there is no spec of dust in any barracks 🙄
You know that "Sgt. Major of the Army"...there is only one, yes?
A sergeant tells a specialist what to do the specialist than tells a private and walks away and disappears for hours E4 mafia
As a former spec 4, I was required to not only supervise but to perform the same details. And they were not very pleasant.
First of all, I have dental
The first rule of the E4M is….dont talk about the E4M. People have had to go into witness protection for such a mistake. Plausible deniability is the name of the game.
In the Navy when I was an E4, I worked at base medical. I was a Corpsman. I had an advanced school and was a Preventive Medicine Technician. I had an office, my own desk. I went around base and inspected food facilities and swimming pools.
I grabbed a clipboard and disappeared all day. As long as my inspections were turned in on time, nobody looked for me.
If I was caught at the Exchange or MWR, I had a bag of ice in my hand and said, "I I'm getting samples. " Then was told that I was doing a "good job."
Sometimes a bag of ice took 3 hours. It's hard work.
I did this all the way up to and through E6. At E6, I had to read more reports and go to command meetings. I had to write evaluations on those I supervised. I had to manage 2 other departments on top of that. It started taking 15-20 minutes to collect a bag of ice...and that was more than one bag. I worked harder the more I advanced.
@@barbaramatthews4735 Being a slacker that avoids work isn't something I'd brag about especially using your real name as an avatar .
Just sayin ....
This Humor:
E1-E3: Do what you are told
E4: Find things to do that seem important before someone tells you what to do, also do what you are told if you fail at previous. Make sure that your MEDPROS is up to date . Sign for things you probably shouldn't.
E5: Do what E6 or E7 Tells you what to do and find something for those E4's to do before they find something they think seems important to do. Also, get used to paperwork. May stay on social media for up to 1 hour per day and have limited access to ready room/section resources. Avoid signing for things.
E6: Do what the E7 wants, but you're not allowed to ask. Sneak peaks at the current OPORD's. Track down rogue E4's. Watch fights between HHC E7's and S3 E7's. This is your real training. Also, you work for the O-grades now and never forget it. All that matters is your senior rater. Make sure the E5's sign for the things anyway.
E7: You made it to the club: Paper work and supervising. Best of all, you will have one or two E4 agents from the E4 mafia. Use them wisely. Also, any orders from 2LT's and 1LT's can now be considered suggestions. Hoard any material you can in secret containers scattered around post, just in case. You're rogue E4's will find that material. Deny any knowledge of who signed for what. You can now spend up to half the duty day on social media. Fight with other E7's. Recommend people for awards.
E8 (MSG) Learn the phrase "I'll get back to you on that." But, you actually have to get back to people on that.
E8 (1SG). Complain about PT Scores and find out which E5's can track down rogue E4's so you can steal them from the E7's. Be careful, most of those are double-agents. Make the E7 do the investigations for the things people signed for and got lost, but have them report to the Company XO so you don't have to deal with it. Argue against award recommendations.
E9 (SMG) Make sure the E8 (MSG's) get back to you. Meetings. More, but less important paperwork. Orders from O3's and O4's can often be considered suggestions.
E9 (CSM) Complain about PT Scores, lawn care and find the rogue WO1's-WO3's. They exist and you know it. Deny rival NCO's command elements opportunities to send their junior NCO's to the good schools. Orders from any other O-grade your Commander's rank or less are automatically just suggestions. Don't worry about your senior rater. Retire already. You will never be the SMA the dream is over.
Thoughts?
I had an infantry DS who told us that he would give 110% because he’ll never know if one of us would be the next SMA but that we shouldn’t get our hopes up since it’ll probably be another infantryman
anything E-6+ doesn't work they just speak and make things worse.
You just described all of my leadership
Very accurate
I’m getting Deja-vu over here
I’ve seen this all before
I never made it past Spec 4 because I was drafted back in the day, served my two years active duty and went home. But from day one, to the time I went home I never caught a crappy detail, and never served a punishment detail. I just did what I was told, kept to myself, and floated along with whatever was happening. I knew other guys that were always stuck on everthing from KP to burning shit barrels in Vietnman, because they couldn't keep their shit together, or keep their mouths shut. I can honestly say that, while in Vietnam, I did decline the offer to go before an E5 Board. I just wanted to live long enough to go home, get out of the Army, and begin my life. No medals for valor, no wild tales of heroism, just "yep, I served, and I'm proud of that.
You just described my time in the army. I did extend my tour in Vietnam so I could be discharged when I returned to the states. I served 19 months active.
Thanks for ur service to our country ...and welcome home soldier!
Thank you for your service. God bless you and your family
And I don't blame you.
Are draftees eligible for the G.I. Bill, Tricare, BAH, VA Loans, lifelong pension after 20 years' service, etc? Thanks!
E4s aspire to be CW4s when they grow up. That is when they have mastered the art of invisibility
Our CW4 is in charge of our shop, but is literally gone every single day... even intelligence couldn't track the man
Instead of finding Waldo it’s finding CW4.
@@thetrueyuu8474 That's what the W stands for.
@@popuptarget7386 warrant officer cloaking is a real thing. Then if you do spot one in the wild you quickly realize they have zero F’s to give
If your last name is Major, once you reach E5 you'll never hear the end of it :)
Also if you hit O4
@@armybeef68 Sure but my pun is funnier.
@@MisterTutor2010 it wasn’t that funny tbh
@@nucleardancemoves255 didn't say it was, only being comparative.
@@MisterTutor2010 you did tho!!😡are you CRAZY?!!!! You just “my pun is funnier” HOW IS THAT NOT SAYING It was FUNNY
PVT-PFC: Do what is needed by NCO's and above, sometimes SPC. SPC's job: Be at an appointment whenever we are actually needed :P
As a PVT at my second reserve drill. Commander: here sign for my sidearm. 30 minutes later, XO: here sign for my sidearm. Me: 17 year old with twin .45's. BADASS!
It's not Sergeant Major. The rank is Sergeant's Major, Command Sergeant's Major!!
@@myronsmith3602 wat
@@VGMRMissCoriel It really is Sergeants Major.
I was a socialist at Pfc
Try explaining Warrant Officer Ranks;
W-1 - Minor demi god
W-2 - Demi god
W-3 - Minor God
W-4 - God
W-5 - God's Boss
They were usually chopper pilot when I was in.But.I was infantry-
And if you had met a WO in the infantry this breakdown would apply
No rank can be compared to God...
@@maewynsuccat2212 The US Army is god’s will
@@wisemankugelmemicus1701 read what I said again I didn't say anything about God's Will
We always called specialists "full bird privates"
Command Private Major.
Master Private 😂
Sham Shield!
Spec 4 mafia REPRESENT!
@@Phantom0fTheRouter excellent!! I've never heard that one.
ill never forget PFC Desyatnikov. he literally had the most russian accent so everyone even the higher ranks were scared of him
lol nice. there was a former Argentinian naval officer and former french foreign legion soldier in my Marine platoon. He said he was disappointed and thought the U.S. Marines would be tougher, he should have gone British Royal Marine Commandos. But he married an American woman so, I think that's why. But going from an officer to enlisted had to have been miserable.
😆
Fun Fact: If you do JROTC in highschool or reach the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts, you are automatically promoted to E-3 upon enlistment. This is for all branches, not just the Army.
Edit: For JROTC, you also have to do it for a certain amount of time, and you could be just promoted to E-2 instead of E-3. Depends on the branch and how long you're in.
Yup and you can still pick up a meritorious promotion waiving time in service and time in grade in the first year
when i was in...E1 was basic trainee for everyone. upon graduation usually to E2 and E3 came upon finishing AIT and first duty station assignment. ...maybe different now?
@@ca-lt1fc it is, hell college grads enlist at e4
Marine corps caps enlistment at e2, for EVERYONE including prior service.
@richardmcgee8315 yup, there's a huge NCO shortage and its getting worse under Biden
E-1: Bitch, gripe, and complain.
E-2: Gripe, complain, and bitch.
E-3: Complain, bitch, and gripe.
E-4/SPC: Dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge.
E-5: The bosses listen to you half of the time.
I never made it higher than E-5.
The higher ranks get stuck in battalion or they get comfortable under the C.O.'s desk.
I agree with you, I was E5 SGT as well. But I've also seen E5s as platoon leaders in my unit.
@@GODWITHUS0712 yo bro how to rank up fast advice ??
@dragnil4l40 buy kneepads.
I went to pldc and NCO board got my stripes and realized it's not for me so I did what any true soldier would do. Get demoted back to E-4 where I belong 😂😂😂
I made it to E6, Navy. Bosses dump on you and complain about E5 and below. Then they want you to fix it.
E 5 below dump on you and complian about E7 and above, and they want you to fix it.
So an E6 is the complaint department, and you fix stuff.
You do have some authority, at the E6 rank, it's easier to beg forgiveness than get permission. Unless you really f* something up, you won't get into too much trouble.
At E6, I actually had a job and worked my ass off. I was a Hospital Corpsman Preventive Medicine Technician. I basically did all the stuff I did as an E4, but with added responsibilities.
Good review. Keep in mind that soldiers, especially NCO's, have different responsibilities depending on the career field, i.e. an infantry sergeant will have more of a leadership role than an admin sergeant or a supply sergeant.
For sure. Especially when it comes to Corporals. I was a light scout and our Corporals were mothinh like Specialists, they were NCOs and treated as such.
My son was in Jrotc all through high school. Joined the army a week after graduation and has made E5 in 2 years 9 months. Mos 17echo. It's very interesting to hear you talk about duty and responsibility of different ranks. I sometimes wonder what he does on a daily basis. Some stuff he can't say as he has a TS clearance for his job (electronic warfare). I appreciate the content! 👍🏼
I was comfy staying E-4 once I got there, I was 19K (tanker 2 Armor for those who aren't familiar with what that MOS is), so other than constantly on-and-off the tank I delegated tons of tasks to privates pretty much to keep them sharp rather than to get out of any task myself. But what comes around comes around and thats how it all works.
Great vid man
You obviously served . Thank you for your service. You broke down the rank structure ( US Army) exactly like I remember it. Thumbs Up.
E1 private (no insignia)
E2 Private
E3 PFC (Private First Class)
E4 SPC CPL (Specialist) (Corporal)
E5 sergeant
E6 staff sergeant
E7 sergeant first class
E8 MSG 1SG (Master Sergeant) (First Sergeant)
E9 SGM CSM SMA (Sergeant Major) (Command Sergeant major) (Sergeant Major of etc.)
And thats about it.
Edit: SMA.
The A stands for Army ofc
@Scott Crawford Buck Sergeants are supposedly fresh E-5's.
The e4 corporal rank is intended to be a temporary rank rather than a designation of authority. It is a specialist who is holding the slot at the unit until they finish BLC or whatever they need to get their e5.
The reason they do this is so the unit knows who is getting promoted next and no one can transfer into the unit and take the slot. At the same time, the higher ups tend to not want to promote from e4 to e5 early because if the soldier gets promoted without meeting the criteria after a certain time… they have to be demoted and have their nco position stripped… which is a big deal in your records. It looks terrible that they had to take the authority away from you immediately. Thats why corporal and specialist are both e4, it doesnt require a corporal to be demoted in their records if their school gets delayed or something.
The major difference between a spec4 and a corporal is a corporal is a NCO. They have more authority and more responsibility. They are put in charge of duties. I became a squad leader as a corporal and had 3 people under me. I had to take care of them and make sure they did their jobs.
@@mikeellis2025 yes but it is a temporary nco position. If you do not complete the prerequisite schools, they will bump you back down to specialist.
The CPL rank is a way for your unit to give you the position of e5 and hold the slot of e5 early without there being a consequence if they have to take it away from you.
Theyd take it away from you because someone else who is equally capable DID do their schools.
I was also a team leader CPL. I went to BLC as a corporal and got my e5 the day I got back.
You are correct about it being an NCO position, it ensures another e5 cant show up from a different unit and take the nco slot from you.
The rank exists to ensure that you are the one next promoted to e5 because the unit wants you as a team leader nco e5 permanently.
Edit: and to clarify, it is not intended to be a rank of authority. It is more for appointment of position. Typically, if you got promoted from spc to cpl then tell a spc to start pushing, theyd laugh at you. Youd need a sgt or ssg to second it. You wouldnt be giving a counseling statement as a cpl. It isnt really authority.
As for the authority… being a team leader and the position gives you the authority because you are in charge of a team or some element.
I once, as an e5, was NCOIC of 16 soldiers and 3 vix. I had an e7 and a cpt from a different unit move my vix without telling me and i went over and told them to fuck off and never touch my vix or command my soldiers without telling me. They weren’t having it.
Sgt major and LTC took my side because i had authority over my element. Despite my rank, the higher ranks at the other unit jeopardized my mission and therefore I was within my right to yell at them. Technically i had the position of both a 1sg and commander in the moment because my element was operating in a different state (it was a range day, i took the crew serve guys in a convoy). My rank of e5 didnt matter because I was responsible for the element. I answered directly to the LTC/csm.
Moral of the story is the RANK of cpl doesnt come with much authority at all. If you had a position, then maybe youd get some authority, but the rank by itself doesnt mean much besides that you are next in line to be promoted.
i was a corporal from 1991 till 2008,didnt get qmp because the cut off score for e-5 never dropped low enuff,did my promotion board,scoared 198,pldc,and bnco with a waiver,i had plenty of authority,3 bronze stars as well@@LongIslandYachtClub
they change corporal a lot. its purely temporary now. to become one you need to have p status and blc complete waiting on points to make 5@@mikeellis2025
This is the best Chanel in English and Spanish about US Military. I used to follow the same content in my language until I fund this great RUclipsr...thank u!
I was a specialist tl for 8 months and then a Corporal for a month and half. Just made Sergeant, but honestly was treated with a lot of respect from the soldiers in my unit the entire journey. It was the other NCOs that kind of acted like I wasn’t doing the same job as them.
I was like you. Except I was a specialist for quite a while before getting my Corporal and then my Sergeant E-5 after I graduated from WLC school. I should of stayed in. Looking back we had three new NCO's and I was still a new NCO and here I was doing all the work at an E-6 and E-7's job while are new E-5's weren't doing much. My unit had me being in charge of PT tests, was a cadre on ranges, an instructor for two classes on Radio and grenades at Fort Drum getting the ENTIRE Battalion trained on both classes and lead our other instructors in formation and march then to the classes. Then my E-7 had me doing ALL L of our platoon's monthly counseling. I had to write up their counseling and do one on one talk with each of them. And when our E-7 was out I had to run our Platoon. Had to attend our E-7's meetings sitting in for my Platoon Sergeant spot when he was absent or on leave. Again while we have NEW NCO's who should of been sharing the work load as a sort of NEW NCO myself seem like I was going all of it. But I did took a good positive look at how much experience I got out of all of this.
Unlike you I get treated like trash as a e4 by my nco. For 2 years straight and when we got two new private into my squad and they saw how bad I get treated by everyone in my squad they also start treating me badly and disrespecting me when I told them to do something like taking out the trash while they were on their phone they flicked me off and complained to our nco. My nco came at me telling me to "NEVER YELL AT MY PRIVATE LIKE WHO THE HELL DO I THINK I AM" and at the point I was utterly broken like my rank no longer matters for being in the army for almost 3 years and being stuck in this squad for 2 years. At the moment I lost all motivation to even work anymore. I just walked away holding back my tears. I eventually went to the platoon leader and asked to changed squad and he agreed to move me. Which is the best decision I ever made in my 3 years in the army. They be chilling and actually respect your rank.
I was a Spec-4 on a 105 howitzer for 4 years in the 80's. We had no corprals in our unit. My gun chief treated me as his E-5. He was an E-6. Our gunner, an E-5, was a great guy, but had no leadership abilities at all. So, I was always put in charge of our gun anytime our gun chief wasn't on the gun with us. He also always put me in charge of getting all of our field equipment cleaned up after we came in from the field. He let me pick a couple of privates to help me. I was offered my 5's more than once. But I was the assistant gunner. I pulled the lanyard. Loved the job! If I would have moved up to E-5, I would have lost that job and moved up to gunner- probably on a different gun. I liked my gun (gun 6) and didn't want to move. I ended up doing 6 years on that gun, 4 as a Spec'4, being treated as a 5. I did enjoy the way it was. My Sgt did give me alot of authority- as well as a lot of perks. I was young back then, and did screw up sometimes. Mainly showing up late here and there after too wild of a night- or weekend. He always let me slide and always had my back. Staff Sgt Gamage. Great guy and a great section chief.
Great post. I was with 105 and 155mm howitzer (6th/11th Field Artillery, Americal Division, Vietnam) then Hawk missiles in Texas. 1969-72. Wa generator mechanic an ran battalion engineer shop in Nam. Got to know a few of the ""cannon cockers " and had lots of respect.
@@johnboyd7158 Good to hear from you. I have much respect for you as well.
gun bunny 13b
Most 13B thing I've ever heard.
Specialist is advanced Private, Corporal is like the specialist who tries to be in charge.
I think another really important detail about the 1SG is that they're generally also the CO's advisor, 1SGs generally have more experience than the company commanders that get companies from what I understand
A Corporal E-4 is a Noncommsioned Officer. It is a lateral appointment, not a promotion. They are generally placed into a vacant duty position of a Sergeant E-5, and in some cases, a Staff Sergeant E-6. They often take the role of a section chief or squad leader. Usually, the First Sergeant recommends the Company, Battery, or Troop Commander of this when the Specialist E-4 demonstrates leadership potential for the next level of promotion. The First Sergeant or Platoon Sergeant often develops the Corporal through Promotion Boards, NCO Boards, and send the Specialist to Basic Leadership Course when they are eligible for promotion. I was laterally assigned as a Corporal in a Signal Support Platoon, assigned as a Combat Signaler Team Chief E-5 duty position because there were no Sergeants available. I was only a Corporal for a month, and I was promoted to Sergeant because I made the cuttoff score of 614 points.
I always thought of it like master and 1rst. One deals with the job and the other soldiers.
@robert48044 yes, pretty much the same as a First Sergeant or Master (E-8) or Command Sergeant Major or Sergeant Major (E-9)
Came up just in time as I just got promoted to PFC before I ship out
Hope all is going well. Get back soon.
Thank you for your support and love of our challenge coins.
I have a son-in-law who is an E-8 on the SGM list for 2021 he has been in 15 years, has 4 combat tours under his belt. His goal to be the SGM of The Army by 20 years service
Cap
Best of luck to him
Kudos for him being a lifer.
Won’t happen……SMA is usually 28+ in
Lots of luck, but it's not going to happen
when i got promoted to E5/SGT, i was instantly a Squad Leader, which i had been doing for 2 years as a Senior E4, and i was always out “In The Weeds” with my squad, leading from the front, and it didn’t matter what type of weather, if my squad was outside, so was i, which earned me the respect of my squad members, because i never had to raise my voice to them, and they were always willing to step up and do what needed to be done to accomplish the tasks.
and it made me so proud to see several of them get promoted to NCO’s and carry on and instruct other junior enlisted soldiers the way that i had trained them.
Your main job as an E1 is to become an E2. As an E2 a big part of your job is to become an E3. To some extent getting ready for the next level is always your job. As you go up the enlisted ranks a growing part of your job is to help the people below you get their promotions. But always, the enlisted ranks are about getting stuff done.
As an NCO you must always have the privates working. If they see specialists working while the privates stand around watching, the privates see no reason to get promoted.
Once as First Sergeant I went to the motor pool to check on my troops. I found the three Sergeants working with all their subordinates just watching. I pulled them aside. They were working on the equipment because they knew how to do it. I reminded them that now as NCOs their primary job was to train Soldiers. What if the NCOs get sick or PCS, would their troops know how to get the work done?
Your Jjob is the guy above you and below yous jobs
My grandson is in the Army. Made E5 just prior to his second deployment. Now looking at his third and E6. Appreciate your explanation of the roles and responsibilities.
I also went to the E6 board prior to my third 18 month deployment, returned home after getting wounded during month 17. Decided to ETS when I got home.
Day before getting out, I was told that my rank on dd214 would be reduced to E5, because I got promoted during deployment, I never got a chance to complete BNOC, which they said was required. I was so sick of their games at that point, I didn't care.
@williamrodriguezmswlcsw8119 He just got back from BNOC, so he's good to go on that. Now, he's working on getting to SF Selection. He knows that's a tough one! Slated for his third deployment (if SF is a no-go) in August. Hope it all worked out for you eventually!
SPC’s: Masters of Shamming lmao.
Warrants got them beat
Jeremy Rivard Ah the elusive warrant officer. The only time I ever even saw some was in Korea.
@@onepride_sports_cards I have seen more General Officers than I have Warrant Officers
I heard that E-1s are sometimes called Private Fuzzy because they have no rank and only the velcro is visible! LOL!
Yeah lol we call em fuzzies
For a book I'm writing I was trying to do detailed research on the ranks of the characters in it and I could never figure out how important one was over another and whatnot and this actually helps a lot. Thanks
Something to consider is the size of the unit. The largest units have dozens of junior grade officers and senior NCOs whereas smallest units only have one or two JG officers and Sr NCOs. For a young E-5, the levels of responsibilities differ greatly dependent upon the size of the unit. They will either make major decisions with multiple roles or will have one role at the bottom end of the hierarchy.
I wish I would have joined up, I was upset about flunking out of becoming an air force pilot and always regret not getting in where ever I could fit in and now I'm too old. Respect and many thanks to those who did serve! This was interesting brother thank you for this!
How old are you?
@@Dawitness11 44
This is pretty easy, E2-E4: you sweep rain water or for E3s and E4s you get someone under you to do it
I was E4 specialist with college when I enlisted and given the problem children.I met the entire chain of command for my "children".
How does that work? You can't tell them what to do without NCO authority.
@@sooneradmirer4382 an E4 can tell a PVT or PFC even another SPC if he or she has more time in service than the other what to do.. if an E4 was placed in that duty to delegate, supervise/babysit the lower enlisted by an NCO, then yes that E4 has authority to tell them what to do. Punishment is different that is 100% a NCO's job though. Some units are short on NCOS and place specialists in squad leader positions, I was a Squad leader as a specialist and it gave me authority to delegate and task out lower enlisted, but again if they have an issue with what I say or want them to do and punishment is needed I then go to the Platoon sergeant
The only children that had to be dealt with were second lieutenants.
E-1s & E-2s train. That is is their most important job. They also perform routine tasks only entry level skills and necessary details in support of the unit under the close supervision of junior NCOs. E-3s and Sp.4s work with a lower level of supervision while continuing to train. It is at these levels that soldiers begin to established their reputations for attention to detail, competence, reliability, efficiency and overall job performance over time sorting themselves into groups who are more or less likely to be be suitable for increased responsibility and their
potential for leadership. The better performers are promoted to E4 first and efficient performance in accordance with applicable standards as E-4s places these soldiers in contention for promotion into the NCO ranks. As E-4s they work with a lower level of supervision. E-5s are entry level NCOs they work and supervise lower enlisted ranks. Over time they spend more time supervising larger numbers of enlisted personnel and less time performing tasks themselves. By teaching others they hone their skills as journeymen and become increasingly familiar with the applicable standards. E-6 are full performance level journeymen, trainers and squad (or other small unit) leaders who take direction from senior NCOs and E-7s are in enlisted managers in charge of platoon sized units. They organize, assign lead and direct the unit through the junior NCOs to ensure the its effective accomplishment of a specific task or mission and the unit’s performance in accordance with and in compliance to the applicable standards. They also direct tactical operations for the units and make personnel decisions ensuring that the right soldiers are assigned to the right duties it’s their job to select and groom the junior NCOs and assist them in the assumption of greater responsibility. At this level they train more by directing and monitoring and less by teaching, lecturing and demonstrating. So that the Junior NCOs become self starters who can see the big picture. They are also responsible for maintaining unit discipline. E8s are specialized Section managers who typically have responsibility for essential resources such as armorers who inventory issue store and maintain weapons at a higher level than soldiers who perform operator maintenance. Other examples are supply Sargents who manage stores of clothing paper goods cleaning supplies specialized tools and other essential commodities and Mess Sargents who managed food service operations ensuring that soldiers in the unit have the necessary nutrition to maintain their health individual effectiveness and morale or sergeants in charge of careers counseling, social actions, equal opportunity programs and other personnel issues that are beyond the scope of the First Sargents Finally, First Sargents are E-8s who served as company level enlisted personnel managers responsible for the overall welfare, discipline training equipping morale fitness and performance of soldiers assigned to the company, the implementation of SOP’s the company commander’s personnel policies and the administration of personnel records in accordance with the applicable standards as well as disciplinary actions when frontline supervisors have identified and referred a serious or potentially serious problem that requires administrative or non-administrative personnel actions that require approval or other actions requiring the attention of the Company Commander, corrective custody criminal referrals to the provost marshals through military police separation from the service courts marshals due process and the attendant record keeping. They are also responsible for referrals to other career and personnel managers who have assumed responsibility for special areas of the soldiers’ military life. Finally Theo assist the platoon and company level officers, as needed with personnel matters affecting their troops. E9-s are typically senior enlisted representatives at the battalion level and Command level E9s serve the same functions at the brigade or higher levels they advise the senior commanders who have limited contact with enlisted personnel on matters affecting their performance and their crucial role in mission accomplishment in an effort to maintain discipline, effectiveness and good morale. They also represent the troops to the senior commanders and advocate for their welfare.
I’ve been in the army for 4 years and I still can’t find a reason to keep CSMs around
They’re around to enforce grooming standards. Duh! 😂🤣😂🤣
They are there to keep people off the grass lol
@@georgemaxwell3467 nah, that's 1SG job
Make rules and yell at anyone below you that’s doing something stupid on the spot. Sometimes help with making sure soldiers have gear.
Truly they are useless
I went into the Army as an E-4 Specialist right out college, you get E5 in OCS and then eventually your Butter Bar. For me being a Specialist was just being a Private that got paid more and took all the crap when the other privates decided to go Blue Falcon.
That absolutely proves you didn't do Enlisted for long. E-4 is typically the most looked up to junior enlisted and the least tasked out. They even take a more leadership role over the E-3s and below. Its a highly sought after rank for people joining the miltiary and often isnt one people want to leave which is why its the highest percentage of army personnel.
@@pyrrho2278 It's highest percentage of Army personnel because it's the last enlisted rank you don't have to compete for. Starting at E5, you need points and boards. For E4 and below, all you need is time.
@@dawnfire82 And school. For E-5, which I was before getting out, its WLC. Then E-6 ANOC and E-7 BNOC I believe.
@@pyrrho2278 I went in to be an officer right out of college. I was only an in E-4 for BCTB and then maybe a week after. I had E5 for about 12 weeks if I remember right. Then after OCS I was a 2nd LT.
@@pyrrho2278He was probably a E4 private in boot camp 😆
S3 is the Battalion Training and Schools Section. SGM or Senior MSG is usually the NCOIC. The S2 is the Intel section. Usually an SGT or SSG 35F3 at Battalion level is the NCOIC. And SFC ( 35F4 at Brigade level and a MSG 35F5 at the division G2. S1 is Admin of course usually the NCOIC is a SFC (42A4 or 42A5 or MSG, S4 is Supply which the NCOIC is a MSG, SFC or even a SSG 92Y3, 40 or even 50 level.. S5 is the Plans Section which usually is a MSG or SFC. and S6 is Commo which is usually a MSG ( 25F5) or SFC (25F4) as the NCOIC. Battalion is only authorized one CSM position so there will only be one CSM at the battalion. same with Brigade, Division, Corps and Army Command level. CSM will also be commandants of NCO Academies, Drill Sergeant Schools, MOS Schools, and as well as Recruiting and Retention. SGM (79Z) can be the post NCOIC of Retention ( Career Counselors). SGMs will be the NCOIC of Post training schools as well as be the Asst Commandant of a NCO Academy, Drill Sergeant School and so forth. Most Company level units are only authorized one E8 slot which is the First Sergeant. Some aviation units may have a another MSG position because he/she will be the NCOIC of the production control for the unit. CORRECTION. The POST Command Sergeant Major is combined with the division unit or corp unit whichever is higher at that base For example 101st Airborne division is the highest level unit on Fort Campbell. SO the Division unit commands the entire post so the 101st ABN DIV CSM is also the post command sergeant major. Since Fort Bragg has the 18th ABN Corps. but also has 82nd ABN DIV. under it as well as other divisions at other post. 101 at Campbell, 3ID at Stewart, 10th mountain at drum. the 18th ABN Corps CSM is the Corps CSM and the fort Bragg Post CSM as well. The Garrison Command Sergeant Major asst the Garrison commander (COL) who controls what buildings are occupied by what unit commands. Example, Building 1001 which is Post Command HDQTRS is controlled by garrison but the command that's in that building which is the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) controls all units and the post itself. So basically Garrison Command is not in level of Chain of command by unit level
You just made that up, lol.
@@briangulley6027 Once again, Another clueless civilian, making comments on subjects they have no idea how the Army works. Stop trolling Army videos so you can go around learning what you think you know so you can go around and tell stolen valor lies
My story: As a PFC M1 Tanker in the 2d Armored Cavalry stationed in West Germany 1985-86 Due to a shortage of E5's and E6's in our squadron, I was made an acting Corporal. My responsibilities included being a Tank Commander with two crewman (a Spec4 and a PV2), Troop NBC NCO, UCOFT (Unit Conduct of Fire Training) instructor/operator, and as the 2d ACR's primary mission before the end of the Cold War was inner German and Czechoslvokian border surveillance, I was an Assistant Patrol and Reaction Force Team Leader. During this time I would become promoted to E4 and successfully pass the E5 promotion board. Upon my PCS back to the States and my new unit, 3/3 ACR I was "demoted" to mere Spec4 until my promotion to E5.
Yep barred for reinlistment over bullshit LT. That didn't stop them from putting me in charge of the company AT section for a year as an PFC. Pizza hut helped me escape the madness.
Did you know a specialist named Westerguard?
As a former mechanic in the Army I wondered if other MOS's had a similar social structure around ranks. I heard combat Arms MOS's are way more strict in their ranks
For me being an E5 was like being an E1 all over again. Every crappy thing you get put in charge off. I was put in charge of stuff with no guidance or support. I eventually figured it out but still...
But, guys like you show why our Army is superior to the disaster in a Russian army. Good for you!
Much easier to her promoted in Combat Arms. Very high turnover rate including E-5
I was in the USMC Jan.1985 - March 1989 and because of my disciplinary record I never made above E-4. The only thing I learned was to fire a rifle well. I was marksman with the M-40, M-21, M-16, if it shot a projectile from a rifle, I could shoot it. All because of Gunnery Sgt. T.W.Smith. He was honest, loyal to his men, patient and instilled discipline to me when I fucked up. He was, in my opinion, the best shot with a rifle, in the world!!! Some of the best Sgt’s are/were in the USMC. They always took great care of the men and women that serve.
Did you get honorably discharged?
@@robertisham5279 I was given an OTH. I had authority issues. A navy shrink helped me out with that and I was shown the door basically.
"What does even this guy do" *holds up a sham shield.
I loled
Proud member of the E4 Mafia since 1986.
My favorite rank was E6 SSG.. I deployed at that rank and was put in the the Platoon SGT slot due to an accident during MOB station at FT. Benning.. Squad leader had some rank responsibilities, but not the upper company lever meeting things.. I did NCOERs for team leaders and other schedule type things..E7 did look better, but E6 was just enough to keep from labor type work..
yep, E6 is when you've made it and get to escape the labor, at least that's how it is in the Marines, I'd assume the same in all branches. except it can often take 10 years to reach E6.
in army combat arms its possible to hit 6 in 4 but rare. 6 in 6 is considered on track. and 8 is probably the average@@TheWorldisaLIE2
lot easier to gain rank in the army@@itz_otto
It works thusly: I use the "mopping floor analogy. In addition to the lowest ranks have to mop floors, period. After a few years, one may graduate to supervisor of the mopper. That means if there's a beef about the floor, they yell at the mopper's supervisor instead directly to the mopper. It’s one of the reasons I didn’t reenlist…
When I was an E1 and E2 in the army I had a E5+ job at division G8 finance.
You get what you put into the military. 🇺🇸
Shows Specialist:
"What does this guy do?" Nothing, Sham, dissapear every day, have eternal appointments at dental or the clinic. show privates how to get a paycheck without doing much work (without being an officer or warrant officer).
So officers don't have to work a lot?
How many hours do they work if they do bare minimum?
Asking for someone unrelated
@@FS-wd3hu to be perfectly honest, officers do work, of course they do, maybe just a little bit less because they dont have 5 NCOs above them telling them they gotta stay late and come in early.
if Cpt says he wants everyone in by 8. He arrived at 7:45, lt at 7:30, first sarge by 7:20, staff sarge by 7:10 and the privates are there by 7 and so on.
Now, most of their work is however paperwork related, instead of cleaning, fixing stuff and so on.
Sure, medical officer's work may be little different from a medic's work, takijg care of sick patients, filling charts and doing some helathcsre related paperwork, but generally, the officers have less "manual" work and more "desk" work.
So of course they work, and pretty much the same hours, but their work is different, and should the cpt decide to just take a break and pop into the px to grab a snack, no first sarge or sgm will chew his ass for slacking off.
It is however a running joke that "officers dont work for a living"
@@Fede_uyz thanks for the info dude.
Please can you tell me how many hours do an enlisted work in a week? because that is really hard to figure out
@@FS-wd3hu really really depends. 7-5/6, 8-5/6, maybe even 6/6:30-6. Thats not counting PT and so on that will probably happen before you go in.
It will depend on your MOS, your unit, your leadership and so on.
You may be a medic at a clinic and be there at 7 until 5, have pt at 6, then change leadership and have pt at 5 and have to be in at 6,
You may have days where a really cool NCO lets you off at 4-4:30 cause you're done for the day, you may have days a REALLY cool NCO tells you that they dont need you right now and just go to the barracks in case they need you during the day, and you might have plenty of days that you went in at 6-7am and are "asked" to stay well into 6, 7 maybe even 8pm.
All depends on leadership, mos, unit, and so on.
Thats of course talkin stateside.
@@Fede_uyz now I know they call it serving and not working lmao.
Thanks for the answer bud.
Seems almost disrespectful to make people work for below minimum wage while being pro military I feel sorry for them.
I'm doing research for a character and this video has helped a lot, thank you!
When I made rank in the Navy, it meant more to me than when I made it in the Army. When you get your crow and they tack it on…is a real sense of accomplishment. All the studying, doing 20-35 modules and passing the promotion exam (and getting promoted, you can or could when I was in the Navy, pass but not be promoted) was great. In the Army, go to the board, get commanders points, civilian education points, military education points, PT score points and wait for BNCOC or ANCOC. Was a shock switching from the Nav to the Army.
Pass but not promotable is still a thing, but points for college or even volunteering to hand out candy gains points for promotion in the navy now.
You never see E4's, they are the masters of stealth. I heard of these fabled creatures but never seen one.
I mastered the art of the complete vanish as a Spc 4. Mastered it I was better than Houdini Then as the E-5 it was my job find others who mastered this art, Drove me nuts. But I did develop the skill set to convince my first and x o that at any given time I knew where the troops were and what they were doing.
Big miss on Senior NCO ranks. Even at the Company/Battery/Troop level, they are advisors to the Commander. The 1SG doesn’t necessarily receive orders from the SGM/CSM. The 1SG supports and advises the Commander. They make their intent happen. Knowing what the Commander’s Mission Essential Task List (METL) is very important. Same with CSM. They advise the BN/BDE/DIV Commanders. All senior NCOs support their commander.
Your right. I think he was just trying to stay on the enlisted side. He could have explained a little bit more but maybe he thought it would have made hes video longer but your absolutely right. Intent and missions come from your OIC's.
Thanks for explaining that!
Agreed, the same is true for platoon sgts. They are working closely with their platoon leaders. Plus, unless things are now different, the main difference between a corporal and a spec4, the corporal is in a position of authority, track commander, fire team leader, etc…
Also very much depends on your MOS and your position. An SFC who is a Battle NCO in S-3 will have a very different role than a SFC who is the PSG of an infantry platoon. Same thing with a Master Sergeant.
In general, there are a lot of misses here. A SSG is not necessarily a 'Squad Leader/Section Sergeant'. In fact, this is the point at which many NCO's leave their line units for different roles. For example, when I promoted to SSG I was transferred to S-3 to work as an Assistant Operations NCO. I then went back and finished that duty station as a Section Sergeant in a line platoon. When I PCS'ed, I was assigned to Recruiting (which depending on your era can also be done as an E-5 Promotable). Most of my fellow friends who were SSG's got orders to go to Recruiting/Drill/Instructor billets. May seem minor, but this can play a big role in an enlisted Soldier's career as it shows versatility in your job history when you get your looks for SFC.
E1’s are “Fuzzy’s” with no visible rank. 👍🏻
In the Infantry Airborne, they are on fast track to E-2, E-3. They are young, impressionable troopers that want to do a good job. Great guys who take to good leadership.
Bathroom cleaners
@@jaylafond9795 yeah bathroom cleaners until you reach E4 and then have the E1's - E3's do it.
Specialists are the back bone of the army.
You should read the 1st stanza of the NCO Creed.
Specialist is a saturated rank in the Army. Too many around with not a lot of positions available to prove themself.
@@randyhx Opportunities to be a leader are everywhere.
youre not wrong.. SPC>SGT ive met more SPC's that actually know what they are talking about than SGT's who have just completed online courses to get their rank lol.
@@Ishmail762 You are right. I can remember the shammers who ask for time to study for the board, instead of doing their job just to get promoted. There is always some sort of politics involved, but it’s usually nepotism where Soldiers that hang out after duty hours help themselves, leaving the truly hardworking Specialist to do all the work.
When I was a Specialist, I was given a Soldier who outranked me in time in rank. I thought it was to provide me experience, but turned out my Section Sergeant wanted to give another Specialist in my section (who were friends) time to do corespondent courses, and study for the board). My section Sergeant had 5 Soldiers, including myself and all were Specialist.
Just the fact you have the *Sword of Omens* casually inclined behind you gets you my sub, man! 🗡️🤙😎
It hurts to hear sergeant majors instead of sergeants major🥲
As a specialist you spend most of your time trying to do as little as possible.
I think it's different based on if it's Active, National Guard, Reserve, and the needs of the company. I'm a E-5 promotable to E-6, I'm a platoon sergeant with 77 soldiers in my platoon 49 boots on ground 28 Pre- EIT, shit gets heavy sometimes, I have a total of 8 other Ncos. We all cover down and help each other, we have too. It's definitely a team effort, I couldn't do it without the other 8 that's for sure!
Great Video - I'm a Brit Army vet and I served as a corporal with the US section in SHAPE in the late 60s. A great load of guys and I had a great time.
Flow Chart:
CO/O3: “Hey 1SGT, can you get everybody to clean up the armory.
1SGT: “Yes Sir, right away!”
1SGT: “PSG’s/E7’s, get your guys to clean up the armory!”
SFC: “Rodder Fur Sarnt”...spits chew
SFC: “Squad Leaders/SSG, get your joes to clean up the armory”
SSG: “Rodder”..spits chew into Monster can
SSG: “Team Leaders/SGT, get your joes to clean up the armory”
SGT: ...spits chew into Monster can, yells “E4 and below clean up the f*** armory!”
SPC and Below: ..yell back “Yes Sarnt!”
SPC: ...
“let’s all take a dump at the same time...”
...they go to the bathroom and 5 stalls are in use by the Lieutenants
PFC/PV2/FUZZ: cleans armory so everyone can leave
Spot on
This was awesome!! Can you please make the same video, but for officers? That would be super interesting since I’m sure a lot of people don’t really know much about the officer community
Even though they make the same money depending on time in service Cpl is an NCO. Spc is not.
Now they hv to go through sergeant school
@@RK7LifeLine Corporals do not need BLC or a promotion board to obtain the rank since it’s a lateral promotion. Some units might prefer or want you you to go through BLC or have a P status but it is not required to promote from SPC to CPL.
@@Arbiter3751 got it and thanks for ur answers , I am specialist maself and didn't know abt that since I enlisted as an E-4! Most enlisted dont like us boys with automatic promotion to E4 due to school credits!
@@RK7LifeLine Ahh I picked up my SPC back in July and have been in for a little over 2 years; I don’t really mind specialists or PFCs who promote because they have time in school. If you’ve got any other questions I’m unsure if I could answer them but I can give it my best shot 😂
@@RK7LifeLine CPL in the Marine Corps have to go through the Corporals Course or something like that. Mind you I’m in the Guard, I got lateral promoted to CPL on deployment because I was promotable to E5 but I hadn’t done BLC, AND I was a team leader. As soon as I did BLC I picked up my 5. In active duty you need so many points as well as TIS/TIG requirements, and then you have to go to a board before you go to BLC to get your 5. It’s different for CPL. You have to be in a leadership role, 2 years as a SPC, and either there isn’t a slot for E5 in your MOS or there’s a hold up for you to go to BLC, then they’ll curse you with the CPL rank until you can check your boxes to get your 5. To be honest, CPL was the worse rank I’ve been by far. Double barrel private for sure.
In my time with the 82nd Airborne, the PFC's and SPC's pretty much ran things
In my time as a Staff Sgt in the 82nd Infantry, these guys made shit happen. All my respect to those troopers.
@@richardmcgee8315 Wow, E-5 PLT SGT? Your time frame is very close to mine. I re-upped in 1989 for the 82nd, and had to get a commander's override because the DIV was at 110% I told them it was 82nd or I was getting out. They worked it out for me.
Yep I was in HHC 3/504 PIR 1ST BRIGADE CT. E4 mafia best rank ever i did make E-4 P ( promotable) after passing the Promotion board. Never saw points drop ETS d.
@@RivetGardener Well I mean yeah, S-3 schedules training, officers plan it and NCO’s exist to take the fall. But all of the gear, equipment, morale, purpose, reason, man power, lies with the joes. A lot of leadership doesn’t realize that, but without our joes the cogs stop turning. Who’s gonna PMCS and drive the trucks? Who’s gonna move the ammo and guard it? Who’s doing SI checks? Who’s squaring away privates in the woods before an NCO can? Who’s smashing PT tests? Who’s got schools to attend? Who’s got shit to sign for? Who’s keeping the secrets secret? Ain’t shit happening without the men. Everyone else just does paperwork and contemplated suicide.
Not when I was in the 82nd they didn't. Not even close. 73-98
They only made E4s Corporal in my unit so they could do CQ.
Same
Spot on. I bounced back and fourth.
US Army Vet here..Sept.78-Sept.81, 1St Armored Division, 501st Combat Aviation Battalion. Nuremberg, (West) Germany, 67 V MOS , OH-58 Helicopter Crew-Chief and proud member of the Spec 4 mafia.. Brought back some memories!!
Just to mention, alongside the command surgeon major rank holders in the regular army there are a few distinguished in the National Guard. Every state has a state command sergeant major.. So if you're in Illinois the Illinois national guard's state command sergeant major is Michael R Behary. Which is a more intense position, because instead of being in charge of a single installation, you have a full state worth of National Guard depot's ( Along with air National Guard and joint bases, arng & Reseves, liason duties) that are spread across the state. Stete level CSM run oversight for every single duty station from 1 central location. When I was in Arizona the state command sergeant major was at Papago park military plaza in Phoenix but there was 1st 180th field artillery that was located in Tucson for alpha Phoenix for Bravo and flagstaff for Charlie. (There are multiple other units and support wings in a state National Guard purvey)So they had to go from about as far North as you can get to about as far South as you can get, just to review installations. Generally if you are on a National Guard post, it will have a sign that you know the command sergeant major of the state National Guard is located here office at admin.
Random great advice-They're usually more Public relations minded NCOs, and they appreciate being greeted and acknowledged (on top of merely merely respecting the standard when greeting a higher ranked NCO). If you catch them on a is them on a great day, get them talking, and keep them engaged than you may end up with a challenge coin. More than that, you will have a great connection to the enlisted peak. Referrals for training and classes look great with a State CSM as the endorser. They will make time for the recruits with a shipping date, or a very strong drive to join and may be unsure of Mos, or even what to expect, they usually have a BTOC ( Basic training orientation course) Where you can spend 3 days on post in the barracks, living like you're doing basic training, you will take apart an M4 and put it back together, learn all the parts, and you will have your army APFT, additional training in DNC and etiquette, and an official graduation document with your name and rank and an official depth of the Army award that shows you took the initiative and completed an army training course before you even left for basic, you'll have army physical fitness test APFT results and coaching on where you need to focus your training to ace it by the time basic begins
Personal story of my experience and an interesting but abnormal way it benefitted me but relates to an early entry D.O.D. boot camp I had attended before going meps and choosing a branch and mos-I knew that, generally, if you set up an appointment with the state CSM after BTOC or catch them at graduation, you will also get an endorsement from them when you go into basic, because because you had that dedication ofcwill to seek out work before most ever do. Unless you plan to be a profile ranger, or shitbag Sam, which I had no desire to be among their numbers; it'll open doors to have powerful men invested in your careers "enduring" growth and success. I PCS'd as an E4 at JBLM in Washington and ended up in 2/75 B Co. I had a day 2 weeks into Regiment when 2 command sergeant majors from Arizona, command sergeant major Lutz and command sargent major Craig stopped by the Ranger Compound, unknown to me, they opted tk take me out for lunch just to catch up. They were both in Washington for some kind of command seminar, and they knew I was stationed there. They wanted to see how I was doing (Especially considering I had made it through some of the tough is training into ranger battalion), So I get pulled from my training area being told that 2 commands sgt majors wanted to speak with me, I'm wondering what the hell I did, and the next thing I know (Keep in mind I was brand new to the unit) This Evt First Class had this grin on his face, like he was gonna have the time of his life watching me getting my ass reamed for whatever I did (New Rangers life is scrutinized for any and every excuse to smoke and teach, so he's gonna smoke me once they shared why they wanted me and did their thing). I get greeted in the most unofficial manner possible.. Commands sgt major Craig AZ State CSM steps forward and says Chris you little bastard, slapping both shoulders at once and holding me at arms length. Looks for a moment, lets his right hand d4op to hks pocket and hands me 5-20s (because he bet $100.00 Iwouldn'tget into Regiment, after I told him doubt motivated me)"Damn, now my wife's gonna yell at me for gambling, anyways how are you doing (as he shakes my hand) How is your dad?" Command Sgt Major Lutz pipes up and asked me if I had gone out and collected any scorpions or if there were any to be found in this part of the country. (He knew the answer because he taught as a scien e teacher, but he was making a nostalgic call to nights with him, a blacklight, tongs, and a jar catching scorpions for his students and knew i missed it. Then asked me if my brother was was still planning on leaving for the Marine Corps. I told him it was most likely Army after he was invited to go to Washington D Washington DC, be a part of the tune of the unknown soldiers ceremony, and and be a keynote speaker you know speaker to address Congress regarding the project challenge program as well as taking a tour of the pentagon. From where they were standing you could see me from the end of a hallway but you could not see who I was talking to, mama my assistant squad leader came out at the end of the hallway, saw me,And proceeded to talk as much shit as he stormed down this hall as fast as he can only to come around the corner to 2 command sergeant majors the majors who were visiting with the guest that he just cussed out a. And they ripped into him like I have never seen from the 2. About that time a major walks in and ask what is going on, to watch the Arizona state sergeant major tells him that they are guessed there and they are visiting a personal friend and he decided to disrespect them do disrespect them by showing no respect to their rank, as they were guessed, and I was the individual that they were here to see. This Sgt First Class's jaw hit the floor as the Sgt gets pushed outsideandsmoked by the Major personally, and when I got back the SFC kina smoked me because he wanted to ensure that I didn't feel like I was special just because I had friends in high places. But he was too curiousat that point, he let me recover, and then asked me how the hell I knew them... and what that was all about. Which led to talking about the Arizona project challenge program, which he didn'tcare about until I told him I had 2 Regimental Rangers, CIB and all, who were Cadre in AZPC. IT turned out Ranger Dave Owens was deployed with that SFC during desert storm. Of course, he checked up with Owens and I got a major jump in the level of respect, because I had earned his praise based off all he saw in half a year as my Cadre and Cadre f4om my brothers class, as well as his personal respect for our father a combat medic and field surgeon from Vietnam. His opinion (Owens) made a difference, Hearing that the other ranger was the elephant ranger Kenny Bucy, who got beat up by an elephant in front of his platoon in Vietnam, and as he was recuperating in an Army hospital, as the marine unit that his ranger team was sharing a f.o.b. with were attacked and a few people were "eaten by freaking Tigers". He has been asked to speak at so many ranger rendezvous and other events, that I had some of the scariest NCO's and officers known to man, in the ranger regiment, talking to me like they were an excited child because I knew the elephant ranger and Ask me to have him come for a visit to tell the story in person, and I made it happen. It was a weird day when everything that I'd ever done to get to where I was came together and and involve the coolest state command sergeant major ever. If you're still out there CSM, here's to you. All of this was brought to light because of a state command sergeant major that I made friends with before I even got into the army.
SO glad I told my son to join the Navy. Boot camp then immediately 2 years of full time school with no crappy details, Non-Com rank when finished school.
My dad now retired since 1978 was an E8 - First Sargeant. Seems like (all) he did on a daily basis was hand out disciplinary to those under his command! He would complain daily to my mom about the crap that happens...he use to say he felt like a judge and jury. Near the end his career he was moved into a Master Sargeant position and life was better as he ended his military career.
As E-4 Specialist.. I was the Unit Barracks NCO.. I was the Unit Fire Marshal (E-5's and above).. The ONLY Unit Fire Marshal on Ft Campbell @ the rank of Specialist (@ the time).. The only unit Fire Marshal on the base that was MOSQ (HELD A FIREFIGHTING MOS).. On orders from commanding officer appointing me to each position.. Usually, you can serve one rank above or one rank lower.. The Commanding Officer can appoint whomever he chooses for whatever job.. Along with signed orders appointing them to that position.. Too often, I had to show these orders to E5's & E6's letting them know who was in charge.. The look of knowing that a E4 Specialist can write you up is priceless.. Thankfully, it never came to that..
I got out an E7, always liked being called smoke.
Artillery? Or do other MOS's call platoon Sergeants smoke?
E5 is entry into the NCO ranks, but it also feels like your a private again within the NCO ranks as well. E7 also can take over O1-2 on missions as well
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ lets take a look at the Warrant Officer duties.
Warrants are independent technical experts generally logistical advisors for batallion/brigade XOs.
The unicorn, you'll never actually see one, they're the ninja of the Army. They take shamming to the Nth degree!
@@thecman26 Unless your in one of the maintenance hot seats then you'll see em a lot
@@Holyhandgrenade-tx6xd I was in Finance in the reserves. Was probably 6 or 7 drills before I saw ours, I asked who she was, was informed she hides very well!
thank you so much for this video. i been searching high and low to get the jist of each ranks duties. :)
I am what is kinda unicorn. A specialist NCO, corporal, specifically gunsmith. Was trained and worked as a platoon leader in my company. Had the same paygrade and privileges as O-1.
Idk if this "rank" exists in other armed forces but yeah there are others like Specialist Medic NCO who are almost at par with a doctor when it comes to battlefield medicine.
Just something to throw a wrench at your wheels ;)
I went from a Hawk Missile Battery in Germany as a Spec. 4 in 1986 ( 16E-10 radar Operator ) , to the Sgt. Majors Academy in El Paso , Tx for a year. I was assigned as a 72 Lima ( clerk ) but was offered a job as the Corresponding Studies Supply maintenance specialists . That job was held by an E-6 and slotted as an E-6 slot . No one wanted the job as the place was a total wreck and a one man position .. I went in and completely cleaned the place up and was given permission to rewrite the S.O. P. , as it was useless ! I did both and when I went to my E-5 board and they asked me " Why should we make you a Sgt. Toth ? I showed them pictures of my building before and after I took over . I worked with three of the Sgt. Majors on my board and they knew exactly what I did . There was an old saying " Never Volunteer " ! When you stand in a formation with your class A's with ribbons and metals . The guys who volunteer get the medals and awards . I went into the National Guard as an E-4 , I got my E-5 after PLDC two years later , and I had more ribbons and metals as an E-4 than the E-5 's they had from what I did in active service . One of the 11 leadership traits is " Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions " .
When I was in a E1 was (Private Fuzzy)
E2 was Mosquito Wings.
With Corporal in the 8 years in my unit I seen only one guy get that rank because they needed another Sargeant to watch over the medic soldiers but didn't have opening, also I heard of them giving that rank if they need someone in the Sargeant rank for a position but they don't trust the soldier enough to give them the Sargeant rank they will move them from specialist to Corporal.
I'm in artillery and we only have one corporal. That's because he switched from the Marines to the army and was a corporal in the Marines. I have only seen maybe 5 or 6 corporals in the army in my 7 years so far.
@@65thE5 seen 2 in my 8 years, one combat medic and one handing out items at FT Sill.
My grandfather was a 1st sergeant in WW2. He took his orders not from a Sgt major but officers usually Captain, Major, and Lieutenant
The Rank of Sergeant Major didn’t exist during WW2.
This is my sham shield. There are many like it... "I will strive to remain technically and tactically illiterate."
In the Marine Corps, every Master Sergeant I met was the chillest SNCOs I've ever met. My company master sergeant chain smoked newport 100s and monster energy drinks, and was missing a finger. He was in 26 years. When the day came for his retirement ceremony, He left early as shit in the morning because he didn't want everyone doing retirement ceremony practice all fuckin week. Great guy. If I ever go back in, I'd definitely want to end my career as an E-8 Master Sergeant. Or lord willing E-9 Master Guns
E4 Corporal aka the biggest blue falcon in the army
The WORST rank!
@@lelandgaunt9985 I KNOW RIGHT?!
Were not going to pay you e5 or treat you like one. But you're going to have to act like one.
Got it right after pldc, in 1st Cav I was taken care of, my next unit not so much.
I've got an all purpose loathing for corporals. Last one I had as squad lead would counsel you negatively if you breathed the wrong goddamn way and then would probably make you write a 5000 word essay on the importance of oxygen or some wack ass shit like that
You left one important factor out while explaining the CSM rank. They are the ones who always tell you to get off their grass. 😊
Left the army a Specialist (P) couldn’t be happier I don’t intend on getting that far but I did
So did I. I was on the August 2011 promotion list for Sergeant but they refused to pin me because I was getting out.
@@Ghostrider6A I wonder if being pinned a sergeant would look good on your resume on the outside in civilian world. I know at least one person right now who is promotable even though he's got like six months left in army and says he's not reenlisting.
@@golfery5119 It'll look better than not. Most job recruiters know a Sergeant means you have led Soldiers.
The Garrison Commander is like the Mayor of the base (Executive Authority) and the Garrison CSM is like the City Manager (Operational Manager) 25X60,H,M,P (1988-2010)
Also depends on how many new dudes there are. 2 other guys and I were PFCs who got pimped out on every detail for a while because we were still the newest guys. Then we got a BUNCH of new guys and we were hardly ever doing details. I had proven myself as a good soldier and as long as I showed face no one would wonder that I was doing. Just as I was reaching peak sham as an E3 we had a bunch of NCOs and senior Spc leave so I got a TL position as an E3. Right as I got SPC (and still a team leader) my SL went to a bunch of classes and then alc so I was an acting squad leader.
I always like the idea of combining technical metal music and the military. Their atmosphere just clashes along very well together.
ALC April , looking forward too it
E-4p here. This, by far, is the best breakdown of the ranks. Good job, brother. 91H out
Every Staff Sergeant I know is a Drill Sergeant
And SFC are Senior Drill Sergeants
3:05 "When you move up to an E4 or a specialist, you're gonna go to Dental. Every single day."
Man i was blessed of becoming a promotible specialist literally at my 2 and a half year mark with BLC completed. As soon as i passed BLC i became the fueler in-charge over other E-4s who had been in for 5+ years without going to the board. All those E4s were all pissed and i understood why (We didnt have any fueler E-5s). I sat down with everyone that was a lower enlisted fueler and i told them "hey im not here to boss yall around i know some of yall have more experience than me so im here to listen to all of you because at the end of the day you are all over me" after that day they respected me but i also didnt let them walk over me. i would just brief them on what detail we were put on and we would get it done as a team. I treated them as people and i would reward them with pizza and drinks at the end of a hard working day.. Yes as a E4 because i knew the soldiers would care for me if i cared for them. I am still a E4 but im glad im not in a leadership position anymore without the proper pay lol.
This is slightly cringy
Dude wft are you talking about?
@@joshsmith5626 how come ? Lol
@@nucleardancemoves255 did you read it?
@@joshsmith5626 ofcourse
You overlooked the relationships between the platoon leader and his platoon sergeant; the company/troop/battery commander and his first sergeant; and the division/brigade/group/battalion/squadron commander and his command sergeant major. Furthermore, the garrison sergeant major works for the garrison commander, not the installation commander. On an Army installation, the installation commander is also the senior Army commander on the installation (so, if the largest Army formation on post is a division, then the division commander is also the installation commander); thus, the command sergeant major who works for the senior Army commander on the installation also fulfills the role as installation command sergeant major. The main thing to take away from this is to remember the close relationship between the officer and the senior NCO at platoon level and higher echelons of command.
Your examples are good general idea for regular Army but E-6 and E-7 in Special Special Forces is totally different as there are no privates on an ODA and rarely E-4s. Totally different mission so functions differently
Love this military ranking!
My dad was an 88M, he retired in 2019, I’m about to enlist as an 11X or a 153A.
He retired as an acting First Sergeant.
Same, you ship July 27th?
@@hailstorm4244 Nah, I’m a Junior this year, I’m shipping next year.
When I was an E-4 I was slotted in a SSG spot, a 1LT spot (twice), and a SGT spot at least 5 times. Was in for 8 years, made E-4 in 11 months and was promotable with all schools and etc. at 24 months, at 7 years went to Ranger school to finally break the cut-off glass ceiling for my MOS after failed attempt to reclass (Had 750+ promotion points out of 800). Broke both legs and lower back damage in a jump at Ranger school and was medically retired. Month I ETS'd cut-off dropped and shortly later MOS was discontinued! LOL!
What was your MOS?
That's actually pretty common in the Reserves to have E7s fill in E8 roles depending on the MOS due to personnel shortages and O2s and worst case scenario O1s fill in an O3 role. I've even heard frocking may be coming back in January.
I’m active and had a e7 frocked up to e8 on deployment
Was commissioned as 2Lt in 1983. Wqs 42A, AG in the rear with the beer, Death from Behind. I was assigned to be the Admin Services Branch Chief as a 1LT taking over a captains slot. So being assigned to a higher level position is not uncommon. SFC commonly get tapped to be the Top, and 1LTs can be company commanders, especially if they are on the captain's promotable list already.
The one you missed. Corps command sergeant major. Usually, a unit of about 150 soldiers that over see a couple of divisions. At corps level, it is usually officer heavy, and you are working for a 3 or 4 star general.
"Private Second Class" does not exist in the US Army. They might change that one day, but so far its not in any of the regs (even though Recruiting Command put it on its website for some unknown reason)
The mean difference between a specialist and a corporal is the corporal is a NCO and a specialist is not. The corporal is more of a leadership position and if I remember correctly, has to go through NCO school before moving from specialist and corporal.