Army Enlisted Rank - Basic Training for the Organizationally Challenged

To begin, there are nine levels of enlisted rank in the United States Army. Rank begins with the Private, and ends with the Sergeant Major of the Army. Along with each proper rank name, is an abbreviated rank identifier and an enlisted grade, or pay grade. The enlisted grades also start at E1 and end at E9. Four grades, E4, E7, E8 and E9, are distinguished because they each have multiple ranks associated with them.

People usually recognize that soldiers wear 'stripes' on their sleeves and collars. There are two types of stripes that are used with one another. The stripes that point up are called chevrons. The lower stripes that attach to the chevrons are called arcs or rockers.

Private, PV1, E1 - This is a basic recruit rank and grade. The private wears no insignia. His sleeve and collar are bare.

Private, PV2, E2 - The Private wears the insignia of one chevron on his sleeves and collar. Advancement to the rank of E2 is usually automatic upon completion of six months service.

Private First Class, PFC, E3 - The Private First Class wears insignia of one chevron and one rocker. Advancement to the rank of E3 is usually automatic upon completion of 12 months service. The E1, E2 and E3 are all addressed as 'Private'.

Specialist 4, SP4, E4 - The Specialist is a somewhat unique rank. This is the only enlisted rank that does not bear chevrons or rockers. Instead, the Specialist rank looks like a solid shield with an eagle centered on it. The Specialist has been trained in a military occupational specialty (MOS), his Army job, and has some amount of experience in the service.

Corporal, CPL, E4 - The Corporal wears the insignia of two chevrons. The Corporal is the first rank in the US Army identified as a non-commissioned officer, or NCO. The Corporal and the Specialist both make the same amount of pay, but the Corporal outranks the Specialist because of his NCO status. Also, the Corporal is the first rank designated as a 'Junior non-commissioned officer', or Junior NCO.

Sergeant, SGT, E5 - The Sergeant wears the insignia of three chevrons. This rank is sometimes referred to as a 'Buck Sergeant'. A Sergeant may serve as a squad leader in the absence of a Staff Sergeant. The Sergeant is a Junior NCO.

Staff Sergeant, SSG, E6 - The Staff Sergeant wears insignia of three chevrons and one rocker. The Staff Sergeant is generally placed in charge of one of the platoons four squads, but Staff Sergeants can also act as a Platoon Sergeant in the absence of a Sergeant First Class. The Staff Sergeant is a Junior NCO.

Sergeant First Class, SFC, E7 - The Sergeant First Class wears insignia of three chevrons and two rockers. The Sergeant First Class is the first rank designated as a Senior NCO. The ranks of E8 and E9 are also Senior NCO's.

Platoon Sergeant, PSG, E7 - The rank of the Platoon Sergeant is the same as the Sergeant First Class. There may be more than one Sergeant First Class in a platoon, but there is only one Platoon Sergeant. The Platoon Sergeant is the primary assistant and advisor to the Platoon Leader, who is usually a Lieutenant, and therefore the Platoon Sergeant has authority over any other E7's in his platoon.

Master Sergeant, MSG, E8 - The Master Sergeant wears insignia of three chevrons and three rocker. The Master Sergeant works in a staff position, such as Operations.

First Sergeant, 1SG, E8 - The First Sergeant wears insignia of three chevrons and three rocker. A First Sergeant and Master Sergeant both earn equal pay, but the First Sergeant is the highest ranking enlisted soldier in a company, and therefore, has more authority than the Master Sergeant. A small diamond resides within the space of the chevrons and rockers.

Sergeant Major, SGM, E9 - The Sergeant Major wears insignia of three chevrons and three rocker. A small five pointed star resides within the space of the chevrons and rockers. Typically, the Sergeant Major is found in battalion level or higher units.

Command Sergeant Major, CSM, E9 - A small five pointed star with a wreath resides within the space of the chevrons and rockers. The Command Sergeant Major is the senior enlisted advisor to the commanding officer. His duties carry certain ceremonial functions such as caring for the unit's colors, as well as serving as a monitor for, and advocate of, the enlisted men in the command.

Sergeant Major of the Army, SMA, E9 - The Sergeant Major of the Army is the highest enlisted rank. There is only one Sergeant Major of the Army at any one time. He represents all Army enlisted soldiers. The eagle from the Great Seal of the United States is centered between two five-pointed stars centered horizontally between the chevrons and rockers.

Each of the aforementioned ranks is special in its own way, and holds a valuable place in the military hierarchy. Though their ranks, duties and responsibilities may vary, soldiers serving at every level of the military order are equally as important as their fellow service members.

Indian National Army - The Military Contribution During World War II

The Japanese hemmed in by lack of raw material and resources decided to launch an invasion of South East Asia. The initial Japanese Army offensive was a huge success and parts of China, Indo-China and Singapore were easily taken by the Japanese Imperial Army. The British unable to transfer resources to the Far east, besieged as they were by the Germans in Europe were no match and capitulated easily.

Facing the Imperial Army were remnants of some British troops and elements of the Indian Army. With a paucity of equipment and faced with a ruthless enemy, the British and Indian soldiers surrendered in fair numbers. At that time some Indian leaders who dreamed of Indian Independence from the British, suggested that Indian POWs captured by the Japanese army be Incorporated as a separate group to fight along with the Imperial army.

The captured POW were thus offered an incentive to join what was known as the 'Indian National Army' or 'Azad Hind Fauj'. It is a fact of history that the defection to the INA was minimal and the vast majority of Indian soldiers remained loyal to the crown. General Mohan Singh was the first commander of the INA, but he had differences with the Japanese who removed him him from command and also imprisoned him.

In such a scenario the Charismatic Indian leader Subhas Bose landed from Germany in 1943 and assumed command of the INA. He formulated a war cry 'Delhi Chalo'- Go to Delhi, in a bid to galvanize the Indians.

The INA made up of captured Indian POWs soon got into action along with the Imperial army. They moved along with the Japanese army across Burma into the gates of India. There are romantic ideas and notions of the performance of the INA during this phase of the war i. e. conquest of Burma and the role of the INA.

However it must be remembered that the INA was never fully equipped by the Japanese and it just followed the Imperial Army. Their performance and effect on any battle was minimal and romantic notions aside, one can safely say that the INA never lived up to its expectations. In addition the numbers of the INA were few as a vast majority of soldiers taken as POWs refused to join the Japanese.

The siege at Imphal where the British Indian Army held out against the Imperial army is a case in point. The INA failed in its efforts to breach the British Indian Army lines and despite all sorts of propaganda failed to engineer defections among Indian soldiers as well. In short the performance of the INA was minimal and their effect on the war of not much significance.

Romantic notions are difficult to dispel and thus the legend that that the INA made a significant contribution to the war effort is propagated by quite a few people. But the facts speak otherwise. The INA's contribution to Indian Independence and its effect on the battlefield was way below expectations. History will record only a footnote to the INA by historians. That is the sad truth.

Military Background Check - Did Your Grandpa Really Join the Army

Just like any other kind of this service, the military background check also aims to investigate a person's history. Specifically, with conducting military background searches you will find out or validate if someone has been part of the military, and if they have been enlisted or discharged.

Reasons vary why people conduct these searches. One of the most common reasons is the verification is someone was indeed a part of the military. An individual doing a search for military history data can look into where the subject served, how long they served and where they are assigned at present. In addition, the military record of the subject will reveal his/her awards and distinction while in the service.

People use this service in looking for children or spouses who are currently enlisted in the military. It is essentially a way of keeping in touch with a family member who is in the military.

Another use of the military background check is in making sure than a person has the education or training needed for a certain job. There are some businesses which ensure that the person serve the military before giving them the chance to have an extended period in their job. The information that will be collected in running a service like this include: date of birth, enlistment, deployment, rewards granted, disciplinary action, discharge, among others.

Military background check can really be of great advantage. Some people were able to pay tribute to men and women by conducting these and similar types of investigation.

Military Company - The Lifeblood of the Army

Generals don't win wars. Neither do Divisions, Brigades or even battalions. Instead, it is the military companies and platoons that win in combat.

Although combat orders and missions are created at the higher echelons, such as the Army level, Corps, or Division level, it is the companies that execute the orders in combat.

In most cases, a military company normally consists of 100-200 soldiers and is led by a Captain and First Sergeant. Most military companies are this size because this is the ideal size. However, some companies, such as Explosive Ordnance Disposal are much smaller.

There are many different types of companies to include infantry, armor, aviation, Quartermaster, Ordnance, Maintenance, Engineer, Signal, Transportation, Medical, and many more.

Most companies have a specific mission in combat. For instance, a Maintenance Company would repair equipment for a maneuver force. Or, they could simply provide maintenance support to units located in a designated area.

Furthermore, most companies are organized into 3-4 platoons. Normally, there is a Headquarters Platoon and 2-3 other platoons. For example, an infantry company has a Headquarters section and 3 infantry platoons.

Most companies belong to a battalion. A battalion normally has 3-4 companies in its structure. The battalion is led by a Lieutenant Colonel and Command Sergeant Major.

Most of the military's fighting force is located at the company level. All maneuver elements function as squads, platoons, or companies in combat.

Even when you hear things like the 32nd Infantry Division is fighting in combat, it's really the companies within the 32nd Infantry Division that are fighting.

That's why serving as a company commander is such an awesome experience. It's the only time you will truly be at the troop level in combat (other than Platoon Leader).

In summary, the military company plays a vital role in the success of our military.

Life After West Point Military School

West Point exists to educate and train Cadets who are commissioned as Officers in the US Army upon Graduation. The commitment is for a total of 8 years, 5 of which are on active duty and 3 in the Reserves if you choose not to continue on active duty. A very few graduates may select commissioning in other services, primarily where one of their parents has served a career in another service.

The primary options for Army service are the choice of branch of service. You choose that at the beginning of your senior year. What are your army career options? After graduating from West Point, you will be commissioned in one of several Army branches. You may want a combat arms branch such as Infantry, Field Artillery, Armor, Air Defense Artillery, Aviation or Combat Engineers. You also may choose a combat support branch such as Signal, Military Police, Chemical or Military Intelligence.

You may also want to choose one of the combat service support branches such as Ordnance, Quartermaster, Transportation, Adjutant General or Finance. Opportunities are also available for the Medical Service Corps or the Judge Advocate General Corps later in your service career. You will advance to positions of greater responsibility in each branch based on your abilities.

West Point is looking for well rounded young men and women who want to serve as commissioned officers in the US Army. By well rounded I mean good students, good athletes, and good leaders. The focus is on service in the Army rather than on the college education part.

Now to answer your specific questions. Commissioned officers serve as leaders of the wonderful young men and women in our Army today. The military is organized into branches of service that are either directly involved on the front lines (infantry, armor, field artillery, etc) or operate in support roles (signal, ordnance, intelligence, aviation, etc.) I would go to the Army's web site and check it out thoroughly.

As for percentage rates for West Point, there are two interesting numbers. The first is the percentage rate of acceptance of offers of admission. In recent years (since 9/11) the percentage rate has been steady at about 85%. That is the highest acceptance rate of any college or university in the nation, topping Harvard, Princeton and all the rest. This says that those who apply to West Point know what they are doing and are very serious about it.

The second percentage rate of interest is the graduation rate. In recent years the graduation rate has held steady between 75% and 80% of those who enter graduate, in four years. The national average is 50% in SIX years.

If you chose not to stay beyond your five year active duty commitment the world is open to you. Experienced young Army officers are in great demand everywhere in our business world and they have no problems supporting themselves or their families.

Finally, to answer your question about the potential for playing a professional sport following graduation. The Department of Defense has recently adopted a policy where a small number of Service Academy Graduates (not just West Point) to be released early from their active duty obligation to play professional sports. They do have to pay back the cost of their education (several hundred thousand $$) and serve in the Army Reserves in a recruiting role, but today there is a viable option for elite level athletes.

If you work for what you want then some day you will get it and when you do you will look back on your days at West Point and thank them for giving you the change to become something better to do something better with you life.

The Law About Health Problems in the US Army

My brother is leaving for Iraq. He has to go into combat training August 22nd. His sergeant doesn't know about his mental illnesses, he is bi-polar and has a panic disorder and some type of aggression disorder also. How can the military except someone in this state of mind. To me it seems like committing suicide by going to Iraq in this state of being. Can he take his medication? What if he is unable to take it? He is also addicted to pain killers since he has a bad back. Is there a mental evaluation before he leaves? Would he be a danger to his own comrades?

ANSWER: All soldiers receive an entrance complete physical examination, including a review of psychiatric issues and past medical history. Soldiers also must undergo a five-year (or sooner, depending on the soldier's particular job) physical reevaluating his physical status. Soldiers who exhibit symptoms of illness - physical or mental - are referred to the military treatment facility for diagnosis and treatment, if necessary. Soldiers preparing for deployment (such as your brother) undergo a predeployment examination in addition to the above examinations. If your brother has the problems you state he does, they should be included in his military medical records, which will be reviewed prior to his deployment and, when the conditions arose, whether at deployment or prior, will make him non-deployable.

The fact that he is scheduled for deployment and has the conditions you allege leads me to assume that he has not reported these conditions. If so, he needs to have his treating physicians report the conditions to the military physicians. Some of the above disorders may not make him nondeployable, especially if controllable with medication.

Your brother should see his military primary care physician and ensure his conditions are noted, diagnosed, and treated, and this physician will ensure that the necessary actions are taken regarding his deployment status. I recommend he do so as soon as possible.

I am a contracted cadet, so I am no longer able to get out of the Army. This year I have been having a lot of anxiety problem and feeling depressed (mostly form the anxiety). I think I may have some form of an anxiety disorder, however, I am afraid to seek help because I don't want to get disqualified (I need ROTC to pay for college). From what I've read it seems that if I see a doctor and get diagnosed with something that I inform them about I will lose my scholarship. I'm wondering if I see a doctor and do not inform the Army if they can find out. Can the Army search my medical or insurance records without my consent? What would you suggest is the best course of action?

ANSWER: While you can visit a doctor and not inform the Army, ultimately (likely at your commissioning physical), you will be asked. If you lie, you will commit a felony under the UCMJ. The physician you see may turn to someone - ROTC - for billing for your treatment, and if s/he finds you need follow up because of the seriousness of your condition, s/he may wish to contact your primary care provider.

Not all anxiety disorders disqualify one from military service.

The bottom line comes down to this - is getting a diagnosis and treatment more important to you than going untreated and remaining in need of treatment, and is your integrity worth only the cost of your college tuition? As to the first question, if you feel you need treatment, you should get it, as going untreated with a real condition could endanger your health and prevent your recovery. As to the second, I would not want an officer who I could not trust, and if your integrity slips on this, it will slip elsewhere, causing you further frustration and heartache when it does. The Army is not the place for one who would lie about a medical issue.

Can the Army search your medical or insurance records without your consent? Your health is a military-related issue, and the Army has the right to check on it.

But in the end, the chance of the Army finding out about your visit to a physician, on your own, is not great. So you make the call.

The best course of action is to get yourself to a physician if you think you need it. Chances are any diagnosis you get will not be service-disqualifying, but if it is, then it is a serious diagnosis for which you will need professional treatment.

HR in Army Leadership and Supervision

For many unskilled persons, one look at the armed services groups will make them think that the management as well as the leadership practices for their personnel are rigid, hierarchal and most importantly brutal. However, this is not true. Many recent books regarding the topic attest that even those at the civilian world will be able to learn much from military especially those that are at the business environment. HR in army is greatly valued because the people here are the ones that make up the groups. They have their missions and tasks. They have been trained in order for them to carry out those missions without failing. There are actually 5 lessons that should be learned by the inexperienced persons who would like to become a part of the military workforce.
The first one is that you should take care of your own business. This means that you have to run, focus and be responsible for yourself. Commanders are like the business owners. There is a need for them to recognize their leadership qualities so that they will be able to execute them in front of their workers and share the ideas to his workers. In turn, his crew will enthusiastically cooperate with him as he leads them by example, builds trust and communicates purposely.
The second one is to know about the policies, the procedures as well as the values. The army personnel should always be dependable and conscientious. Aside from that, he should be smart and knowledgeable. The HR in army and the department that is concerned with the recruitment, training and supervision of the army members should be able to effectively manage all the said processes. Interested applicants should be aware of the hierarchal structures and the common military situations. HR in army is the people who should instill courage, set realistic goals and also study the past.
Third is to realize that leadership is not something that all people have. Military management is a skill that people can seek for. Thus, this is achievable with the right discipline and the right attitude. Leadership is all about facing the challenges and taking risks. Meanwhile, the fourth lesson that a member of the HR in army should know is that handling the team is as important as being its leader. There is a need to identify the people who are your friends and also those that are your opponents or rivals. In addition, the applicants should be aware that they need to be focused on the goals or the mission that has been given to them. This is particularly important since being a part of the military workforce means that there is competition. You have to be healthy, strong and sturdy to be able to complete the challenges provided by the commander.
Lastly, teamwork is essential. There is a need to build teamwork above anything else. This will improve the leadership qualities of the HR in army as well as the management of the group. This is considered to be the hardest part because it does not only contain physical challenges but also emotional and mental tests.