Intro
Unlock the chain of command with our guide to the 9 ranks of the Army. Discover the hierarchy of enlisted, warrant officer, and officer ranks, including Private, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and more. Learn about rank insignia, responsibilities, and the career progression of Army personnel.
The United States Army is a hierarchical organization with a well-established structure of ranks. Understanding the different ranks and their corresponding responsibilities is crucial for anyone interested in joining the Army or simply wanting to learn more about its inner workings. In this article, we will delve into the 9 ranks of the Army, from the lowest to the highest, and explore the duties and requirements associated with each rank.
Private (PVT) - E-1 The Private (PVT) is the lowest rank in the Army. It is the entry-level position for new recruits, and it is the starting point for their military career. Privates are expected to follow orders, learn new skills, and complete their basic training. They typically work under the supervision of higher-ranking soldiers and are responsible for performing tasks assigned to them.
Responsibilities:
- Follow orders from superiors
- Complete basic training
- Perform assigned tasks
- Learn new skills
Private Second Class (PV2) - E-2
The Private Second Class (PV2) is the second-lowest rank in the Army. It is a promotion from Private (PVT) and is typically awarded after a year of service. PV2s are expected to take on more responsibility, demonstrate leadership skills, and continue to learn new skills.
Responsibilities:
- Take on more responsibility
- Demonstrate leadership skills
- Continue to learn new skills
- Assist higher-ranking soldiers
Private First Class (PFC) - E-3
The Private First Class (PFC) is a promotion from Private Second Class (PV2) and is typically awarded after two years of service. PFCs are expected to demonstrate leadership skills, take on more responsibility, and serve as role models for lower-ranking soldiers.
Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate leadership skills
- Take on more responsibility
- Serve as role models for lower-ranking soldiers
- Assist higher-ranking soldiers
Specialist/Corporal (SPC/CPL) - E-4
The Specialist/Corporal (SPC/CPL) is a promotion from Private First Class (PFC) and is typically awarded after three years of service. SPC/CPLs are expected to serve as team leaders, demonstrate leadership skills, and take on more responsibility.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as team leaders
- Demonstrate leadership skills
- Take on more responsibility
- Mentor lower-ranking soldiers
Sergeant (SGT) - E-5
The Sergeant (SGT) is a promotion from Specialist/Corporal (SPC/CPL) and is typically awarded after five years of service. Sergeants are expected to serve as squad leaders, demonstrate leadership skills, and take on more responsibility.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as squad leaders
- Demonstrate leadership skills
- Take on more responsibility
- Mentor lower-ranking soldiers
Staff Sergeant (SSG) - E-6
The Staff Sergeant (SSG) is a promotion from Sergeant (SGT) and is typically awarded after seven years of service. Staff Sergeants are expected to serve as platoon sergeants, demonstrate leadership skills, and take on more responsibility.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as platoon sergeants
- Demonstrate leadership skills
- Take on more responsibility
- Mentor lower-ranking soldiers
Sergeant First Class (SFC) - E-7
The Sergeant First Class (SFC) is a promotion from Staff Sergeant (SSG) and is typically awarded after ten years of service. Sergeants First Class are expected to serve as senior enlisted leaders, demonstrate leadership skills, and take on more responsibility.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as senior enlisted leaders
- Demonstrate leadership skills
- Take on more responsibility
- Mentor lower-ranking soldiers
Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (MSG/1SG) - E-8
The Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (MSG/1SG) is a promotion from Sergeant First Class (SFC) and is typically awarded after twelve years of service. Master Sergeants/First Sergeants are expected to serve as senior enlisted leaders, demonstrate leadership skills, and take on more responsibility.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as senior enlisted leaders
- Demonstrate leadership skills
- Take on more responsibility
- Mentor lower-ranking soldiers
Sergeant Major (SGM) - E-9
The Sergeant Major (SGM) is the highest enlisted rank in the Army. It is a promotion from Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (MSG/1SG) and is typically awarded after fifteen years of service. Sergeants Major are expected to serve as senior enlisted leaders, demonstrate leadership skills, and take on more responsibility.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as senior enlisted leaders
- Demonstrate leadership skills
- Take on more responsibility
- Mentor lower-ranking soldiers
Army Ranks Image Gallery
As you can see, each rank in the Army has its own unique responsibilities and requirements. Understanding these ranks and their corresponding duties is crucial for anyone interested in joining the Army or simply wanting to learn more about its inner workings.