Can I decline being promoted to Corporal?

Wow. Ok, my guy, two things:
1. SPC and CPL are both E-4 and both get paid the same. So you wouldn't be making more money anyway.
2. NCO's are Leaders. Not paychecks. There's a long-standing method in the Army that EVERY rank should be studying and be able to step into the shoes of those a rank above, should the need arise. To back off of responsibility solely because your not getting paid for it is disgusting. You think that SFC standing in while the 1SG is on leave is going to say "no" be they aren't drawing E-8 pay? Not a chance in hell.

You need to take a long, hard look at your priorities and brought you to this point. But right now, based off of this question, I'd say you're not ready to lead Soldiers or be an NCO.

You must be in Combat Arms since this Branch allows promonotion to Corporal. Don't turn it down as it will look good for future promotions.

You are looking at this all twisted. So they are going to lateral you to CPL. Ok. You do realize that this is a like a trial to see how you could/would be as an NCO and give you that training and experience before you actually pin on E-5.

You can deny the promotion but really it is not recommended as it looks bad on you, for just the reasons you stated. And if you think that you won't have to lead if you decline the promotion? Think again. You will learn that error of thought in both BLC and Ranger School.

Have you lost your mind, so you equate the amount of leadership you have to the pay you recieve. Why are you going to Ranger School. When I joined the Army I didn't care about the rank or the money, I just cared about getting the job done, to simple.
Don't worry about the money, adorably apparently someone sees leadership in you. Don't throw that away

In the Marines we were glad to earn the right to be considered an NCO. This carried over with me when I went Army. My CO pormoted me to Corporal due to exhibiting leadership qualities.

I can probably understand your hesitation to want to take charge especially since Corporals in the Army get far less respect. I get it! However, I would recommend you change your outlook. The military is a great way to advanced your self personally and only if you challenge yourself. Even if you are not a lifer, and you go civilian. Puting down Corporal on your resume is far better than Specialist. You will also learn how to take responsibility and definitely be ready for the next rank of Sergeant, it will be a breeze to transition. You sound like you are in a high speed unit, apply yourself and you never know where you may end it.

Enjoy it while it lasts, you will really miss the job and comraderie. Good luck Soldier!

This is a legit question if you was working in corporate America, or just a regular job. As you already know, you have put your life on the line with this commitment. You are absolutely going the wrong way if you don't want to be a leader of men. Taking the board, what did you think would happen. Then going to BLC. RANGER SCHOOL is not for everyone. Special Forces usually are put in situations where they are leading soldiers or civilians, depending on your duty station. You should be honored to be assigned the rank of corporal. Leading men is not for everyone, but if you don't want to do it, don't go to BLC, don't go to Ranger School. Just coast and you can finish your career as an E-5 or 6 without much fuss if you have a standard MOS.

Take that lateral promotion as a compliment. Someone sees in you the ability to be a leader when you aren’t yet able to be promoted to SGT. Are you going to have more responsibility than you would rocking the sham shield for the same pay? Yep. Welcome to life. Doesn’t matter if you are in the military or in the private sector. People will always expect more from you than what is in your pay grade. Usually in the military it’s because someone sees potential in you as a leader. If I see a group of enlisted and it’s a bunch of specialists and a corporal I am going to assume that corporal is a cut above those specialists.

Take the lateral promotion. Get the leadership experience and then promote when you can. I don’t think you’ll be any worse the wear for it. Turn it down and well I think the negative consequences will be more painful than missing an extra $100 a month and a little extra work.

You don't want responsibility if you're not getting paid for it? Wow. Also - you can be a team leader or squad leader as a SPC so...what would you do then? Deny that leadership position?

Also realize that a lot of us have performed higher than our paygrades and weren't paid for it. I was a section NCOIC as a SPC, for example. Straight out of AIT.

Lots of people are working in positions higher than their rank/paygrade meaning they don't get paid for it.

Let me just say this, as a retired SFC, CPL was the best rank I obtained going through the ranks, no question about it. You must have the drive, respect and leadership abilities, Corporal is a privilege, if you don't embrace it, you should probably not be an NCO in the first place.

You can decline promotion, but if I were in your command chain, this would be the last you would have the opportunity to make that choice under my command. If you wish to make the Army a career then you need to take whatever assignments. are offered. You're qualified to become a Corporal, an important NCO position that starts you on the road to one of the most important leadership roles in the Army, Master Sergeant and above. Suck it up.