Can I decline being promoted to Corporal?

Sure, go ahead and make the request, though I don’t think labelling yourself a dumbass is a smart move. You were selected for promotion based on your current and potential ability, highlighting to your command that your ability to lead is based on how much you’re paid.... well, like I said not a smart career move.

Yes but prepare for flack, In the United States Army it is up or out. If your not confident in your leadership skills go to BLC if you still do not think or do not want a leadership position then you might think about another line of work. Good luck which ever way you go and thanks for your service.

I was a Corporal in the 59th Ord Brigade. We worked on the HAWK missile system. I was a natural. I soaked up everything my SFC did. I was damn good at my job. even better than the SSG's. It was a dying MOS which I didn't know when I enlisted. It was being replaced by the Patriot. So when the SFC and SSG's got reassigned they gave me the stripes to carry on to the end. I was more than proud to wear them and more than proud to have been their choice. But to be honest the best reward is the respect I immediately was granted from my coworkers. They knew it was the right choice. I know that sounds kinda arrogant but I don't mean it that way. Don't turn down a promotion that will better your career. People know what those stripes mean. That you got them for a reason. Above you're peers. Not just because a slot came open and you had the points. At least that's the way I see it. Take the stripes, pony up and take on the responsibility. The way you asked the question leads me to believe you couldn't handle being a leader so give the stripes to someone who can and will be honored to wear them as I was. I don't know you and apologize I hurt your feelings. All the best

What you CAN do is request to be slotted for the grade you serve while you are at the grade you are. This shows up on an ERB. It is used later down the line. You will wish you would have done this. It all comes out in the wash bud. Take the rank and do your job. Have your erb adjusted for the grade and time via slotting. I did it. It is a resume builder.

Maybe ranger school will square your ass away??

What's wrong with waiting? You spoiled kids want everything right now and have it your way. There are military protocols that have served members well for hundreds of years and you're upset because you want to be called sarge. Turn it down! You'll never make it past E5 and you can be called sarge until they RIF you. What are the recruiters doing these days?

When I was deployed to Afghanistan I was a SGT working as a Battle Captain, I didn’t complain or ask for money or a promotion I accepted it and did my job to the highest level and I did for 5 months, I also knew that everything I learned i could put in my Toolbox and use it when I needed, Soldier up and become a leader

What's the update?

If your main concern is your pay and not your soldiers, you're not going to be worth a crap as an NCO. There's going to be few occasions during your career that you're going to be asked to do things above and below your pay grade. Do the task and voice your concerns later. Turning down CPL will have a negative affect on your future in the military. Sacrifices have to be made at times.

Excellent question SGT Harrison. I'm going to agree with Chief Carroll. He had an excellent response. I'm sure that BLC (Formerly WLC) is still a requirement to be promoted to SGT. You should feel honored to be promoted to CPL. As CPL is a the first stepping stone as becoming an NCO and a TL as well. It shouldn't be about the pay, it should be about becoming a great NCO and TL. I recall switching branches from Navy to Army and having to learn about the Army. Also having the opportunity to get promoted to CPL and having to attend WLC before I got promoted to SGT. I didn't care about the CPL pay, the the opportunity to mentor those within My squad or unit, because mist of the time a Soldier within Your squad or unit will come to You first for guidance.