Can I decline being promoted to Corporal?

Don't take the promotion! Show your supervisors you are not a leader and should not have been recommended for a promotion. It is an honor to have earned another stripe.

1st off-let me say--I was extremely PROUD to earn my Corporal Stripes. It wasn't given often in my unit (4 years there was only one other) and it was a sign that the Command respected me and my Leadership and was giving me that recognition.
2nd--Anyone else notice that Trooper Harrison lists his rank as SGT already?

BTW--Great Break on the Beret. Legs never seem to get that crease right.--13F 1/320 & 1/325 AATW!!!

I also passed the board had that responsibility of CPL without the raise and pay. It's literally offers NO value to the receiver of said title.

I remember guys who were junior enlisted and didn't want to get promoted. They didn't want to take on the challenge of being an E-4. They did not qualify for reenlistment on the next cycle.

I turned down a promotion to Chief Petty Officer during my last submarine patrol. I would have taken it, gone through initiation, and bought all the new uniforms required but I was not willing to extend my enlistment by three years. My plan was to leave active duty and I stuck to it.

Lucky for me, I found a Naval Reserve unit that had a CPO slot open and I was promoted by the USNR. I took the promotion gladly.

It would bite you in the a$$. Take your promotion go to the schools it will help you out in the end

You can always make the request. There are consequences for everything we do or fail to do. If they grant your request [it could be a long time (if ever) before you become a Sergeant (E-5). If they deny your request, you'll have an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership abilities (or lack of). You're an adult and will choose the 'best' COA for your life and future. I wish you the best.

You can always ask. There are always consequences for what we do and what we don't do. Be careful for what you wish for ... if they grant your request ... there will consequences [i.e. it may be a long time before (if ever) you become a Sergeant (E-5). Conversely, if your request is denied, you'll have additional responsibilities of a NCO and opportunity to demonstrate your leadership (or lack of) abilities. You're an adult and you'll figure out the 'best' COA for your life. I wish you the best.

Time to take on more responsivity young man. If not get out of the Military. I am sure Walmart and McDonalds is hiring in your hometown.

Then get out of the Military if you don't want to take on more responsibility. I am sure Walmart is hiring in your home town.

Lots of good comments, mostly covering the “I was x rank doing a higher ranks job.” Wonderful.

What also happens is the exact opposite- especially if you hit E7 or 8. They won’t reduce you because there isn’t a slot for you. I spent time in a OOG position waiting on a 1SG position to open. I was doing staff work that basically required the clerical abilities of an E3. It happens. Easiest money I ever made. But of course- I had times where I was doing much more than my pay grade called for. Service, professionalism, warrior ethos and teamwork…..think about that.

But as I’m sure it’s been said…… if you are complaining about money vs responsibility, and you haven’t really even been put in a leadership position yet, somethings not in the right place……and that may be you in the military. It’s not for everyone. And that’s ok.