Can I decline being promoted to Corporal?

Hell even myself I can say as a PFC I did duties that were SPC rating, and even some SGT duties. I did not get any pay raise. When I was SPC I did duties that were SGT and even higher it is called doing a job with out expecting a pay increase. But you know what that’s life as a Solider.

As being offered an NCO position is to most a very boost in a person’s way of moving up to better jobs in the military. I went from E-2 to Staff Sgt in 5 years and that was hard back in the late 70’s and early 80’s and as an E4 not a corporal yet had being the lieutenant on our artap mission for 3 days. Didn’t even cross my mind of pay I was doing the job that my unit ask me to do and that’s where the CSM and the battalion commander started my fast track. The CSM said it was one of the best artap’s he had seen in years. If I was the CSM and see this being posted I’d postpone any promotion for awhile until we could make sure that you are ready to lead troops

I understand that it would suck to have leadership responsibilities and not have your paycheck reflect it. At various times in my career, I was doing SFC and MSG duties as a SGT. And I didn't complain because of the awesomeness I had with the duty positions. In the military, there will be MANY TIMES you're "working above your pay grade." My suggestion is DON'T STOP DOING THAT! My situation SUCKED where I couldn't get promoted in a timely manner in spite of working above my pay grade continuously, but it will build you up for the long run. Maybe not for your tour of duty in the Army, but you won't be Army forever and it will look good when it's your time to transition to something else! Moreover, don't shirk the responsibilities because THEN they'll put some other asshat in that slot that isn't as smart or trustworthy as you may be. AND THAT ALONE may make an element non-mission capable. Good luck, Airborne.

Chief Carroll is on point. I was a SPC, CPL, and eventually an SGT Squad Leader. I was an SSG platoon Sergeant. I was a temporary 1SG as an SSG for over a year. I never once thought about the money. I was proud that my leadership had so much confidence in my abilities and that I had the opportunity to teach, mentor and lead soldiers. If you went into the military for the money, you probably went in for the wrong reasons. You went in and you're doing well so I applaud you, just try to see the bigger picture. Turning down a 4187, which I have never witnessed before, I believe could potentially be a career ender, or at the very least cast a shadow over all that you have accomplished so far. Stay focused drive on and take pride in the fact that your leadership has trust in your abilities!

Wow! Just..... Wow!

I think if you inform your chain of command that you don't want to assume a position of greater responsibility they will remedy the situation.

It takes all kinds my Dad served in the 1930s in the last horse drawn artillery outfit in the US Army. His gun captain was a PFC Master Gunner and saddler who was qualified in many ways to be a Staff Sargent. He refused any promotion above PFC. The battery Commander said alright you can be a PFC but you are qualified to be a gun captain and I can't waste a man with your qualifications. The moral of the story is your officers can assign you the job rank or not.

If you want to be a Sargeant, then be a Corporal. And be the best damned Corporal that you can possibly be. If you don't want to be a Corporal, then don't EVER whine about not being made a Sargeant. You don't deserve it.

SGT, in the Coast Guard we constantly ask our people if they are going to make rate (rank). Why, because we need good people who will and are good leaders and teachers. During combat folks are often asked to take advanced leadership positions without additional compensation. In peacetime folks go through the normal movement up the chain. Frankly, I would not want a Petty Officer in my command whose only motivation is money. In an Armed Force money motivation is secondary to promotion. What promotion is all about is recognition of a person's capabilities and leadership skills along with the ability to teach those skills. When our people make E-7 Chief Petty Officer they recognize that the officers and enlisted often say, "Ask the Chief." when they are in a quandary. Got it?

You can deny it...as well as most likely not making SGT when the position is open. I know I wouldnt recommend a SPC that turned down CPL for a SGT position. Most likely would go to the back of the promotable line.