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When I arrived at MCRD San Diego in June of 1969, I was paid at the rate of an E-1. However, my rank was "Recruit". When I graduated from Boot Camp in August of 1969, I went from "Recruit" to "Private First Class". I was thinking on this the other day and realized that I never held the "rank" of "Private". Anybody else out there? I'm not sure how the Army does it.
Posted in these groups: 
Marine Corps
Marine Corps
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 54
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In July 1991 I entered Basic Training as an Private (E-1), got my mosquito wings pinned on during a break between calling fire missions on the Big Island.
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I was a PVT after I first joined the Corps back in 1994. I was not a contract PFC nor did I get it by becoming a squad leader in boot camp. Looking back now, I am glad I did my time in each rank it helped me develop wisdom and a good leadership style.
As compared to some meritoriously promoted Marines (Board Marines). Although a good number of those Marines were very knowledgeable and deserved promotion, many of them were not ready for their next rank.
As compared to some meritoriously promoted Marines (Board Marines). Although a good number of those Marines were very knowledgeable and deserved promotion, many of them were not ready for their next rank.
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most people these day start out as private unless they got contracted in as a E-2. Most people get that by either have college credets, got credit for recruiting to people or graduated bootcam as a platoon leader or guide. the army is a whole nother story.
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I think these days, the better question is who graduated as an E3, E4 or E5.
On a recent visit to PI, I almost swallowed my tongue seeing all the stripes displayed during graduation. A practice that I strongly disagree with (unless perhaps you are going to remain a stateside Remington raider). The only other than Pvt. to graduate in '66 were the top shooter at the range and the overall top recruit who received meritorious PFC.
I believe I remained a private through ITR, perhaps until Tank school.
On a recent visit to PI, I almost swallowed my tongue seeing all the stripes displayed during graduation. A practice that I strongly disagree with (unless perhaps you are going to remain a stateside Remington raider). The only other than Pvt. to graduate in '66 were the top shooter at the range and the overall top recruit who received meritorious PFC.
I believe I remained a private through ITR, perhaps until Tank school.
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LCpl Steven Humphrey
that sometime happens when you have some1 from another branch with rank haveing to go back to bootcam to being a marine. there was a ssgt in the army who joined the marines and when he graduated he hade his rank back.
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SGT Richard H.
I could see graduating as an Lcpl or NCO if you held that rank in another service, though in my opinion, that should be at least one rank lower, as you would still be new as a Marine.
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Same as you, Sgt Jay Jones (except went to MCRD Parris Island in May 2001). Was a "recruit" all through boot camp and graduated at the rank of "Private First Class" due to my college credits.
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We were all called Private in 1980 until graduation day then we were called Marines. I held the rank of private until I had six months in the Corps and then was promoted to PFC.
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Cpl Christopher Bishop
These days, its "Recruit"...because a Private is in fact an actual rank, and in Recruit Training, you have no rank.
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SSgt Jeffrey Andrews
Corporal Everding, when in 1980 did you go to boot camp and where? I was platoon 3055 we were the bastard series as there were a ton of recruits because we all joined to kill Iranians. Really thought we would go to war with Iran over our hostages. P.S. I went from June 1980 to September 1980 at MCRD San Diego. Senior Drill Instructor Staff Sgt. Sample, a Canon Cocker along with SSgt Lindsey and SSgt Martinez and another SSgt I don't remember.. We took Prac and Drill in our Series.
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Cpl Brian Everding
Reported to MCRD San Diego on 28 Sept 80. Platoon 1097, Senior Drill Instructor GYSGT Gagner, SGT Steyer, SGT Merk. I can still remember the cheers after the election when Reagan made his announcement that 2 weeks after he took office if our hostages were not released he was sending in the entire 2nd Marine Division to free them!@!!
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Sgt Tom Cunnally
Cpl Christopher Bishop - That is right although we were Privates in Boot Camp we were not called by that rank instead just by our last names.
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I never did. There are two grades of Private in the Army, and then Private First Class. I enlisted as a Specialist.
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