Does being a CPL hold some valuable weight when taking care of your soldiers, for example at the different S shops?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 08:22:36 -0400

Response by CSM David Heidke made Jun 22 at 2016 8:54 AM

CSM David Heidke — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 08:54:06 -0400

It would for me... I had a CPL who worked for me and he was outstanding. Certain officers didn't get it, but the NCOs did.

Response by SGT John " Mac " McConnell made Jun 22 at 2016 9:07 AM

SGT John " Mac " McConnell — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 09:07:16 -0400

NCO.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 22 at 2016 10:34 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 10:34:58 -0400

The only weight it carries is no one is going to treat you like a Junior Rank anymore. If you're really looking to take care of your troops, you've got to make connections with the different shops. Biggest thing I passed on to any of my junior Marines. Make friends in every work center so if you ever need some supplies real quick or paperwork pushed through command quicker, you'll always have someone you can count on. Rank really doesn't mean crap unless you work specifically in that work center.

I can't go into an S-shop and say... Hey I'm a Cpl and I need these papers pushed now. They'll say Yes Cpl and then turn around and laugh at me when I walk out the door. They might even "lose" my stuff just for throwing my rank down.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jun 22 at 2016 10:39 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 10:39:06 -0400

Just remember that as a Corporal you have the same responsibilities as a Sergeant, so if you conduct yourself as such, you will be treated and respected as such. The Army doesn't just hand out Corporal stripes to every E4. You have demonstrated leadership potential and were chosen to fill a leadership position in your unit. You will be judged more by your actions than by having one less chevron.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Jun 22 at 2016 10:54 AM

SPC Christopher Perrien — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 10:54:45 -0400

A Cpl dealing with them clean office dwelling seat-warmers? LOL, not unless they out rank an E-6. I'd say far less than half the time an E-5 could get 3rd shop to do anything. An E-6 about 50/50 chance. A 7 stands a good chance. But what you really want is an officer to get those coffee drinking E-6's off their "rear echelon". I impersonated a 1stLt( using my .XO's hat and a rain jacket) once and I got more done in a day on my tank than all the NCO's (3-5's,1-6, even my 7 once) in my HQ tank section, managed to get out of them in 6 months . I had a 2nd Lt. in another platoon different duty station, that was amazing at getting things done from 3rd shop.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 11:00 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 11:00:39 -0400

Regardless of different shops, remember that a CPL is an NCO.....so with that memorize this sentence "NO ONE IS MORE PROFESSIONAL THAN I." Use this in your daily duties and taking care of your troops. But to answer your question....CPL holds valuable weight as long as the person wearing the CPL rank uses their rank wisely.....

Response by CPL(P) Nathaniel Burke made Jun 22 at 2016 11:07 AM

CPL(P) Nathaniel Burke — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 11:07:41 -0400

It 100% does. In my experience, fellow NCOs give me more respect and naturally hold my input in higher regard than a SPC. Many places and shops require NCO escort for certain tasks, which you are then capable of as a CPL. Additionally, you have more responsibility for the conduct, performance, and well being of your soldiers, as a SGT would, therefore the leadership gives you the latitude to carry out your NCO duties, just as a SGT would. The biggest thing, though, is differentiating yourself. A lot of new CPLs are awkward about requiring their troops to follow the customs and courtesies for their new NCO rank and so they get treated like a SPC in charge because that is all they require of their troops. Make the distinction from the beginning, carry yourself like an NCO and there is no reason you should not be treated as one. SPC is automatic, the stripes are earned.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 22 at 2016 11:20 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 11:20:40 -0400

Rank has an automatic level of respect, the way you Carry yourself and how you deal with the S-Shops will determine the outcome. treat them with respect and expect that in return.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 11:32 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 11:32:05 -0400

AR 600-8-19 Para. 7-11 c. A SPC will be appointed to CPL when the Soldier is assigned and works in a SGT position. The position must be the Soldier’s PMOS or CPMOS. This includes SPC who cannot otherwise be promoted when they do not meet the TIS requirement, or were not considered for promotion.

This means you will fill a SGT position. Even though your Rank is CPL you have the duties and responsibilities of a SGT. Therefore, you must be just as much of a leader as any other SGT in your unit.

Go ahead and start looking at DA PAM 600-25 and FM 7-22.7 for insight into the NCO Corps.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 11:42 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 11:42:22 -0400

1. What are the four titles of the NCO? (Fill in the blank)
___________, Sergeant, First Sergeant and Sergeant Major.

2. What is the basic responsibility of NCO second only to mission accomplishment?
_______________________________ (Doesn't matter if you're in an S-Shop, a medic, cook or humpin' a mortar tube; those are the two basic responsibilities of the NCO, in that order.)

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 22 at 2016 12:51 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 12:51:47 -0400

The CPL. is a Jr. NCO, hope he can take care of his troop that are assigned to him.

Response by 1SG Patrick Burke made Jun 22 at 2016 3:03 PM

1SG Patrick Burke — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 15:03:59 -0400

First, taking care of Soldiers has little to do with what you wear on your chest. Being laterally appointed to CPL means that your leadership has seen potential in your ability to lead. The rank of CPL is only as strong as the Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, and CSM make it. For me, Soldiers that I elected to laterally appoint to CPL, I watched closely to ensure that they were mentored by senior NCOs and treated like an NCO, not a whipping boy in cases the called for an NCO. Second, if you have been in long enough to be a SPC/CPL, you have seen from NCOs what you like and do not like in a leader. Take those experiences and run with it when it comes to taking care of your Soldiers. When I was a 1SG, I refused to allow any of my Soldiers to have substandard leadership and would not hesitate to correct a leadership issue when they arose. I would ask the NCO, how did it feel to be a PVT (married with kids) at your first duty station and unsure of what to do to get you and your family settled into Army life? They would say nervous and unsure of what to do, so I would ask them why they are allowing that to happen to one of their Soldiers? In the end, leadership has nothing to do with what you wear on your chest (rank does not equal leadership, it just signifies a larger leadership responsibility), it has to do with how you coach, teach, and mentor junior Soldiers.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 3:49 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 15:49:17 -0400

i dont know about s shops but a cpl is an nco and when it comes to taking care of troops that what nco's do, spc's well hate to say it but i went from navy po3 nco to army spc, was an nco for 2 years active navy/marine corps, when i went to army reserves as spc what a friggin wake up call

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 7:26 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 19:26:02 -0400

It holds value. A CPL is a noncommissioned officer, and that in itself should put you at a higher standard. You're as in charge of those under you as an E5.

Response by SGT Ronnie Warford made Jun 22 at 2016 9:32 PM

SGT Ronnie Warford — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 21:32:05 -0400

At the end of the day, unless you know the S shops and are close, you should always have an NCO because a lot of times they will blow off a SPC and a private. Or they will say come back with an NCO. I got a lot of things done as a specialist but only because I knew those guys and they knew me. As far as a corporal goes, yeah he or she is an NCO but they may still leave them on the back burner. It's honestly all about who actually runs the shop. Someone who wants to help soldiers or someone who only cares about his or hers personal agenda. This is only an opinion though

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jun 22 at 2016 10:18 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 22:18:43 -0400

yes it does you are a CPL and he is a SPC you are in a leadership position as a Noncom

Response by SPC Matthew Cournoyer made Jun 23 at 2016 9:06 AM

SPC Matthew Cournoyer — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 09:06:13 -0400

I have been on both sides of this, I have watched a couple subordinates that could barely do their job and I had zero respect for make CPL. I still as a SPC help lead and guide them. Since then one has been reduced and the other has grown into someone I can respect. Tht being said for what I do and the position I'm in being a CPL would greatly increase my effectiveness dealing with outside organizations, I would no longer be seen as a soldier but as an NCO and that would make all the difference.

Response by CPL Wesley Keyser made Jun 23 at 2016 3:41 PM

CPL Wesley Keyser — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 15:41:26 -0400

In my experience, it did help some. Two things to keep in mind though. The first is when I enlisted in the guard as a spec-4 they made me a corporal because I was doing the job of a sergeant in my unit. I kept up with every ones vaccination and other medical records to make sure they were properly assigned to deployable or non-deployable status. The second is that the nature of that job could have been why it seemed as though I could get things done better than when I was on active duty as a spec-4. On deployments nobody cared what was on my chest when I was kneeling over them.

Response by CPL Jonathan Phelps made Jun 24 at 2016 10:15 AM

CPL Jonathan Phelps — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 10:15:09 -0400

No all it really did was make my life hell before i med boarded out

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2016 11:09 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 11:09:10 -0400

Honestly, I think Specialist should be done away with. Here is why:
1. It is the same pay grade, and often the same responsibilities as a CPL.
2. We are the ONLY Branch that has a non-NCO as an E-4 rank.
3. It creates another grey area with SPC-CPL interaction. Many won't recognize a CPL as an NCO, particularly if they have been in longer, or have more TIG.
4. The weight and authority, in most places, is no different, because they hold the same positions and responsibilities, and therefore are not looked at any higher.

Response by CPL Reginald Gebo made Jun 25 at 2016 3:27 AM

CPL Reginald Gebo — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 03:27:06 -0400

It can, depending on what position you hold in the S-Shops. I found things way easier after I pinned CPL. I was able to facilitate much faster response times form other S-Shops, and even Brigade and Finance. I looked at is as a "Specialist" who stepped out from behind the sham shield and starting the long march to Senior Enlisted Ranks.

Response by MSG(P) Thomas Finn made Jun 28 at 2016 7:12 AM

MSG(P) Thomas Finn — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 07:12:03 -0400

I know there is no pay difference between the board but when I have sat on the promo board a corporal always holds a little more weight.

Response by CPT Chris Newport made Jun 28 at 2016 6:30 PM

CPT Chris Newport — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 18:30:35 -0400

Once you move up from the bottom in rank YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for those below you..

Response by CPL Michael Lathwood made Jun 30 at 2016 1:43 PM

CPL Michael Lathwood — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 13:43:05 -0400

We had to may spec 4's, and not enough NCOs going around. I was up for promotion, and the motor officer put me in for CPL. Worked out, because I was his driver. It made life so much easier to get things done.

Response by CPL Luis Whetstine made Jun 30 at 2016 2:21 PM

CPL Luis Whetstine — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 14:21:04 -0400

I'm going to say no, and I only say that because it makes no difference what rank you are when it comes to "taking care of your soldiers." You do not have to be a CPL in order to do whats right for those you're in charge of. However, there is a difference between a SPC and a CPL, while yes they are both an E-4, the main difference is the CPL is an NCO and has all the rights and responsibilities of a NCO. While I was in the Army, when it came to rank the only thing I saw was just that a "Rank." There were quite a few senior NCO's and officers for that matter, that while I gave their Rank the respect it deserved, the person behind the Rank received none. If you want to be a leader, then lead. Lead with distinction, honor, self respect and know how to value those under you. You may be the leader, but without the support of those whom are under your charge, you'd be nothing.

Response by MGySgt Freddie McDonald Jr made Jul 1 at 2016 10:45 AM

MGySgt Freddie McDonald Jr — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 10:45:25 -0400

It depends if the S-shops holds value in the NCO, especially the Cpl. The train him well and let him run, he'll be good to go.

Response by CPL Randy Bautista made Jul 3 at 2016 2:02 AM

CPL Randy Bautista — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 02:02:14 -0400

You get more of a hard time from the NCO,s above you... They all want to take you under there wing and everything you do becomes scrutinized. With that said learn as much as you can before going to Schools it helps and well worth the position. But remember as a SPC you are the highest ranking in the lower enlisted. Once you get that promotion it's about the same as starting fresh. Expect not only work to change but your day to day responsibilities, your duties wound be any less important, but your subordinate responsibilities are just as important as yours. This would be the best time I can tell you to find an NCO you can Look up to and learn from everything you can pick up you can use to improve your career. I remember when I got mine it's a difficult job but it has much personal value

Response by CPL Richard Smith made Jul 7 at 2016 1:04 AM

CPL Richard Smith — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 01:04:15 -0400

cpl is a NCO and carries some more weight than sp4 but also your r the last one in chain first sgt says 3 p. tc vechile sfc says 1st squad ssg tc vechile ssg says a team leader tc vechile sgt says cpl tc vechile and theres no one left but you but it is a very good rank to have

Response by CPL Jerry Blaylock made Jul 8 at 2016 8:26 AM

CPL Jerry Blaylock — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 08:26:08 -0400

yes but not much. unless in combat.. the pay is the same.

Response by CPL Jim Humbard made Jul 10 at 2016 7:13 PM

CPL Jim Humbard — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 19:13:48 -0400

Yes

Response by SPC Kimberly Vernon-Hendrix made Jul 27 at 2016 1:21 PM

SPC Kimberly Vernon-Hendrix — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 13:21:30 -0400

It holds value, but you get paid no more than a specialist. I was a NCOIC of a neurosurgery clinic and then a co-ward master of a HEM/ONC ward as a Specialist. I was held to a higher value than all my peers but also looked down on as a female who could not pass her weight and run due to unforeseen injuries. So in closing it is not the rank that hold the value it is the individual and their characteristics that do.

Response by CPL Jessica Martinez made Aug 7 at 2016 1:49 PM

CPL Jessica Martinez — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 13:49:26 -0400

I have been on both sides of the coin and unfortunately the lateral promotion gives you a louder voice to speak up for your soldiers

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2016 9:56 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 09:56:20 -0400

Yes

Response by CPL Brandon Mihalik made Aug 31 at 2016 1:21 AM

CPL Brandon Mihalik — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 01:21:35 -0400

Of course it does and being given the distinction of Corporal, first and foremost, distinguishes you from the other E-4's in your unit. I earned the Corporal rank upon my return from Afghanistan as an Infantryman, and was immediately assigned leadership tasks and responsibilities, which included leading pre-deployment training, running barracks inspections, and getting new soldiers up to speed with how the unit worked.

Corporal should be an opportunity to prove your leadership abilities to your peers and leaders, as well as preparing you for the next step in your career as a Non-Commissioned officer. Good luck my friend.

Response by CPL K Wu made Oct 21 at 2016 7:52 PM

CPL K Wu — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 19:52:31 -0400

depends on your unit, I was a CPL for about a month before picking up E5 and then ETS, 3 months after that. I just got back in kinda got used to being a civilian and forgot the whole if your not 10 min early, In the unit I was in CPL's were treated just like SGT's except we got E4 pay. I know some units don't really give out CPL rank and just had SPC promotables be a team leader and take on some of the responsibilities of a SGT while also earning some of the respect.

Response by CPL Dan Getchell made Nov 5 at 2016 6:41 PM

CPL Dan Getchell — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 18:41:47 -0400

being a CPL. makes you a non-comm and gives you a better status as a squad leader and helps prepare you for SGT. and above.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2016 4:15 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 16:15:47 -0500

CPL has as much value as you put forth in your leadership qualities. If you think "I'm just a CPL, theyre not going to listen to me" then your right theyre not. When you rwalize that you are a Non-Commissioned Officer in the USArmy and will conduct yourself as such, then you will see a change. Others will change around you as well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2017 10:33 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Jan 2017 22:33:18 -0500

Yes. From my experience i get more respect seems like. I don't get looked at funny anymore when i'm in the training room talking to the Ops Sgt.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2017 3:28 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 15:28:24 -0500

Yes, some S shop want an NCO, and that's what a cpl is. Sometime you just have to remind people of that.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2017 3:28 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 15:28:25 -0500

Yes, some S shop want an NCO, and that's what a cpl is. Sometime you just have to remind people of that.

Response by SGT(P) Charlie Fisk made Jun 2 at 2017 1:08 PM

SGT(P) Charlie Fisk — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 13:08:12 -0400

Yes. A Corporal is an NCO and a Specialist is not.