Does CPL look better for the promotion board than SPC?

2017-01-13T01:27:42-05:00

Rank, suggestions

Response by Cpl Casey Meyer made Jan 13 at 2017 1:35 AM

2017-01-13T01:35:51-05:00

That would depend on what your role is as a Corporal. If you have experience as a NCO, absolutely. You'd be a non-commissioned officer. It's more of your performance as a soldier and your leadership ability, than the rank on your uniform.

Response by SGT Rodrigo Contreras made Jan 13 at 2017 1:45 AM

2017-01-13T01:45:57-05:00

Yes if you are doing a good job as a Junior NCO and demonstrate to the board you have a solid mastery of Skill Level I tasks and can answer the Board's questions. If you can't demonstrate that it will work against you because it will show you have not lived up to the responsibilites already entrusted to you.

Response by SPC Dylan Gutmann made Jan 13 at 2017 2:24 AM

2017-01-13T02:24:38-05:00

I know in my old unit people didn't get their CPL until they passed the board. But hey an E4 is an E4. If you're going to the board I wish you luck

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 2:58 AM

2017-01-13T02:58:08-05:00

The bottom line is wearing CPL or SPC rank wont make a difference in the board. Like CPL Meyer said, it is by far your performance and potential that dictates your success in the promotion board. That said, leadership essentially went out of their way to laterally appoint you to CPL, which carries some weight. Make sure you respect that with your performance.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 4:09 AM

2017-01-13T04:09:26-05:00

A CPL in the infantry and other combat arms MOSs is different than that of other MOSs such as support CMFs. I personally do not like the rank of CPL in the Army but am also not combat arms. The one thing that "looks" the best is that you are abreast of Army regulation, uniform is straight, and that you took the personal time to study. Either way, you're going to have to know the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer and will have to answer basic Army knowledge questions. That's easy, leading is difficult but oh so rewarding. Good luck...keep us posted.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 6:10 AM

2017-01-13T06:10:30-05:00

It depends to me I would rather be a SPC that shows and has a qualities of an NCO and the fruits of his labor outshines a CPL that really doesn't do anything.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jan 13 at 2017 7:24 AM

2017-01-13T07:24:34-05:00

No it is going to depend on duties assigned. CPL as Team Lead vs CPL as CO's Driver? Which do you think the board would view more favorably for leadership? So you mentioned in another post you were vehicle commander and in a E5 slot. OK, BTDT, but you know that is kind of expected of a SPC or CPL that they will assume that role in combat if the SGT gets hit right? While it will add a plus to your board submission what they are really looking for is above and beyond leadership stuff such as time as Squad Leader or Section Leader. Potentially time in other areas as well, perhaps as assistant Armorer, Training NCO, etc where you are also getting exposed to admin features of running an Infantry unit. Have you done your first counseling statement as a leader yet? Have you done EIB station training as a leader yet? Stuff like that.

Response by SGT David T. made Jan 13 at 2017 7:38 AM

2017-01-13T07:38:40-05:00

It really doesn't matter. I was a SPC and I maxed the board. I got my CPL later and hated every minute of it. You are only a NCO when it is convenient but treated like a SPC the rest of the time. At least that was my experience with it.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Jan 13 at 2017 8:25 AM

2017-01-13T08:25:47-05:00

Only if your actions were that of a CPL (leader) vice SPC (joe). The board members will know.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jan 13 at 2017 8:34 AM

2017-01-13T08:34:36-05:00

Maybe a slight bit but in the bigger picture of the board, it is not going to make a giant difference. It could play a slightly bigger role in your MOS, and a couple others, but the board members are going to realize both are E-4s.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 8:43 AM

2017-01-13T08:43:15-05:00

If you're a CPL, you've already been identified by your chain of command as posessing the qualities of an NCO. You ARE and NCO at that point although some would tell you that you aren't a "real" NCO but if that were true, the rank wouldn't appear on every NCO chart with the creed. It sets you apart from the rest of the pool of Specialists, some of which will appear at a board after being Command List Integrated and the unit feels like they have little choice but to send them. If you have the chance, get the stripes, but BE an NCO, don't just wear the rank. CPL was absolutely my favorite rank. I don't know what other rank says above average as much as CPL in the Army.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jan 13 at 2017 8:59 AM

2017-01-13T08:59:05-05:00

Do away with SPC ranks, never liked it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 9:01 AM

2017-01-13T09:01:00-05:00

The biggest difference to me if I was sitting on your promotion board is, as a corporal, you will have NCOERs for me to look at that address your potential for higher leadership positions. As a Specialist, you will have monthly or quarterly counseling forms (depending on latest change in regs)

Response by SFC Daniel McIntire made Jan 13 at 2017 9:10 AM

2017-01-13T09:10:01-05:00

Promotion boards look at ability and potential for increased responsibility. Although it is probable to get promoted from Specialist, obtaining Corporal stripes will give you a push forward.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 9:11 AM

2017-01-13T09:11:24-05:00

I think its more about how you do as a soldier. Your ability to perform and utilize your skills and knowledge to outperform your peers while at the same time guide them along the same path as you to reach that outstanding performance.

Response by 1SG Darren James made Jan 13 at 2017 9:46 AM

2017-01-13T09:46:50-05:00

Good question. Corporal is usually a unit thing, so the answer differs depending on where you're at. If you're a Team Leader for a couple of months and then you go to the board, it's probably not anything to worry about. If you've been a Team Leader for 6 months or more and you're the guy, it may not hurt to ask your chain of command about being a Corporal. But if your board appearance is soon, you'd have to get the rank sewn on and buy the ASU pants with the gold stripe if you wanted to wear that to the board. Could be worth it if you have the time to do it, but it's all about your performance in the job and what's said about said performance by your sponsor.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 10:36 AM

2017-01-13T10:36:46-05:00

Most board members aren't really going to care what rank is on your sleeve, since your packet and conduct at the board will speak for itself. I know I wouldn't care what's on the sleeve

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 12:34 PM

2017-01-13T12:34:50-05:00

I've only seen CPL given to a SPC after he's been to the board. CPL was kinda like the E4(P) rank.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jan 13 at 2017 12:57 PM

2017-01-13T12:57:50-05:00

Although I'm not Army... if I were on a promotion board I would look at both of them.. what are their achievements? A specialist specializes in a specific field.. I'm
Correct in that assumption? A corporal is what's commonly known as a hard stripe.
They do whatever is demanded. Am I also correct in that ? The Corporal iss expected to go wherever and do with what
They have at hand to work it and achieve the mission's demands/requirement(s)..
The Specialist goes where needed to operate specific equipment with specific
Tools either available on sight or brings with them. There are many variables to
Evaluate each person.. How well is each able to do the job? Can they adapt and use
Other equipment to achieve what's needed
To achieve a particular project and/or mission or are they locked in to having to have a specific tool because of equipment
Requirements? Is either one a take charge
Person when a sit-rep calls for it? There's a lot to look at for each one and either one
Could be well qualified equally for promotion to the next level.. if it be Corporal to Sargeant or Specialist to Specialist 5.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 1:46 PM

2017-01-13T13:46:11-05:00

I used to Hate seeing CPL in non leadership positions....I personally turned down the stripes because I was already working as the Alpha Team Leader (and was Promotable) in my squad and as SGT David Thomas said I would then only be a NCO when convenient...like working CQ or anyone job the SGTs did not want to do.

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Jan 13 at 2017 7:57 PM

2017-01-13T19:57:04-05:00

Did the prerequisite for Corporal change? Doesn't a Corporal have to be a promotable specialist with a DA 4187 that validates the position? I've been retired for a while, but I don't remember pinning any E4's without those 2 qualifications.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2017 9:45 PM

2017-01-13T21:45:38-05:00

SPC Hart,
This is a confusing question for some because it's the most "hated rank," or from what I believe. The CPL has the duties of the SGT but the pay of a SPC, hence why Marines say they do the rank system better. Although if you loom in the Army history books, you will find the old SPC ranks of 1 through 9.
I think that the only CPL I have seen in the 13 years I have been in the Army are in two cases. Three Soldiers whom I've worked with have graduated Ranger School and were given the rank for their accomplishments due to their higher standard. The other CPL's I've seen have received the rank between SPC and SGT while awaiting their points to raise enough to be pinned.
I hope this helps....

~John

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Jan 13 at 2017 10:33 PM

2017-01-13T22:33:52-05:00

Yes, although same in pay scale. A Corporal has more responsibility than a SPC. The reason. He's part of the Backbone of the Army.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2017 12:30 AM

2017-01-14T00:30:13-05:00

Why? I was E-4P, but never a corporal. I was promoted ahead of some corporals in my unit.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jan 14 at 2017 2:15 AM

2017-01-14T02:15:08-05:00

I did everything as a SPC that a CPL would be expected to do (being a Team Leader) and it had no impact on my promotion board. The Sergeant Major and the other board members knew what leadership capabilities I possessed, and likely would have asked me the same questions had I been wearing a couple of stripes.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2017 3:43 AM

2017-01-14T03:43:07-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I would think so as it shows that you were in a leadership position. We wrote NCOERs for our CPLs so that when they went before a promotion board they already had an evaluation. While not something that would go into their permanent records it was another way to provide feedback to them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2017 5:22 PM

2017-01-15T17:22:49-05:00

Honestly no idea, doubt I'll touch Corporal in my MOS unless for some reason I boarded and there wasn't a slot open yet then maybe I get a lateral to Corporal.

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made Jan 16 at 2017 11:29 AM

2017-01-16T11:29:55-05:00

What you know and act are what's important.....

Response by Carlos Lopez made Jan 17 at 2017 2:11 AM

2017-01-17T02:11:18-05:00

Response by CPL Alvin Graves made Jan 17 at 2017 12:10 PM

2017-01-17T12:10:34-05:00

I am was a cpl as well and I always look at it as an NCO but without the pay raise

Response by PVT Nicholas Hernandez made Jan 17 at 2017 11:15 PM

2017-01-17T23:15:29-05:00

It's really the same shit. CPL is Jr NCO. As long as you made points and know your shit ain't fucked up and squared away, you got. Best of luck to you

Response by SGM Bill Johnson made Jan 18 at 2017 11:28 AM

2017-01-18T11:28:32-05:00

Makes no difference. Being selected for Corporal is often more a matter of timing and location than ability.

Response by CPL Michael Holland made Jan 19 at 2017 12:33 PM

2017-01-19T12:33:27-05:00

Depending on M.O.S. and location.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2017 3:12 PM

2017-01-20T15:12:26-05:00

Yes, I would say that it shows that you're really want to progress in your career.

Response by SSG Richard Hackwith made Jan 20 at 2017 7:26 PM

2017-01-20T19:26:19-05:00

Although, not really on topic, here is a little story about a CPL. In 1967 I was the post rifle team coach at Fort Irwin. There was this obnoxious CPL in post HQ that I had to deal with. Turns out he was just clerk that pulled some paperwork tricks to change his MOS to one that authorized the CPL rank. I believe it was some type of exotic artillery MOS. Turns out it was also an in demand shortage MOS. Then one day he comes down on direct DA orders for Nam. He cries, but the post SGM (who didn't like him) says "Sorry son, direct DA orders, can't help you". His price for the glory being a CPL, a trip to Nam with combat arms MOS that he hasn't a clue about. Even worse, a month later I get direct orders, back to Germany. Put an end to my rifle team racket, after scheduling the next six matches in Las Vegas.

Response by CPL Darnell McLaurin made Jan 22 at 2017 7:25 AM

2017-01-22T07:25:03-05:00

Back when I was in most cpl were acting jacks which didn't move from unit to unit unless you were DA approved which I was so that was my actual rank

Response by SPC Anitra Bailey-Bearfield made Jan 22 at 2017 10:18 PM

2017-01-22T22:18:23-05:00

Cpl because a cpl is a E4 in command.

Response by SPC Anthony Ferrara made Jan 24 at 2017 12:10 AM

2017-01-24T00:10:56-05:00

In my opinion, they are both equally important ranks and would be looked at equally.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 2:57 PM

2017-01-25T14:57:08-05:00

No power as a cpl

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 7:24 PM

2017-01-25T19:24:22-05:00

Yes it does. A CPL is an NCO as you already know. Don't listen to the veteran SPC's...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 1:05 PM

2017-01-26T13:05:56-05:00

Pinnapple or purple when someone don't know something! Hate that response. Pvt go find some blinker fluid....

Response by SPC Kevin Labonte made Jan 26 at 2017 2:19 PM

2017-01-26T14:19:07-05:00

No not really. Job duties, leadership skills, & job performance is what really matters.

Response by CPL Daniel Mcdonald made Jan 26 at 2017 6:13 PM

2017-01-26T18:13:11-05:00

Yes

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made Jan 30 at 2017 10:12 AM

2017-01-30T10:12:49-05:00

I think it does not matter at all. I feel it all goes from word of mouth on what kind of soldier you are.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 7:40 PM

2017-01-31T19:40:55-05:00

Response by CPL Leslie Andrews made Feb 4 at 2017 1:51 AM

2017-02-04T01:51:11-05:00

I would think so, but I've been out for 41 years.

Response by SGT Frederick Harvey made Feb 5 at 2017 5:16 PM

2017-02-05T17:16:25-05:00

I don't think it really matters. What matters is what you do with whichever rank you hold. I saw a lot of guys get pinned Corporal at my first unit, because we were short on NCO's. Some took advantage of the opportunity to shine. Those who didn't were Specialists by the time I left, while their peers who never pinned became Sergeants.

What looks good to the board is that you are ready for the next level when you walk in. I was never a Corporal and made it in about three years, because that's when I was ready.

That being said, a good Corporal rocks!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2017 11:27 PM

2017-02-05T23:27:08-05:00

On the aspect of being a nco... sort of but you'll just be an E4 to higher ups until they want you to do some nco type stuff

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2017 3:23 AM

2017-02-06T03:23:22-05:00

i agree with SPC Erich Guenther on this one. when i was active i was in an infantry battalion where they treated all e-4's as nco's; standing at parade rest for specialists and all. i was on staff and never took any of that seriously. we actually found it to be a little absurd being that many of us in my mos joined the army as an e-4.

then one day, a new rule came out that said only nco's were permitted to tc vehicles out of the motor pool and all of a sudden there was a huge wave of spc's getting promoted to cpl for that specific purpose. i also worked with mp's on gate guard duty and they made all of their e-4's corporals once they got a "p" status because points for e-5 were so high and they needed more "nco's" to be on shift at every gate.

some units or types of units may see corporal as an actual leadership position that is earned and deserved by the service member. in my experience, however, corporal is a rank used to fill an nco slot or to do things as an nco that "real" nco's don't want to do themselves.

Response by SSG Carey Clifford made Feb 7 at 2017 7:33 PM

2017-02-07T19:33:23-05:00

Not really man E4 is an E4 I don't think most units anymore unless you're in an effort three unit even hands out Corporal ranking anymore most the time it's just specialist. Past you're a PFT do your correspondence courses have everything all locked down brother will be fine

Response by CPL Jay Guthrie made Feb 8 at 2017 8:12 AM

2017-02-08T08:12:49-05:00

When you get SPC your Not Considered a Jr.NCO. Once you get CPL, then you are considered Jr. Some do not like it and some aspire to LEARN.

Response by CPL Hank Burns made Feb 9 at 2017 12:37 PM

2017-02-09T12:37:42-05:00

Honestly could help but not necessary. A CPL is a non commissioned officer where a SPC isn't, so they may look at it as your kinda already doing the job. With that said as an E4 I dodged being a CPL as long as I could

Response by CPL Billy Cartagrna made Feb 9 at 2017 2:12 PM

2017-02-09T14:12:50-05:00

Response by CPL Matt Distefano made Feb 11 at 2017 4:41 AM

2017-02-11T04:41:17-05:00

It's the same. The board members are just looking at your packet. Not your sleeve , they just want a perfect paperwork presentation.

Response by CPL Cathy Bair made Feb 11 at 2017 9:36 PM

2017-02-11T21:36:12-05:00

Yes

Response by CPL Mike Torre made Feb 16 at 2017 8:18 PM

2017-02-16T20:18:00-05:00

I passed the board but had no slots available. I had the responsibility of the mday E5 but on a daily basis. Kind of sucked but i was treated like Any other NCO in the chain of command.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Reese made Mar 1 at 2017 6:53 PM

2017-03-01T18:53:35-05:00

I don't know about this stream but my thought on CPL is as follows. Once a SPC has been boarded and passed the board to become promotable they should be awarded the rank of CPL. That way it distinguishes them from non promotable E-4's. It places them in a NCO rank pending promotion to SGT. They would be afforded all courtesies and privileges of a very junior NCO.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2017 10:17 PM

2017-03-07T22:17:10-05:00

I've read a couple answers to your post, a SPC and SGT have answered you correctly. Duty assignment is at the top. I earned my CPL stripes do to my knowledge of the mission, what my surroundings were, and the TRUST that my leadership bestowed upon me.
Does it look better in front of the board? Ask your squad leader!

Response by CPL Robert Bradway made Mar 8 at 2017 4:58 PM

2017-03-08T16:58:53-05:00

My past experience the unit I was in passed out cpl stripes like they where candy. To get around a regulation that only a NCO could TC a vehicle. So they gave them to a lot of spc. I've only known of 2 that actually had DOD orders stating they where corporals.

Response by CPL Robert Bradway made Mar 8 at 2017 5:03 PM

2017-03-08T17:03:55-05:00

If your in a combat MOS i would say yes. If your a mechanic or a support role I'd say no I never saw a corporal mechanic. That was 30 years ago too so times might of changed

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2017 8:08 AM

2017-03-11T08:08:25-05:00

I think I does shows the board that you would be a competent leader.

Response by SSG Brian Michael made Mar 12 at 2017 12:34 PM

2017-03-12T12:34:21-04:00

Back in my day cpl was awarded to me after I had completed pldc and was profitable but was still awaiting an e5 slot. I held cpl until my 5 slot came open and was treated as an nco because I had completed the old course. But years ago now the rule was changed with wlc that you could be promoted to 5 and have 24 months to attend wlc. We had to have the school first to even board for a 5 slot

Response by CPL Terry C. Weller made Mar 16 at 2017 2:57 PM

2017-03-16T14:57:23-04:00

Helped me complete my duties

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 9:39 PM

2017-04-27T21:39:56-04:00

Usualy in my experience you dont make the rank of corporal until you have already acheived promotable status but in the grand scheme of things it couldnt hurt you earned the rank

Response by SPC Marvin Darling made May 2 at 2017 3:25 PM

2017-05-02T15:25:07-04:00

The Unit I was with you remained a Specialist until you passed the Board. At that point they would lateral you to Corporal.

Response by SPC Dean J. Thompson made Aug 21 at 2017 7:50 PM

2017-08-21T19:50:20-04:00

Yes, CPL is a leadership title.

Response by CPL Eric Amsden made Aug 23 at 2017 9:56 PM

2017-08-23T21:56:42-04:00

I think so.

Response by CPL Derrick Grady Sr. made Sep 25 at 2017 9:06 PM

2017-09-25T21:06:06-04:00

Not really cause making rank all depended on if you pass the board first cause in the unit I served with you didn't get to be a Corporal unless you passed the board, being a Corporal already and then going in front of the NCO board will look bad to you if you fail as a Corporal what you think the SGT. Major going to think and do to that Corporal if the fail.

Response by PO3 Joshua True made Nov 17 at 2017 5:33 PM

2017-11-17T17:33:04-05:00

CPL is actually over used. It’s only supposed to be used when you lack the needed personel

Response by CPL Lane Richardson made Nov 27 at 2017 11:35 AM

2017-11-27T11:35:18-05:00

Simply put, corporal is a training rank. As said above, an nco when necessary, a specialist the rest of the time. It is primarily for learning. Learning how to become a proper and efficient nco. I hated Cpl. No respect from higher ups because I was an e-4, same from those underneath me. I had a 35M contract and was in a position of absolute terror... nco training over a damn RHU unit. See, they make HUMINT sound cool and all but in all reality, when selecting your own unit is offered, that isn't a real thing. Being placed over a herd of kids being sent home from basic/ait, well, it was garbage. They didn't care, they had nothing to lose so two chevrons didn't change how they regarded me. It is a learning rank more than anything. It allows you the opportunity to realize early that no one gives a shit what's on your chest, we're all just boots in Uncle Sam's Army.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Nov 27 at 2017 11:50 AM

2017-11-27T11:50:10-05:00

When I sat on a promotion board it didn't matter. What I looked at was the person, what they had done with the position they had held. If that person met the full potential they could have achieved, if they were a proactive thinker, not waiting to be told to do something. TIG, TIS did count, but what counted a lot was: Is this person mature enough, ready to take on the next position.

Response by CPL Billy Burgess made Dec 5 at 2017 3:31 PM

2017-12-05T15:31:30-05:00

The only major difference is if you're a Corporal and you transfer to a new unit they won't have to foot the bill for your NCO training cuz you already have had it

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 22 at 2018 9:22 AM

2018-05-22T09:22:58-04:00

To be a CPL, you have been judged good enough to be an NCO- the board will determine if you are good enough to advance. Many units do not have any CPL slots, so we take SPC's assign them to team leader slots to prove their worth- they pass, we send them to the board for advancement.

Response by PFC Howard Bryant Blackshear made Sep 19 at 2018 9:37 PM

2018-09-19T21:37:49-04:00

YES'', I Hated ''SP/4 Mosquito wings, Infantry should be all ''STRIPS''

Response by SSG George Holtje made Apr 21 at 2020 8:52 PM

2020-04-21T20:52:34-04:00

In my experience, Corporal says you’re a leader identified for promotion and can assume a position of NCOIC(usually heading into or during deployment), SOG or something else requiring an NCO.
I have SPCs with a month in grade laterally promoted to fill in as SOG.(thus making my PSG raise heck until I was pinned CPL)
I was also promoted so the NCOs didn’t have to go to the Serbian border or pull Saturday CQ.
It’s possible that my promotion to CPL May have raised my stock with the board but I think it was more to create a sense of separation from the other E-4s and provide me with some General Military Authority