How do some units feel about CPLs? Is there any advice for possibly stepping into this new role?

2018-06-03T03:05:41-04:00

My unit is thinking of pinning me CPL. I’ve heard through the grape vine that they’ve taken notice of my leadership. Training new guys and stepping up to the plate. My 1sg stays he’s about CPL since were losing most of our NCOs. Is there any advice for possibly stepping into this new role?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2018 3:37 AM

2018-06-03T03:37:01-04:00

If you get the lateral move, then act like an NCO and not a Specialist. I am not saying all Specialists act like Private E-4s but a Corporal should never act like one. If your unit is looking to gain more NCOs and have recognized your leadership as worthy, then they owe it to you to treat you as a NCO as well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2018 3:42 AM

2018-06-03T03:42:13-04:00

I like to think that I’ve stepped outside of the Specialist side and more into the leadership role. My unit acts for my input during those “decision moments” for the daily tasks.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jun 3 at 2018 4:18 AM

2018-06-03T04:18:53-04:00

My first unit didn't use the rank at all for E4 Team Leaders, with the reasoning being that "If you can't do your job and earn the respect as a Specialist, it's not going to make much of a difference as a Corporal."

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 3 at 2018 5:32 AM

2018-06-03T05:32:58-04:00

Read the NCO Creed,break it down in accordance with your person and try to identify how you do meet the components and how you do not. Read the leadership guides and try to live up to the standards identified. Break from the crowed but do not disengage. You should always remember how it felt to perform duties as a private, use those feeling when issuing orders ensuring to be just and respectful. You should earn the respect of your Team not demand it. In those instances were you must, do so in a manner that others will want to emulate. You are now in a glass house, always be mindful. Thank you for your service.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2018 5:57 AM

2018-06-03T05:57:49-04:00

Are you in a team leader position? The way I look at it is AR 600-8-19 ch 7-11 states "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 re-
quirement, or were not considered for promotion."

So if you're serving as a team leader (or any SGT position) you are supposed to be promoted to CPL.

I think it's a great rank to give soldiers who demonstrate leadership potential. It's not so much fun being a CPL though

Response by CSM Eric Biggs made Jun 3 at 2018 8:30 AM

2018-06-03T08:30:22-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, if your 1SG is taking about it, you’ll probably be wearing CPL stripes soon. Be the leader your soldiers deserve, the kind you want to follow. I thought being a CPL sucked, I figured if I’m doing an E-5’s job the Army should pay me for it. They did in short order. Always earn the respect of your subordinates and they will make you look good.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 3 at 2018 9:20 AM

2018-06-03T09:20:26-04:00

My advice is to do it! If you want to be a SGT in the future, start by learning how to lead at the small unit level now. As I understand the Army, you'll be an NCO as a corporal. Probably opens up new opportunities for training also.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 3 at 2018 10:08 AM

2018-06-03T10:08:54-04:00

1. If pinned , you will be an NCO, so act like one- no more SPC Mafia! Keep doing the leadership that you have been doing. Start studying leadership manuals and the NCO's around you. Pick a leadership style that you feel comfortable with and that produces.

Response by CPL Shaun Fields made Jun 3 at 2018 3:00 PM

2018-06-03T15:00:44-04:00

Being a jr. Nco is a great step especially if you went to become a DI.

Response by CW2 Louis Melendez made Jun 3 at 2018 8:48 PM

2018-06-03T20:48:25-04:00

Be a leader, once you get pinned CPL you just entered the NCO world. Act like an NCO, that doesn't mean that now you have a "wild" card to do whatever you want or treat people like crap. Earn that respect from your subordinates, peers, and superiors. Be a team player and don't be afraid to ask questions. That's what is going to make you a better listener and in turn a better leader. Take care

Response by CPL Robert Ray made Jun 4 at 2018 12:31 AM

2018-06-04T00:31:14-04:00

It sounds like you are on the right track. Like many others have said, be the NCO you want to become. Continue stepping up and being active in training others, but remember to continually train yourself, too. Give respect but never expect it in return. Develop those you lead to be as good or better than you (here’s a hint, if you do this, you will continually get better too). The hard stripe E-4 is simultaneously the worst rank and the best rank in the Army, imho. Its up to you which one it is for you. Use it properly as the stepping stone that it is and I think you will look back on it as a great step into the world of the NCO! I wish you great luck and fortune in your new endeavor.

Response by CPL Raul Orengo made Jun 4 at 2018 5:53 PM

2018-06-04T17:53:31-04:00

Push Yourself harder. Make yourself known but not too well. keep a professional manner and meaning to all you do. and make sure the privates understand that you are a higher ranking individual. If you get a chance push yourself for the buck sergeant and go to BNOC training. That is a mistake that I did not accomplish before I got injured

Response by CPL Peter King made Jun 5 at 2018 12:07 AM

2018-06-05T00:07:07-04:00

Yes, you are becoming a leader, someone who others look up to. Lead by example!

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2018 11:18 AM

2018-06-05T11:18:02-04:00

Basically you are a nvm for less pay spc CPL carry the same pay I just think spc is a pointless rank. My advice is to continue setting the example to the younger guys be a good leader and get your Sgt ASAP

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2018 12:31 AM

2018-06-06T00:31:05-04:00

My time as a CPL (3 years) was the best part of my 6 year enlistment. Learning how to step out in front and take charge is what gave me the sense of direction and confidence to do what I’m doing now.

Response by SPC Bradly Martin made Jun 7 at 2018 7:28 PM

2018-06-07T19:28:19-04:00

My roommate got CPL and he let it go to his head. It’s an NCO rank for sure just don’t act like a tool bag with senior specialist in your platoon that know you. New privates or new specialists to the unit, uphold the NCO values like you would a 5 or 6.
I’ll be honest with you it’s kind of a worthless rank because it holds equal value to being a spec team leader except you get voluntold for all the fun NCO duties that you wouldn’t be working as specialist.

Response by Sgt Chuck Stewart made Jun 7 at 2018 9:11 PM

2018-06-07T21:11:44-04:00

Take each rank seriously. The farther you climb the ladder the more responsibility. One day a life or lives will count on your professionalism.
SGT. USMC

Response by CPL Richard Flagg made Jun 8 at 2018 2:36 PM

2018-06-08T14:36:06-04:00

In my opinion the Corporal rank does not need to be abolished at all; on the other hand it needs to remain for those E4’s who are groomed to be leaders, while the career SPC’s can remain SPC’s unless they show a potential to be leaders.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Jun 8 at 2018 2:57 PM

2018-06-08T14:57:38-04:00

Many units do not want to invest in making sergeants, so they lateral you to cpl, and put you in a Sgt billet. I knew a few AD cpl's, I was notional guard, That said once they made cpl it was harder to make sergeant, as they expected more and already considered the lateral to cpl a promotion. This is second hand information, so take it for what it is. Seems to me if you are ready to be an NCO you should just push them to promote you to sgt.

Response by CPL Aaron Mixon made Jun 8 at 2018 4:38 PM

2018-06-08T16:38:50-04:00

When stepping into the rank of CPL be mindful that you are a working superviser. The same goes to E-5 just because you are in an NCO position and hold that rank doesn't mean I don't have to get my hands dirty. That is also the best way to gain the respect of the soldiers you lead. Through your example and willingness to work along side the soldiers you lead you fall out of that he's a piece of crap and into I would work and follow him anywhere. Look at your leaders both past and present take the good leave the bad. Keep yourself approachable but at the same time don't take crap from them and don't get buddy buddy with them. Now is the time to start separating the work and play. Follow this and you should make one damn fine NCO and live your creed all of it not just parts.

Response by CPL Raul Perez Jr made Jun 14 at 2018 7:15 PM

2018-06-14T19:15:06-04:00

Be a leader. It was difficult for us back in the 70's. Sounds like you got the right stuff.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Jun 15 at 2018 5:24 PM

2018-06-15T17:24:00-04:00

I've been out for some time, so take my point of view with a grain of salt:

When I was pinned CPL, two other soldiers were pinned at the same time, and we were a bit of a rarity. When we would train with other battalions, there were a lot of double takes, but ultimately we were treated with a great deal of respect, especially when we proved that we were more than capable leaders. If you are pinned, the expectation is that you will not just be a leader; you need to be an exceptional leader.

I ETS'd without ever getting my Sgt stripes, but I was billeted in an E7 slot at the time. Of the other two soldiers pinned at the same time, one became a 1Sgt before retiring and the other is currently a battalion CSM. When my old unit made you a CPL, it was there way of saying that they expect great things from you.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2018 7:03 PM

2018-06-18T19:03:23-04:00

Lean head first and don't look back...

Response by CPL Nathan Cottrill made Jun 18 at 2018 7:09 PM

2018-06-18T19:09:42-04:00

Best advice, don’t go into it with a chip on your shoulder. Pick up some TM’s and brush up the common solider knowledge up a big notch if possible. Don’t let SPC’s/Piers also lower enlisted pull you around. That being said mind your P’s and Q’s when around other NCO’s and ask many questions. It’ll come with a grain of salt in many instances but you’ll be a better SGT in the future because of it.

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made Jun 18 at 2018 9:15 PM

2018-06-18T21:15:00-04:00

I went to a unit that was light on NCO's as a SP4. I was sent to PLDC shortly after arrival and was laterally promoted to Corporal upon my return. One who is upwardly mobile should seek increased responsibility and prove their mettle as a leader to their superiors. That's how Sergeants are made!

Response by SPC Eric Zimmerer made Jun 19 at 2018 11:39 AM

2018-06-19T11:39:22-04:00

I was stationed at the NCO Academy as the CSM driver, R & U specialist and the supply SGT for my last 2 years of service at Ft. Sill. They made me CPL for a time so I could direct SGT's on work details. Then I got fat so they made me a SPC again. Oh well!

Response by Sgt John McAdorey made Jun 20 at 2018 9:49 PM

2018-06-20T21:49:33-04:00

Remember, the troops don’t work for you, you work for them. That being said, don’t take any shit from them either.

Response by CPL Musset Joseph made Jun 27 at 2018 11:14 PM

2018-06-27T23:14:43-04:00

First of all if they are considering you to pin you as CPL, it's a great feeling to step up as Junior NCO but you are not, you will get the same pay, more work loads because you will have to lead E-1 to E-4, and you have to write them up when they screw up. If you want to gain experience in leading soldiers, please accept the lead but if you value your time, freedom and be an E-4 without leading, don't accept it. I am E-4 and I know I am talking about, there was a time I was called CPL but the job was not pleasant, they did ask too much of me. I left the unit because I was ETS-ing out the military. My eight years was over and I did not want to re-enlist because there was too much going on in that unit. So best of Luck of being CPL.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2018 10:18 PM

2018-07-02T22:18:43-04:00

Becoming a corporal can be a great thing, it’s a great way to be tested at becoming an NCO. My unit pretty much uses it to fill the gap of passing the board and getting to BLC, which is stupid hard in my unit. I’ve been promotable for over a year, so it’s a blessing and a curse. You kind of have to a bulldog at first, not quite power trip, but show you mean business. It gets tiring though.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Jul 28 at 2018 10:57 PM

2018-07-28T22:57:21-04:00

As a Cpl during the 60's I was a mortar squad leader. Having stripes meant we had to know how to do everything the squad was expected to do. Cpl's carried the sight which was in a small box when marching to our position. Especially when we double timed, you can bet I took my turn on one side of the baseplate.
What it comes down to is don't expect any of your men to do anything you can't.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Jul 29 at 2018 3:59 PM

2018-07-29T15:59:15-04:00

First you have to be an NCO and not permit your SPC think they are equal although you are the same pay grade. Go to the primary leadership course if you haven't yet. I will assume you already have because airborne units require it. Ranger units require a Ranger Tab before making a SPC a coporal. Assoiate with strictly NCOs you know and respect. They will mentor you to be a sergeant. Thje role of cpoporal is tough if you do not separate your self form you former fellow soldier. You are now a leader; lead!

Response by CPL Jeff White made Aug 1 at 2018 11:30 AM

2018-08-01T11:30:45-04:00

I recommend taking it. It means your on the fast track, but they don't have the authorization from headquarters to for E-5.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2018 1:38 PM

2018-08-27T13:38:59-04:00

Congratulations! What is the reason they are promoting you to CPL rather than SGT? That is important to the discussion. Is it TIS/TIG? Is it promotion points? Or, Is it that you haven't been to the promotion board yet?

My sole advice is to remember that you are no longer "one of the boys." Believe me they will test you because you and they have history. Be bold, confident in your abilities, and tough but fair with your soldiers. Continue to seek mentorship from your peer NCOs and Leaders. You are going to do just fine. Congrats again.

Response by SGT Jason Keefer made Jan 5 at 2019 9:04 PM

2019-01-05T21:04:16-05:00

Act like a leader and not a SPC. Sounds like you're already doing the right things, taking charge, teaching the new guys, etc. Just keep doing that. CPL can be a mixed bag. Remember, its your position that gives authority, not your rank. If they make you a team leader or section chief, take that responsibility seriously. Separate yourself from the herd. The E4 and below that stay that way until they ETS stay that way for a reason, their behavior. If you want to be more, you have to act like it.

Let's not talk about the NCO's that slid through the cracks, etc...

Response by CPL Thomas Green made Feb 10 at 2019 5:48 PM

2019-02-10T17:48:57-05:00

You're a private when they want you to be and a nco when they want

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2019 8:36 PM

2019-02-15T20:36:02-05:00

Well I would have to say keep on doing what you are doing. See if there is a FM to your postion or positions in your field. I'm in Transportation ours is FM 55-30. I'm a PFC in multiple roles,HET driver, acting dispatcher, Readiness NCO admin assistant. So what I'm saying always make yourself available, and be a leader who looks out for the people and their welfare. If you do the right thing people will follow you cause they want to do the right thing too.