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

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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