Posted on Jun 12, 2017
In today's modern military, would there be any benefit to an enlisted structure similar to that of the past?
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I believe that most, if not all of us, are familiar with the old army enlisted rank structure where one could go their entire career without ever becoming an NCO, but still make it up through the paygrades. We all have known people who were great at their jobs but not fit to lead. Is there any benefit to bringing back such an enlisted rank structure?
Rank
Leadership
Enlisted
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 246
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The Marines had career Pvts when I came in. It was done away with up or out. Never did see why.
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In select MOS’s this will work such as Maintenace wheeled, aircraft, and tank, counter intelligence, pao, construction, power Generation, and software guys
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I say take the E4 Specialist rank out of the Army and give it to our Civilian Contractors. Instead of G have them be called SPC 1 to whatever. Then merge the Enlisted and Commisioned ranks so Officers have to be NCOs first.
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So think of it like this....
The FFL (French foreign Legion) still does this. At E4, you basically choose to become a corporal or a “Senior Private”. As the latter, you have no chance to progress further in terms of authority and unit leadership, but you can continue to work your rate as an experienced professional and get more respect than the FNG. No post, firewatch, latrine duty, etc. you may not be in charge, but you get recognized as having paid your dues. Mostly for people who like their trade and don’t want the hassles of leadership.
The FFL (French foreign Legion) still does this. At E4, you basically choose to become a corporal or a “Senior Private”. As the latter, you have no chance to progress further in terms of authority and unit leadership, but you can continue to work your rate as an experienced professional and get more respect than the FNG. No post, firewatch, latrine duty, etc. you may not be in charge, but you get recognized as having paid your dues. Mostly for people who like their trade and don’t want the hassles of leadership.
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PFC Ryan Battista
Kind of like a “Senior Lance” ( a junior Marine with a deployment or two under his belt) in the USMC
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
Well, that settles it! If the French do it then it must be an awful idea... Screw it.
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The USN is effectively all "specialists" who also must lead. No one becomes a leadership "generalist" until they become a Fleet or Force Command Master Chief, then their rate is changed to reflect that along with their NEC (MOS for all you other services). I'm not sure what a Specialist would do at Senior paygrades that wouldn't involve the leadership component.
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I had a great deal of respect for the specialist ranks. They knew their jobs well. I also saw the change over, and the negative results of it. When some senior specialists became instant platoon sergeants, and squad leaders, not all were fit to be leaders, causing some serious problems throughout. Bring them back, and let those great at what they do, but not good or leading troops be able to excel.
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