Posted on Feb 27, 2015
Should we unify and have one rank structure? Why or Why not?
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Is it time to unify the rank structure of the armed forces? I worked with a Navy Captain. After serving in the Army and referring to "full birds" as Colonels, it's a little uncomfortable to call as O-6 a Captain when that's rank of O-3 in the Army. Likewise, we have ranks with the same title, but different grades. For example, a master sergeant is E-7 in the USAF and E-8 is USMC. Since we use the same pay charts, wouldn't make since to unify the ranks so say a staff sergeant is an E-6 is all branches? Would are your thoughts?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 38
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Because you're uncomfortable we should all change to suit you? He'll no we shouldn't unify anything. We are separated the way we are for a reason. I'd expect a Sergeant First Class to be able to adapt in the military.
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Every branch of the military has some sort of history behind their rank structure that makes them unique to their respective branch. History is important
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It's all about tradition, so keep it the way it is (and I'll get in trouble for saying that because the Air Force is anti-tradition, lol).
That being said, what we do need to do in all branches is eliminate the two parallel ladders of enlisted and officer. With more and more enlisted earning their degrees, it's time we get rid of this archaic, outdated system of allowing a 22 yr old bossing around (read: more authority/responsibility) a far more experienced, qualified, and educated Chief or SgtMajor. A single rank ladder, with those that acquire the necessary prerequisites can then be selected to attend OTS or a service academy and come back to their unit commissioned. In other words - everyone starts off as an E1 and goes through boot/basic. Those that don't want the additional responsibilities of being an officer can stay on the enlisted track or jump to the WO track (if the service has such).
That being said, what we do need to do in all branches is eliminate the two parallel ladders of enlisted and officer. With more and more enlisted earning their degrees, it's time we get rid of this archaic, outdated system of allowing a 22 yr old bossing around (read: more authority/responsibility) a far more experienced, qualified, and educated Chief or SgtMajor. A single rank ladder, with those that acquire the necessary prerequisites can then be selected to attend OTS or a service academy and come back to their unit commissioned. In other words - everyone starts off as an E1 and goes through boot/basic. Those that don't want the additional responsibilities of being an officer can stay on the enlisted track or jump to the WO track (if the service has such).
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I have no good reasons, only selfish ones. I prefer the Navy's rank structure and don't want some Army soldier screwing it up...haha
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SFC Michael Jackson, MBA
Noone said it had to be Army rank structure. What if used a different branch?
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SN Kyle Carpenter
I understand sometimes it can be difficult and you can slipp up and call someone the incorrect rank, but "thems the breaks". I like the different systems. Believe me, we all hated it in boot camp what you had to memorize them all, but you felt like you accomplished something after you did. I've been out for just over 8 years, and still when I see someone in uniform, I try my damnedest to call them by their rank. It makes them feel good, and often results in asking if I was ____ (whatever branch they are in), and when I get to say, no I did 4 years in the navy a few years ago, they even appriciate it more. I take pride in my military knowledge (whats left of it). To those that want to change it, I say "Learn the ranks, look for the branch, look for their name, call out their name and rank with pride, show your respect for their service and yours!"
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Or you (universal you) could learn the other branches ranks and structure and respect the individual culture of each service. When posing this question I assume you mean everyone adopt the army rank structure. Why not make every NCO a petty officer? And further more every E4 is not treated the same ie army specialist and corporal and the PO3 is not treated the same as a Marine Corporal. Look at E6 in the navy and Marines. The Ssgt is a SNCO where as the PO1 isn't.
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SFC Michael Jackson, MBA
PO2 Michael Ryals, I did not suggest everyone adopt the Army rank structure. In fact, i diliberately used an example between marines and air force as a example, so people like yourself wouldn't ASSUME i was trying change other branches to the Army. i just think should be consistent.
As far the E4 treatment example, why arent they treated the same, they get paid the same. However, thats another topic.
As far the E4 treatment example, why arent they treated the same, they get paid the same. However, thats another topic.
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PO2 Michael Ryals
SFC, sorry if my pervious came off as an attack. I am just curious if the army would be willing to wear a crow on only one sleeve. The NCO thing Is another topic but I can speak for the Marines and Navy E4s. Marines a cpl is a small unit leader mostly a fire team (sometimes a senior lcpl) and always a squad leader (sometimes a junior sgt). And for the navy which I can really only speak for the medical/FMF side a PO3 is just another enlisted unless he is a standout and they will be promoted fairly quickly to PO2. Where he will be the senior company corpsman or in a hospital he will be a ALPO or section/ watch PO. I think what it boils down to is respect cpl has more respect than a PO3.
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SFC Michael Jackson, MBA
I see can that. In the Army, we have two E4 positions. One is a SPC and the other is a CPL. The CPL is a junior NCO and has a leadership role by position.
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think we need to stay army navy marines air force coast gaurd all have different missions and different uniforms like in the army different fractions and patches why change somthing thats not broke like giveing the ranger beret to all army should never have happened the black beret was earned not given so bottom line leave everything the way it is
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I have felt that way for years. The history of each branch is what will prevent it from ever coming to fruition though.
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SFC Michael Jackson, MBA
LOL...When I see Michael J, I feel like I'm talking to myself. Now, back on topic. Perhaps you're correct that history will prevail. However, I think it's a good discussion to gain greater insight. It may be very valid reason why there's separated. I'm open-minded
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