What are your views on the rank of Corporal in the Army? Useful or unnecessary? Why do you think so?

I believe that CPL is an important rank depending on your MOS. Let me explain. As an Infantryman, Scout, or other Combat Arms MOS (I say this based on my background and my experience as a 19D CPL many moons ago), your Chain of Command feel that you possess the qualities that are required to lead other Soldiers. While you may not have enough points to be promoted to SGT, they believe that you are there. You may be placed in a Team Leader position where you are in charge of two or three other Soldiers. Those stripes carry weight that SPCs do not have. I believe that is a great honor and with it comes a lot or responsibility.

I see the rank of Corporal as an honor, SPC (Join to see). I assume you'll be in a leadership position as a Corporal, right? Again, things must have changed since I was in, because back in my day being a Corporal was something people sought after. I would have loved the opportunity. Plus, if your CSM wants to promote you to Corporal ... Well, I say go for it!

Corporal is a blessing and a curse. Depending on your MOS, those hard stripes are a God send for CSM's caught in a tight spot. They get to use you in an NCO slot and possibly free up another NCO for a greater position of responsibility, instead of bringing in a new player and possibly disrupting a great cohesive unit. It is also a trial by fire position for the Corporal. You will be part of an exclusive membership of used and abused fellow members. All the responsibilities, all of the duties, all of the "good fun ribbing". It does make the transition easier to wearing those hard stripes. I just never knew of someone to go from PFC directly to Corporal before now.