What is my rank supposed to be after a break in service, SPC or CPL?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 May 2018 15:00:51 -0400

I was on active duty a long time ago and recently went back in to the guard. When I got out I was E-5, but due to break in service I was only able to enlist now as an E-4. The contract stipulates a pay grade of E-4 but no specific rank. This is where it is getting hard for me to figure out. Before I was a SGT I was a CPL. I was actually promoted to CPL with a DA4187 that I still have. What I am trying to figure out is if being reverted back to E-4 automatically makes me a SPC or a CPL. All the paperwork they have done so far says SPC but I think that's only because they weren't aware of this or didn't know. When I showed up for reception some of the senior NCOs there seemed to think I should be a CPL because I was "officially" promoted and it wasn't just a verbal thing in the unit. Just to be clear, it doesn't matter to me what my rank is but obviously I want to do the right thing here. I also want to figure it out before I spend $$ getting the wrong rank sewn on to all my tops.

I dug into the regs and found AR600-8-19 (7-11) that stipulates when a a soldier changes units they will normally retain rank of CPL unless there is a lateral appointment back to SPC. There is another reg that states a CPL can serve in a non-NCO duty position as well. 600-8-19 gives a list of reasons why a CPL can be administratively reduced to SPC and they are all basically for derogatory reasons. A break in service does not come up.

Just posting to see what others think about this.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 19 at 2018 3:30 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sat, 19 May 2018 15:30:20 -0400

You're a specialist. CPL is given when the unit requires NCOs.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2018 3:35 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 May 2018 15:35:00 -0400

I understand the intent of the lateral promotion authority. I found regs stating the rank is retained even when a soldier is not specifically in a leadership position. Have you seen actual regs that state that I am automatically a SPC or is this just army myth and legend?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 19 at 2018 4:56 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sat, 19 May 2018 16:56:31 -0400

I perceive all you said, however, to my mind, if you were awarded it, you should be allowed to retain it, I know it's obv not gonna happen, however, those are my thoughts, such as they arez regs and svc variations notwithstanding, honest....

Response by SGT Aric Lier made May 19 at 2018 5:03 PM

SGT Aric Lier — Sat, 19 May 2018 17:03:38 -0400

depends on the unit, I went back as a cpl. took a squad leader position and was promoted to 5 within a short time. yes they had an abundance of specialist all non pro. and needed to fill slots for deployment. I also told them I was laterally promoted to cpl by Gen Taylor and would not give that up

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made May 19 at 2018 6:52 PM

MSG Greg Kelly — Sat, 19 May 2018 18:52:02 -0400

Not sure what State your in but the guard is going to tell you what rank you are. if you went in as a E4 be thankful that. And the CPL rank is the most abused and confused rank in the guard in my opinion. It is not given when it should be or to the right people. My advice is do not wear your feelings on your sleeve and keep your mind open.

Response by TSgt Ricky Ochoa made May 19 at 2018 10:58 PM

TSgt Ricky Ochoa — Sat, 19 May 2018 22:58:01 -0400

If you retire military its paid by highest rank held

Response by CPL Justin Fout made May 20 at 2018 12:02 AM

CPL Justin Fout — Sun, 20 May 2018 00:02:15 -0400

My question is this, have you been through wlc or bncoc and retained points due to break in service? If so you should be spc-p and it is up to the mtoe as previously stated so I wouldn't worry about the cpl and start working on that buck Sgt. Again.if you aren't in a leadership position such as squad leader or shop ncoic cpl. Isn't warranted until skills are proven to current unit.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2018 1:00 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 May 2018 13:00:47 -0400

Since you had got out of the service you lost the Sgt rank and then when you got back in you were put as SPC and not cpl only because you can not enlist into the service as a cpl. In order to get the cpl rank back you must be laterally promoted again. I was a 42A when I was in and had to deal with promotions. You may have the DA4187 stating the lateral promotion but that was prior to your current enlistment. Show your unit that you're a dedicated soldier and in time it'll come back.

Response by CSM Eric Biggs made May 22 at 2018 4:45 AM

CSM Eric Biggs — Tue, 22 May 2018 04:45:51 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, as may have stated there some different answers depending on what regulation you are looking at and one reg doesn't necessarily trump the other. When you were originally promoted to CPL, I'm assuming it was not from DA since you said you still have the 4187. That being said I believe you should sew on SPC, if your CPL rank was given to you by DA it would be on official promotion orders in which case you should wear CPL. All that being said if I were you I would show up wearing SPC and expect to be quickly promoted to SGT again. Let your knowledge and leadership speak for itself. Your leaders will see your leadership ability and potential and reward you accordingly.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 22 at 2018 9:09 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 22 May 2018 09:09:45 -0400

You do know that we have damn few CPL's in the service right? It will be doubtful that you will be a CPL, since I imagine you will have to go thru some sort of OSUT/AIT training. Making you an NCO would cause many problems with you as a trainee in a training unit.

Response by Cpl Charles Trump made Mar 25 at 2020 11:25 AM

Cpl Charles Trump — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 11:25:52 -0400

I think if you didnt get it in writing they wont make good on Corporal. The length of broken time might of had something to do with it in addition to going from active to a reserve status.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 25 at 2020 1:48 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 13:48:11 -0400

Specialist... Corporal is basically a "Frock" at the Company Command level.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2020 3:19 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 15:19:13 -0400

Generally if you were DA promoted (corporal recruiter) you could keep it upon PCS if you weren’t promoted by then but due to the fact you were promoted to SGT and got out I would same you wear SPC but it’s up to your current chain of command whether or not they want to pin you CPL. Personally if you were in my Platoon I would. Good luck and welcome back.