What is the difference between a Specialist and a Corporal in the Army? Inquiring Marine minds want to know.

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:08:38 -0400

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 3 at 2015 12:10 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:10:33 -0400

The biggest difference is that a CPL is a NCO while the SPC isn't. CPLs are normally found in combat arms related MOS skills while the rest are normally held as SPC until promoted to SGT. Both are training to take on more responsibilities and leadership.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 12:11 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:11:35 -0400

Same paygrade, Corporal is an NCO Specialist is not. It's a lateral promotion typically done when a SPC is promotable but hasnt yet made points and the unit needs more NCOs.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 3 at 2015 12:18 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:18:05 -0400

The size of the ass-chewing when you screw up.

As near as I can tell, a CPL in the Army is like a "Senior Lance" in the USMC. All the Responsibilities, none of the Benefits.

To compare the USMC to the Army, they "automatically" (If I understand it correctly) promote to E4 (TIS/TIG) like we do to E3, and then they "statistically" (with Unit level Board) E5-E6 like we do Cpl & Sgt. This is a product of the Army being larger as near as I can tell. E7+ goes to Army level Board like our SSgt level Board.

Edit: word

Response by SFC(P) Jonathan P. made Sep 3 at 2015 12:18 PM

SFC(P) Jonathan P. — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:18:09 -0400

The only difference is the level of responsibility and leadership capablilities. But both get the same pay and are e-4's.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 12:19 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:19:29 -0400

1LT Private RallyPoint Member , SGT Ben Keen , @SSG Warren Swan, so if the SPC has 24 months TIG and the Cpl has 5 months TIG, who is senior as both are E-4's?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 12:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:23:16 -0400

It's arbitrary, kinda.

If a Sergeant position exists, but no Sergeant or promotable Specialist is available, they plop the Specialist in the spot and some Command's give him Corporal Stripes. Which, in the Army means nothing.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 12:33 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:33:33 -0400

Corporal push more papers and have more responsabilities, is just like an NCO

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Sep 3 at 2015 12:49 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:49:22 -0400

Hey, that's easy #SPC like me were created after NAM, for administration or JAG, while the other was for command decision making (ie) squad leader, then platoon sgt.

Don't get me wrong, I became, the TRAINING NCO OF HHB 1-5 FA, for 2 yrs before PCS to Europe so it's all about the person, and the COMMAND, and the slots!! or POST ALOI!

Response by CPL Richard Flagg made Sep 3 at 2015 12:57 PM

CPL Richard Flagg — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:57:03 -0400

Simple CPL in the Army is a junior NCO usually in an E5 SGT slot like I was in my last assignment. A SPC is a senior Enlisted with time in Service; just not the duties of an NCO.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 3 at 2015 1:10 PM

SPC David S. — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 13:10:07 -0400

A Specialist is a lower enlisted and a Corporal is a junior NCO. It's a lateral promotion that not many get due the fact that most Specialist are promoted to E-5 instead.

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 1:14 PM

CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 13:14:33 -0400

The corporal is the base of the NCO ranks, serving as leader of the smallest Army units, principally; teams leaders. Like sergeant, corporals are responsible for the individual training, personal appearance and cleanliness of their soldiers. As the command sergeant major is known as the epitome of success in the NCO corps, the corporal is the beginning of the NCO corps. As the NCO corps is known as the backbone of the Army, the corporal is the backbone of the NCO corps.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Sep 3 at 2015 1:22 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 13:22:28 -0400

Specialist=Greatest rank ever. A full-bird Private. Runs the Army on the Down Low (Yeah I said it!).
Corporal=Worst rank ever. An NCO who hates life. Same paygrade as the "Sham Shield".

C'mon...deep down you know it's true! ;-)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 1:49 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 13:49:33 -0400

They are the same rank, but in order to be a corporal you must be promoteable and serving in a E5 position or higher.

By regulation a corporal is a NCO. In most cases, it is a senior E4 whose promotion points to E5 are either maxed out or extremely high.

Response by SPC Kimberley Kerr made Sep 3 at 2015 1:54 PM

SPC Kimberley Kerr — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 13:54:13 -0400

Its the same rank same pay they are both Jr nco. spc and a corporal one was just promoted in a combat unit and the other was not is what I was told by my command staff when I asked what the difference was

Response by CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 2:46 PM

CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 14:46:16 -0400

A Corporal is in a leadership position...say fire team leader. A specialist is just someone that got promoted to E-4.

Response by SPC Lee Burner made Sep 3 at 2015 5:40 PM

SPC Lee Burner — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 17:40:03 -0400

Corporals are usually an E-4 in a leadership position like squad leader

Response by SSG John Erny made Sep 3 at 2015 6:43 PM

SSG John Erny — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 18:43:29 -0400

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member Top
Back in the day it was one of 4 things. 1 If you had CPL rank you were in combat arms and likely Infantry as a team leader. 2 you were in a support unit and you could almost walk on water and were being groomed for E-5. 3 you were a major kiss @ss and were despised by the rest of the E-4's. 4 you were in the national guard and that state did not use the PC4 rank (this applies to one state that I ever saw, I think it was Iowa).

Response by SPC Jeffrey Frusha made Sep 3 at 2015 6:51 PM

SPC Jeffrey Frusha — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 18:51:53 -0400

The difference between minimal respect and outright dismissal. SP4 is a parking lot, where there are many qualified, but few spots to move into SGT stripes. I hated it and it was the primary cause of my ETS.

Response by SPC Joseph Blas made Sep 3 at 2015 7:36 PM

SPC Joseph Blas — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 19:36:46 -0400

A CPL AND A SPC ARE THE SAME PAY GRADE, BUT THE CPL HAS MORE RESPONSIBILITIES.

Response by SGT Glenn E Moody made Sep 3 at 2015 7:45 PM

SGT Glenn E Moody — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 19:45:17 -0400

a specialist is just that like a cook an office clerk in my day the difference was a Corporal is a jr. NCO with all the respect of an NCO. and is in the Infantry as a squad leader or an asst. squad leader. i know this because that is how my orders came. me and others got called front and center by our C.O. you are hear by promoted to specialist 4 E-4 and then our C.O. that's Commanding Officer pined on the rank then went back to the platoon and fell back in then our platoon leader 2nd LT. called me front and center and took off the SPC. and pined on the CPL. stripes then our platoon SGT said welcome to the NCO you are now a jr. NCO and asst squad leader of 2nd platoon 2nd squad so that is the difference between a SPL. and a CPL. the pay grade is the same

Response by SPC Elaine Brown made Sep 3 at 2015 7:46 PM

SPC Elaine Brown — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 19:46:52 -0400

Same pay, different job. Specialist is way better.

Response by SPC Matthew Wyatt made Sep 3 at 2015 8:23 PM

SPC Matthew Wyatt — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 20:23:47 -0400

New and used gear

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 8:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 20:24:06 -0400

The Army corporal is, essentially, a Specialist that has been put in a SGT position, but does not meet one or any of the requirements to obtain that 3rd stripe.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Sep 3 at 2015 8:34 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 20:34:31 -0400

Unlike in the Corps, not all E4s are expected to lead. The ones who aren't are called Specialists. Interestingly, Specialists once went all the way to E8.

Response by CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner made Sep 3 at 2015 9:58 PM

CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 21:58:23 -0400

A Corporal is in a tactical or leadership position and recognized as a NCO. A Specialist is more of a technical or administrative position. This was the working definition we had back when I wore the "ice cream cone."

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Sep 3 at 2015 9:58 PM

SGT Scott Bell — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 21:58:32 -0400

A Corporal is an NCO.And a Specialist is not.

Response by MSG Frederick Pankey made Sep 3 at 2015 11:01 PM

MSG Frederick Pankey — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 23:01:54 -0400

I was promoted to a Corporal due to a lack of Junior NCOs. I immediately became responsible over 12 Specialists. It was challenging but I excelled and got rewarded for showing my leadership skills.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Sep 3 at 2015 11:15 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 23:15:43 -0400

A Corporal and a Specialist have the same paygrade, but the Corporal have more of a NCO role than a Specialist, Corporal doing a E-5 (Sergeant) job at a E-4 paygrade.

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 11:24 PM

CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 23:24:32 -0400

My advanced training instructor simply said, "Cpl is two mosquito wings fucking. You just a sergeants' bitch." He's essentially right. No offense to the readers, just quoting.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 11:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 23:50:39 -0400

As a specialist i was laterally promoted(4187 Personnel Action Form) to CPL because I was filling a Training NCO position (E-7) in operations. I held that position for two months before being laterally promoted. So even as a Specialist, if your work ethic is that of NCO, you can be put into NCO position.

Response by SPC Jeremy Morgan made Sep 4 at 2015 12:40 AM

SPC Jeremy Morgan — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 00:40:17 -0400

A corporal is a NCO and a specialist is not. Corporal can only be held by a combat MOS such as infantry or artillery where as specialist is any MOS.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Sep 4 at 2015 1:15 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 01:15:51 -0400

Kind of like the difference between a SGM and a CSM. Same pay grades, different responsibilities. I use to ask people what was the difference between a SGM and a CSM when they'd ask me if I was going to put in for CSM. My reply was, "It's not the pay, only the headaches".

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 4:25 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 04:25:55 -0400

A corporal is considered an NCO and a Specialist is not. With that being said in the Infantry branch a specialist will sometimes fill an NCO billet and have the responsibilities of an NCO. I'm just speaking of what I have seen in the branch I belong to.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 4:29 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 04:29:25 -0400

MI, SF, or you can also do a DD368 release and transition from the ARNG to another branch or there are also AF units in the KY National Guard that may offer broadening opportunities such as CCT or air traffic control.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 4:30 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 04:30:29 -0400

Take specialist out of the rank system.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 4:35 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 04:35:23 -0400

DD 368 and letter of financial relief through your chain of command. Advise how you are having trouble paying bills and have the strong desire to serve on active duty and enjoy a career.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 4:38 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 04:38:03 -0400

Use your G.I. Bill anything that you want to do.

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Sep 4 at 2015 6:09 AM

Cpl Christopher Bishop — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 06:09:56 -0400

Many of the answers already given kinda get more into the day-to-day functional differences, but I believe the technical difference is a Specialist-4 is NOT an NCO, a Corporal is.

I understand that there are some "schools of thinking" that would like to make it E5 and E7 for NCO and Staff-NCO across the board for all branches. The Air Force already put Senior Airman at E4, a Non-NCO rank. The Army seems to promote E3s to Specialist E4s as Non-NCOs far more often than to an Army Corporal, which is an NCO rank. I had heard that the only time the Army does this anymore is when they need to ensure there are enough NCOs lurking around to pull that lovely weekend barracks duty. The Navy Petty Officer III is an NCO, but has about zero functional authority, as the saying goes "In the Navy if you ain't a Chief, (or at the very least a PO1 who is also a department head) you ain't chit." Back to the E5 and E7 bit, for those who don't know, in the Corps that scales down one rank, to E4 and E6 respectively, and although I am not sure, I think the Coast Guard does the same (mutters something about the too many Indians and not enough chiefs bit).

I knew an Army Specialist-4 who was an Intel person by MOS but attached to an infantry unit. He said he got all the benefits of being an E4 without any of the responsibilities of a Corporal, which in his words meant he dodged being pulled for barracks duty.

It might be fair to state that a Marine Corporal has (by far) more realistic and functional authority over their squad/section members, than any other E4 anywhere. Moving the first NCO rank to E5 requires each 4-year enlistee to re-up to ever pin it on, thus there would never be enough given the percentage of promotable E4s who decide to go home, many whom already had the promotion points for E5, and got irritated when those Prior Service Recruiters dangle E5 in front of you, as if they are offering you something you hadn't already earned. Ooh ooh didn't mean to get too personal ;P

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 4 at 2015 9:34 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 09:34:00 -0400

You can find a Corporal ...

Response by CPL Jay Peacock made Sep 4 at 2015 9:35 AM

CPL Jay Peacock — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 09:35:24 -0400

A corporal has more responsibility than a specialist they can be a team leader

Response by SGT Apollo Sharpe made Sep 4 at 2015 10:01 AM

SGT Apollo Sharpe — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 10:01:19 -0400

The real difference between the SP4 & the CPL isn't as apparent these days as it was back when there was a full range of Specialist ranks. You used to have to be chosen to become an NCO. Otherwise, you would progress through the Specialist ranks. Today, SP4/SPC is just a leftover appendage from the old days. Honestly, they need to bring those other SPC ranks back.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Sep 4 at 2015 10:15 AM

SSG Richard Reilly — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 10:15:48 -0400

As someone that held both ranks I will say this. CPL is horrible; you are treated as an NCO for the worst duties with no respect from any one because they really think you are just a SPC that gets to be in charge of other SPC. SPC is a confusing rank you know a lot but very little is expect of you until you voice your knowledge and want to get promoted. The coolest thing that happened to me as a CPL was I was in the ALOC when the TOC was attack at a training exercise and I was the highest rank person in it. I didn't know when that happens the power shifts to the ALO and I was apparently the Battalion Commander for about a half hour. They started calling me "Lieutenant Corporal".

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 10:21 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 10:21:28 -0400

A specialist is not considered an NCO. A Corporal is. Depending on the unit, if your "high speed" and have the points then you might get CPL. But if you are the average Joe 9 times out of 10 you'll get SPC. With CPL comes more responsibility.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Sep 4 at 2015 10:48 AM

CSM Michael Poll — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 10:48:36 -0400

The difference is SUPPOSED to be that a Senior SPC that has been boarded for SGT but not yet promoted can be laterally appointed to CPL in order to fill a vacant SGT slot and be the NCO team leader. The CPL is a part of the NCO rank and holds the responsibility of a NCO running a team. However, I have seen this not to be fact in many organizations. I have implemented it in my BN, The only CPL's are those in leadership positions IE Team Leaders or Section NCO's.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 4 at 2015 11:30 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 11:30:28 -0400

A Corporal is an NCO, and has the ability to lead troops, where as a Specialist is not an NCO.

Response by GySgt Curtis L Leetch made Sep 4 at 2015 12:57 PM

GySgt Curtis L Leetch — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 12:57:16 -0400

Having served in the Army, Army National Guard, and Marine Corps, I can say that almost everyone is correct, to some degree. A "Hard Striper (not stripper ) Leads as part of overall Command Structure... At All Times and in All places. A specialist has specific skills, and "Leadership Skills" may not be as important as the skills they possess. In "their" work place there is no difference per se. Example: If a Corporal was assigned to Mess Hall/Chow Hall duty, the Spec-4 running the team in the Chow Hall will reign supreme over the Corporal. (Two things determine seniority: 1. Rank/Grade AND 2. Billet position... Billet POSITION while acting in the capacity of that position TRUMPS over a senior grade acting in a Junior position.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Sep 4 at 2015 2:15 PM

CPL Brendan Hayes — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 14:15:06 -0400

The one thing I have to add to this conversation relates to the permanence of the position. After I was "promoted" to Cpl I held a Section Chief (Squad Leader) position. After a couple of years, a Ssg transfered into the unit. I assumed that this was the end of my position and swapped out my rank with the sham shield. I was chewed out by the PL for being out of uniform. We quickly went to my file where I saw that my rank had been permanently changed. If I remember right, my 214 rank is E-4/Cpl.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Sep 4 at 2015 2:21 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 14:21:16 -0400

The ONLY difference is that a Spc is not in a leadership position and a Cpl is Kinda.... A Cpl has more responsibility and gets more stupid ( back in the day anyways) jobs that wouldnt normally befall a Sgt . Used to be that a Cpl didnt want to hold the rank because of the nonsense that went with it. Fire Guard for instance, back then being a Cpl was not a ticket to get out of it but an open invite to pull as much of it as Top saw fit because he needed his "real" Nco's during the duty day. same thing went for other duties where a "real" Nco was needed, police call...Hey CPL !!!!!... Dining hall duty...Hey CPL !!!! and so forth...I myself think that if they wear it they should be treated as it was intended to be...that person had demonstrated above and beyond and was promoted to an NCO before they made the cut off score.

Response by SPC Raborne Vines made Sep 4 at 2015 7:15 PM

SPC Raborne Vines — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 19:15:28 -0400

They hold the same rate, but one is a NCO and the other is not.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 7:43 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 19:43:42 -0400

Cpl the most laughed rank in the army!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 8:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 20:46:12 -0400

A SPC is basically a senior/junior enlisted Soldier who's been around for at least 2 years. A CPL was a PFC or SPC that the leadership noticed a great deal of leadership qualities and potential in and decided to give them stripes so that they can lead (no "official" NCO board required). The SPC rank has been around for quite sometime, and a Soldier use to have the option to either stay a SPC and move up the pay-grades or go the NCO route and move up the same way, but was a "hard striper". They have since of course removed the SPC 4's,5's, 6's, 7's-9's and the product you see before you today is the descendant of that. Being a former Combat Engineer, we had a few CPL's running around. For the most part, CPL's are utilized in Combat Arms specific MOS's (Military Occupational Specialties). I have NEVER seen a CPL in a non-combat arms unit, unless the promotion was a permanent one granted they re-classed from Combat Arms. You will never meet a CPL cook, HR specialist, Intel Analyst, and so on. CPL's are the mean little bastards that are needed in grunt and other Combat specific units. The Army decided to throw CPL stripes on my chest for the last 3 months of my first enlistment when I was a Combat Engineer before I got out back in the day. Had to take them off when I came back in because I had no orders for the rank, was just requested to be a CPL. Here are a couple pics from our old enlisted rank stuctures

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Sep 4 at 2015 8:46 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 20:46:45 -0400

As to pay plans I don't think there is any difference. The main difference is that an SPC is more likely than not to be in a technical position like Missile Systems ( That's a broad generalization ) where a corporal would be more suited for infantry, armored cavalry or artillery units. Promotions for Spec 4 from PFC and to Spec 5 from a Spec 4 may be quicker than the straight E-XX.
Yes, both sides are governed by mandatory TIS and TIG but specialist units may have a Proud Papa Battalion Commander who gets his way with the promotion boards. At least, that's been my experience ( SP-5 right before my 5 year mark ) and my observations.
I made rank quickly as well given my Eyes Only Security Clearance in Germany, just because there was a cipher machine in the teletype room. And our resident Full Bird loved to hand out promotions to the only enlisted person in the unit. For the duration of my position as a forensic chemist there at CID HQ for EU / Asia I carried creds of a W-2. ( I was plainclothes too ).
It all just depends on when you are where you are AND your performance. All IMHO!

Response by CPL Joe Slaughter made Sep 4 at 2015 9:00 PM

CPL Joe Slaughter — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 21:00:30 -0400

Nco

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 9:06 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 21:06:42 -0400

I assume you're not in the U.S. Army, but this is a good question. Responsibility, leadership position/billet, and at the Commander's tool to promote leaders due to potential. This rank stays "within" the unit in so many words. This is not verbatim from Army Regualtion, but it should cover it. I don't see many Corporals, but when I do, they do stand out.
Our Specialist rank is very common due to the promotion system, available leadership positions, time in grade, and other reasons. There is a difference, in these two ranks. I had a blast being a Specialist! I had enough knowledge to be an NCO, but the excuses in case of mishap to be a Junior Enlistedman. Love it! When in pinned Sergeant, that all went away.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 9:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 09:19:53 -0400

1stSgt,
there is really no considerable difference between the 2 ranks. They are the same pay grade but one, the CPL, is considered and NCO. The Specialist can be in charge of others at the same rank, typically a team leader. As for me, I have been both, more than once, but that's a story for another day.
In the Army, a CPL can have the same responsibility as a SGT and be held to a higher standard. These days, I have seen a lot less CPLs, but it is a good stepping stone to NCO Corps. As for getting promoted to CPL, unless it comes from Dept. of the Army, it is typically a lateral promotion and once you leave that certain unit that you got promoted in, you lose that promotion, unless the gaining unit needs that specific position. I hope this makes sense.

Response by SGT(P) Crystal Marie France made Sep 5 at 2015 3:10 PM

SGT(P) Crystal Marie France — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 15:10:54 -0400

One is a NCO and one is not.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 3:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 15:41:09 -0400

a CPL is in a position of greater responsibility. He is closer to being an NCO than a SPC (due to showing leadership traits)
same pay grade but one has shown more leadership potential than the other
Example: an Abrams tank has 4 positions: TC, Gunner,Loader and Driver. The Driver can be an SPC but the gunner can be a high speed CPL. Both are E4s on paper but one has much more responsibility than the other.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2015 12:00 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 00:00:07 -0400

Specialist = Union member. Corporal = Management/ Non-Union. lol :)

Response by CSM Carl Cunningham made Sep 6 at 2015 1:58 AM

CSM Carl Cunningham — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 01:58:41 -0400

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member , I think your question should more be "What is the difference between an Army Corporal (CPL) and a USMC Corporal?" I think the answer to that question would shed more light to how the Army CPL is used. Now, you have probably reviewed a lot of the answers on here and noticed they vary, but generally have the same endpoint. The Army CPL is an NCO who is serving in a SGT or above billet, in their Primary MOS.
You probably heard the commonly mis-quoted piece that the CPL should be promotable to the next rank. While some leaders think they should, they are not required to be promotable (I think that is an Army CSM thing). Because I understand the USMC Corporal's duties and scope, I have used CPL in the Army to develop that young hard-charging Soldier who COULD work as a SGT, but is not where I think they should be before wearing SGT stripes.
I hope you continue to enjoy the responses...... :)

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Sep 6 at 2015 2:11 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 14:11:49 -0400

Arent they spelled differently???

Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Sep 7 at 2015 8:02 PM

SPC Luis Mendez — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 20:02:40 -0400

There were Corporals in the Army way back in the days. If I can remember well they were only in Infantry and always were squad leaders. Specialists usually have a tech job the civilian equivalent of a techie.

Response by SFC Tom Melling Sr. made Sep 9 at 2015 11:58 AM

SFC Tom Melling Sr. — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 11:58:31 -0400

A Specialist, E-4 is a junior NCO who is in charge of a specific task. Like being a cook, a clerk, med/legal/admin tech, chaplain's asst and etc.
A corporal E-4 is a person who is charge of people, squad and etc. An infantry/armor/artillery position.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 12:15 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 12:15:20 -0400

Specialists are the equivalent of Lance Corporals. They just get paid more.

Response by SGT Montana Crawford made Sep 9 at 2015 12:27 PM

SGT Montana Crawford — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 12:27:46 -0400

Specialist is an automatic promotion. A Corporal is a command recognition of someone's abilities while they are serving in a leadership position.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 12:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 12:29:39 -0400

CPL is an NCO while a SPC is not. They are both in the E-4 pay grade so movement between the two is called a lateral appointment. The CPL rank is normally used in situations were there are a lack of NCOs and a SPC (serving in a NCO billet) had demonstrated the ability lead and accomplish the mission.

Response by SSG Brian Kresge made Sep 9 at 2015 12:40 PM

SSG Brian Kresge — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 12:40:54 -0400

One reason why the rank exists comes to mind: in the 1990s, and likely as will happy again with force drawdowns, etc., points for E-5 jumped for many MOSs to high levels, unattainable by many E4(P)s, but command still needed junior NCOs inhabiting roles like "team leader." Hence the ability to draw upon senior or promotable E4s to fill those roles. In times when you can throw a stone and hit a sergeant, it doesn't seem relevant, but it gives commanders a pool of junior leaders with true authority when times get tough. SPC commanding other SPCs in a fire team is problematic - having that command-appointed corporal gives everyone a rank-based cue on what's what.

Response by SGT Don Abbl made Sep 9 at 2015 12:46 PM

SGT Don Abbl — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 12:46:27 -0400

Corporal is considered an NCO, while Speicalist is an E-4 is not. There arent many Corporals in the Army any more. It was often assigned to combat MOS's.

Response by SFC Joey Parton made Sep 9 at 2015 1:08 PM

SFC Joey Parton — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:08:18 -0400

A Specialist is not an NCO, same pay grade E4 but not put in a leadership position, (even tho they are in real life). A Corporal is an NCO and is put into leadership position. Most Corporal's will be in the Combat arms area's ie.. Infantry, Armor, Engineers and so forth.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 1:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:14:07 -0400

CPL is command Rank SPL is not a command Rank except in his or her own field (in some cases)

Response by CPL(P) Michael Paiva made Sep 9 at 2015 1:14 PM

CPL(P) Michael Paiva — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:14:37 -0400

A specialist does not have any authority to march or order troops around. A corporal basically does everything a SGT E-5 does except he does not get paid as much. A corporal in a Jr. NCO a specialist is not.

Response by SFC Ken Heise made Sep 9 at 2015 1:29 PM

SFC Ken Heise — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:29:28 -0400

Corporal is a leadership position and a Specialist is a technician.

Response by SGT Christina Wilder made Sep 9 at 2015 1:32 PM

SGT Christina Wilder — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:32:01 -0400

Specialists are E-4's who perform non-leadership duties. A Corporal is considered a NCO with leadership responsibilities. This rank has been seen less since WWII. All E-4's important.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 1:33 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:33:58 -0400

1SG, that is an excellent question. Aside from all of the jokes, here is what I have understood the differences between SPC and CPL. Generally speaking, CPL is a combat arms position of 1st level leadership. Considered a Jr. NCO, CPL will be in charge of two or more soldiers of similar duty assignments. This is not to say that a SPC cannot be in charge of other junior enlisted. CPL will have completed the 'Warrior Leader Course' and have a duty assignment for leadership of two or more soldiers. Many 'non-combat-arms' units do not have a billet for CPL. While moving from SPC to CPL is a lateral movement (pay grade is still E4) it is considered a lateral 'promotion' as the soldier will now function in a formal leadership capacity.

The SPC rank itself was from the 'Technical' SGT and at one time, there were SP4 - SP9. They did not lead; however, they were very good at their MOS. Many went on to become Warrant Officers. The difference can be considered similar to E8 and E9. A 1SG is the same pay grade as an MSG, however one will function more administratively, while the other is a command leadership position (Top CO NCO). Same thing as an SGM and CSM. CSM top BN NCO. However, all NCOs lead soldiers. And Senior NCOs train Jr officers (usually non-field grade officers).

I hope this helps.

Response by SGT Alton Gohl made Sep 9 at 2015 1:34 PM

SGT Alton Gohl — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:34:34 -0400

A corporal can take on the responsibilities of a non commissioned officer as CQ duty asst squad leader

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 1:36 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:36:04 -0400

Isn't is funny how we must have 100 of the same answer. Like the echo somehow make it ever truer.

You have all the right to go on and say that, and speculate what the vague reasoning for lateral promotion could be. But I thought that is what the upvotes was for.

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Sep 9 at 2015 1:40 PM

PFC Stephen Eric Serati — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:40:51 -0400

I think everyone bout covered it.PFC bites

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 1:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:47:22 -0400

The difference is a Soldier who shows the leadership quality of a NCO that doesn't have the time in service or rank to be prompted. Honestly CPL's in the Army is the most difficult rank I have held. You are an NCO that I feel has to walk a fine line because so much is expected of you and because of being an E4 most of your buddies become subordinates. I was a team leader in a Scout platoon and everything changed. I loved it and hated it at the same time. I was only a SPC for 10 before promoted to CPL. The best part about it was leading my Soldiers and learning from my SGT's and SSG made it so much easier to pass the E5 board because of the experience. I feel that the Army would benefit from promoting deserving SPC to CPL so that they gain the leadership skills through experience.

Response by SGT Reginald Burlile made Sep 9 at 2015 1:47 PM

SGT Reginald Burlile — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:47:56 -0400

Corporal is aNCO ,a specialist is not

Response by PFC Brian Reuter made Sep 9 at 2015 1:48 PM

PFC Brian Reuter — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:48:51 -0400

Besides same rank, (E-4), a Corporal is NCO, and depending on MOS, Corporal holds higher authority.
There are other things also.

Response by SGT James Adair made Sep 9 at 2015 1:55 PM

SGT James Adair — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:55:46 -0400

A specialist 4 isn't a leadership roll and a Corporal is. I was an acting Corporal for about 8 months in 1982. I was supposed to go to the E-5 board while in Panama, but since I already had orders to transfer, I didn't get to. My squad leader put me in for hard stripe Corporal. Being a Corporal put me ahead of others that were a specialist 4.

Response by SPC Jonathan Packard made Sep 9 at 2015 1:57 PM

SPC Jonathan Packard — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:57:08 -0400

You need to make Corporal 1st are you will never move up the Sgt. ranks. A Spc. cannot move to Sgt.

Response by SPC Brian Baxter made Sep 9 at 2015 2:07 PM

SPC Brian Baxter — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 14:07:07 -0400

Almost all MOS's have Specialists at the E-4 rank, it is actually the normal progression in the Army. CPL isn't a promotion at all, it is a lateral appointment (I believe it must be approved by a BN Commander). Part of the qualifying factor is that you need to have at least two direct reports and of course are an E-4 already or being promoted to one. SPC is not considered an NCO, but a CPL is. Same pay and benefits though. The only high point is that you may garner more commanders points or get extra weight for the E-5 Board, not a lot of incentive going on there. This was accurate as of 1995 at least.
Oh yeah, Is PT now optional for NCO's? I saw someone state that in this feed, it certainly wasn't when I was in. Just curious.

Response by SGT Scott Henderson made Sep 9 at 2015 2:20 PM

SGT Scott Henderson — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 14:20:56 -0400

A corporal is considered a NCO meaning they have more responsibility. They also have to go to all the NCO meetings withing the unit. A Specialist isn't and doesn't. Depending on the unit you could get laterally promoted if you have been you the board/WLC and are waiting on points.
I only saw Corporals in combat arms units though.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 2:25 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 14:25:59 -0400

specialists work pretty darn hard

Response by CPL David Martin made Sep 9 at 2015 2:28 PM

CPL David Martin — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 14:28:01 -0400

More responsibility and/or in a leadership position. I was a Spec 4 while in the Batt S3 but when I was needed to run the schools NCO position, I was laterally promoted to CPL as per my S3 Maj and E7.

Response by SGT Kristin Myers made Sep 9 at 2015 2:44 PM

SGT Kristin Myers — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 14:44:25 -0400

A CPL is a unit promotion and will not follow the Soldier to the next duty station. It is basically a rank if a unit does not have enough NCOs and need some for supervision/other duties.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 3:00 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:00:30 -0400

The Corporal rank is meant to recognize a soldier who has been placed into a leadership position, and seperates the shammers from the leaders among the E-4 pool. You will find Corporal's mostly in an MOS that is difficult to promote to Sergeant due to high points requirements and a a large pool of competing candidates.

Response by SPC(P) Nick Bondgien made Sep 9 at 2015 3:07 PM

SPC(P) Nick Bondgien — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:07:00 -0400

Kinda like leavin the Union that repesents the Spec4's. to become low level management. ( chuckle, gotta love the Spc4 Mafia.

Response by CPL Howard Conover made Sep 9 at 2015 3:10 PM

CPL Howard Conover — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:10:04 -0400

To me it is simple. A Specialist (E-4) Specialized in a certain area now there was some disagreement as to where this rank specification should be used. Combat Arms Units Corporal, E-4; other units not combat arms specified Specialist (E-4). This was somewhat a debate a few years ago.

Response by CPL William Harper made Sep 9 at 2015 3:10 PM

CPL William Harper — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:10:33 -0400

As an Spec who worked in an Sgt slot at my last duty station I possessed all the qualities to be a Corporal but we had E5s on post but not were qualified to do my job. I had E5s working for me because of it. Even though I did not wear it I was many times given that designation in my correspondences due to my age and qualifying talents . For me it has been interchangeable since retirement 10 yrs now.

Response by SGT Shawn Price made Sep 9 at 2015 3:20 PM

SGT Shawn Price — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:20:26 -0400

Corporal is the rank given when not enough e-5 slots are available. Or cause you suck. Or cause you're not tabbed. Or cause u suck.

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Sep 9 at 2015 3:23 PM

SPC Michael Hunt — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:23:53 -0400

The Specialist gets the work done... the Corporal sits around and watches the Specialist get the work done.

Response by PFC Stephens Clark made Sep 9 at 2015 3:27 PM

PFC Stephens Clark — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:27:26 -0400

its quit simple actually, a Specialist is exactly what the name means they specialize in a certain field, meanwhile A Corporal is the smallest Non Commisioned Officer. Has Minimal job Supervisory details. And a Corporal does not have a Specified Specialst Job.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 3:29 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:29:11 -0400

A corporal is looked at as an NCO, a leader, and treated as such. They are trusted with more leadership responsibilities than a Specialist.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 3:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:31:49 -0400

Responsibility

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made Sep 9 at 2015 3:32 PM

MSG Greg Kelly — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:32:56 -0400

1stSgt not sure what soldiers today think it means I know what it was for. It was used to train up and coming NCOs if they showed leadership skills. It was a lateral promotion to a leadership position to see if a soldier (a specialist) had the ability to lead if they did not they were lateraled back to specialist until they were ready again. It was mostly used in combat arms but as with most things it lost its meaning. And the Army went to the point system and people get promoted even if they are not leaders

Response by CSM Dwayne Perry made Sep 9 at 2015 3:39 PM

CSM Dwayne Perry — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:39:27 -0400

Mindset

Response by SFC Brian Gillum made Sep 9 at 2015 4:00 PM

SFC Brian Gillum — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 16:00:43 -0400

The specialist ranks (they once ranged the whole of the pay grades from E-4 and up) grew out of the Tech Sergeant ranks of WWII.

The Army wished to differentiate between the NonCommissiined Officers who led soldiers and those soldiers who had technical or other skills to provide the Army, but had no rhyme or reason to have leadership roles. For example, an Army Sergeant First Class would be a platoon sergeant, while a Specialist 7 had pay and privileges of a Sergeant First Class, but did not have leadership duties or training in command and leadership.

The Army phased each of the higher Specialist ranks out, but retained the Specialist 4 (now just called Specialist, except when referring to the Spec 4 mafia). Corporals are non commissioned officers. Specialist are not. However, many a Specialist is in a leadership position nowadays (team, and occasionally, even squad leaders), so what the reasons that remain for retaining the dual ranks is unclear, other than like most things military related, doing things that make sense is against the good order and conduct of military operations.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Sep 9 at 2015 4:12 PM

1SG Harold Piet — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 16:12:27 -0400

I was in from 1975-1995. In the support field field all e-4 were SP4 rank. in the combat arms field the Corporal was a junior leader. The responsibility was more technical in a support field than in the combat arms field. In my beginning days we also had SP5 and SP6. Personally I always felt these were ranks not needed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 4:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 16:38:17 -0400

Specialist is the highest rank of junior enlisted. We expect them to be fairly proficient both technically and tactically, and to share their knowlege with the privates. They should be able to function adequately with minimal supervision.
A corporal, while still an E4, has duties and responsibilities almost identical to a SGT E5. They are noncommissioned officers, with the legal authority of one. In reality, the corporal ends up often as the redheaded stepchild....many a SPC believe that they are the same, and often the NCO corps excludes them. It takes a strong leader to be sucessful at the rank of CPL as its intended to function.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Sep 9 at 2015 5:13 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:13:23 -0400

My response will be short, A corporal is in charge of a group of Soldiers. Where as a Specialist does a set job.

Response by SGT Kristin Myers made Sep 9 at 2015 5:42 PM

SGT Kristin Myers — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:42:16 -0400

A CPL is a unit promoted Soldier and their rank will not follow them when they PCS. A deserving SPC is laterally promoted to CPL when more NCOs are needed for supervision or the like.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 5:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:53:28 -0400

A corporal has the authority of a Non-Commissioned Officer and a Specialist does not. The Specialist does not display as strong of leadership skills as the other.

Response by SFC Michael Garner made Sep 9 at 2015 6:00 PM

SFC Michael Garner — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 18:00:35 -0400

It is simple Marines think of Mster Gunny vs 1SG

Response by SFC Lawrence Bancke made Sep 9 at 2015 6:04 PM

SFC Lawrence Bancke — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 18:04:05 -0400

Some MOS's don't have "specialists" at the E4 level - only corporals. I believe these are mainly the combat arms MOS's. At any rate, in the absence of an E5 or higher, a corporal will take charge before a specialist. That's the "mentality" at least to my understanding.

Response by 1SG Tim Gunst made Sep 9 at 2015 6:28 PM

1SG Tim Gunst — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 18:28:54 -0400

Same pay grade but corporal may have more responsibility and recieves a type of Ncoer while specialist's dont. Corporal out ranks specialist. Corporal should be groomed to become a Sgt. Honestly a specialist should also be given responsibility and groomed for the next step. Most times not all the time the person who is promoted latterly to corporal show promise of leadership. Some times a section may not have a Sgt and the best person gets promoted to run that section until a Sgt arrives.

Response by SFC Dennis Yancy made Sep 9 at 2015 6:36 PM

SFC Dennis Yancy — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 18:36:45 -0400

Specialist works specialty and Corporal commands troops.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 9 at 2015 6:47 PM

SGT Richard H. — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 18:47:54 -0400

Same as the difference between a Master Sergeant/First Sergeant...except with less pay/responsibility/authority.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 7:02 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:02:01 -0400

As I have worn corporal stripes in the usmc specialist and corporal in the army. The biggest difference being leadership and the treatment of an NCO. Marine Corps a NCO is a NCO treated as such your expected to lead and make decisions. Army as a specialist you are treated as junior enlisted and all grouped together about the same as a lance corporal that's been around for a while it's a shame. I believe the specialist rank should go away and corporal should be earned more self esteem and respect for earned rank and position then given. It would boost morale and overall leadership ability

Response by MSG John Wirts made Sep 9 at 2015 7:50 PM

MSG John Wirts — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:50:35 -0400

In WWII and Korea there were Technical Sergeants. They were the fore runners to the Specialist ranks. They were not command NCO's, their rank was equivalent to a high paid civilian worker, if that worker was very proficient he might become a "lead", his only control was in the technical aspect of his job. The Technical(Tech) Sargent was eliminated in the Army, and Specialists were born. The Spc 4 insignia was an inverted teardrop with an eagle, Spc 5 added an "umbrella(an inverted rocker over the eagle, Spc 6 added the second inverted rocker, Spc 7 added the third inverted rocker, Spc 8 added an inverted chevron under the eagle, and Spc 9 added the second inverted chevron. Spcs 8 and ( were very rare, mostly in medical field With three rockers and one or two chevrons and the eagle they were very impressive. I only saw three Spc 8/9 s in my career. The Army eliminated the 8 and 9 s in the Seventies, then later all the numbered specialists leaving only the Spc E-4. Originally all technical positions, requiring knowledge, proficiency, and skill, but not Command of a squad or higher unit, was the providence for the specialist. The only "hard stripe" E-4 s were in Combat arms. Both the Army and Air Force experimented with this concept, The Air force modified their stripe so that E 2-4 had a blue star on a blue field, E 5-9 had a silver star. They later went back to the silver star. In my humble opinion I would like to see the Specialist come back, in our modern military there are highly technical jobs requiring great skill, but under the current regulations enlisted personnel must advance to the NCO ranks or they must quit, or be boarded out. This loss of technicians in a more and more technically orientated military will soon become unsustainable. I remember thinking when I heard of the dropping of the specialist to one rank and adding the single stripe with rocker that it would make sense to keep the "mosquito wing" as PFC, and name the new(to the Army) "mosquito wing" with rocker lance Corporal. Silly me when has the military ever been sensible?

Response by SFC Alfred Lord made Sep 9 at 2015 8:02 PM

SFC Alfred Lord — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 20:02:05 -0400

A cpl. is an NCOs with responsibility in a leader ship ,a spec E4 is a spec in his work skill with no leader ship responsibility.but could be converted to NCOs rank.when promoted

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 8:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 20:40:51 -0400

Being a Cpl. Was the best way for me to make the transition to the NCO ranks. Nobody likes cpl. Anymore cause a real vpl. In my day chewed more backside than anyone SGT. And in most cases was more respected due in large part to being more squared away. I loved being a cpl and it upsets me this valuable tool is no longer used.

Response by SPC Tim Grudzinski made Sep 9 at 2015 8:57 PM

SPC Tim Grudzinski — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 20:57:15 -0400

Nothing really. Same pay grade.

Response by SPC Edward Lynch made Sep 9 at 2015 9:02 PM

SPC Edward Lynch — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 21:02:34 -0400

In the early '70 I was in the ADA (Hawk) all E-4 & E-5s were Specialist. I've even seen Spec-6s & at least one Spec-7 cooks. Only Corporals were in the Signal Corp, a separate unit

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 9:08 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 21:08:52 -0400

I know this has been answered, but my experience with the ranks was mixed. I entered the Army in 1973 as a PFC (E-3). I was in the Infantry where there were no Specialist ranks since that was a technician rank at the time. When I was promoted to E-4, I was a Corporal. I was later promoted to SGT E-5 while in Korea and became injured requiring a reclassification to a technical MOS, Computer Operator (74D) in 1978. While my job changed, my rank did not. There were no issues at my next duty station in Kaiserslautern, Germany since there were only 3 of us that were in the military at my facility. The problems began when I PCS'ed to Ft Hood in 1981 to a Data Processing Unit that had a Command structure similar to a Battalion with a Major in command, a SGM, a Company Commander, etc. All of the E-4 thru E-6 were specialist ranks. While the E-5 and E-6s were in charge of teams, they were not NCOs. I was the only SGT in the unit and it caused a lot of animosity resulting in me being ordered to remove my SGT rank and put the SPC5 rank on despite not having Dept of Army orders for the change.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 9:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 21:49:39 -0400

A Specialist is a new E4 (non NCO) who begins to learn the basics of leadership, as ina squad leader, e.g. The first big career move is to attend WLC (Warrior Leaders Course) in order to learn from seasoned NCOs. A Corporal is a junior NCO (and a more rare rank) for a soldier who has strong leadership skills and has stepped up his/her game and has shown leadership traits that go above and beyond a Specialist. If there isn't enough time in grader and/or time in service for consideration of promotion to E5, the rank of Corporal signifies the soldier merits the rank of Sergeant and is taking on responsibilities that he/she will be expected to use upon promotion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 9:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 21:51:11 -0400

Good question. As you probably already know, they're both E4s. The only difference is that the Corporal is an NCO while the Specialist is not. The Corporal will be evaluated as an NCO (NCOERs) where as the Specialist won't. The Corporal will (should) be placed in a position of higher leadership than that of a Specialist.

Response by SGT Bret Kelly made Sep 9 at 2015 10:17 PM

SGT Bret Kelly — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 22:17:20 -0400

Both are pay grade E-4, however corporals are usually a combat arms position while Specialists are Medics, Supply etc....

Response by PFC Aaron Knapp made Sep 9 at 2015 10:25 PM

PFC Aaron Knapp — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 22:25:57 -0400

Ok I will now supply the Nemes that will explain everything...enjoy! (I do this for humor only, I usually keep my discussions serious, but for this question several Memes should answer the question and make you laugh...)

Response by PFC Aaron Knapp made Sep 9 at 2015 10:31 PM

PFC Aaron Knapp — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 22:31:54 -0400

Response by PFC Aaron Knapp made Sep 9 at 2015 10:45 PM

PFC Aaron Knapp — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 22:45:27 -0400

Ok here is the history lesson...kinda long (and I apologize for the earlier attempt at meme humor since most of them didn't even post properly and were cropped to a point of being unable to read). I'm breaking this up into sections and will post each portion of the info into the following comments. Hope this helps! Enjoy!!

From 1920 to 1942, there was a rank designated "private/specialist" (or simply, "specialist") that was graded in six classes (the lowest being sixth class and the highest being first class). They were considered the equal of a private first class (PFC), but drew additional specialist pay in relationship to the specialist level possessed on top of their base PFC (grade six) pay. The classes only indicated experience, not seniority, and a private/specialist did not outrank a PFC.

Officially, specialists wore the single chevron of a PFC, because no special insignia was authorized to indicate their rank. Unofficially, a private/ specialist could be authorized, at his commander's discretion, to wear one to six additional rockers (one rocker for sixth class, and a maximum of six rockers for first class) under their rank chevron to denote specialty level.

Response by SGT Michael Casey made Sep 9 at 2015 10:47 PM

SGT Michael Casey — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 22:47:32 -0400

Simple answer, corporals command troops specialists do not.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 11:21 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 23:21:43 -0400

The SPC(E-4) rank is not an NCO..Where the Corporal Rank is..

Response by SSG James James made Sep 9 at 2015 11:49 PM

SSG James James — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 23:49:12 -0400

A corporal is a E 4 but is slightly higher then a specialist is its more of a command rank or one who works in a office as as Admin

Response by COL Charles Williams made Sep 9 at 2015 11:55 PM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 23:55:56 -0400

Specialist is the norm and has been for year. The Corporal Rank disappeared in the Army for some time. Today, the Corporal in the Army, in my experience (I hate that saying), is only used when an E-4 is serving in a Team Leader or similar NCO (E-5) position.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 4:20 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 04:20:16 -0400

Well on Fort Hood it just means I can use you to TC one of my vehicles being that you are considered an NCO. Other than that you are a kick ass specialist.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 6:18 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 06:18:42 -0400

Technically the difference is level of responsibility. SPC tend to be the experienced lower enlisted that help teach the new privates. CPL is a junior NCO and tends to be a Team Leader or Squad Leader and has troops to lead and council. Actual answer is not much most corporals dont wanna step up and be an nco because they arent hetting the pay for it. And most specialist, with exceptions of course, are treated the same as corporals when it comes to expectations from the nco support channel

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Sep 10 at 2015 8:28 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 08:28:45 -0400

SGT Dave Tracy... Sorry, but you don't have the full picture. Let me fill you in on the Marine view.
Specialist ranks are just that. They specialize in something... and that is their job, which, I am sure they do well to the best of their abilities, and you have my full respect for that.

Now, a Corporal in the Marines is a different thing. First and foremost, they are considered a leader of troops when necessary. I've seen Cpls doing most everything from leading troops, stepping in for section leaders, running working parties and putting boots thru Parris Island.

Perhaps, its different in the Army, but in the Marines, you get that second stripe, you are EXPECTED to lead. We used to joke among ourselves, that being a CPL was more like a SGT with training wheels... you still got crappy details at times, but the difference was that more often than not, YOU were in charge of the crappy details instead of actually DOING said detail. Then again, perhaps it was just my experience and others have a different view.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Sep 10 at 2015 9:11 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 09:11:17 -0400

based on what I know of the Marine Corps, and having been a Spec4 and new a few Cpls.... the easiest way to describe it is ALMOST: what is the difference between a Marine SgtMajor and Master Guns? (ok, both are E-9....bear with me here)..... the Cpl would be more similar to the SM, the SPC4 would be more similar to the Master Guns....but instead of being E-9, they are E-4..... it boils down to duty description and responsibilities....Leader of troops or mentor/worker. Now, I also know that a Master Gun can break into some ass if needed...so this is all quite a stretch.... ;-)

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Sep 10 at 2015 11:41 AM

SPC Donald Moore — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 11:41:46 -0400

A Corporal and a Specialist have the same pay-grade. The theoretical difference is that the Specialist is not in a leadership role while the Corporal is an Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) with all the potential responsibility of a Sergeant but no pay to compensate for said responsibility.
Some units are "good" about putting the Corporal rank on a Specialist that is put in a leadership role, while other units, not so much.

Response by CPT Griff Tatum made Sep 10 at 2015 11:50 AM

CPT Griff Tatum — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 11:50:25 -0400

Corporal: Promotable to E5 SGT
SPC: E4, PFC commander

Response by CPL Bryan Claeys made Sep 10 at 2015 11:55 AM

CPL Bryan Claeys — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 11:55:09 -0400

They are both E4 pay grades. A specialist is the highest junior enlisted. A corporal is a junior NCO. Usually corporal is a rank given out for specialist promotable or for a squared away specialist in a combat arms unit/MOS specialty.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Sep 10 at 2015 11:55 AM

SFC Rollie Hubbard — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 11:55:44 -0400

CPL's are in a leadership role and SP4's are not

Response by SFC Jim Hunter made Sep 10 at 2015 12:00 PM

SFC Jim Hunter — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:00:19 -0400

An interesting story illustrates the difference. I went from Marine Recon to Army Special Forces. My first Army school was Jump School. I went as a Cpl. In jump school back then (and it may still be) you put your student number on your helmet. If you was an NCO, you also put an N in front of your number. Once during an in ranks inspection, the instructor looked over my uniform, when he got to my boots, he frowned. Then looked at my helmet, and said not good enough for an NCO, drop and give me 50. A Specialist would have passed.

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Sep 10 at 2015 12:10 PM

SSG Byron Hewett — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:10:26 -0400

Difference is simply put on is an NCO one is not. E-1to E-3 has just come from boot a their AIT or MOS-Q training when they meet the promotion requirements to advance they make specialist E-4. The Spc. grade basically refers to the mos they specialized in that was mainly back when the army introduced the Spc rank and went from Spc 4 to Spc 8 they were not an NCO or in a leadership position.
They eventually went away from the spc5-8 and kept 4

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 12:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:11:16 -0400

In the Army rank structure, a Corporal is a junior non-commissioned officer. A corporal may be assigned as a Team Leader in a Squad. And in some cases he may be the Squad Leader when units are short on NCO's. The Specialist is not a junior non-commissioned officer or in a leadership position.
However, from my time in the 70's, it was not uncommon for a Specialist or even a Private First Class to be assigned as Team Leaders / Squad Leaders. For the most part they did very well on their duties.

Response by SSG Matthew Hamrick made Sep 10 at 2015 12:24 PM

SSG Matthew Hamrick — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:24:50 -0400

SPC is a promotion to E4 without leadership ability. CPL is a promotion to E4 filling a team leader slot and showing leadership ability. They both get paid the same. SPC was my most favorite rank because I had no responsibility whatsoever.

Response by SPC John Debolt made Sep 10 at 2015 12:31 PM

SPC John Debolt — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:31:01 -0400

basicly a specialist is a e4 pay grade only, a corporal is an e4 pay grade nco..

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Sep 10 at 2015 12:32 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:32:45 -0400

It is the person who makes the rank, not the rank makes the person....

Response by SSG Jeff Early made Sep 10 at 2015 12:41 PM

SSG Jeff Early — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:41:01 -0400

An Army corporal is an e-4 in a Combat Arms related MOS, and is considered an NCO. A Specialist is in another MOS that generally requires some type of specialist training, but is not considered an NCO.
Thus they can still use the I didn't know excuse (lol)

Response by SPC Ray Orvin made Sep 10 at 2015 12:57 PM

SPC Ray Orvin — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:57:34 -0400

a specialist is a senior enlisted member who continues to do his MOS; a CPL is in a leadership role and classified as a NCO.

Response by SPC Marcus Aponte made Sep 10 at 2015 1:09 PM

SPC Marcus Aponte — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 13:09:34 -0400

A specialist is the rank of E-4, but usually has no leadership responsibilities. A Corporal is a NCO and has the leadership role in a squad or platoon. Same pay, more responsibility!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 1:42 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 13:42:00 -0400

A corporal is a junior NCO that has passed a promotion board and is either waiting to pick up SGT or holds a position that requires a corporal instead of a Specialist. Specialist and corporal are the same pay grade l, but hold different duties or positions

Response by CPL Todd Dupont made Sep 10 at 2015 1:44 PM

CPL Todd Dupont — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 13:44:47 -0400

The major difference between a Specialist and a Corporal is that a Corporal is a Non-Commisioned Officer and a Specialist is not

Response by SGT John Thomas made Sep 10 at 2015 2:04 PM

SGT John Thomas — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:04:22 -0400

Corporals are found in the combat arms MOS 's and sometimes where the higher ups want to make an E-4 a squad leader.

Response by SFC Harold Benton made Sep 10 at 2015 2:05 PM

SFC Harold Benton — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:05:10 -0400

I was in the Field Artillery. I was a specialist one day, a howitzer driver. Then I was laterally appointed to Corporal and assigned as a Gunner (Sgt/E-5 position). That was my experience and those of others I knew as a Corporal. I became an NCO and treated that way.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Sep 10 at 2015 2:05 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:05:35 -0400

When I was in, a Corporal ran his own shop (at one time or other) and was considered a full, dues-paying NCO. Most corporals I knew did not run their own shops but they got the lateral promotion because at one point they did. A Specialist, on the other hand, was a junior NCO who could still be selected to run details but does not pay dues as a full NCO. So, the specialist had the same pay as a corporal but more money and less responsibility.

Response by 1SG VonErick Trim made Sep 10 at 2015 2:13 PM

1SG VonErick Trim — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:13:02 -0400

There is no difference. During my 25 years in, i could not find anyone to explain the reason fora specialist rank? The military has gotten itself so side tracked with BS, it no longer can put an effective force in the field. Look at what percentage of our numbers overseas are contractors? How many contractors were used in WWII?

Response by SFC Andrew Harris made Sep 10 at 2015 2:14 PM

SFC Andrew Harris — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:14:57 -0400

a corporal is a junior noncommissioned officer and he or she is put in more leadership positions vs a specialist

Response by SFC Hector Velez made Sep 10 at 2015 2:16 PM

SFC Hector Velez — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:16:43 -0400

the difference between a Corporal and a Specialist in the Army is that a Corporal Rank is more like a Field Rank. he act as an NCO in combat situation and his expertise are more on field area situation, while a Specialist is more like a technical rank is kind of advisor with technical skill on garrison areas. It does not mean that one out rank the others just skills.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 2:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:25:11 -0400

A corporal is in a leadership position, but it is never used anymore.

Response by SPC Thomas Hanson made Sep 10 at 2015 2:37 PM

SPC Thomas Hanson — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:37:23 -0400

A specialist cannot command troops.

Response by SPC Kevin Roraus made Sep 10 at 2015 2:47 PM

SPC Kevin Roraus — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:47:29 -0400

Crpl is NCO....Spec is not

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 2:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:54:49 -0400

A corp. Has line command and also junior nco privileged. A spec.is qualified in his respective mos.only.

Response by SGT Shawn Volkmann made Sep 10 at 2015 3:07 PM

SGT Shawn Volkmann — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:07:09 -0400

A corporal is a specialist that has a duty to be in charge of something or somebody. A spec 4 does not have that resposibility. Also a corporal is a junior nco.

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Sep 10 at 2015 3:28 PM

SSG Leonard J W. — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:28:24 -0400

There are some really good responses here. I was a Specialist and a Corporal, and there is a tremendous difference. I held an E5 and E6 slot (SGT and SSG or SGT and SSGT) as a Corporal, and I was responsible for a lot of junior Soldiers. I helped with planning training and gave Physical Training sessions. I wrote counseling statements and maintained a Leader's Book (critical component of human and equipment resource management). I also maintained over $250,000 in equipment. So, in my experience, a Corporal is not a Senior Lance Corporal, contrary to what may be perceived. A Corporal is a Corporal - the backbone of the NCO Corps. Just my 2 cents...

Response by SSG Glendale Williams made Sep 10 at 2015 3:36 PM

SSG Glendale Williams — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:36:45 -0400

A corporal is considered an NCO, and a specialist is not. Although both have the same paygrade, a corporal would be the specialist supervisor.

Response by SFC Dan Watkins made Sep 10 at 2015 3:54 PM

SFC Dan Watkins — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:54:16 -0400

Both are pay grade E-4. The Corporal is a Junior NCO and is ususaly in a leadership position, where the specialist is not!

Response by CPL David Huff made Sep 10 at 2015 3:59 PM

CPL David Huff — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:59:15 -0400

A Corporal is basically an E-4 that has been thrust into a leadership position. I was a Spec4, but found myself in charge of our Communications section when our Sergeant ETS'd. I was later rewarded with my hard stripes for my efforts

Response by SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD made Sep 10 at 2015 4:11 PM

SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 16:11:10 -0400

A corporal thinks he runs things, but has to ask a specialist, how things are run. Without us, what can a corporal, or for that matter, any other high ranking officer do? "THE FEW, THE PROUD, THE SPECIALISTS."

Response by SGM Bill Johnson made Sep 10 at 2015 5:23 PM

SGM Bill Johnson — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:23:08 -0400

At one time, the Army had four Specialist ranks; Specialist 4 through Specialist 7. The Specialist ranks were for Soldiers in highly technical jobs for which we needed to promote them and raise their pay as they became more and more proficient. In the mid-1980s, the clowns in charge did away with all the Specialist Ranks except for Specialist 4. The Army does not have Corporal positions, in reality. Corporals now are paygrade E-4 Soldiers that are holding a Sergeant position because there isn't a Sergeant available to fill it. Corporal is not a permanent rank; you only hold it while in the NCO position that was vacant. Corporal and Specialist are the same paygrade; E4. But a Corporal is an NCO with all the rights and authorities on an NCO. A Specialist is not an NCO.

Response by PV2 Michael Scott-Willardson made Sep 10 at 2015 5:27 PM

PV2 Michael Scott-Willardson — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:27:45 -0400

Corpral is a jr. NCO
Specialist is not

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Sep 10 at 2015 5:52 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:52:34 -0400

A Army Specialist (E-4) holds no supervisor function. He is a senior E-3. The Army does use the Corporal(E-4) rank also, but it is usually only seen in Infantry units. To understand the Specialist rank, you need to understand the history of it, at one time the Army had the Specialist 4 through Specialist 7 (E-4 to E-7) ranks. It was a way for a soldier to promote but without any leadership function.

Response by COL John Hudson made Sep 10 at 2015 5:58 PM

COL John Hudson — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:58:35 -0400

In the "old" Army (I enlisted in August, 1966), an E4 "Corporal" was the first step in the Command chain, Infantry for example, and could direct squads and platoons if directed to do so. An E4 "Specialist" was an individual specializing in a field ie: a helicopter mechanic or Company supply person. Both received the same pay, but one was "Command" and the other was "Admin, so to speak." Somewhat general in description but still accurate, I believe. There's a lot of water boiling on this issue of "Corporal" vs "Specialist." Simple answer, it all depends on what each individual wants to do with their career. Some are happy with administration and others excel at command...to each his/her own. A person's "TITLE" is not a prerequisite for promotion. Education and Experience (sometimes Testing as well) are required. Yes, Army Aviation is in fact a "Combat Arm."

Response by SGT Christopher Hamman made Sep 10 at 2015 6:09 PM

SGT Christopher Hamman — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:09:49 -0400

Both are E-4. Difference is that only Corporal is an NCO. In my unit, there were only one or two Corporals, and the one I remember made the rank while in the regular army. Soon after coming to our reserve unit he made Sergeant.

Response by SFC Jay Needham made Sep 10 at 2015 6:49 PM

SFC Jay Needham — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:49:22 -0400

A Corporal is an E-4 and is also non commissioned officer typically has completed PLDC and is promotable. A specialist is an E-4 and is NOT a non commissioned officer.
Back whet they had specialist 5, 6 , etc. they were E-5's and E-6's BUT were not non commissioned officers and therefore could not give a lawful order as a corporal can as sergeant can.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 7:08 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 19:08:21 -0400

The Rank of specialist was created due to the increase in the number of CPLs during the Viet Nam war. With so many troups wearing stripes, (which give the soldiers "Command") there was no one to dig latrines or peel potatoes.

Response by PV2 Scott Rand made Sep 10 at 2015 7:48 PM

PV2 Scott Rand — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 19:48:20 -0400

a Corporal is in charge of troops, while a Specialist isn't. they are both E-4's in pay grade.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 7:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 19:57:35 -0400

As it was explained to me it was an attempt to keep the total number of NCOs down. A Corporal was an NCO. Specialists were not and could not be in leadership positions. Specialists ranks ran from Spec 4 to Spec 9. A problem that arose from this was an E9 Specialist could be ordered around by a Corporal. Specialists had no command authority. When I was in there were Spec 4 through 7. Spec 7 was done away with in the late 60s or early 70s. Spec 5 and 6 went away in the mid 80s.

Response by CPL Michael Traupman made Sep 10 at 2015 8:26 PM

CPL Michael Traupman — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 20:26:34 -0400

In 1986, I was sent to PLDC and made corporal, from Specialist 4th class. I then took over as section chief of a self propelled howitzer crew, normally Sergeant and Staff Sergeant position.
I had great leadership skills, but lacked time in service to go before the promotion board for E-5.

I've read the comments and what comes to mind is leadership skills, and allotted positions.
But, I had been around Specialist 5, 6, 7, & 8, and know that these men and women were deserving of respect, as we all work together.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 9:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 21:49:28 -0400

Same pay grade as a cpl but not considered an nco. Specialist gets the same pay without the responsibility. Historically the specialist rank from what I read was used for tech jobs and climbed in rank from Spec 1 all the way up to spec 8 if I remember correctly. They no longer carry the same respect or designation of a technical side of things.

Response by SPC James Seigars made Sep 10 at 2015 9:55 PM

SPC James Seigars — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 21:55:25 -0400

Aside from a Specialist having a shield and a Corporal having two stripes as insignia and a Corporal being considered a junior NCO who is in charge of other lower ranked troops, including Specialists, there really isn't one. They have the same E grade and the same pay. A Corporal just has more responsibility.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 10:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 22:14:18 -0400

Well, first I would like to say that when I was an Specialist, I felt like I was on top of the world! One more rank closer to Sargeant. I was in for a surprise when I was in Korea for almost 8 months and I under the E-5 when a Corporal came to my section. I was peeved, because I was there like a Forman I lost it to Corporal! I was not the only E-4 that felt that way as I had this discussion with a few of my peers and some felt the same way I did, and some say they only do what they was ordered to do no more, no less. But, when I matured, I specialize in my MOS since I was a Specialist I made the best of the rank until I was promoted to SGT and I'm still learning. I think the Army should do the E-4 rank like the Marines.

Response by 1SG Jarius Hansen made Sep 10 at 2015 11:40 PM

1SG Jarius Hansen — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 23:40:44 -0400

Well, 1SG/1stSgt Jim..let me enlighten you...GRIN.
Unlike the Corps, where L/CPL and above are considered Non-Commissioned Officers, the Army, in it's infinite wisdom and according to prevailing political winds has changed enlisted rank structure several times.
The basic difference is that a Specialist is not considered to be an NCO, but a Corporal is considered an NCO, though both are grade E-4. (The Air Force has/had similar with E-4 Senior Airman/SGT).
In WWII and Korea, the Army had Technical ranks... these were basically NCO stripes with a "T" in the area between chevrons and rockers, where our diamonds go. These soldiers were in combat support (CS) or combat service support (CSS) positions as opposed to combat arms MOS (ie. military occupational specialty - 11B = 0311, Infantry.) and usually not in leadership positions.
Those technical ranks later became "specialist" ranks, again for CS/CSS areas such as finance, personnel, etc., and some genius got the bright idea that all E-4s couldn't be Corporals cuz there weren't that many leadership slots (and how many Corporals did one need in a maintenance, finance, supply, personnel, or other admin/logistics pogue position?) (CPL in the Army would usually hold a Team Leader/E-5 slot, or equivalent in Armor, Engineer, Artillery, ADA, or SF combat MOS.) So, the Specialist rank was created, and covered grades E-4 - E-7 (SP4, SP5, SP6, SP7). In he 80's, following a hue and cry from senior specialists, who didn't like being told that a combat arms E-4 could order a CS/CSS E-7, because the E-4 was an NCO and the E-7 was not, (I actually did this, directing several SP5-SP7 as an E-4, in a replacement detachment, because none of the seemed capable of detailing folks to grab mops, buckets etc....) the Army did away with SP5-SP7, keeping the E-4 rank, and changing the designation from SP4 to simply SPC. All E-3 were promoted to SPC, and a SPC could hold an E-5 slot, but the regs then required minimum 6 months successful tenure in a leadership position, to be laterally appointed to CPL, unlike E-8/9 lateral positions (MSG/1SG; SGM/CSM) which were based solely on duty position (and lateral orders).
Much of this comes from differences in the duties and responsibilities of various positions, much like that of 1stSgt in the Corps being primarily an administrative billet vs. a !SG being more hands on with regard to all aspects of training, in garrison and field, and the Gunny was kind of the "Field First", while Army E-7s could hold either admin (Sergeant First Class/SFC slots or Platoon Sergeant/PSG) slots. Around the early to mid 80s, for much the same reasons as with the SP ranks, the Army did away with the PSG designation, and SFC were (Combat Arms) Platoon Sergeants, but could assume 1SG responsibilities as required.

So, the difference is, basically, that a SPC is an overpaid Private First Class, unless slotted in an E-5 slot, while a CPL is considered an NCO by virtue of rank and without regard to duty position, and expected/required to uphold the standards of a Non-Commissioned Officer. I hope adequately answers your question and/or clears up any confusion.

BTW, my dad was a Marine, during the Korean Conflict, so don't take offense when I say Semper Fi, 1stSgt.

Response by SP5 Don Gregory made Sep 11 at 2015 12:54 AM

SP5 Don Gregory — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 00:54:39 -0400

No idea anymore as a CPL I had Ssg&SGTs under me on missions. Guess it means someone who knows what they are doing but doesn't suck dick

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2015 9:45 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 09:45:03 -0400

Corporal is the lowest of the NCO ranks while specialist is the highest of the enlisted ranks, pretty much NCO status is what's different between corporals and specialists 1SG

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Sep 11 at 2015 10:07 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 10:07:53 -0400

This is a joke but has anyone known one of these?

Response by SFC Joseph James made Sep 11 at 2015 2:36 PM

SFC Joseph James — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 14:36:49 -0400

Simplest terms? A Specialist works in a detail while a corporal is forced to lead it while his/her friends work. When I was Corporal the Platoon Sergeant would say, "We need a detail to pull the grass out of the cracks in the Motor Pool, get it done." The SSGs would then say to the SGTs, "We got a detail get it done!". Then the SGTs would go "Damn that sucks....WAIT lets get the Corporal to do it, he needs the experience!" That is what a Corporal is, a person who yesterday was friends with everyone, now today...a friend of no one!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2015 3:26 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 15:26:20 -0400

A SPC is rank that a soldiers accepts. Its consider a position of gathering leadership tools putting them to use. A good SPC brakes the mold and begins to show the transition to becoming a SGT and the drive to becoming a SGT.

The SPC that really embraces there rank and position in the army would be given that next steppping stone. Which is CPL to feed there appetite and desire to becoming a NCO. CPL takes on more responsibility and hone there skills on being a SGT. So when making SGT they have practice and frim understanding what takes to be in excellent SGT.

This is a great rank and tool for them. Its is always up to the soldier or SGT to bring out what the rank is ment to be.

Response by PFC Greg Ortiz made Sep 11 at 2015 7:45 PM

PFC Greg Ortiz — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 19:45:07 -0400

Col is an NCO, while a Specialist is not

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Sep 11 at 2015 9:06 PM

MSgt Manuel Diaz — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 21:06:15 -0400

To my recollection, a specialist is like a technician in a specific field, where as a corporal is infantry, and is in charge in combat situations... the specialist is in charge in his area of expertise both E4.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2015 11:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 23:10:52 -0400

Basically SPC is more of technical distinction with more money & responsibility and CPL is more of a leadership position and is usually only appointed in a combat arms unit or combat arms type units such as Engineers, Civil Affairs / Psychological Operations to name a few. You still don't really get treated like an NCO until you get promoted to SGT and a SR NCO until E-7 (E-6 is treated like a SGT with an upgrade), pretty sad

Response by SPC Juan Morales made Sep 12 at 2015 12:45 AM

SPC Juan Morales — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 00:45:38 -0400

A Specialist like the word entails is more technical to the job at hand while a corporal is rank by combat MOSs' like Infantry ,Field Artillery ect. Specialist specialize in the technical aspects of the job like, mechanic, finance,ect.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Sep 12 at 2015 8:40 AM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 08:40:42 -0400

It's an army thing, you wouldn't understand.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Sep 12 at 2015 9:49 AM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 09:49:32 -0400

Way back, just after dirt was invented, there were few corporal slots and none in an Infantry battalion. But every once in awhile you would see an Infantry corporal. They normally filled sergeant (E-5) slots, fire team leader, etc. But you didn't get promoted to corporal in the Infantry; corporals were created when an NCO got busted to E-4. NCO's did not become specialists. My roommate in Korea was an SFC (E-6) who worked himself down to corporal in the span of thirteen months.
BTW, there were no lateral promotions to corporal for SP4's. Those were the days of unit promotions and no TIG or TIS limits. So if one was an SP4 in an NCO slot and you proved you could do the job, you got promoted. In our battalion it involved completing the NCO academy and getting through a board consisting of the MSG's, 1SG's and the SMAJ.

Response by CPL Billy Baney made Sep 12 at 2015 5:02 PM

CPL Billy Baney — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 17:02:03 -0400

There is no difference in a cpl and a spec 4 the army has since done away with the rank of cpl

Response by SSG Brad Walden made Sep 12 at 2015 6:06 PM

SSG Brad Walden — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 18:06:48 -0400

Pretty much like being an AJ buck sergeant, but with much less pay and the same responsibilities. I got a SP4 as an Infantryman, but was awarded the stripes within 3 months due to being in a combat arms MOS.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Sep 13 at 2015 2:51 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 14:51:22 -0400

Leadship Responsibility.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Sep 13 at 2015 6:16 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 18:16:08 -0400

During Vietnam, (I was in from 1966-1987) only Combat Arms had Corporals. Most of them were ATL's for a Squad. There were E-4 Specialists but they were Line Doggies. When they rotated into an ATL spot they threw on Corporal Stripes. Thats all I know about this..... it was confusing back then too.

Response by Cpl Glenn May made Sep 14 at 2015 9:53 AM

Cpl Glenn May — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 09:53:54 -0400

First off, going from SPC to CPL is absolutely a PROMOTION with a formation & a Promotion Warrant. There are regs regarding the promotion & a commander can't just promote any SPC whenever they feel like it. A CPL can't be demoted down to SPC any easier than a SGT can. There are pay grades & there are ranks. Rank is the important one. A CPL outranks a SPC just like a 1SG outranks a MSG or a CSM outranks SGM or a Sgt. Maj. outranks a Mst. Gy Sgt. Based on the regs set forth by the Army, they are primarily seen in the Infantry & in other combat arms fields to a lesser extent. They are rarely if ever seen in support units.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 12:31 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 12:31:15 -0400

A Corporal is a Sergeant without the pay, privileges and respect in the Army.

Meanwhile in the Corps a Corporal is a respected part of the chain, while still being the low man on the totem pole. This can have it's own benefits when working with the Marines of course.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 8:34 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 08:34:30 -0400

CPL's eat chow alone because NCO's and junior enlisted don't want them.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 10:17 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 10:17:37 -0400

A Marine Corporal is authorized to give orders, an Army SPC is not. An Army CPL on the other hand has similar authority.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 3:59 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 15:59:07 -0400

The Army has two billets for their E-4 Rank: Specialist and Corporal. Like the Marine Corps, Corporals are junior NCOs. However, the Corporal rank is normally reserved for the Combat Arms MOS. Specialist, on the other hand, are not NCOs. As someone else on here already mentioned, it is the worse rank to have in the Army. This is true for two reasons. The first reason being that, unlike the Marine Corps, Corporal's in the Army do not get the same mentoring from their senior NCOs as do their counter parts in the Marine Corps. Where as the Marine Corps grooms their Corporals to be the future backbones of the Corps, the senior NCOs in the Army tend to treat their Corporals as whipping boys/girls. Army Corporals just don't get the support they need to grow as a leader. If you don't know what I am talking about. Go and disrespect a Corporal in the Marine Corps. Once s/he is done with you, you will then have your hide chewed even more from some motivated E-5. Corporals in the Army do not enjoy this same support. This creates the second reason for Corporal being the worst rank in the Army. The other lower enlisted, especially the specialist, have no respect for the Corporal rank because they know that the Corporal does not have the support of the senior enlisted.

Response by SFC Joseph Scott made Sep 15 at 2015 4:10 PM

SFC Joseph Scott — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 16:10:57 -0400

I’ll first explain how the Specialist rank should be, and then I’ll explain how it really is. The Specialist should literally be a specialist and an expert in his or her MOS and skill level 1 tasks. Also they demonstrate leadership abilities of a Team Leader and a good grasp and knowledge of skill level 2 and higher tasks. Also the Specialist should be able assist the Team Leaders and Squad Leader by mentoring, teaching and inspiring the ranks below him or her. A Specialist I feel should be the backbone of the lower enlisted ranks, should be a rank of honor and respect.

A Corporal was a Specialist who demonstrates the leadership qualities to be promoted to E5. A Corporal is one of the hardest ranks to be, they are officially an NCO but do not get paid any higher than a Specialist, they are not necessarily in it for the money but the commitment and love of the job. They are honored and bestowed with more responsibility since they are an NCO, one of the most under appreciated ranks in the Army, I feel.

This is my opinion and I had over 26 years experience in the Army: Now, how the Specialist rank really is in the Army, it is true that they do have experience in the team and squad but are often promoted just because they have time and rank as an E3. A lot of people consider it a sham shield instead of treating it as promotion due to merit and knowledge of their MOS. Prime example as a recruit you can come into Army as a Specialist if you have a bachelors degree, no prior knowledge in Army tactics or their MOS just a bachelors degree will get you in as a Specialist. That is a complete failure on the Army treating rank as a incentive and enticement to get people to join, instead of a reward for excellent work, superior knowledge and leadership abilities. Now this is not true with everyone in the Army, there are a lot of people who deserve the rank but from what I experienced, there is a lot who are promoted either too early or don’t demonstrate the ability to be a Specialist. The Army shouldn’t be worried about promoting people fast but promoting people who are ready for that rank and truly deserve it and that goes for all ranks.

Response by SFC Joseph Scott made Sep 15 at 2015 4:25 PM

SFC Joseph Scott — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 16:25:26 -0400

I’ll first explain how the Specialist rank should be, and then I’ll explain how it really is. The Specialist should literally be a specialist and an expert in his or her MOS and skill level 1 tasks. Also they should demonstrate leadership abilities of a Team Leader and a good grasp and knowledge of skill level 2 and higher tasks. Also the Specialist should be able to assist the Team Leaders and Squad Leader by mentoring, teaching and inspiring the ranks below him or her. A Specialist I feel should be the backbone of the lower enlisted ranks. It should be a rank of honor and respect.

Since both are E4s, a Corporal is a lateral Promotion, a Corporal was a Specialist who demonstrates the leadership qualities to be promoted to E5. A Corporal is one of the hardest ranks to be, they are officially an NCO but do not get paid any higher than a Specialist, they are not necessarily in it for the money but the commitment and love of the job. They are honored and bestowed with more responsibility since they are an NCO, one of the most under appreciated ranks in the Army, I feel.

This is my opinion and I had over 26 years experience in the Army: Now, how the Specialist rank really is in the Army, it is true that they do have experience in the team and squad but are often promoted just because they have time and rank as an E3. A lot of people consider it a sham shield instead of treating it as promotion due to merit and knowledge of their MOS. Prime example as a recruit you can come into Army as a Specialist if you have a bachelors degree, no prior knowledge in Army tactics or their MOS just a bachelors degree will get you in as a Specialist. That is a complete failure on the Army treating rank as an incentive and enticement to get people to join, instead of a reward for excellent work, superior knowledge and leadership abilities. Now this is not true with everyone in the Army, there are a lot of people who deserve the rank but from what I experienced, there is a lot who are promoted either too early or don’t demonstrate the ability to be a Specialist. The Army shouldn’t be worried about promoting people fast but promoting people who are ready for that rank and truly deserve it and that goes for all ranks.

Response by SPC Chance Chappell made Sep 15 at 2015 4:50 PM

SPC Chance Chappell — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 16:50:25 -0400

A specialist is the senior junior enlisted person who leads the privates in daily tasks. A Corporal is a laterally promoted Specialist, with the same responsibilities, except they are considered a junior NCO, and the other Specialists fall under their leadership, if no higher NCO is available. The moral of the story is more responsibility with no extra pay.

Response by SSG Walter Crews made Sep 15 at 2015 8:59 PM

SSG Walter Crews — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 20:59:58 -0400

I was both a Specialist and then laterally appointed as they say to the rank of Corporal when I was the first person in a brand new detachment and ended up acting in the position of the Detachment NCOIC (E-7). Due to time and grade ect... over the other junior Soldiers at the time and the tremendous workload and level of responsibility I was given. A former Drill Sergeant of mine that happened to be a Detachment NCOIC in an adjacent unit informed my Commander that I deserved the rank of Corporal and that I had proven to him and others I was more than capable of becoming a damn good NCO. I appreciated that but Corporal was the worst rank so to speak in that you were technically considered and NCO for pulling Staff Duty NCO, Sergeant of the Guard or any other duty requiring an NCO "BUT" it seemed that when it came to most schools, training slots or other special opportunities or details that my Brigade & Battalion would basically say only NCOs (meaning E-5 and above) but you can pull all the shit details as an NCO no problem. I found that most Soldier's experience with Corporals in general were negative and many Specialists held an underlying grudge against you for being an NCO but still an E-4 so basically some didn't like being told what to do. I made the best of the rank and learned alot from other NCOs, unfortunately I found not all Corporals or NCOs are created equal and I did my best to be all I could be for my Service, Soldier's and Myself.

Response by SGT William Santos made Sep 16 at 2015 2:32 AM

SGT William Santos — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 02:32:11 -0400

A corporal is a half sergeant. When they need a sergeant to cover they willuse of corporal

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Sep 17 at 2015 10:15 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 22:15:39 -0400

Ahh, I really don't care.

Response by MSG Don Burt made Sep 20 at 2015 1:20 PM

MSG Don Burt — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 13:20:42 -0400

Specialist grades are predominately used in Technical and/or Medical fields....they are consequently also
used when a commander doesn't feel that a person/s would prove to be an NCO, which is what a Corporal is. Leadership plays an important part of the NCO beginnings. That's not to say that a Specialist cannot be put into a leadership position, but typically if you have one Specialist E-4 and one Corporal E-4, the Corporal will, in fact, out rank the Specialist and will also have NCO privileges. This is basic info as there are many pros/cons for each and descriptions of same.

Response by SSG Jerry Eidson made Sep 20 at 2015 1:37 PM

SSG Jerry Eidson — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 13:37:23 -0400

In most cases, a corporal has been before a local promotion board and has been recommended for promotion. They usually have attended the Warrior leader course. Where as a specialist they have not been. Corporal is mostly used in the combat arms / maneuver MOS's

Response by CPL Charles Ethridge made Oct 1 at 2015 10:24 AM

CPL Charles Ethridge — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 10:24:01 -0400

Leadership

Response by SPC Joshua Leuck made Oct 5 at 2015 10:28 PM

SPC Joshua Leuck — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 22:28:35 -0400

A specialist is a soldier who is the work horse of the army. A corporal is a junior NCO. They are generally only seen in infantry units. They can be team leaders, section leaders, and in the absence of a SGT and above, the corporal can be assigned as a squad leader.

Response by CPL Robert Jackson made Oct 27 at 2015 5:56 PM

CPL Robert Jackson — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 17:56:53 -0400

A Corporal is hard stripe/NCO,and therefore comands troops.

Response by SPC Theresa Pierce made Oct 29 at 2015 1:46 AM

SPC Theresa Pierce — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 01:46:11 -0400

Most enlisted soldiers coming in to the Army, when they achieve E-4 status usually carry the rank of "Specialist." I believe pretty much after the Vietnam War, the rank of Corporal was no longer given. If I am not mistaken, you have to be in an Infantry-type MOS or heavy mechanized unit, Ranger, or Airborne to even be considered to carry the Corporal rank. And even then, most are Specialists. It's been a long time since I wore the uniform - and I am sure much has changed in today's Army. It may be, the rank may not be available anymore. I believe in this particular social media, Rallypoint offers the rank - because they have members that date back - and other branches of service, i.e., the Marine Corps, who still designate this rank to their E-4 enlisted.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Oct 29 at 2015 2:48 AM

1SG Patrick Sims — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:48:06 -0400

Specialist it a throwback to a bygone era that should have been done away with long ago. To retain that rank in the 21st century is ridicules.

Response by CPL Scott Young made Nov 6 at 2015 11:42 AM

CPL Scott Young — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 11:42:03 -0500

CPL is a NCO'S BITCH. SPC has mastered the art of shaming.

Response by COL Ronald Diana made Nov 14 at 2015 4:41 PM

COL Ronald Diana — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 16:41:08 -0500

Specialist is a technical position and a Corporal is in a leadership position. E.g. E4 in a team leader position where the TOE calls for a Sergeant/E5 the E4 could be awarded corporal stripes as a lateral promotion.

Response by SGT Joseph Schmalzel made Nov 20 at 2015 1:30 PM

SGT Joseph Schmalzel — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 13:30:49 -0500

In Army Aviation we would promote our Flight Instructors and Standardization Instructors from SPC to CPL after 2 months in the position. Because they had become leaders not worker bees.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 22 at 2015 10:51 PM

MAJ Alvin B. — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 22:51:04 -0500

To brow a phrase from my old CSM, a Specialist (SPC today, SP4 When I wore the insignia), is a Corproal without portfolio. A Corporal is the lowest level of the NCO Corps while a Specialist is the highest rank of the enlisted ranks. Yes they receive the same pay. However, the Corproal has precedence over any Specialist.

The Specialist ranks are a holdover from the technical grades used in WWII (e.g. SSG stripes with a "T" in them). For decades Congress limited the number of NCO billets, so technician, and then Sepxialsit grades were created to offer a path for promotion and pay. However, an NCO always out ranks a Specialsit.

if memory serves by 1977 Congress relaxed the NCO restriction allowing the Army to convert the Seocialsit ranks to NCO grades. At the time a debate over the status of E-4s began. The end result was the SP4 (now just Specialsit) continued as a grade, with Corproal becoming largely a local command option.

When I enlisted the Army still has soldiers wearing SP7 insignia. They were converted to SFC in 1978, leaving SP4, SP5 and SP6 as the authorized Specialist grades in the US Army until 1985.

As a young soldier I worked with many SP4, SP5 and SP6, the first NCO in my chain was an SFC. In my Branch all Specialsits wxcept SP4 were converted to "hard stripe" NCOs by 1979. I do not recall seeing anyone wearing SP5 or SP6 after 1981.

When I was still serving, the promotion certificates for Specialist and Corporal were different and the Corproal also received the NCO Creed, whereas the Sepxialst did not.

The three links below give additional info on this:

http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Catalog/HeraldryMulti.aspx?CategoryId=9168

http://www.ncohistory.com/documents/shsr.pdf

http://www.army.mil/article/18109/

Response by CPL Tony Reischling made Nov 25 at 2015 8:26 PM

CPL Tony Reischling — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 20:26:45 -0500

Corporal is supposed to be a leadership position,, but I've also seen the stripes go to drivers

Response by SFC Tom Melling Sr. made Nov 26 at 2015 12:11 PM

SFC Tom Melling Sr. — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 12:11:21 -0500

Ladies and gentlemen. have not beat this subject to death yet? We have numerous answers, all correct to some degree! Can we please change the subject?

Response by 1SG Jarius Hansen made Nov 28 at 2015 7:39 PM

1SG Jarius Hansen — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 19:39:24 -0500

Wait...Marines have minds? GRIN. kidding, of course, Dad was a Marine.

Response by CPL Joseph Montgonery made Jan 11 at 2016 5:06 PM

CPL Joseph Montgonery — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 17:06:15 -0500

Plain and simple a corporal pushes troops and other function of an NCO. A specialist is one who serves.in a position where the knowledge and function of the specific job require intimate kniwledge. I was a specialist within Air Defense Artillery (IHAWK) MOS 24C Improved HAWK Firing Section Mechanic responsible for 2 Radars, 6 missile launchers, two tracked missile loader transporters, and 36 Missles. Everything from electeucal/electronics to electromechanical and hydralics. My job was to keep the functioning which usually require long night and even days of fixing problems so that the battery could be able to engage and fire upon low to medium high speed air craft during a conflict within 20 minutes or less. My job was technical whereas a corporal is more of a squad leader type just under the section chief or platoon Sargent. A corporal couldn't do my job but I could and have done his. It wasn't uncommon for there to be an AJ (Acting Jack) who had the rank and title (Sgt, Ssg section chief) but realistically was still a Speck and was paid as such. Had all the rights responsibilities and headaches but not the pay or promotion. Usually they either didn't have the points or wasn't even on the list. They filled a slot on the unit board. Corporal couldnt.because the section chief was the go to guy when a problem with the equipment was beyond another's capability

Response by CPL Rod Shier made Jan 19 at 2016 6:06 AM

CPL Rod Shier — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 06:06:02 -0500

The answers here don't seem like they know the difference between a Specialist and a Corporal. Both ranks are the same pay grade, E-4, however, the Specialist is just that in his job (MOS). The Corporal is in a leadership position. The Corporal takes charge in any leadership position over the Specialist. The Specialist is specialized in his job only. When it comes to the job, the Corporal has to listen to the Specialist. Hope this helps in the difference of the two.

Response by CPL Justin Coppett made Jan 26 at 2016 2:03 AM

CPL Justin Coppett — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 02:03:48 -0500

CPL is a Non-Com, SP4 is not. I was promoted to CPL due to my position while working for the S-3 at battalion headquarters. I was the Tasking NCO for the battalion. In my opinion, it is a way for the Army to tell you who you can be friends with. LOL, because I was married to a SP4 who was in one of the companies in our battalion.

Response by CPL James Zielinski made Feb 11 at 2016 5:30 PM

CPL James Zielinski — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 17:30:00 -0500

a specialist is an E-4 rank with no command position, like a private E-4. A Corporal is an E-4 who is considered in the chain of command and is an NCO. A specialist is not an NCO.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 10:51 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 10:51:25 -0400

The difference between a Specialist and a corporal in the Army. Some will say none! lol.. A Corporal to me is a statement rank. It says "I am almost ready to be a SGT, I just have to prove myself a little more". So, they make you a Corporal and the only major difference is you somewhat have the limited powers of a SGT. No more pay than a specialist, but you get to supervise more, you are in charge more, responsible more. You are a Bishop, a knight, or a castle for you chess players. You are just as powerful as that queen if positioned right with support.

Response by CPL Patric Neal made Mar 16 at 2016 11:10 AM

CPL Patric Neal — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 11:10:36 -0400

Specialist has same authority over privates but less responsibility as a Corporal.

Response by CPL Aloysius Grimaudo made May 10 at 2016 1:47 PM

CPL Aloysius Grimaudo — Tue, 10 May 2016 13:47:25 -0400

Pay is same..cpl.. Has nco responsibilities..and spc.don't.mbesides that honestly there isn't any difference

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 1:46 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 May 2016 13:46:07 -0400

Cpl is the most junior NCO

Response by CPL William Loftin made Jan 12 at 2017 4:51 PM

CPL William Loftin — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 16:51:55 -0500

for me it was being on both duty rosters as required. no change other than being assigned as SOG (sergent of the guard) as needed

Response by CPL Mark Andersen made May 21 at 2017 3:40 PM

CPL Mark Andersen — Sun, 21 May 2017 15:40:38 -0400

When I was in, back in the Stone Age, I went from Specialist to Corporal as I had completed PLDC, been to the board, and was in a squad leader position, but promotion points were at some ridiculous number due to a reduction I forces (as I recall It was impossible to get the number of points required). Had points been lower I would have been a E-5/Sgt.

Response by SGT John Thomas made May 25 at 2017 1:17 PM

SGT John Thomas — Thu, 25 May 2017 13:17:41 -0400

Corporals are those placed in leadership roles where Specialists are the non leadership folks.

Response by Cpl Thomas Kifer made Jun 24 at 2017 10:14 PM

Cpl Thomas Kifer — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 22:14:40 -0400

A Cpl is an NCO a specialist is not. While a specialist is the same pay grade they have not acquired the points necessary to be a NCO.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 24 at 2017 10:16 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 22:16:31 -0400

The easiest way to make Corporal is from Sergeant

Response by SPC Charles Palmer made Jun 29 at 2017 3:39 PM

SPC Charles Palmer — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 15:39:26 -0400

AS I understood it when in the Army, if there is a question of who would lead, and you are down to two E-4's, the Cpl with the hard strips would be senior and would take command. Cpl's were trained for combat and the Specialist is trained to be the go to person if you needed something - they would make sure it gets ordered. (Spc May not explained completely).

Response by SPC John Smith made Jul 21 at 2017 2:55 PM

SPC John Smith — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 14:55:38 -0400

Both are E-4. same pay rate. Responsibility is the biggest difference. Spc4 is enlisted. Corporal is considered Jr. NCO. I believe it may also be a rank reserved for the combat arms (Infantry, Arty) but I may be a bit mistaken on that last point. A Spc4 that has passed PLDC and is waiting for his promotion to Sgt. is often times laterally promoted to Corporal as a sign that this individual is a person that is to be respected as one would respect an NCO.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 4:29 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 04:29:27 -0400

They are both the same pay grade but me as an e4 corporal i have nco rights and responsibilities just not the pay. Its a rewarding role that has bettered my leadership skills.

Response by SGT Charles Ficklin made Aug 1 at 2017 11:30 AM

SGT Charles Ficklin — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 11:30:47 -0400

Simple, a Corporal is an NCO whereas the Specialist is not. Same pay but different responsibilities and authority. A Corporal receives an NCOER whereas the Specialist just receives a counseling concerning their performance.

Response by SPC Ken Gulledge made Sep 25 at 2017 10:08 AM

SPC Ken Gulledge — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 10:08:36 -0400

Specialists are usually working in their MOS and not hiding from their platoon SGT!

Response by SPC Wilkens Valme made Nov 19 at 2017 8:15 PM

SPC Wilkens Valme — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 20:15:53 -0500

Corporal are paper pusher and close to sgt...and a specialist is work on the field

Response by SPC Andi Mathis made Nov 26 at 2017 3:59 PM

SPC Andi Mathis — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 15:59:32 -0500

A Corporal is a NOV and a Specialist is not NOV status usually after PLDC school

Response by CPL Joey Weaver Jr. made Dec 5 at 2017 10:32 AM

CPL Joey Weaver Jr. — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 10:32:42 -0500

Spec/4's actually get no respect. The three stripes start gaining the respect. Maybe they should do away with the spec?4 rank, and make them all hard stripe corporals. Spec/4's can shoot a weapon ,throw a grenade, and do their job..and we wear the killing clothes too.

Response by CPL Joey Weaver Jr. made Dec 5 at 2017 10:35 AM

CPL Joey Weaver Jr. — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 10:35:46 -0500

I saw no difference. when I was told to do something I did it, specialist or not, and when I got put on extra duty for not doing something top want done right away or yesterday, I scrubbed and mopped that floor the same way a private would, no glory in being an e-4.

Response by SPC Barry Stafford made Dec 8 at 2017 4:37 PM

SPC Barry Stafford — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 16:37:36 -0500

You're getting paid for the same rank but the Corpal is in the Leadership position.

Response by SPC Michael W Snyder made Dec 12 at 2017 2:46 PM

SPC Michael W Snyder — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 14:46:01 -0500

I was told that a two stripe was used in combat related fields and specialist non combat, as in infantry

Response by SPC Daniel Cramer made Feb 7 at 2018 9:49 PM

SPC Daniel Cramer — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 21:49:39 -0500

Corporal designation refers to rank in chain of command, whereas a specialist designation refers to your rank in MOS. At least as I understood back in 1964 to 66.

Response by SPC James Mariano made Apr 22 at 2018 12:07 PM

SPC James Mariano — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 12:07:45 -0400

A specialist is in a technical field, while a corporal is in a combat field

Response by SPC Richard Owens made May 21 at 2018 11:45 AM

SPC Richard Owens — Mon, 21 May 2018 11:45:22 -0400

One goes to a training school for inlisted. Thats CPL. The specialest does not go to school. Thats the only difference. Same pay.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 2 at 2018 7:49 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 19:49:16 -0500

One is a leader and counts as an NCO. A Cpl would hold authority over a Specialist. ... But a corporal is an NCO (non-commissioned Officer) and is authorized to issue orders. While the spec-4 rank usually involves a job that does not need for the person to be an NCO.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 18 at 2019 2:02 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Sat, 18 May 2019 02:02:21 -0400

Nothing. Stupid rank in the army.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2019 9:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 May 2019 09:16:14 -0400

Coming from a Marine who transferred to the Army. A corporal in the Army is a made up rank people get promoted to when a company needs someone to do CQ or another job an NCO is needed for and can't supply any. Corporal is a made up rank here

Response by SPC Douglas Campbell made Mar 13 at 2020 9:47 AM

SPC Douglas Campbell — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 09:47:31 -0400

Specialist (E-4 Mafia) Are Sham Artist Lays Under Trucks In Motor Pool And Sleeps Drops Out Of P T Just About Every Morning etc..... Corporal Is A Wana Be NCO JUST Kidding Don't Get Your Panty's In A Wad . A Corporal Has To Be In A Combat Arms MOS A Spec 4 Is Not...

Response by CPT William Jones made Mar 22 at 2020 6:05 PM

CPT William Jones — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 18:05:56 -0400

Specialist is a tech rank and has no command authority. A corporal is a NCO and is in charge of things like a crew served weapon. Machine gun and such

Response by SPC Anitra Bailey-Bearfield made Apr 10 at 2020 1:30 PM

SPC Anitra Bailey-Bearfield — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 13:30:58 -0400

They are both E4 rank but the corporal is more so in command, like a E5 without the rank.

Response by SFC James Corona made Nov 6 at 2020 1:03 PM

SFC James Corona — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 13:03:04 -0500

A US Army Specialist position usually entails technical proficiencyand basic tactical about their MOS

A Corporal is entrusted with much higher technical, tactical and Leadership displayed attitude. A corporal OUTRANKS A SPECIALIST and is isually assigned to "Combat Arms" Units; Infantry, Armour, Artillery, etc.
I met few Corporals in the Army but remember one that was truly professional, motivated, and sharp in ALL of the ABOVE! He was a tremendous credit to our unit!

Response by SPC Larry Patterson made Sep 19 at 2021 7:59 PM

SPC Larry Patterson — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 19:59:22 -0400

Specialist ranks generally more administrative roles duty assignments and corporal or say master sgt and 1st sgt both = e-8 but 1st sgt primarily admin assignment i.e.. to company commander is 1st sgt of the company hands on with master sgt?

Response by SSG Jack Scott made Jun 7 at 2022 4:51 PM

SSG Jack Scott — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:51:03 -0400

Army SPC/E-4 have more In common with Marine Corps L/CPL E-3 they do the same jobs and have similar duties. While Cpl E-4 in the Marine Corps is an NCO and Junior leader like all the other Branches of Military!

Response by CPL Steve Hubbard made Dec 3 at 2022 5:54 PM

CPL Steve Hubbard — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 17:54:06 -0500

A corporal is a leader, and most of the time has graduated from PLDC. Typically someone who promotes the corporal as high potential in the army. It was a
Corporal in 2 1/2 years, and I’m very proud of that.

Response by SPC Leonard Winchester made Dec 10 at 2022 3:21 PM

SPC Leonard Winchester — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 15:21:47 -0500

Back when I was in the Army (1966-68), the specialist rank was used to promote deserving soldiers to next pay grade with no command authority. It was not used for infantry (that I know of), but was used more in support units (clerical, signal, etc) when command positions were full. I'm sure a lot has changed since then.

Response by SPC Samson Smith made May 28 at 2023 8:01 AM

SPC Samson Smith — Sun, 28 May 2023 08:01:39 -0400

I rember seeing a corporal once, I was e4 promotable, so I had pldc, corporal, has a fire team , best I can say for you, but in not really sure, just what I saw

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made May 28 at 2023 11:26 AM

MSG Thomas Currie — Sun, 28 May 2023 11:26:42 -0400

Joking aside, we like to pretend that a Specialist is some sort of over-paid private while a Corporal is an under-paid NCO.

In some units, that is actually true. In some units it is just a matter of MOS.

The history of the Specialist goes back to the Technical Corporals and Technical Sergeants of WWII, when the Army acknowledged the need to recognize and pay some people for what they knew and what they could do that didn't involve leading troops and shooting a rifle at the enemy.

Later, as the Army became even more complex and technical, the Army faced a serious problem with recruiting and retention for people in technical fields. By law, pay was tied to rank so the Army couldn't pay people who were technical experts more without promoting them to ranks that they generally had neither the temperament or the experience to perform. The Army's solution was to create 'Specialist' ranks -- not just "Specialist" but a whole series of Specialist ranks SP4 through SP9 (although apparently no one ever held SP8 or SP9). The key to the Army solution was that ALL Specialists ranked above PFC but below Corporal. One small problem with this system was that the Army could put all the Specialist grades as being below a Corporal in the Army rank structure, by law the equivalence between military services was by Pay Grade. The result was that an Army SP6 was below an Army Corporal within the Army, but equal to a Navy Petty Officer First Class or a Marine Staff Sergeant. This wasn't a big problem for the Army because there weren't any many "Joint" assignments where it would come up.

After a short while the Army dropped the SP8 and SP9 ranks (which apparently no one actually held) but kept SP4 through SP7. Most people were fine with this system, but as with anything sensible, there were a few people who wanted to tinker with anything that worked and some of those people were in leadership positions.

We started to see people being promoted to SP4 and SP5 in positions where it made no sense to consider them technical specialists. For example the Table of Organization for an Armor unit ended up with a four-man tank crew that was supposed to include one PFC, two SP5, and one NCO or Officer. Other kinds of units (such as personnel and finance) had SP6 or SP7 slots as "Team Leaders" with no junior NCO slots, then needed a Master Sergeant or First Sergeant as the first NCO position in the MOS.

Eventually the Army converted all the SP7 positions to Sergeant First Class, all the SP6 positions to Staff Sergeant, and all the SP5 positions to Sergeant, but still kept SP4 (renamed to SPC) to distinguish between soldiers who had been around long enough that the Army wanted to pay them E-4 pay but didn't expect them to show any leadership ability.