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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The easiest way to make Corporal is from Sergeant

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

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.

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

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