Posted on Mar 19, 2019
What is the difference between the CPL and SPC ranks?
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I found out yesterday I am being laterally "promoted" to CPL. What is the point of the CPL rank? I've only met one or two in my time in the guard.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 31
A Corporal is a NCO rank, a Specialist is a MOS rank; Meaning, a Corporal will be next assigned to Sergeant and will continue on the NCO path. The NCO path is one of command in combat. The Specialist path is one which is focused on specializing more on the MOS. There is a E-4 through E-9 for Specialists and NCO; but the NCO path focuses on the Leadership, Command and Control of the Squad, Platoon, Company, Battalion, Brigade, and Division. Hey Congrats! Salute! /**
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I spent 4 years of my Military career as a CPL, for me it was because my Guard unit had no NCO slots. I led a fire team in Iraq with this rank and considered it an honor. I was Infantry and CPLs are still pretty common in my MOS. The guys if anything respected CPLs in my unit as much or more then E-5s. CPL is completely bases on performance and you can loss it at any time. Unlike some guys that make 5 and go to shit you have to prove your self every day as a CPL. Wear the rank with pride, most guys will sooner or later make E5 if they stay in long enough, but CPL is in earned by very few. You also have the added benefit of if you get an Article 15 the worst that can happen is you become a SPC, and loss no pay lol
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To address your post, as a former Corporal, I was laterally appointed by the CSM to take over and run the HHC Arms Room. He needed someone with leadership skills to Supervise and manage it for the ARMY. I was chosen and given the lateral promotion based on leadership skills and performance. So to answer your question, If you show leadership skills the lateral promotion is the way to go until you can make SGT. A specialist is not a leadership position, it is not designed for that, only hardstripe rank need to be in that position. Good luck Corporal.
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Besides, if you ever work with E-4's from other services, being a CPL puts you on the same level.
True story time (grab a beer while the Sailor starts telling his story)...
I was a Navy E-4 serving in a joint service command working with Army, Air Force, and Marines.
I worked with an Army SPC and the conversation came up about who was senior. He thought he was because he had been an E-4 longer. I thought I was because I was an NCO and he wasn't. Went to our supervisor (Army SFC) who backed me up. Basically siding with the "NCO beats non-NCO of same rank".
We also worked with Air Force who, at the time, also had a non-NCO E-4 (Senior Airman) and an NCO E-4 (Sergeant). And, the same held with them where an NCO "outranked" a non-NCO. One difference with the Air Force was that a Senior Airman who had attended leadership training could be in a leadership role.
All simply because of leadership training and expectations.
So, there's that. May not mean much unless you're in one of those situations.
True story time (grab a beer while the Sailor starts telling his story)...
I was a Navy E-4 serving in a joint service command working with Army, Air Force, and Marines.
I worked with an Army SPC and the conversation came up about who was senior. He thought he was because he had been an E-4 longer. I thought I was because I was an NCO and he wasn't. Went to our supervisor (Army SFC) who backed me up. Basically siding with the "NCO beats non-NCO of same rank".
We also worked with Air Force who, at the time, also had a non-NCO E-4 (Senior Airman) and an NCO E-4 (Sergeant). And, the same held with them where an NCO "outranked" a non-NCO. One difference with the Air Force was that a Senior Airman who had attended leadership training could be in a leadership role.
All simply because of leadership training and expectations.
So, there's that. May not mean much unless you're in one of those situations.
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CPL is the greatest rank in the Army. You are above all other E-4 and below, but you don’t have the headaches of the SGTs and SSGs. If your unit treats you like the NCO you actually are, then you will learn a lot.
As a CPL, I was able to win 2 BN NCO of the Month boards and 1 Brigade NCO of the month board. The recommendations I got because of this were a big part of the reason I was able to join ROTC.
Additionally, you will get to “practice” being an NCO. Your NCOERs as a CPL don’t go beyond the Battalion or Brigade level (can’t remember which, it’s been a while). When you make SGT, you will already have experience leading soldiers with UCMJ authority behind you, performing monthly, event-oriented and performance couselings. You will also know how to truly conduct proper PRT on your own.
All in all, it’s a great rank if your unit is supportive and you take advantage of your opportunities.
As a CPL, I was able to win 2 BN NCO of the Month boards and 1 Brigade NCO of the month board. The recommendations I got because of this were a big part of the reason I was able to join ROTC.
Additionally, you will get to “practice” being an NCO. Your NCOERs as a CPL don’t go beyond the Battalion or Brigade level (can’t remember which, it’s been a while). When you make SGT, you will already have experience leading soldiers with UCMJ authority behind you, performing monthly, event-oriented and performance couselings. You will also know how to truly conduct proper PRT on your own.
All in all, it’s a great rank if your unit is supportive and you take advantage of your opportunities.
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It basically puts you next in line for promotion boards. Not as many meetings as E-5 and up but more paperwork than E-4. You become the one responsible when no one else is around. You are the motivator and the doer of the team. You set the pace.
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I was in the guard too and went spec to cpl - them put into a team leader slot
my e7 was getting me ready for my 5 - take it and be happy - junior nco
my e7 was getting me ready for my 5 - take it and be happy - junior nco
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In my case it was because I had gone to the promotion board and passed, but was awaiting a non existent (unless I re-enlisted) BLC date. (I ETS’d shortly after I passed) They changed it a few years ago making it a requirement to pass WLC(BLC) before you pin SGT. Before that most Specialists would get sent to promotion boards when their leadership felt they were ready and they’d pin Sergeant after being recommended by the board for promotion, they would go to WLC shortly after (Which is probably why you never saw very many CPLs running around)
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You will have NCO duties with specialist pay. Go to BLC and get promoted to E5...
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