What Rank Was The Most Challenging But Rewarding?

E5 (2nd Class), by far over the E6 (1st Class) types I served under, when rated as E4 (3rd Class) AE-3, with VAH-4, and during 2 tours of duty Viet Nam, Tonkin Gulf, c.'67- '68, as Det. Libra, Det 14, aboard USS Bon Homme Richard CVA-31, USS Ticonderoga CVA-14, respectively.

SSgt. I was one of the few that were promoted but not transferred to another unit upon promotion.

Transitioning from SrA (E4) to SSgt (E5) was the most challenging for me. I had to go from being colleagues to supervising 25 Other troops. I had to teach my troops the difference that being a good supervisor meant being hard and holding others accountable to the same standards. It cost me a lot of friendships but it was the most rewarding experience because I got to mentor and teach others how to be great police officers in the Air Force. Once my troops understood accountability and dedication relationships we’re stronger than ever after this transition. I know those troops would have my back to this day.

I would have to say CPL(Army). It was the most challenging for obvious reasons, low man on the totem pole, increased responsibility with no extra pay, etc. But I found it to be the most rewarding because most Soldiers never get that rank. I considered it an honor to be put in a position very few ever experience.

Corporal of Marines

I would have to say SFC/E-7. I was in the 104th Div. (Tng) as a Drill Instructor. As an E-7 I was the Senior Drill Instructor (SDI) and had up to four Junior DI's I was responsible for, plus 50 - 60 recruits that I had to manage. I started out as an E-5 and didn't have too much paperwork, just troops to train and whatever chores the E-6's and the SDI tasked me with. As an E-6, I considered that position the rocking chair as I had E-5's to boss around, and the SDI was more likely to task the 5's with work than the 6's. Once I made E-7 and became the SDI is when I learned you spend more time behind a desk than you do out in the field with the troops. As previously stated, lots of paperwork, career management for the 5's and 6's below you, training records, guard duty rosters, and so many other records to keep and maintain. There are training ranges you have to coordinate, transportation for the recruits, the different necessities at the ranges like lister bags, chow, medical personnel, and on and on. Despite all the different tasks to be done, when the day is over and the troops have all been successfully trained, fed, and watered, when the training cycle is over and all or most of the recruits have graduated and headed off to their next phase in Army life, and when your Junior DI's have been duly recognized, have been placed on track for schools to advance their careers, and have the time off with their families after the cycle is over, the feeling that you have accomplished all of this despite the long hours and snafus that can and do arise is truly a rewarding experience.

E -1 as it really made me responsible after being a wreckless teen ager. It also made me understand teamwork and what would happen if I didn't follow orders.

1SGT Was the most challenging as the responsibility was overwhelming, but the results were very satisfying to show as a deployed unit with 380 soldiers.

SP4 was my most challenging because I was considered the supervisor of the battalion motor pool prescribed load list. I had others that I was in charge of but I ended up doing most of the work. Keeping track of inventory. Direct exchange and ordering of all needed parts for the batallion vehicles and howitzers. I even passed the inspector general's surprize inspection and received the distinguished trooper award for perfect paperwork and inventory. There were many nights I took my books and paperwork to the barracks to finish processing on my own time. I went into the army as loser who couldn't keep a job and came out a winner who found there is nothing you can't do if you put your best foot forward. I thank god for the army. It made a strong and determined man out of me!

For me the most challanging but rewarding rank was Cpl E-4, which in the Army is a lateral promotion from Spec E-4 and viewed by most as a Joke. As its the exact same rank and pay as any amd every E-4 in the army which any yahoo can get given they have a few brain cells and can maintain at least the minimum Army standard for 2 years, then they atomatically obtain a promotion from E-3 to E-4 which is why the lateral upgrade to Cpl isnt given the respect and authority that other branches Cpl ranks demand. Being a Cpl in the Army is a junior NCO which adds to the asinine chaos which is inherently present with the rank. It is however needed when the individual is in an MOS which is overcrowded and has to many E-5s for that given MOS causing the points needed to obtain a promotion from
E-4 to E-5 to be at Max or so close to Max that getting promoted is only possible if the individual happend to have a college degree of at least an associates already in their resume. As with me I had every possible points at max except the possible points I could have gotten from College Classes. Which continued to cause me to miss points each month
Though my unit needed a competent Team leader for our platoon so the rank was needed I gladly proformed the added responsibilities though nothing else rank wise changed, nore did I ever push the issue with those under me. I definately enjoyed the responsibilities of looking after more than just my own well being and IMO did an exceptional job. I had a Sgt under me as one of my soldiers whom at the time they were in the process of trying to get him demoted as he was definitely not competent enough to preform the role of a Sgt, while as a person he was a decent guy, and actually trying to fill the role. Making me and im sure many other feel bad about his situation. Im certain that was the reason why the company took so long to process his demotion papers as most people felt sorry for him his heart was in it but he wasnt one you would want making decisions over seas and such. I looked after my soldiers above and beyond even giving up my days off to give to my soliders. Had points not of been at an asinine high for so long I may have signed up for a 2nd Term. However after dealing with nearly 10 months of Maxed points I refused all the attempts my NCOs tried to throw my way to get me to stay in. With offering some decent incentives and duty stations the stagnation of rank had trumpted anything they could offer. No forward progress in a timely manor at any position / Job is not something I can allow at any job unless the pay is right.