What Rank Was The Most Challenging But Rewarding?

2nd Lt. The transition from enlisted to officer was a challenging one, but my personal growth was substantial during this period as I learned how to work effectively with NCOs and Senior NCOs.

The most challenge rank for me, was being a Corporal/E-4 in the USMC. As soon as I was promoted. I had multiple responsibilities that were handed to me, as well as other Marines to guide. Being a Corporal was making sure you were the back bone of the Marine Corps. Making sure that the ranks above you had full trust in you, as well as making sure the ranks below you had the knowledge, and skills that you obtain through your Marine Corps career. To make you mold your, troops to be better then you once they reach that rank of responsibilities. Being a Corporal was an amazing part of my life, it taught how to be a leader, and how to make sure that even if I failed. That I push forward and never look back.

Sgt. E-5, I was responsible for my squad and had enough authority to stick by them. I was raised to take care of one another;I fitted right in. Was very proud to be a Marine and make rank in 2 1/2 years. Semper Fi!

Actually, staying an PNSN was, after passing all tests for E4-6 because I did not want to stay in the service. I joined the Navy Reserves to avoid going to Vietnam. Pure and simple I was against the Vietnam War and actively protested against it. I always supported our troops but felt the War was a mistake by America for many reasons. To answer the actual question, I was a bit immature and didn't want to be of value and just wanted to serve and leave. But I was assigned to MCB -71 and had to go to Vietnam anyway!!! HA, do not stand next to me in a thunderstorm! I do hope I did not offend anyone, my feelings still remain bitter about that immoral war. In this particular war and a couple others, I quote my favorite Fold Song writer, Phil Ochs, "It is always the old to send us to war and always the young to fall! At 77 I am not happy to have lost 55- 60 thousand of our fellow Americans.

There again, I do hope I did not mean to offend anyone and do respect your service! I will accept any criticisms [login to see] God hates a coward, so to speak!

Be Well & Strive For Happiness
Bill Culotta

1LT, because at heart I was still a Paramedic, and my spirit was that of a Pastor, but my job was to be XO of a Reserve Contingency Hospital in the AFRES.

For me it was being on the E-7 promotion list with a sequence number 13 . It took two years to get promoted.

I would say E1 as this is the first rank that requires a commitment to defend the US from enemies both foreign and domestic. You go from being a civilian to being a professional soldier real quick. Right out of high school to kicking in doors in some foreign country liberating the oppressed quite a responsibility for someone at 17.

SFC, I pinned in 7 years and right after pinning off to battle we go as a 'TRUCKMASTER' always first in to every site setup - railhead, sea, aircraft, personnel accountability, manifest ....you name it.

I was glued to the CO. Nothing happened unless I knew about it. In a Transportation company the TRUCKMASTER is considered a Second or maybe the First Sergeant. Ask those who understand. When pushing missions, I made the call on who, what, when where, any why. I have soldier's that's still serving - CSM's now and my Commander is Full Bull retiring soon. Yes, Combat SFC without a doubt.

Sergeant, as you are in charge of the right amount of servicemembers to feel overwhelmed but when it is working you feel very motivated and empowered.

For myself it was E6. I was promoted prior to an overseas deployment, which was challenging enough, coupled with the politics of the mission. Made it that much more rewarding getting back stateside.