How does working in 1 rank above you work?

2020-02-08T16:49:49-05:00

I joined the United States Army Reserves as an E4, 68w and my recruiter put me into an E5 slot. How does this work exactly ?

Response by SSG Brian G. made Feb 8 at 2020 4:59 PM

2020-02-08T16:59:48-05:00

It means that you are leading a section but have no actual legal authority. You are doing the work of a SGT but getting paid as a specialist. Good news is, it might fast track your promotion once you meet the criteria for E-5.

Response by SFC Michael Krogmann made Feb 8 at 2020 4:59 PM

2020-02-08T16:59:59-05:00

It really doesn't mean a lot. A soldier can occupy a slot above them and sometimes below.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2020 5:16 PM

2020-02-08T17:16:12-05:00

As a brand new trainee it doesn't really mean anything. Promotions in the Reserve Components are based on filling available slots. By the time you return from training, that E5 slot will most likely be filled by someone who was promotion eligible and took it.
Of course, if it doesn't get filled in the next year, (6 months of training, plus however long to your ship date) you could be leading your section. Because you are new and your subordinates may have more time in service than you they will probably become promotion eligible before you and take that spot. But, if you get lucky you could have a spot to promote into.
Just understand the promotion system between active and Reserve is vastly different.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 8 at 2020 5:18 PM

2020-02-08T17:18:24-05:00

You get put in the slot on the unit manning document and you do the job for the position in accordance with regulation, orders, and your initial counseling.

In some cases, the Battalion Commander may laterally appoint you as a corporal but they don't have to.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2020 5:30 PM

2020-02-08T17:30:01-05:00

You’re still an E-4. You’re just slotted as a 68w2o because of the mtoe meaning there was no more space for another E-4 but there was an open spot for an e5

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 8 at 2020 5:56 PM

2020-02-08T17:56:37-05:00

For me it works out pretty well. I'm an E7, but I occupy an E9 slot. So, I do the job of the slot, the position. It has its perks. But, it has it's responsibilities too. So, all in all I work harder than I would as a battalion mess sgt. But, it is a pretty cool thing. I'm just waiting on a ship date to SLC, and then afterward MLC.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2020 6:34 PM

2020-02-08T18:34:32-05:00

It works as such: you do the billet assigned and if you do a good job it looks good to your higher ups and for your career. Just do your best.

Response by 1SG Ken Bedwell made Feb 8 at 2020 7:22 PM

2020-02-08T19:22:47-05:00

You have the responsibility and accountability of a SGT, but get SPC or Corporal pay.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 8 at 2020 9:25 PM

2020-02-08T21:25:22-05:00

It gives you a golden opportunity to show that you have the qualifications of the next rank up.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Feb 9 at 2020 5:37 PM

2020-02-09T17:37:30-05:00

You don't get paid.... Some units are NCO heavy... I remember the hassles telling Sgts to get sweeping and scrubbing and I was a CPL.