Why do some NG Units not use the rank of Corporal as a rank?

2014-02-27T15:28:06-05:00

 I have been told that the rank of CPL has been done away with in the army, but I see CPL's from other units in my state. I even was one, at a time in My career, In the National Guard. Why doesn't the rank get used. It is a lateral and just a swap of rank. no more money. If you are a team Ldr and all ready have that responsibility the what does the rank do but give you the authority of an JR NCO?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 27 at 2014 3:34 PM

2014-02-27T15:34:15-05:00

It's Commanders perogative... Perhaps they are unaware of the process?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 3:40 PM

2014-02-27T15:40:58-05:00

Generally speaking is it because that leadership slot is held by an E5.  For instance, I am in an MP Company.  Each squad has a squad leader (E6) and three team leaders (E5) and all command a truck or vehicle.  Everyone else in the squad is junior enlisted as a gunner or driver.  There simply is no reason to have a corporal because to be in a leadership position he would have to be holding an E5's slot.  Why make an E4 a Corporal when you can just promote the next guy on the staff list to E5 to fill the empty slot?

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 4:57 PM

2014-02-27T16:57:47-05:00

I've not seen a Corporal in the Active Army that didn't meet the following requirements: Warrior Leader Course graduate, recommended for E-5 by a promotion board, and currently serving in a leadership position. By leadership position I mean a slot that is supposed to be filled by an E-5 by the MTOE, and not just an E-4 position where you are expected to pick up more responsibility and leadership roles.

Response by SPC(P) Delcina Myers made Mar 21 at 2014 9:51 PM

2014-03-21T21:51:13-04:00

I have always thought a CPL in the National Guard is like a WO but only on the enlisted side - Excellent knowledge about the Army and his/her MOS, Army Values/Warrior Ethos, but just without officer pay and/or respects. I have met a CPL in the National Guard. She drills about 30 minutes away from my home town and is a recruiter. I had asked her how she got CPL instead of SPC, and her response was, "I dont know. Just lucky, I guess."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2017 9:43 PM

2017-04-16T21:43:32-04:00

MP's usually always wear corporal.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 4 at 2018 3:24 PM

2018-06-04T15:24:25-04:00

Hell fire- I saw maybe 15-20 CPL's during my entire AD service. Most units do not have CPL slots in the manning bill.