No Insignia
Private
Pay Grade: E-1
Abreviation: PV1
Addressed as: "Private"
Rank Type: Junior Enlisted
Description: A trainee starting Basic Combat Training (BCT) and the most junior rank in the Army. Primary role is to carry out orders issued to them.
Private
Pay Grade: E-2
Abreviation: PV2
Addressed as: "Private"
Rank Type: Junior Enlisted
Description: Has completed Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Second most junior rank in the Army, and the first at which a Soldier wears rank insignia. Primary role is to carry out orders issued to them.
Private First Class
Pay Grade: E-3
Abreviation: PFC
Addressed as: "Private"
Rank Type: Junior Enlisted
Description: Primary role is to carry out orders issued to them.
Specialist
Pay Grade: E-4
Abreviation: SPC
Addressed as: "Specialist"
Rank Type: Junior Enlisted
Description: Primary role is to carry out orders issued to them. Can manage Soldiers of lower rank.
Corporal
Pay Grade: E-4
Abreviation: CPL
Addressed as: "Corporal"
Rank Type: Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)
Description: Serves as team leader of the smallest Army units. Responsible for individual training, personal appearance, and cleanliness of Soldiers.
Sergeant
Pay Grade: E-5
Abreviation: SGT
Addressed as: "Sergeant"
Rank Type: Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)
Description: Typically leads a team (3-4 Soldiers). First line leaders who have the most direct impact on Soldiers. Oversees Soldiers in their daily tasks.
Staff Sergeant
Pay Grade: E-6
Abreviation: SSG
Addressed as: "Sergeant"
Rank Type: Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)
Description: Leads a Squad (9 Soldiers) or Section (8-16 Soldiers). Enforces standards, develops and trains Soldiers in MOS skills and unit missions. Often has one or more Sergeants under their leadership.
Sergeant First Class
Pay Grade: E-7
Abreviation: SFC
Addressed as: "Sergeant"
Rank Type: Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)
Description: Leads a Platoon (20-50 Soldiers, 2-4 Squads). The key advisor to the Platoon Leader (Commissioned Officer). Can also serve as a Staff Section Leader at Battalion level or higher.
Master Sergeant
Pay Grade: E-8
Abreviation: MSG
Addressed as: "Sergeant"
Rank Type: Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)
Description: Principal Staff NCO at the Battalion level and often higher.
First Sergeant
Pay Grade: E-8
Abreviation: 1SG
Addressed as: "First Sergeant"
Rank Type: Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)
Description: The senior NCO of Companies, Batteries, and Troops (60-140 Soldiers, 2-4 Platoons). Advises the Commander, assists officers at the Company level, and helps train all Soldiers.
Sergeant Major
Pay Grade: E-9
Abreviation: SGM
Addressed as: "Sergeant Major"
Rank Type: Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)
Description: Serves as the senior enlisted adviser to a primary staff officer at the Battalion level or higher.
Command Sergeant Major
Pay Grade: E-9
Abreviation: CSM
Addressed as: "Sergeant Major"
Rank Type: Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)
Description: The senior NCO of the command at Battalion or higher levels.
Sergeant Major of the Army
Pay Grade: E-9
Abreviation: SMA
Addressed as: "Sergeant Major"
Rank Type: Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)
Description: Only one SMA in the entire Army. Serves as the senior enlisted advisor and consultant to the Chief of Staff of the Army.