Can a soldier be promoted from PFC to CPL?

2019-07-29T04:27:37-04:00

Specifically what army literature says this? AR600-8-19 was no help

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Jul 29 at 2019 6:04 AM

2019-07-29T06:04:27-04:00

As I understand it, yes. But I've never seen it. Even when a PFC with an EIB got his Ranger Tab they made him a SPC before making him a CPL.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2019 6:16 AM

2019-07-29T06:16:10-04:00

If your unit has the position for it, yes, if you commander signs the da form 4187 to the advancement, yes. But usually you will promote to SPC then a lateral promotion to CPL on the 4187. It is truly what your unit is authorized to have for Jr NCOs within the unit.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2019 8:21 AM

2019-07-29T08:21:30-04:00

You can from what I understand, but it doesn’t happen that way. You’ll get promoted to SPC first, then if a 4187 is signed and approved you can get the lateral promotion to CPL. It all depends on your command, and if there is a need for an E4 leadership position.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2019 9:51 AM

2019-07-29T09:51:15-04:00

It's technically an up and over promotion. You have to be promoted to SPC and on the same day get a lateral promotion to CPL

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 29 at 2019 11:19 AM

2019-07-29T11:19:26-04:00

Yes, the promotion is to SPC, the CPL. is in the form of a lateral. It is generally not ideal, it is tough enough for a New Sgt. to take on leadership roles within the same organization. Non-the-less it is doable. Thank you for your service.

Response by PV2 Robert H. made Jul 29 at 2019 1:29 PM

2019-07-29T13:29:43-04:00

Pfcs Is an E3. Cpl is an E4. So theoretically, yes pfc's could be promoted to cpl's though more often than not pfc gets promoted to specialist (also E4) then some get laterally moved to Cpl.
The problem is that while Cpl and Spc are the the same grade, one is an NCO and the other is not. So there are many other factors that go into it that I cannot comment on since I've never gone through the process myself.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2019 8:31 PM

2019-07-29T20:31:28-04:00

You would have to be promoted to E4, Specialist first. Then you would have to be slotted in an E5 slot against your units TDA. If you are not in an E5 position you won’t be able to receive Corporal.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 30 at 2019 12:20 AM

2019-07-30T00:20:19-04:00

Yes it can be done up and over.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2019 12:22 AM

2019-08-17T00:22:24-04:00

Every CPL I knew of was an E4 who also meets promotion eligibility to E5. The purpose of a CPL(at least in my case) was to fill the billets of an E5 when there were none available.