Should RallyPoint display pay grades on profiles to better understand ranks across the services?

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 14:28:01 -0500

Okay, I'll probably lose a lot of cool points or catch alot of flack for this one, but I'll be completely honest: I have no idea what the order of the rankings for the other branches of the service are. (IE, I don't know what an E-6 in the Army's title is.)  Yes, I can "google it" before I respond to someone, but because this is a forum for all branches, I feel like it would be beneficial to have the pay-grades listed for everyone in addition to their service title.<br><br>I think it would be a way for all of us to learn to recognize the ranks within the other branches of the services (if you're a slacker like me and don't remember). Yeah, I know, I know, I should have learned it in boot camp....and I probably did, but without being exposed to the other branches on a regular basis, I simply didn't retain it.<br>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2013 2:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 14:32:41 -0500

Here's a "Cheat Sheet":

Enlisted:
http://www.defense.gov/about/insignias/enlisted.aspx

Officers:
http://www.defense.gov/about/insignias/officers.aspx

Hope this helps.

Department of Defense - Officer Rank Insignia

Officer
ranks in the United States military consist of commissioned
officers and warrant officers. The commissioned ranks
...

Department of Defense - Enlisted Rank Insignia

Service
members in pay grades E-1 through E-3 are usually either
in some kind of training status or on their initial
...

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Dec 2 at 2013 7:59 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 19:59:23 -0500

No points lost PO3 Hicks.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2013 8:05 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 20:05:23 -0500

No need to give up any cool points, I recently learned from a CPO I work with that I should be addressing the Sailors by their rate and rank, so what would yours be then?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2013 10:27 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 22:27:36 -0500

Working Jointly in the past I made sure to learn each services rank. It's a great way to earn some respect quick when you can address a troop from another service by their full rank on your first encounter with them.

Try learning foreign ranks, that's a pain.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 10:24 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 10:24:56 -0500

If its shinny salute ?Right?? lol

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 10:35 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 10:35:04 -0500

You are no slacker because it can be confusing.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 4:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 16:24:34 -0500

Army Warrant Officer rank insignia is easy to recognize. The Marine Corps WO insignia is a little challenging. But the Navy and USCG shoulder board WO insignia- well, that's a different story.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 6:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 18:10:14 -0500

if you look on someone's influence score, that has a pay grade on it right  there.

Response by 1SG Johnny Carter made Dec 3 at 2013 6:46 PM

1SG Johnny Carter — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 18:46:20 -0500

Don't feel bad I still get confused!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2013 6:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 18:45:39 -0500

Rank structure isnt very hard to understand once you get a grip on it. Most ranks such as the CG and Navy are identical....as you start getting in the senior enlisted ranks then thats where you start seeing some variations in the ranks and grades. If you work in a joint command then it'll be a BIG help to know who you're talking to.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Mar 12 at 2014 5:53 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 17:53:12 -0400

Guilty as charged, in basic I DID NOT learn all other services ranks and still at 20 years don't know them all, especially senior NCO and Naval officers.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 14 at 2014 10:05 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 10:05:21 -0400

For the Navy if it has gold stripes on the sleve I salute. But then if when in doubt Whip it out, all the will do is correct you or salute back! Never can keep the navy straight on the ranks. Saluted a CPO once. He seen that I was army and like I told him all I seen was the shine on his collars and saluted. he just laughed and tried to straighten me and the ranks out but I still fail at it.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2014 10:16 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 10:16:27 -0400

Petty Officer Hicks,

As long as I don't have to attempt to memorize all of the Navy ratings, I will consider myself lucky.

V/R,

CW2 Rapp

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2014 7:52 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 May 2014 19:52:46 -0400

I got out of the Army and was in the Coast Guard within 3 months. I went back to my old Army unit in a Coastie uniform as an E3 with a Coast Guard non-rate pin on my cover and all the old guys I new were saluting me. I just walked through the unit laughing.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2014 9:05 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 May 2014 21:05:09 -0400

Petty Officer Hicks, good point, currently the rate/rank displayed on a service member or veteran's profile has a hover feature that shows the rank abbreviation; I'd imagine that it would be an easy fix to accompany that with additional information... for example when a member hovers their cursor above the rate/rank icon, instead of simply listing 'PO3' it could read 'PO3/E4.' I could see how this might be helpful for folks, and would probably be an easy fix for a very attentive and talented RP administrative staff. Great observation, and thanks for brining up the subject!

Response by PO3 Sarah Weygand made May 18 at 2014 9:08 PM

PO3 Sarah Weygand — Sun, 18 May 2014 21:08:09 -0400

Learned it in basic and I have no idea to this day how to "read" Army or Air Force insignia half the time! Shameful, I know :/

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 11:38 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 11:38:35 -0400

As service members we have a responsibility to know the rank structure of all military brances. While I have no problem with pay grades being listed in our profiles, each of us should take the time to learn how to properly address members of all the uniformed services.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 19 at 2014 12:14 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 19 May 2014 12:14:12 -0400

The only ones that give me trouble are the AF enlisted ranks. Tons of thin little white stripes smushed into a ball of WTF...

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 3:11 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 15:11:04 -0400

No, you should not have learned it in boot camp. In Army Basic Training, they only teach us Army ranks. Why would the Navy be different?

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 20 at 2014 11:31 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 20 May 2014 11:31:22 -0400

PO3 - well,if it's any consolation, I can't figure out Navy enlisted rank to save my life. And if I have to look at Navy officers' sleeves to figure out their rank, I'm in trouble, too. Now, my Navy friends tell me it's easy. Um....no it ain't.

Response by SGT James P. Davidson, MSM made May 20 at 2014 11:34 AM

SGT James P. Davidson, MSM — Tue, 20 May 2014 11:34:36 -0400

PO3 Hicks:

"(IE, I don't know what an E-6 in the Army's title is.)"

The proper 'title' is Staff Sergeant.

HOWEVER:

Unlike the Marine Corps, there are only three sergeants in the Army:

Sergeant (E-5 - E-7)
First Sergeant (E-8)
Sergeant(s) Major (E-9)

This is typically how they are addressed. The Corps, on the other hand, has a thing with sounding out each specific one (with the exception of 'familiars').

I rarely 'wiki' anything, but here's a page with a reasonable chart:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._uniformed_services_pay_grades

U.S. uniformed services pay grades - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pay grades are used by the uniformed services of the United States to determine wages and benefits based on the corresponding military rank of a member of the services. While different titles or ranks may be used among the seven uniformed services, pay grades are uniform and equivalent between the services and can be used to quickly determine seniority among a group of members from different services. They are also essential when determining a...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 10:07 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 10:07:05 -0500

Not a bad idea, I do not know some of the other branches ranks either. FYI I am an Army Staf Sergeant (E6) but I could not tell you what my Navy counterpart is, the Navy has the most confusing rank/title structure of them all.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 4:00 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 16:00:54 -0500

I always thought that a PO was like a WO for us in the Army, that gives you another point there.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 7:42 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 19:42:53 -0500

I agree, PO3 Private RallyPoint Member. I'm a little fuzzy on Navy enlisted ranks and a LOT fuzzy on Navy officer ranks (on dress uniforms). Maybe these charts will help.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 9:01 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 21:01:47 -0500

The Air Force enlisted gets me. So many stripes.

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Dec 3 at 2014 12:14 PM

Sgt Jennifer Mohler — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 12:14:01 -0500

I don't think it is a bad idea. The rank structure has evolved in recent enough history that it would be useful.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 5 at 2014 1:28 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 01:28:10 -0500

I am so disappointed. I would think you as a promotable O3 would know these things by now. Smh

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 5 at 2014 1:52 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 01:52:56 -0500

You are putting up a Hell of a Challenge there PO3 the rest of the services that have a much simpler system than us Sea Service Folks. Sea Service we call you not just by your rank but by your rate (Job Specialty) or slang name for your Rate. "Boats" "CT1" "CTO1". Fireman, Seaman, Airman, Constructionman!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 5 at 2014 2:08 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 02:08:41 -0500

The Guys in my Division called me Chip plain and Simple. The guys in 1st Division/Deck Department called me CT1 or CTO1. If my Chief called me Petty Officer Nagel I knew the rest of the Conversation was going to Suck! Also Knew that at the end It was a requirement that I make some kind of Appearance at any Ceremony otherwise it would be considered a serious slight since although only an E-6 I was "Senior Spook on the Pier".

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Dec 5 at 2014 10:55 AM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 10:55:58 -0500

"Sergeants for Sailors"

1. Give up. Once you learn the Army, the Marine system will cause your head to explode. Then, after you pick up those pieces left over, the Air Force system will cause them to melt into a gooey sludge.
2. Just call anybody with three chevrons or more "Sergeant?" (Emphasize the question mark as confusion. They'll be happy to correct your ignorance.)
3. Go to Step One. Repeat as necessary.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Dec 5 at 2014 11:50 AM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 11:50:03 -0500

"Sailors for Sergeants"

1. No chevrons, just diagonal stripes (and therefore no "crow") means "minion" (sorry to my brother and sister Seamen, Airmen and beloved Firemen).
2. Rocker above chevrons (Navy only uses ONE rocker - ever) means Chief Petty Officer (Call these folks "chief")
a. Star on crow's head means Senior Chief Petty Officer (Call these folks "senior chief")
b. Two stars over crow's head means Master Chief (Call these folks - you guessed it - "master chief")
3. No rocker means ignore the number of stripes - we're just "petty officer".

Simple!!!!

Officers... forget it. Their ranks are based on four hundred year old British aristocratic history. Just call them "Sir" (or ma'am, unless that's been killed by self-serving, moronic senators).

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made Dec 5 at 2014 12:30 PM

PO1 Donald Hammond — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 12:30:18 -0500

It is easy. Since you are in the Navy I will explain it to you. I work in USPACOM which has all the branches in it.

If you see something on their collar that looks like something you see in the Navy like a butter bar or Eagle, just call them SIR.

If they have a bunch of stuff on their sleeve meaning they are enlisted just try to figure out what branch of service they are in and then say

1 - Air Force : hey, fly boy/girl
2 - Army : yo, flat foot
3 - Marines : just call all of them sir because they might scrape the sticker from your car.

And of course call all Navy people squid or bubblehead.

And anybody who takes offense at this I ORDER YOU TO TAKE A CHILL PILL! (see other thread about pulling rank) :D

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 7:56 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 19:56:47 -0500

We recently had a joint senior enlisted conference here in MN which included the Air Guard. It was a good experience for sure but like you said the rank can get confusing. It was fun to learn though that there can be three first sergeants for the Air Force though. All in all every time I have worked with other branches it has been pleasant and fun to learn the key differences in the rank structure.

Response by SPC Leisel Luman made Dec 26 at 2014 1:05 PM

SPC Leisel Luman — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 13:05:32 -0500

You don't lose any points from me. I only learned Army rank in Basic. It wasn't until later in the hospital that I worked with all branches and most ranks. I found that most people were not offended when I asked about ranks in their branch. I. Never minded being asked. Plus this forum ask for your answer from your Frame of reference. I mostly get called by Mr. Luman at the VA they get apologetics and I stop them no apology necessary and make them laugh with me about it. If you are embarrassed message them and you will find most people don't mind as long as you are respectful

Response by HN Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2015 3:49 PM

HN Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 15:49:24 -0400

Everyone seems to have trouble with Navy ranking structure, but I honestly don't see how lol. I think it is the easiest. Army and Air Force are out of this world though..

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jun 23 at 2015 4:59 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 16:59:49 -0400

So funny story:

I was probably dumber than your typical private. In basic I struggled to learn just enough to get by and kept my head down, so basically I knew E1-E4, called everyone "Sargent" unless they had a diamond, and never expected to see anything higher.

Fast forward to fall 1989 AIT at Fitzsimmons Medical Center. There's more brass packed into four square miles in the form of doctors than anywhere on the planet, luckily they were very laid back and I got by with calling everyone "Sir" or "Ma'am", and offering a snappy salute (by the way, I was still still a private-e-nothing at this point).

Then one day, my worst nightmare. I noticed an attractive female in uniform, and seeing no brass (and not being close enough to identify rank) decided to introduce myself (yeah, I know, I was cocky and usually successful).

"Hi, can I help you find anything... ulp" I finally noticed the rank... "uh... Sargent?"

"What did you call me?!" in a not so happy tone.

Thinking to myself, "Oh crap... three up, three down, star in the middle."

I wondered for a second if I could outrun her, if she had noticed the name on my BDU's. I considered saluting, wondered if dropping for push-up's automatically would be appropriate (basic training still fresh in my mind).

She held my feet to the fire for a bit... looking back I think she was probably having a bit of fun at my expense.

That was the day I really learned "Sargent Major" for the first time...

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 15 at 2015 1:07 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 01:07:40 -0400

My Paygrade is E (That would be Erik), after that my former paygrade is not relevant.. who I was and what rank (pay grade) I was only matters as to what i can do for or provide now.

Response by Maj William Gambrell made Aug 15 at 2015 1:56 AM

Maj William Gambrell — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 01:56:27 -0400

When working in a joint environment, I had to go through an eye drill when dealing with the Navy service uniform. Yes, a bit frustrating when trying to figure out when to salute for an officer. I had to look at the collar to see if there was rank, then had look at the flight cap to see if there was something shining on both sides or just one, then if there was only one, I had to figure out the rank to determine if that person was lower or higher rank.

And trying to differentiate between a Chief, Senior Chief, and Master Chief on the collar. Forget about it, My eyes are getting old.