Why are there so many specialist?

2018-10-26T02:13:38-04:00

I have only been in for a few years now, and even in the beginning of my career I noticed that everywhere I looked there was always a flock of specialist. When I got to my unit, it was made up of mostly SPC. When I got deployed, there were SPC everywhere. What can one do to get a rank of CPL instead of SPC? Based on what I have observed so far, I have encountered at least 90% SPC.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2018 2:24 AM

2018-10-26T02:24:12-04:00

No Jr. NCOs(Corporals) in MOS outside of Infantry?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2018 2:35 AM

2018-10-26T02:35:03-04:00

Technically, it's it's because lower enlisted make up the work force of the Army and automatical promotions bring everyone with 2+ years in the Army to E4
Unofficially.... The SPEC4 Mafia runs the world at the tactical level. They make things happen, or not happen.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Oct 26 at 2018 2:58 AM

2018-10-26T02:58:43-04:00

Some units don't bother with CPL rank. Because if you can't get the respect from your peers as a young leader in a leadership position as a SPC, they're not going to respect you just because you've got a couple "give me" stripes on.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Oct 26 at 2018 5:18 AM

2018-10-26T05:18:56-04:00

SPC. is automatic, while Sgt. is promote or out. With that a Soldier can serve much longer as a spc. Than any other Junior grade. As for Cpl. the rank is not used unless there are a shortage of Sgt’s in a particular unit. This rank is usually confined to combat arm and combat service support. Even if there is a shortage units are not obligated to laterally promote to fill the void. Thank you for your service.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Oct 26 at 2018 5:30 AM

2018-10-26T05:30:36-04:00

Specialists was a rank made up for Privates with low self esteem :-) It's a joke, don't over think it!

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Oct 26 at 2018 6:02 AM

2018-10-26T06:02:58-04:00

Response by Jerry Rivas made Oct 26 at 2018 6:08 AM

2018-10-26T06:08:41-04:00

Corporal is a leadership/command rank. Cooks dont need Cpl's. Infantrymen do. CPL may be a squad leader or some such

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Oct 26 at 2018 6:09 AM

2018-10-26T06:09:49-04:00

Rank Inflation.
SPCs now hold the position of what a PFC used to hold.
Captain are now do the jobs XO/1LTs once did.
LTCs now have the power of Captain's because of politics were Generals now plan training schedules for battalions.