Corporal

Template:Rank Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries, police forces or other uniformed organizations around the world. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4.

Australia

Australian Army Corporal's arm badge

Australian Army Corporal's arm badge

Corporal is the second lowest of the non-commissioned officer ranks in the Australian Army, falling between Lance-Corporal and Sergeant. A Corporal is usually a Section Commander (SeCo), and is in charge of 7-14 men of private rank. He may also have a second-in-command, generally a Lance-Corporal. The same ranks within artillery units are Bombardier and Lance-Bombardier respectively.

Corporal is also a rank of the Royal Australian Air Force, being equal to both the Australian Army and Royal Air Force rank of Corporal. There is no RAAF equivalent to the Army rank of Lance-Corporal. The rank is also used within the Australian Air Force Cadets.

Canada

Canadian Corporal's shoulder board

Canadian Corporal's shoulder board

Corporal (Cpl) is an Army and Air Force non-commissioned member rank of the Canadian Forces. Its Naval equivalent is Leading Seaman (LS). It is senior to the rank of Private and its Naval equivalent Able Seaman, and junior to Master Corporal (Caporal-Chef)and its equivalent Master Seaman (Matelot-Chef). It is part of the cadre of junior non-commissioned officers, and one of the Junior Ranks. In French the rank is caporal (cpl).

The rank insignia of a Corporal is a 2-bar chevron, point down, worn in gold thread on both upper sleeves of the Service Dress jacket; in tan (Army) or dark blue (Air Force) thread on CADPAT slip-ons for Operational Dress; in old gold thread on blue slip-ons on other Air Force uniforms; and in gold metal and green enamel miniature pins on the collars of the Army dress shirt and outerwear coats. On Army ceremonial uniforms, it is usually rendered in gold braid (black for rifle regiments), on either both sleeves, or just the right, depending on unit custom.

Canadian Corporal's arm badge

Canadian Corporal's arm badge

Corporal is the first non-commissioned officer rank, and the lowest rank officially empowered to issue a lawful command. Corporals can lead troops if they have the formal qualifications to be promoted to Master Corporal but have not been promoted yet. However, the rank of Corporal was severaly downgraded after Unification, along with the attendant responsibilities. A Corporal in the Canadian Army in 1967 had the same duties and responsibilities that a Sergeant has today.

Another effect of Unification was to delete the appointments of Lance Corporal and Lance Sergeant (a Corporal holding the acting rank of Sergeant). The former is still common in other Commonwealth militaries.

Corporal is deemed to be the substantive rank of the members carrying the appointment of Master Corporal. On pay documents, Corporal was formerly listed as "Cpl (A)" and Master Corporal as "Cpl (B)".

Privates in the Canadian Forces are considered to be apprentices in their trades, and Corporals are journeymen. To become a Corporal one must have served four years as a private, and have achieved Qualification Level 5 trades training.

The rank of corporal in artillery units follows the British convention and is styled Bombardier (Bdr) — thus a Master Corporal is a Master Bombardier (MBdr).

In rifle regiments, a distinction was historically drawn between a Corporal and an Acting Corporal; The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada had a special insignia to distinguish between the two.

France

There are three ranks of corporal (caporal in french). These are not NCO ranks, but enlisted ones. The corporals are called "ranked" (gradés).

• "Corporal" (caporal) is a NATO OR-3 level rank. The insignia is two chevrons of wool (vs. the two gold chevrons of a sergent).
• "Staff Corporal" (caporal-chef) is OR-4. The insignia is two chevrons of wool plus a gold chevron
• "First Class Staff Corporal" (caporal-chef de première classe) is intermediate between OR-4 and OR-5. The insigia is one gold chevron and two gold chevrons.

In the regiments of cavalry traditions, the caporaux are called brigadiers.

Finland

Finnish alikersantti, collar and sleeve (SA-kuva)

Korpraali (literally translated as "Corporal") is the equivalent to Lance Corporal and it is the most senior rank of Private. Alikersantti (literally translated as "Sub-Sergeant") is the lowest NCO rank and it is the equivalent to Corporal elsewhere. An Alikersantti is usually the leader of a group that consists of 4-7 men and around 20% of conscripts are promoted to Alikersantti after they have gone through 16 weeks of NCO training. The next rank is Kersantti (Sergeant).

German Army Corporal's (Oberstabsgefreiter) shoulder board

German Army Corporal's (Oberstabsgefreiter) shoulder board

Germany

The German military had no direct equivalent to a corporal in either the Commonwealth or US militaries, in terms of duties and responsibilities. Some sources identify Unteroffizier as the traditional German equivalent to Corporal, and this grade has existed as a military rank since at least the 18th century. Other sources identify the lower rank of Gefreiter as being equivalent to a Corporal of other armies, though in the German military this rank conferred a higher rate of pay without any of the duties and responsibilities granted Corporals in other armies. This and the rank of Oberstabsgefreiter (highest rank of Privates) are today classified by NATO as OR-4 ranks, with Unteroffizier (lowest NCO-rank) being classified as OR-5. Given the vastly different status of the rank of Corporal in the British (section commander) and American (section second-in-command) armies, identifying equivalents in the German military is largely fruitless.

The SS equivalent to Unteroffizier was Unterscharführer.

India and Pakistan

The equivalent to Corporal in the British Indian Army was Naik in all units. These ranks are still used in the Indian Army and Pakistan Army.

Iran

Corporal (in Persian سرجوخه Sarjukhe) is one of the lower ranks of the Iranian army. A Sarjukhe is usually responsible for 4 to 5 soldiers.

See also: Iran's Army Ranks Insignia.

Ireland

Irish Army Cpl's subdued rank slider

Corporal (Cpl) (Ceannaire in Irish) is the lowest rank of non-commissioned officer within the Irish Army and Air Corps. The Naval equivalent is Leading Seaman (LS).

The Army rank insignia consists of two winged chevrons (or "stripes"). The Dress Uniform being red chevrons with a yellow border. The main role of an infantry Corporal is to either command a section as the section commander or to command the Fire Support Group (FSG) of a section as the 2I/C. Another role is that of training NCO of a section, as all Corporals must be qualified instructors.

Before 1994, the Air Corps was considered part of the Army and wore Army uniforms with distinct corps badges but the same rank insignia. With the introduction of a unique Air Corps blue uniform in 1994, the same rank markings in a white colour were worn, before the introduction of a new two-chevron badge with wing rank marking.

Israel

File:Idf crpl.gif

In the Israel Defense Forces, soldiers are promoted from Private to Corporal (Rav-turai or Rabat) after approximately 8 months of service, if they performed their duties appropriately during this time. Soldiers who take a commander's course may become Corporals earlier. Corporals get a symbolic pay raise of 4.60 NIS and those who are also noncommissioned officers (mashak) are able to command privates in their respective units.

A Corporal may be promoted to Sergeant about 10 months after becoming a Corporal, or to a Second Lieutenant if they complete an officer's course.

Norway

Norwegian Defence Force Corporals shoulder board

Norwegian Defence Force Corporals shoulder board

In the Norwegian Defence Force, promotion to the rank of Korporal is used as a way to acknowledge soldiers who have done a good job in their service, without giving them any real authority, though they are often delegated some more responsibillities from sergeants and officers. Promotion may come after only 4 months (or even less), and the rank carries two chevrons and a slight pay increase. In addition, every candidate who completes a special selection period, the Aspirantperiode, including those aspiring to become a Sergeant and drafted personel in the Military Police automatically qualifies for the rank of Korporal.

The pay raise is fondly known as Colatilegget, or the "coke raise", as the sum in question is approximately enough to buy one Coke each day.

Singapore

SAF Corporal rank insignia

SAF Corporal rank insignia

A Corporal (CPL) in the Singapore Armed Forces, unlike Corporals in most other military forces, is not a Specialist (NCO-equivalent) rank. The rank of Corporal lies between Lance Corporal (LCP) and 3rd Sergeant (3SG). It is the most common rank held by National Servicemen, who are usually promoted to the rank near the end of their active-duty obligation. Corporals usually do not go on to become sergeants. Previously, Corporals were section (military unit)-leaders, and held command responsibility.

A Corporal wears rank insignia with two chevrons point down and an arc above.

A Corporal in the Singapore Police Force is a non-commissioned officer ranking below Sergeant.

Spanish Army Cabo Shoulder Board (Galones)

Spanish Army Cabo Shoulder Board (Galones)

Spain

In the Spanish Armed Forces Cabo (Corporal) is the rank between Soldado de Primera (First Class Private) and Cabo Primero (First Corporal). It actually equates to a NATO OR-3, with Cabo Primero equating to an OR-4.

Swedish Armed Forces Corporal's shoulder board

Swedish Armed Forces Corporal's shoulder board

Sweden

In the Swedish Army, the rank of Korpral is given to conscripts under training as section leaders and platoon leaders after 5 months of training. Those who are selected as (wartime) platoon leaders are later promoted to Furir (corresponding to the British Corporal) and later Sergeant, while the section leaders are promoted to the rank of Furir after 10 months of service. The second-in-command at the section level, and often also at the platoon level, holds the same rank as the section or platoon leader.

United Kingdom

British Army Corporal's arm badge

British Army Corporal's arm badge

Corporal (Cpl) is the second rank of non-commissioned officer in the British Army and Royal Marines, falling between Lance-Corporal and Sergeant. The badge of rank is a two-bar chevron (also known as "stripes", "tapes" or "hooks"). A corporal's role varies between regiments, but in the standard infantry role a corporal commands a section, with a Lance Corporal as Second-in-Command (2ic). When the section is split into fire teams, they command one each. In the Royal Armoured Corps, a Corporal commands an individual tank. Their duties therefore largely correspond to those of Sergeants or even Staff Sergeants in the United States Army and Corporals are often described as the "backbone" of the British Army.

In the Household Cavalry all non-commissioned ranks are designated as different grades of Corporal up to Regimental Corporal Major (who is a Warrant Officer class 1). Ironically, there is no effective actual rank of Corporal however, and the ranks progress directly from Lance-Corporal to Lance-Corporal of Horse (who is effectively equivalent to a Corporal; technically an LCoH holds the rank of Corporal, but is automatically give the appointment of LCoH). Similarly, in the Foot Guards the appointment of Lance-Sergeant is effectively used instead of Corporal.

Royal Artillery Corporals are called Bombardiers, although until 1920 the Royal Artillery had Corporals and Bombardier was a lower rank.

A common nickname for a corporal is a "full screw".

RAF Corporal's arm badge

RAF Corporal's arm badge

Corporal is the lowest NCO rank in the Royal Air Force, coming between Technician and Sergeant. Between 1950 and 1964, Corporals in technical trades were known as Corporal Technicians and wore their chevrons point up.

Although classified as NATO OR-4, British Corporals frequently fill OR-5 equivalent posts.

United States

United States Army

U.S. Army Corporal's arm badge

U.S. Army Corporal's arm badge

In the U.S. Army a Corporal (CPL) is the first non-commissioned officer rank; it is preceded by the first three forms of Private and the rank of Specialist. A Corporal ranks above a Specialist and below a Sergeant, but shares the same pay grade (E-4) as a Specialist. Unlike a Specialist, however, a Corporal is a non-commissioned officer and may direct the activities of other soldiers, including Specialists. A promotion from Specialist to Corporal is a lateral promotion; an increase in rank, but not in pay grade.

Currently, very few soldiers are made Corporal. Most go from Private First Class to Specialist to Sergeant. However, Corporals are found in many combat units. The typical criterion for promotion to Corporal is that the Specialist must be serving in a leadership position that would typically be occupied by an NCO such as a Sergeant.

It is possible for promotion from Specialist to Corporal to be temporary. This typically happens at the local level, when a shop has several Specialists, with none of them qualified to be promoted to Sergeant. The commander has the authority to appoint the highest-ranking Specialist in the shop to Corporal, but, when that soldier is reassigned or another higher-ranking soldier joins the shop, that soldier will revert to his Specialist status.

It is common for a Corporal to lead a fireteam; however, if a soldier is promoted to Corporal and there are too many soldiers of that rank, the new Corporal will stay in his current position.

The rank of Corporal is the only rank in the United States Army that has never been removed from the NCO Corps.

United States Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Corporal's arm badge

U.S. Marine Corps Corporal's arm badge

Corporal (Cpl) is the fourth enlisted rank in the U.S. Marine Corps, ranking immediately above Lance Corporal and immediately below Sergeant. The Marine Corps, unlike the Army, has no other rank at the pay grade of E4. Corporal is the lowest grade of non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, though promotion to Corporal traditionally confers a large jump in authority and responsibility compared to promotion from Private through Lance Corporal. It is also the first Marine rank requiring competition among peers rather than simple "time in grade" promotions and therefore sometimes difficult to attain. Marine Corporals generally serve as "fire-team leaders," commanding a 4-man teams or unit of similar size. In support units, they direct the activities of junior Marines and provide technical supervision. Because of its emphasis on small-unit tactics, the Marine Corps usually places Corporals in billets where other services would normally have an E-5 or E-6 in authority. Similarly, the term "Strategic Corporal" refers to the special responsibilities conferred upon a Marine Corporal.

Corporals in police forces

Some police departments in the United States maintain a rank of Corporal, which is almost always next above a Patrolman, Officer, Deputy, Trooper etc. and next below a Sergeant. Its existence has become increasingly popular in recent years, but does not necessarily confer supervisory responsibilities upon its holder unless in the absence of a Sergeant or ranking supervisor; often it is simply a more senior grade of Patrolman, with higher pay.

Many departments confer this rank on FTOs (Field Training Officers) - those who are trusted in training new officers right out of the Police Academy. The Corporal rank gives them status both within the agency and to the citizens who come in contact with them. Because these officers have been chosen for their experience and tact, FTOs are mentors to new officers and veteran officers alike.

The rank also exists in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and used to exist in some Australian police forces. It is also used in many other police forces of the Commonwealth.

In police forces in India, the rank of Naik is given to long-serving constables who have not yet been promoted to Head Constable (usually after approximately 20 years service). The annual pay increments would, however, have already elevated the Naik's pay to the basic pay scale of a Head Constable by this time. This rank does not give any extra authority or privileges to the holder.

External links

• U.S. Army Corporal duties
• U.S. Army Enlisted Rank Insignia - Criteria, Background, and Images
• Detailed discussion of Canadian Forces rank of Corporal

See also

• Non-commissioned officer
• British Army enlisted rank insignia
• Canadian Forces ranks and insignia
• Irish Army Enlisted Rank Insignia
• RAF enlisted ranks
• U.S. Army enlisted rank insignia
• U.S. Marine Corps enlisted rank insignia
• Comparative military ranks