About Military Ranks

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Military ranking is a wonderful system that gives all service men and woman something to go for. It is a sacred part of the military process. It may be considered the most important element in regard to how the entire military is run and controlled. Here are the facts, benefits, basic function, significance and the most common misconception about military ranking.

The Facts

Military ranking is a system set in place in order to identify the chain of command in any military. There are two categories in which a person can be ranked: One is the enlisted ranking, and the second is the officer ranking. The enlisted rankings represent the "general population" or the work force of the military which includes anyone who signs on at a non executive level. The officer ranking is reserved for college graduates, for the most part, and represents the administrative division of the military.

Benefits

Military ranking is most beneficial because it is recognized to be the only system set in place that guarantees a person the opportunity to advance to the highest possible level. This is contingent upon time in, and the knowledge you possess of your job, as well as the execution of your duties. The system is not based upon any favoritism. It is simply a graduate system. One of the biggest benefits is, "The higher your rank, the more money you make".

Function

The enlisted rankings are chronicled from E-1, being the lowest level, through E-9, being the highest. Each number represents a higher level of authority. Officers are O-1 through O-10. The highest ranking of an enlisted person (E-9) is a subordinate to the lowest ranking officer (O-10). To excel in rank, you must take a test, which is only administered at specific times. This is to avoid premature advance without tenured experience.

Significance

The most significant element to the ranking process is that it represents proved, or earned, authority. This is something that the military holds in high regard. Moving up in rank is not given away, but it is very achievable for the average person. The rank you possess in the military is your visual resume. It is said that your rank defines your dedication to the knowledge of your service.

Misconceptions

The biggest misconceptions are that once you sign on as an enlisted servicemen you cannot acquire, or apply to, move to an officer status. That is not true. The process will be a bit longer, but there are different avenues that you can take if you research them with your command counselor once you enlist and reach your duty station .