- An Army specialist is an enlisted soldier equivalent in pay to a corporal. However, unlike corporals, specialists are not considered noncommissioned officers.
- While a specialist graduates from the same basic training as a private, he earns a higher rank because of his civilian job skills or his possession of a four-year college degree.
- Army specialists can be found in almost every military occupational specialty. However, like other enlisted soldiers, the opportunities of a specialist are limited by his scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery and physical fitness tests.
- While specialists are not considered noncommissioned officers and technically rank lower than corporals, even though they receive identical pay, specialists can manage other enlisted soldiers of lower rank.
- On average, promotion to the rank of sergeant requires more than three years of service and at least eight months at the rank of specialist or corporal. However, promotions to sergeant are far from guaranteed, and a specialist must be sure to make a good impression to receive consideration.
- Specialists can be found in active duty across the Army, but they are also common in National Guard and Reserve units.
