What Is a Corporal in the Marines?
Like most arms of service around the world, the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has a ranking system for its enlisted soldiers and officers. This involves different levels of responsibility, authority and pay.
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Basic Position
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To be a corporal in the USMC means that you have risen three levels within the ranks of enlisted soldiers. You begin as a private, private first class, then advance to lance corporal and corporal. After the rank of corporal, the hierarchy ascends into the various forms of sergeants.
Pay Scale
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In accordance with the rise of three ranks, the corporal enjoys the rise in three pay grades. The Marine Corps terms its pay scale as E1, E2, E3, E4, and so on. The corporal is an E4 rate. Although it is a fixed pay scale, the pay itself is not fixed and depends on the years of service. First-year corporals will make $1,889.70 per month, while someone with 32 years of service will make $2,293.80.
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Advancing
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Promotion to corporal in the USMC is not an easy affair. It can include rigorous physical and academic testing that extends over several weeks. A recent example of a corporal's course in Japan saw only 18 of an original 28 graduate to promotion. The leap means a great increase and responsibility and leadership, and this is adequately reflected by the demands of the course.
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References
- Photo Credit Marine Corp Memorial image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com
