What are the 13 Ranks?

The 13 ranks, specifically the enlisted ranks of the U.S. Army, are: private, private second class, private first class, specialist, corporal, sergeant, staff sergeant, sergeant first class, master sergeant, first sergeant, sergeant major, command sergeant major and sergeant major of the Army.

According to information published on August 8, 2014, the U.S. Army has 13 enlisted ranks. These ranks form the foundation of the Army's structure, representing levels of responsibility, authority, and experience within the enlisted corps. Progression through these ranks is typically based on time in service, time in grade, performance, and completion of required training and education.

The 13 enlisted ranks, listed from entry level upwards, are:

1. Private
2. Private Second Class
3. Private First Class
4. Specialist
5. Corporal
6. Sergeant
7. Staff Sergeant
8. Sergeant First Class
9. Master Sergeant
10. First Sergeant
11. Sergeant Major
12. Command Sergeant Major
13. Sergeant Major of the Army

These ranks define the enlisted career path in the Army, signifying increasing levels of leadership and technical expertise. Corporals and Sergeants (and above) are considered Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), holding positions of leadership and responsibility for the training and welfare of junior enlisted soldiers. Specialists, while typically having the same pay grade as Corporals (E-4), are generally considered technical specialists rather than leaders of soldiers, although this can vary by Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

For a clearer overview, the ranks can also be presented in a table format:

Understanding these ranks is key to understanding the structure and hierarchy within the U.S. Army's enlisted force. Each rank carries specific duties, privileges, and expectations, contributing to the overall effectiveness and discipline of military units.