It is common that a soldier may never be a corporal. The rank of specialist is a soldier of pay grade e 4 who has not yet attained non commissioned officer status. The chart below shows the current enlisted rank insignia of the united states army with seniority and pay grade increasing from right to left enlisted ranks of corporal and higher are considered non commissioned officers ncos.
The following table offers an approximate comparison for the officer ranks appointed by the major allied powers the major axis powers and various occupied countries and co belligerents during world war ii. The previous specialty ranks were converted to the nearest equivalent enlisted pay grade. In august 5 1920 as per war department circular number 303 the united states army reduced their enlisted ranks down to 7 pay grades 8 enlisted rank titles and only 7 different rank insignias.
The united states army had 17 ranks at the beginning of the war and 21 at the end of the war. 303 on 5 august 1920 and would see. This scheme of rank insignia was established by war department circular no.
The color scheme used for the insignia s chevron design was defined as either silver grey on dark blue olive drab on dark blue or khaki on dark blue as seen in the charts below. Army enlisted rank insignia that was used during world war ii differs from the current system. General of the army designed as a five star rank and general of the armies considered to be the equivalent of a six star rank eight generals were promoted to the rank and title general of the army ulysses s.
While not currently in use today special insignia were authorized by congress for ten general officers who were promoted to the highest ranks in the united states army. The color scheme used for the insignia s chevron design was defined as either light olive drab shade number 3 on dark blue stripes for wear on the olive drab winter uniform or medium olive drab shade number 2 on dark blue for wear on the khaki summer uniform as seen in the charts. Army enlisted rank insignia that was used during world war ii differs from the current system.
