Obscure military ranks that no longer exist
Today, when you hear a military rank, you essentially know what a person does — or you can easily Google a close counterpart in another branch. In fact, today there…
The complete guide to Marine ranks
Ever wonder about the Marine Corps ranks? Or the difference between an officer and an enlisted Marine? Well, this guide is for you. How are Marine ranks earned? How does…
The coolest fictional military ranks we wish we could hold
Fleet Captain, Chapter Master, Lord of the Flies and/or Rings — these were some of the titles most coveted by nerdy kids and military buffs alike. Wishing they could one…
Why armies used to fight in long lines while marching in the open
To the modern eye, accustomed to seeing armies wearing concealing uniforms and even face paint, to avoid becoming a target, an army wearing bright colors and marching in formations on…
This is why enlisted Marines should wear rank on their sleeves
When it comes to changing anything with tradition, Marines are quick to give their opinion. Marines like to think of themselves as some of the biggest military history buffs, and boot camp is where this thought processes begins. So when the Corps t…
This is why the Army keeps the Specialist rank around
If you look at the enlisted ranking system put in place by every branch of the United States Armed Forces, everything makes a good deal of sense. You start at the bottom — generally at E-1, but there are ways to get in at a higher pay grade — an…
The origin of the ‘best’ rank in the Marines (Lance Corporal)
Insane work environments, low-income housing, cafeteria food, and a general tone of condescension from leadership, combined with big personalities from all over the United States and beyond, have produced the “best” rank in the Marines — the lan…
6 ways a leader’s rank can help their troops
There’s an old saying in the military: “rank has its privileges.” This is often quoted as a boss bullies their subordinate in a game of “Rock, Paper, Rank.” But a leader worth their salt won’t use their rank to coerce their troops, they’ll us…
An Army vet perfectly explains the difference between a specialist and a corporal
Two ranks occupy the same pay grade in the U.S. Army, the specialist and the corporal. The difference between the two isn’t always as clear to other members of the military from other branches.
In short, the difference between the two E-4 gr…
The worst things about every Army rank
Do you need an introduction to this? I mean, really? You all know what the Army is, and that all the ranks have their virtues and their vices. Lot’s of vices. That’s why it’s easy to hate all of them.
(Disclaimer: It’s all in fun. …