• The military ranks indicate a Soldier's authority and standing.
• In the Army the ranks go from an E1 to an E9.
• E1: Private
• E2: Private 2
• E3: Private First Class
• E4: Specialist/Corporal
• E5: Sergeant
• E6: Staff Sergeant
• E7: Sergeant First Class
• E8: First Sergeant/Master Sergeant
• E9: Sergeant Major/Command Sergeant Major/Sergeant Major of the Army
• Promotion to the next higher rank for enlisted is usually based on length of service in the grade they hold, satisfactory performance of their duties, and a vacancy in the next higher grade.
• Enlisted personnel are paid according to their rank and length of service.
• Increases are added to minimum basic pay after certain years of service are completed.