Soldiers in formation standing at parade rest. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)

Enlisted Ranks

Enlisted Soldiers are the backbone of the Army. They have specific specialties within an Army unit, perform specific job functions and have the knowledge that ensures the success of their unit's current mission within the Army. More info

Enlisted ranks of the U.S. Army

Corporal

The corporal was established in 1775 with the birth of the Army and the NCO corps. Along with the rank of sergeant, the corporal is the only rank that has never disappeared from the NCO corps.

The corporal is the base of the NCO ranks, serving as leader of the smallest Army units, principally; teams leaders. Like sergeant, corporals are responsible for the individual training, personal appearance and cleanliness of their soldiers. As the command sergeant major is known as the epitome of success in the NCO corps, the corporal is the beginning of the NCO corps. As the NCO corps is known as the backbone of the Army, the corporal is the backbone of the NCO corps.

Sergeant

Of all the NCO ranks, this one, very possibly, has the greatest impact on lower-ranking soldiers. Privates, who are the basic manpower strength of the Army, generally have sergeants as their first NCO leaders. It is to the rank of sergeant that the privates look for example.

Sergeants are responsible for the individual training, personal appearance and cleanliness of their soldiers. The authority of the sergeant is equal to that of any other NCO rank. The sergeant must be unquestionably competent in order to carry out the mission correctly, accomplish each task and care for assigned soldiers.

The rank of sergeant is not a position in which to learn how to become a leader - no apprenticeship here. While certainly the new sergeant will be developed new skills, strengthening old ones and generally better, he or she is a sergeant, and is no less a professional than those grades of rank to come.

Staff Sergeant

The rank of staff sergeant closely parallels that of the sergeant in duties and responsibilities. In fact, the basic duties and responsibilities of all the NCO ranks never change, but there are significant difference between this step in the NCO structure and the preceding one. The staff sergeant is a more experienced leader of soldiers. It is proper to expect that the staff sergeant can bring the benefits of that experience to bear in any situation and under all circumstances.

The major difference between the staff sergeant and the sergeant is not authority, as is often mistakenly believed, but rather sphere of influence. The staff sergeant is in daily contact with large numbers of soldiers and generally has more equipment and other property to maintain. Staff sergeants often have one or more sergeants working under their leadership. Staff sergeants are responsible for their continued successful development as well as that of other soldiers in the section, squad or team.

If NCOs are "the backbone" of the Army, then staff sergeants are the elements of which backbones are made. The complexities of the staff sergeant's job increases as the responsibilities broaden. The staff sergeant's success, more than any other grade of the NCO rank, leads to the Army's success, and the footprints you see behind those of our greatest military leaders are probably those of staff sergeants, where they stood confident, proud and eager to assist.

Sergeant First Class

The position title of platoon sergeant is considered key in the command structure of the Army. Platoon sergeants generally have several staff sergeants working under their leadership.

The platoon sergeant is the key assistant and advisor to the platoon leader. In the absence of the platoon leader, the platoon sergeant commands the platoon. The sergeant first class may serve in a position subordinates to the platoon sergeant or may serve as the NCOIC of a section with all the attendants responsibilities and duties of the platoon sergeant.

Whether platoon sergeant or sergeant first class, this is the first level at which the term senior NCO property applies. The platoon sergeant or sergeant first class generally has 15 to 18 years or more of military experience and is rightfully expected to bring that experience to bear in quick, accurate decisions that are in the best interest of the mission and the soldier. The platoon sergeant is expected to embody all the traits of a leader.

First Sergeant & Master Sergeant

When you are talking about the first sergeant, you are talking about the lifeblood of the Army. There can be no substitute for this position or any questions of its importance. When first sergeants are exceptional, their units are exceptional, regardless of any other single personality involved. Perhaps their ranks insignia should be the keystone rather than the traditional one depicted here. It is the position of first sergeant in which almost all unit operations merge. The first sergeant holds formations, instructs platoon sergeants the commander and assists in training all enlisted members. The first sergeants is proud of the unit and, understandably, wants others to be aware of the unit's success. For the first time, the title of address for this grade is not sergeant. "first sergeant." There is a unique relationship of confidence and respect that exists between the first sergeant and the commander not found at another level within the Army. The master sergeant serves as the principal NCO in staff elements at battalion and higher levels. Although not charged with the enormous leadership responsibilities of the first sergeant, the master sergeant is expected to dispatch leadership and other duties with the same professionalism and to achieve the same results as the first sergeant.

Command Sergeant Major & Sergeant Major

Enlisted soldiers who attain the distinction of being selected to be command sergeant major are the epitome of success in their chosen field, in this professional of arms. Except sergeant major of the Army, there is no higher grade of rank for enlisted soldiers, and there is no greater honor. The command sergeant major carries out policies and standard of the performance, training, appearance and conduct of enlisted personnel. The command sergeant major advises and initiates recommendations to the commander and staff in matters pertaining to the local NCO support channel. Perhaps slightly wiser and more experienced than the first sergeant, the command sergeant major is expected to function completely without supervision. Like the old sage of times past, the command sergeant major's counsel is expected to be calm, settled and unequivocally accurate, but with an energy and enthusiasm that never wanes, even in the worst of times. Assignable to any billets in the Army, the command sergeants major is all those things, and more, of each of the preceding grades of rank. The sergeant major is generally the key enlisted member of staff elements at levels than higher than battalion. The sergeant major's experience and ability are equal to that of the command sergeant major, but the sphere of influence regarding leadership is generally limited to those directly under his charge.

The Sergeant Major of the Army

The Sergeant Major of the Army is a unique non-commissioned rank in the United States Army. The holder of this rank is the senior enlisted member of the Army, and is appointed to serve as a spokesman to address the issues of enlisted soldiers to the Army's highest positions. As such, they are the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Staff of the US Army. The exact duties vary; depending on the Chief of Staff, though much of the SMA's time is spent travelling throughout the Army, observing training and talking to soldiers and their families.

Ordnance Enlisted MOSs

89A Ammunition Stock Control and Accounting Specialist

The ammunition stock control and accounting specialist operates the Standard Ammunition and Accounting System (SAAS) computer hardware and software/utilities manual records to perform stock control and accounting procedures.

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89B Ammunition Specialist

The ammunition specialist receives, stores and issues conventional ammunition, guided missiles, large rockets and other ammunition related items; performs maintenance (unit, direct support and general support) modification, destruction and demilitarization on ammunition and explosive components.

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89D Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialist

Locates, identifies, renders safe and disposes of foreign and domestic conventional, biological, chemical, or nuclear ordnance and improved explosive devices (IED); weapons of mass destruction and large vehicle bombs; conducts intelligence gathering operations of first seen foreign ordnance; supports VIP missions for the U.S. Secret Service, State Department and other Federal agencies.

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91A M1 Abrams Tank System Maintainer

The M1 Abrams tank system maintainer supervises and performs field maintenance, diagnoses and troubleshoots malfunctions, performs organizational maintenance and on-board direct support tasks on the suspension systems, steering systems, hydraulic systems, auxiliary power units, fire extinguisher/suppression systems, gas particulate systems, vehicular mounted armament, gun turret drive system and the fire control system on the M1 tank.

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91B Wheeled Vehicle Repairer

The wheeled vehicle mechanic maintains wheeled vehicles, their associated trailers and MHE systems to include: use of applicable references, inspecting, servicing, maintaining, repairing, replacement, adjusting and testing of wheeled vehicles and MHE systems, subsystems and components such as: power plant/packs, compression ignition engines and engine fuel systems, air induction and exhaust systems and cooling systems. Vehicle chassis and power-train components including, frame cross members, clutches assemblies, transmissions, transfers, final drives, propeller shaft assemblies, brake systems, steering systems, suspensions systems, fifth wheel assemblies, wheeled vehicle crane, hoist and winch assemblies, and hydraulic systems. Automotive electrical systems including wiring harness, starting and charging systems.

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91C Utilities Equipment Repairer

The utilities equipment repairer maintains (inspects, repairs, tests and adjusts) gasoline engine systems, bottle cleaning/charging stations, air conditioner electrical systems, air conditioner vapor systems, refrigeration unit electrical systems, portable heater fuel/electrical systems, fire extinguisher recharger and fire extinguishers/valves.

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91D Tactical Power Generation Specialist

The power generation equipment repairer supervises and performs field and sustainment level maintenance functions, including overhaul, but not rebuild of power generation equipment, internal combustion engines and associated equipment up through 200KW (except for turbine engine driven generators).

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91E Allied Trades Specialist

The machinist supervises and performs the fabrication, repair and modify metallic and nonmetallic parts, utilizing such machines as engine lathes, utility grinders, power cutoff saws, armature under cutters, arbor and hydraulic presses, drill presses and their associated attachments, accessories and tools.

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91F Small Arms/ Artillery Repairer

The small arms/artillery repairer performs field and sustainment level maintenance and repairs on small arms and other infantry weapons, and towed artillery.

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91H Tracked Vehicle Repairer

The tracked vehicle repairer supervises and performs field or sustainment level maintenance on tracked vehicles (other than the M1, M2, and M109 family of vehicles). Performs repair of diesel power plants/packs, compression ignition engine fuel systems, compression ignition air induction systems, vehicle air cooling systems, vehicle liquid cooling systems, tracked hull electrical systems, automatic transmission assemblies, tracked vehicle cross drive transmission assemblies, transfer assemblies, hydraulic brake systems, mechanical/hydraulic steering systems, tracked vehicle hydraulic assemblies, fire extinguisher/suppression systems.

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91J Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairer

The quartermaster and chemical equipment repairer supervises or performs maintenance on chemical equipment, quartermaster machinery, forced air heaters, and special purpose equipment. Maintains and repairs electrical/fuel heater systems, pumps, reverse osmosis water purification systems, decontamination systems, protective filter systems, smoke generator systems, laundry washer/extractor systems and dryer/tumbler systems. Maintain internal combustion engine ignition/fuel/cooling/electrical systems.

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91L Construction Equipment Repairer

The construction equipment repairer supervises and performs maintenance on construction equipment which includes that used for earthmoving, grading, and compaction; lifting and loading; quarrying and rock crushing; asphalt and concrete mixing, and surfacing; water pumping; air compression and pneumatic tools; and powered bridging equipment.

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91M Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer

The Bradley fighting vehicle system maintainer supervises and performs unit maintenance and select on-board direct support task i.e., major assembly and LRU replacement on the Bradley fighting vehicle (BFV), M6 Linebacker, and M7 Bradley Fighting Infantry Support Team (BFIST) (hull and turret). Diagnoses and troubleshoots malfunctions and performs organizational maintenance and on-board direct support tasks on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle suspension systems, steering systems, fire extinguisher/suppression systems, gas particulate systems, vehicular mounted armament, and associated fire control systems.

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91P Artillery Mechanic

The artillery mechanic supervises and performs unit maintenance and recovery of all self-propelled field artillery cannon weapon systems, including automotive, turret, carriage-mounted armament, associated fire control systems, and chemical protection subsystems thereof. Duties for MOS 91P at each skill level performs unit maintenance on automotive, turret, carriage-mounted armament and associated fire control and related systems and components on the M109-series self-propelled Howitzers, M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Carrier (FAAC) and M88A1 Medium Track Recovery Vehicle. Maintains diesel power plants/packs, compression ignition engines and engine fuel systems, air induction systems, exhaust systems, cooling systems, engine starting and charging systems, track hull electrical and hydraulic systems, automatic cross drive transmission assemblies, auxiliary drive assemblies, track vehicle suspension and suspension lock out systems, mechanical/hydraulic steering and braking systems, fire extinguisher/suppression systems and gas particulate filter systems. Diagnoses malfunctions, troubleshoots and performs other unit maintenance on carriage-mounted armament, associated fire control and related systems and components on all self-propelled field artillery weapon systems.

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91S Stryker Systems Maintainer

The Stryker systems maintainer works as part of a team to maintain the Stryker family of vehicles and keep the vehicles and the operating systems running smoothly. Some of those vehicles include the M1128 Mobile gun system, the M1132 Engineer support vehicle, the M1133 Medical evacuation vehicle and the M1135 NBC recon vehicle. Job Duties are as listed: performs field and sustainment level maintenance on various vehicle systems to include the suspension systems, steering systems, hydraulic systems, fire extinguisher/suppression systems and vehicular mounted armament, supervises compliance with shop safety program and use, and maintenance and security of power tools, diagnoses and troubleshoots malfunctions, supervises and provides technical guidance to junior grade Soldiers and performs battlefield damage and assessment and repair.

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91X Maintenance Supervisor

The maintenance supervisor supervise and perform field and sustainment maintenance on tracked and wheeled vehicles, construction equipment, (which includes that used for earthmoving, grading and compaction; lifting and loading; quarrying and rock crushing; asphalt and concrete mixing and surfacing; water pumping; air compression and pneumatic tools; powered bridging and their associated trailers and material handling equipment (MHE)) and special purpose equipment maintenance activities to include: (1) Power Generation Equipment; (2) Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Systems; and (3) Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment. Perform as support maintenance machine ship supervisor or metalworking supervisor. Supervise recovery operations on track vehicles, wheel vehicles and related activities including electrical wiring harness system repair/maintenance.

91Z Senior Maintenance Supervisor

The senior maintenance supervisor supervises, plans, coordinates, and directs the field and sustainment maintenance of all wheeled, tracked, armament, power generation, and utility equipment.

94A Land Combat Electronic Missile System Repairer

The land combat electronic missile system repairer supervises or performs field and sustainment level maintenance on the TOW and Dragon missile systems, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle System (BFVS) and Javelin system. Perform quality control measures. Inspects, tests, adjusts components to specific tolerances. Determines shortcomings and malfunctions in electronic, electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, optical, and electromechanical assemblies, sub assemblies, modules and circuit elements, with common and system special design test equipment. Repair unserviceable items by removing and replacing defective components and parts. Repair unserviceable optical and infrared components by aligning, adjusting, removing and replacing defective modules and assemblies. Determine serviceability and disposition of defective assemblies, subassemblies, and parts. Performs maintenance adjustments and repairs on job related tools and equipment. Prepare maintenance and supply forms and reports. Serve on inspection and maintenance teams.

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94D Air Traffic Control Equipment Repairer

The ATC equipment repairer performs or supervises field and sustainment level maintenance and installation of ATC communication systems, navigational aid systems (NAVAIDS), and landing systems. Determine the cause and location of malfunctions, extent of faults, and category of maintenance required. Inspect equipment for faults and completeness. Repair equipment by adjusting, aligning, repairing, or replacing defective components. Tests repaired equipment to ensure compliance with technical specifications. Prepares appropriate maintenance forms and records. Prepare ATC equipment for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight inspections. Maintain authorized spare parts, supply stock, tool lists, technical manuals, and instructional material.

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94E Radio and Communications Security Repairer

The Radio and Communications Security Repairer performs or supervises field level maintenance on radio receivers, transmitters, and associated equipment. Determine the cause and location of malfunctions, extent of faults, and category of maintenance required. Test equipment to determine operational condition. Troubleshoot to determine location, and extent of equipment faults. Repair equipment by adjusting, aligning, repairing, or replacing defective components. Tests repaired equipment to ensure compliance with technical specifications. Evacuates equipment and components to higher level repair activities based on the Maintenance Allocation Chart (MAC). Prepares appropriate maintenance forms and records. Maintain authorized spare parts, supply stock, tool lists, technical manuals, and instructional material.

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94F Computer/Detection Systems Repairer

The computer/detection systems repairer performs or supervises field and sustainment level maintenance and repair on microcomputers and electromechanical telecommunications equipment, Field Artillery (FA) digital devices, Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, switchboards, telephones, associated wire instruments/equipment, night vision devices/equipment, laser and fiber optic systems, mine detection and dispensing systems, battlefield illumination devices, electronic azimuth determining devices, and nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) warning and measuring devices. Determine the cause and location of malfunctions, extent of faults, and category of maintenance required. Inspect equipment for faults and completeness. Test equipment to determine operational condition. Troubleshoot to determine location and extent of equipment faults. Repair equipment by adjusting, aligning, repairing, or replacing defective components. Tests repaired items to ensure compliance with technical specifications. Evacuates equipment and components to higher level repair activities based on the Maintenance Allocation Chart (MAC). Prepares appropriate maintenance forms and records.

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94H Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Maintenance Support Specialist

Perform calibration and repair of general purpose TMDE, selected special purpose TMDE, Radiation Detecting, Indicating, and Computing (RADIAC) equipment, calibration standards and accessories. Operates and performs calibration by alignment and adjustment of electronic and mechanical components by comparing measurements of the unit under test to a known standard traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Repairs general purpose and selected special purpose TMDE to component level by removing and replacing defective components. Perform field and sustainment level maintenance on calibration standards and calibration accessories. Performs special regulatory requirements associated with the calibration, maintenance and repair of RADIAC equipment.

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94M Radar Repairer

The avionic communications equipment repairer performs or supervises field and sustainment level maintenance on aircraft communications equipment. Tests repaired equipment to ensure compliance with technical specifications. Evacuates equipment and components to higher level repair activities based on the Maintenance Allocation Chart (MAC). Prepares appropriate maintenance forms and records.

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94P Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Repairer

The MLRS repairer supervises or performs field and sustainment level maintenance on multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) M270, M270A1, and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), self propelled launcher loader (SPLL) (less carrier), launcher pod/container (LP/C) trainer, and test support group. Troubleshoot SPLL and the launcher loader module (LLM) electrical, electronic, mechanical assemblies, modules and interconnecting cables to isolate malfunctions. Replaces or repairs electrical, hydraulic and mechanical assemblies, modules, and cables determined to be faulty. Uses breakout boxes and built in test equipment (BITE) for fault isolation and verification or adjustment of electrical assemblies and modules of LLM. Repairs, replaces chassis mounted components on units under test. Perform unit maintenance on system peculiar test, training, and ancillary equipment. Assist automatic test equipment (ATE) operator in fault isolating LLM electronic modules and assemblies to component level at organizational level.

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94R Avionics and Survivability Equipment Repairer

An avionic and survivability equipment repairer is an essential member of the Army communications maintenance team and is primarily responsible for performing field and sustainment level maintenance on avionic navigation flight control systems, stabilization systems and equipment.

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94S Patriot System Repairer

The Patriot system repairer performs or supervises direct and general support (DS/GS) level maintenance on the Patriot missile system, associated equipment and trainers. Performs tests and adjusts components to specific tolerances and determines shortcomings and malfunctions in electronic assemblies, subassemblies, modules and circuit elements with common and system peculiar test equipment. Isolates malfunctions using automatic and semi automatic program maintenance diagnostic software, unit self test and built in test equipment (BITE). Operates and performs unit level maintenance on standard and system peculiar test equipment.

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94T Short Range Air Defense System Repairer

The Short Range Air Defense System Repairer supervises, performs and inspects unit level, direct support and general support maintenance on Avenger system and associated components (less carrier and communications). Perform quality control measures. Perform maintenance adjustments on test equipment. Inspects, tests, and adjusts components to specific tolerances. Determines shortcomings and malfunctions in electronic, electrical and cryogenic assemblies, modules and circuit elements using system associated equipment. Removes and replaces defective line replaceable units (LRU), including interconnecting cables. Determine serviceability, disposition of assemblies, subassemblies, and parts. Removes and installs servomotor/Azimuth Gear Assembly.

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94W Electronic Maintenance Supervisor

The electronic maintenance chief supervises, monitors, and directs the electronic maintenance mission of the US Army. The electronic maintenance chief performs or supervises field and sustainment level maintenance on all Army standard electronic equipment, systems, and associated devices, to include communications security (COMSEC) equipment and controlled cryptographic items (CCI).

94Y Integrated Family of Test Equipment (IFTE) Operator and Maintainer

The integrated family of test equipment (IFTE) operator and maintainer operates, performs, and supervises unit, direct support and general support (DS/GS) level maintenance on the Base Shop Test Facility (BSTF), AN/TSM 191. Performs DS/GS level electronic maintenance, adjustments, tests, fault isolation, and repairs of supported system line replaceable units (LRU), shop replaceable units (SRU), and test program sets (TPS). installs supported weapon system test program sets, initiates unit under test (UUT) procedures, isolates UUT/BSTF printed circuit board or component malfunctions, replaces defective parts/components and performs UUT/BSTF alignments and adjustments. Performs BSTF preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) and operational checks.

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94Z Senior Electronic Maintenance Supervisor

The senior electronic maintenance chief plans and directs electronic maintenance operations at all levels of command and echelons of the Army. Provides technical advice to commanders and staff concerning Army electronic maintenance and electronic logistic support matters. Write directives, policies and procedures which establish Army electronic maintenance requirements. Serve as senior staff noncommissioned officer (NCO) in electronic maintenance school.

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