Enlisted Soldiers

As an enlisted Soldier, you’re an integral member of our team and have unlimited possibilities in what you can achieve.

Un Soldado enlistado arrastrándose en el lodo durante un entrenamiento

Gain real-world skills in the Army.

You’ll receive the training and confidence to jump into work on day one. Get hands-on training and knowledge. Work as a professional in your field. Get paid while you learn.

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Discover your Army career.

With more than 200 jobs ranging from ground forces to medicine, you can choose your career and shape the future you want.

Science & Medicine

Support & Logistics

Signal & Intelligence

Aviation & Aerial Defense

Mechanics & Engineering

Ground Forces

Five steps to becoming an enlisted Soldier

01. Speak with a recruiter 02. Take an entrance test 03. Complete a physical exam 04. Find an Army Job 05. Sign a contract and prepare for Basic Training

CURIOUS WHAT CAREER IS BEST FOR YOU?

Discover opportunities you never knew existed with Army Career Match.

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Career advancement opportunities

The Army’s unique point system gives you the opportunity to work your way towards a promotion. With numerous enlisted ranks, getting ahead is always in reach.

Junior enlisted Soldier

Learn and train in unique specialties while carrying out orders to contribute toward your team’s mission.

Private

Private (Pvt.) is the most junior rank whose main role is to carry out orders.

Private Second Class

Private second class (Pvt.) is the next rank and the first time an insignia is worn.

Private First Class

Private first class (Pfc.) is earned after four months as a Pvt. and 12 months of service.
Specialist
Specialist (Spc.) can manage enlisted Soldiers of lower ranks. left-carat-circle-v2 right-carat-circle-v2

Non-Commissioned Officer

Train and oversee Soldiers in their daily tasks and help them develop the skills used in team missions.

Corporal

Corporal (Cpl.) serves as a team leader to small Army units and Soldier training.

Sergeant

Sergeant (Sgt.) has the most direct impact on Soldiers, overseeing their daily tasks.

Staff Sergeant

Staff Sergeant (Staff Sgt.) leads a squad and trains Soldiers in unit missions. left-carat-circle-v2 right-carat-circle-v2

Senior Non-Commissioned Officers

As the expert in your field with more than 10 years of Army experience, you’ll help commissioned Officers advise on missions and policies.

Sergeant First Class

Sergeant first class (Sgt. 1st Class) helps the platoon leader train Soldiers.

Master Sergeant/First Sergeant

Master Sergeant (Master Sgt.)/First Sergeant (1st Sgt.) supports the commander and trains enlisted Soldiers.

Sergeant Major

Sergeant Major (Sgt. Maj.) is an expert in their field, advises on policies, and assists Officers at the battalion level.

Command Sergeant Major

Command Sergeant Major (Command Sgt. Maj.) is a senior NCO of the command at the battalion level and above.

Sergeant Major of the Army

Sergeant Major of the Army (Sgt. Maj. of the Army) is a senior enlisted advisor and consults the Chief of Staff of the Army.