Corporal
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2008-07-12T11:23:45Z
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{{Refimprove|date=May 2008}}
{{dablink|This article is about the military rank. For other articles, see [[Corporal (disambiguation)]].}}
{{Military ranks}}
'''Corporal''' is a [[Military rank|rank]] in use in some form by most militaries, police forces or other uniformed organizations around the world. It is usually equivalent to [[Ranks and insignia of NATO|NATO Rank Code OR-4]]. The word is derived from the [[Italian language|Italian]] phrase ''capo corporale'', meaning "head of a body (of soldiers)".<ref>corporal. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/corporal (accessed: April 18, 2008).</ref>
==Argentina==
All three branches of the Argentine Armed Forces use two or three ranks of Corporal, or ''cabo''. Corporals in the Argentine military are considered ''suboficiales subalternos'' (subaltern sub-officers/lower non-commissioned officers), superior only to all ranks of Volunteers (enlisted members of the Army and Air Force) and Seamen (enlisted members of the Navy).
In the [[Argentine Army]] there are two ranks of Corporal, from junior to senior: ''Cabo'' (Corporal) and ''Cabo Primero'' (First Corporal).
On the other hand, the [[Argentine Navy]] has three Corporal ranks, from junior to senior: ''Cabo Segundo'' (Corporal Second Class), ''Cabo Primero'' (Corporal First Class) and ''Cabo Principal'' (Principal Corporal), which is equal to the Army rank of ''Sargento'' (Sergeant). The [[Argentine Air Force|Air Force]] has the same number of Corporal ranks as the Navy, and keeps the same titles, with the exception of ''Cabo'' (Corporal) instead of the Navy's ''Cabo Segundo'' (Corporal Second Class).
The rank is also used by the [[Argentine National Gendarmerie]] and the [[Policía Federal Argentina|Argentine Federal Police]], which use the rank in the same manner as the Army, as well as the [[Argentine Naval Prefecture]].
==Australia==
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'''Corporal''' is the second lowest of the non-commissioned officer ranks in the [[Australian Army]], falling between [[Lance-Corporal]] and [[Sergeant]]. A Corporal is usually a Section Commander (SeCo), and is in charge of 7-14 men of private rank. He may also have a second-in-command, generally a Lance-Corporal. The same ranks within [[artillery]] units are [[Bombardier (rank)|Bombardier]] and [[Bombardier (rank)|Lance-Bombardier]] respectively.
Corporal is also a rank of the [[Royal Australian Air Force]], being equal to both the Australian Army and [[Royal Air Force]] rank of Corporal. There is no RAAF equivalent to the Army rank of Lance-Corporal. The rank of "Cadet Corporal" is also used within the [[Australian Air Force Cadets]] and [[Australian Army Cadets]]
==Belgium==
All branches of the [[Military of Belgium|Belgian Armed Forces]], except the [[Belgian Naval Component|Naval Component]], use three ranks of Corporal: '''Corporal''' ({{lang-nl|Korporaal}}, {{lang-fr|Caporal}}), '''Master Corporal''' ({{lang-nl|Korporaal-chef}}, {{lang-fr|Caporal-chef}}) and '''1st Master Corporal''' ({{lang-nl|1ste Korporaal-chef}}, {{lang-fr|1e Caporal-chef}}). Corporal is equivalent to [[Ranks and insignia of NATO|NATO Rank Code OR-3]], whereas Master Corporal and 1st Master Corporal are equivalent to OR-4. The rank immediately below Corporal is [[Private First Class|1st Private]] and the rank directly above 1st Master Corporal is [[Sergeant]].
The equivalent of these ranks in the Naval Component are Quartermaster, Chief Quartermaster and 1st Chief Quartermaster.
==Brazil==
'''Corporal''' (in [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] ''cabo'') is the second lowest [[Military ranks of Brazil|officer rank]] in the three [[Brazil]]ian [[Brazilian military|military]]. The first lowest is ''soldado'' (soldier) and the third is ''terceiro-sargento'' (third sergeant).
==Canada==
[[Image:CA-Army-OR4.gif|75px|right|Canadian Corporal's shoulder board]]
'''Corporal''' ('''Cpl''') is an [[Canadian Forces Land Force Command|Army]] and [[Canadian Forces Air Command|Air Force]] [[non-commissioned member]] rank of the [[Canadian Forces]]. Its [[Canadian Forces Maritime Command|Naval]] equivalent is [[Leading Seaman]] (LS). It is senior to the rank of [[Private (rank)|Private]] and its Naval equivalent [[Able Seaman (rank)|Able Seaman]], and junior to [[Master Corporal]] (''Caporal-Chef'')and its equivalent [[Master Seaman]] (''Matelot-Chef''). It is part of the cadre of [[Non-commissioned officer#Canada|junior non-commissioned officers]], and one of the [[Junior Ranks]]. In [[French language|French]] the rank is ''caporal (cpl)''.
The rank insignia of a Corporal is a 2-bar chevron, point down, worn in gold thread on both upper sleeves of the Service Dress jacket; in tan (Army) or dark blue (Air Force) thread on [[CADPAT]] slip-ons for Operational Dress; in old gold thread on blue slip-ons on other Air Force uniforms; and in gold metal and green enamel miniature pins on the collars of the Army dress shirt and outerwear coats. On Army ceremonial uniforms, it is usually rendered in gold braid (black for rifle regiments), on either both sleeves, or just the right, depending on unit custom.
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Corporal is the first non-commissioned officer rank, and the lowest rank officially empowered to issue a lawful command. Corporals can lead troops if they have the formal qualifications to be promoted to Master Corporal but have not been promoted yet. However, the rank of Corporal was severally downgraded after Unification, along with the attendant responsibilities. A Corporal in the Canadian Army in 1967 had the same duties and responsibilities that a Sergeant has today.
Another effect of Unification was to delete the appointments of [[Lance Corporal]] and [[Lance Sergeant]] (a Corporal holding the acting rank of Sergeant). The former is still common in other [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] militaries.
Corporal is deemed to be the substantive rank of the members carrying the appointment of Master Corporal. On pay documents, Corporal was formerly listed as "Cpl (A)" and Master Corporal as "Cpl (B)".
Privates in the Canadian Forces are considered to be apprentices in their trades, and Corporals are journeymen. To become a Corporal one must have served four years as a private, and have achieved Qualification Level 5 trades training, or two years in the [[reserves]] and completed their [[DP 2A]] course.
The rank of corporal in [[Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery|artillery]] units follows the British convention and is styled [[Bombardier (rank)|Bombardier]] (Bdr) — thus a Master Corporal is a Master Bombardier (MBdr).
In rifle regiments, a distinction was historically drawn between a Corporal and an [[Acting Corporal]]; [[The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada]] had a special insignia to distinguish between the two.
==Denmark==
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In the Danish military the rank of corporal (''[[Korporal]]'' in Danish) is the lowest rank of the NCO group. An NCO in, the Danish military, is a sergeant, meaning that all coporals are sergeants in the Danish military. Professional (non-conscripted) soldiers may sometimes get the rank of corporal, on a temporary basis, in order to get better quarters.
The rank of corporal is generally being phased out in the Danish Army, but is not an uncommon sight in the [[Danish Home Guard|Home Guard]].
==Finland==
[[Image:Alikersantti kauluslaatta.svg|70px|right|Finnish ''alikersantti'', collar insignia.]]
[[Image:Alikersantti hihalaatta.svg|70px|right|Finnish ''alikersantti'', shoulder insignia.]]
'''''Korpraali''''' (literally translated as "Corporal"), carrying one-chevron rank insignia, is the equivalent to [[Lance Corporal]] in most foreign forces and it is the most senior rank of [[Private (rank)|Private]]. Korpraali is only an appointment without a leader's training, responsibilities and benefits. '''''Alikersantti''''' (literally translated as "Sub-Sergeant"), carrying two-chevron rank insignia, is the lowest NCO rank and it is the equivalent to Corporal elsewhere. An ''alikersantti'' is usually the leader of a group that consists of 4–7 men. NCO aspirants are promoted to the rank of '''''Alikersantti''''' after they have gone through four months of group leader training following the 2-month basic training common for all conscripts. Around 20% of conscripts carry eventually the rank of ''alikersantti''. The next rank is ''kersantti'' ([[Sergeant]]); minority of conscript NCO's reach this higher appointment before being transferred into the reserve.
==France==
There are three ranks of corporal (''[[caporal]]'' in French). These are not [[non-commissioned officer|NCO]] ranks, but enlisted ones. The corporals are called "ranked" (''gradés'').
* "Corporal" (''caporal'') is a NATO OR-3 level rank. The insignia is two chevrons of wool (vs. the two gold chevrons of a ''sergent'').
* "Staff Corporal" (''caporal-chef'') is OR-4. The insignia is two chevrons of wool plus a gold chevron
* "First Class Staff Corporal" (''caporal-chef de première classe'') is intermediate between OR-4 and OR-5. The insigia is one gold chevron and two gold chevrons{{Fact|date=February 2008}}.
In the regiments of cavalry traditions, the ''caporaux'' are called ''[[brigadier]]s''.
==Germany==
[[Image:GE-Army-OR4a.gif|60px|right|German Army Corporal's (Oberstabsgefreiter) shoulder board]]
The German military had no direct equivalent to a corporal in either the Commonwealth or US militaries, in terms of duties and responsibilities. Some sources identify '''''[[Unteroffizier]]''''' as the traditional German equivalent to Corporal, and this grade has existed as a military rank since at least the 18th century. Other sources identify the lower rank of ''[[Gefreiter]]'' as being equivalent to a Corporal of other armies, though in the German military this rank conferred a higher rate of pay without any of the duties and responsibilities granted Corporals in other armies. This and the rank of ''[[Oberstabsgefreiter]]'' (highest rank of Privates) are today classified by NATO as OR-4 ranks, with ''Unteroffizier'' (lowest NCO-rank) being classified as OR-5. Given the vastly different status of the rank of Corporal in the British (section commander) and American (section second-in-command) armies, identifying equivalents in the German military is largely fruitless, though the American rank system corresponds more accurately to the overall German
NCO rank system.
For Example:
Sergeant (E-5) = Unteroffizier,
Staff SGT (E-6)= Stabsunteroffizier,
SGT 1stClass(E-7)= Feldwebel,
Master SGT (E-8)= Oberfeldwebel,
First SGT (E-8) = Hauptfeldwebel,
SGT Major (E-9) = Stabsfeldwebel
[[Schutzstaffel|SS]] equivalent to ''Unteroffizier'' was '''''[[Unterscharführer]]'''''.
==India and Pakistan==
The equivalent to Corporal in the [[British Indian Army]] was '''Naik''' in all units. These ranks are still used in the [[Indian Army]] and [[Pakistan Army]].
==Iran==
'''Corporal''' (in [[Persian language|Persian]] سرجوخه ''Sarjukhe'') is one of the lower ranks of the [[Iranian army]].
A ''Sarjukhe'' is usually responsible for 4 to 5 soldiers.
See also: [[Iran's Army Ranks Insignia]].
==Ireland==
[[Image:IE-Army-OR4.png|60px|right|Irish Army Cpl's subdued rank slider]]
'''Corporal''' ('''Cpl''') (''Ceannaire'' in [[Irish language|Irish]]) is the lowest rank of non-commissioned officer within the [[Irish Army]] and [[Irish Air Corps|Air Corps]]. The [[Irish Naval Service|Naval]] equivalent is [[Leading Seaman]] (LS).
The Army rank insignia consists of two winged chevrons (or "stripes"). The Dress Uniform being red chevrons with a yellow border. The main role of an infantry Corporal is to either command a [[Section (military unit)|section]] as the section commander or to command the Fire Support Group (FSG) of a section as the 2I/C. Another role is that of training NCO of a section, as all Corporals must be qualified instructors. In the Artillery Corps, the Corporal is normally assigned to a gun detachment as a [[Layer]], or a Detachment Commander. Artillery corporals can also find themselves in charge of the battery signals section.
Before 1994, the Air Corps was considered part of the Army and wore Army uniforms with distinct corps badges but the same rank insignia. With the introduction of a unique Air Corps blue uniform in 1994, the same rank markings in a white colour were worn, before the introduction of a new two-chevron badge with wing rank marking.
==Israel==
[[Image:OR3 IDF Rav-Turai.gif|right]]
In the [[Israel Defense Forces]], soldiers are promoted from Private to Corporal ('''''Rav-turai''''' or '''''Rabat''''') after approximately 8 months of service, if they performed their duties appropriately during this time. Soldiers who take a commander's course may become Corporals earlier. Corporals get a symbolic pay raise of 3.60 [[Israeli new sheqel|NIS]] and those who are also noncommissioned officers (''mashak'') are able to command privates in their respective units.
A Corporal may be promoted to [[Sergeant]] about 12 months after becoming a Corporal, or to a [[Second Lieutenant]] if they complete an officer's course.
==Italy==
A soldier can be promoted from Private (''soldato'') to Corporal rank (''caporale'') after 3 months of service<ref name="difesa.it">[http://www.levasicilia.difesa.it/common/pages/recl/vfb.htm VFB] (volunteer for short time service) and [http://www.levasicilia.difesa.it/common/pages/recl/vfa.htm VFA] (volunteer for yearly service)</ref>. A VFB (''volontario in ferma breve'', volunteer for short time service) can be promoted to the rank of Senior Corporal (''caporale scelto'') after 6 months<ref name="difesa.it"/> of service, compatibly with the needs of the Corps.
<gallery>
Image:IT-Army-OR2.svg|Insignia of Corporal (''caporale'') of the [[Italian Army]] (insignia for the shoulder for the invernal service uniform)
Image:IT-Army-OR2-avio.svg|Paratrooper insignia of Corporal of the Italian Army
Image:IT-Army-OR3.svg|Insignia of Senior Corporal (''caporale scelto'') of the Italian Army
Image:IT-Army-OR3-avio.svg|Paratrooper insignia of Senior Corporal of the Italian Army
</gallery>
==Mexico==
Corporal (in Spanish "Cabo") is one of the lower ranks of the Mexican army.
==Norway==
[[Image:NO-Army-OR4.gif|75px|right|Norwegian Defence Force Corporals shoulder board]]
In the [[Norwegian Defence Force]], promotion to the rank of '''''Korporal''''' is used as a way to acknowledge soldiers who have done a good job in their service, without giving them any real authority, though they are often delegated some more responsibilities from sergeants and officers. Promotion may come after six months or more, and the rank carries two chevrons and a slight pay increase. In addition, every candidate who completes a special selection period, the ''Aspirantperiode'', including those aspiring to become a [[Sergeant]] and drafted personnel in the [[Military Police]] automatically qualifies for the rank of ''Korporal''.
The pay raise is fondly known as ''Colatillegget'', or the "coke raise", as the sum in question is approximately enough to buy one [[Coca-Cola|Coke]] each day.
== Russia ==
The rank of Corporal ({{lang-ru|капрал}}) existed in Russian army from [[1647]] to [[1798]], when it has been replaced with that of [[Non-Commissioned Officer]] ({{lang-ru|унтер-офицер}}, from {{lang-de|Unteroffizier}}, literally sub-[[officer]]). [[USSR|Soviet]] and modern Russian armies have the rank of Junior Sergeant ({{lang-ru|младший сержант}}) that is more or less equivalent to Corporal.
==Singapore==
[[Image:Singaporearmycorporal.jpg|70px|right|SAF Corporal rank insignia]]
'''Corporals''' ('''CPL''') in the [[Singapore Armed Forces]] lies between [[Lance Corporal]] and [[Third Sergeant]]. It is a rank most commonly held by [[National Service in Singapore|National Servicemen]] with at least pre-university education, who are usually promoted to the rank near the end of their active-duty obligation.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} Enlistees are also promoted to this rank upon completion of the Basic Section Leaders Course(BSLC). The rank insignia for a Corporal is two chevrons pointing downward with an arc.
In the past, the SAF followed the British model, and Corporals were [[non-commissioned officer]]s often holding the appointment of [[section (military unit)|section]] leader. Today, a Corporal is not a [[Specialist (Singapore)|Specialist]] (NCO-equivalent), and holds no command authority, although they may be given higher responsibilities such as appointment as a section 2IC{{Fact|date=June 2007}}
In the [[Singapore Police Force]], a Corporal is a non-commissioned officer ranking below Sergeant.
==Spain==
[[Image:SP-Army-OR3.gif|60px|right|Spanish Army ''Cabo'' Shoulder Board (Galones)]]
In the [[Spanish Armed Forces]] '''''Cabo''''' (Corporal) is the rank between ''Soldado de Primera'' (First Class Private) and '''''Cabo Primero''''' (First Corporal). It actually equates to a [[NATO]] OR-3, with ''Cabo Primero'' equating to an OR-4 and ''Cabo Mayor'' to an OR-5.
==Sweden==
[[Image:Swedisharmykorporal.gif|40px|right|Swedish Armed Forces Corporal's shoulder board]]
In the [[Swedish Army]], the rank of '''''Korpral''''' is given to conscripts under training as section leaders and platoon leaders after 5 months of training. Those who are selected as (wartime) platoon leaders are later promoted to '''''Furir''''' (corresponding to the British Corporal) and later [[Sergeant]], while the section leaders are promoted to the rank of ''Furir'' after 10 months of service. The second-in-command at the section level, and often also at the platoon level, holds the same rank as the section or platoon leader.
==United States==
===United States Army===
[[Image:US Army E-4.svg|thumb|right]]
In the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] '''Corporal''' ('''CPL''') is preceded by the first three forms of [[Private (rank)|Private]] and the rank of [[Specialist (rank)|Specialist]]. A Corporal ranks above a Specialist and below a [[Sergeant]], but shares the same pay grade (E-4) as a Specialist. Unlike a Specialist, however, a Corporal is a non-commissioned officer and may direct the activities of other soldiers, including Specialists. A promotion from Specialist to Corporal is a lateral appointment; an increase in rank, but not in pay grade.
Currently, very few soldiers are made Corporal. Most go from [[Private First Class]] to Specialist to Sergeant. However, Corporals are found in many combat units. The typical criterion for promotion to Corporal is that the Specialist must be serving in a leadership position that would typically be occupied by an NCO such as a Sergeant.
It is common for a Corporal to lead a [[fireteam]]; however, if a soldier is promoted to Corporal and there are too many soldiers of that rank, the new Corporal will stay in his current position.
The rank of Corporal is the only rank in the United States Army that was never removed from the NCO Corps since the earliest days of the Army.
{{IPA|}}
===United States Marine Corps===
[[Image:USMC-E4.svg|120px|right]]
'''Corporal''' ('''Cpl''') is the fourth enlisted rank in the [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]], ranking immediately above [[Lance Corporal]] and immediately below Sergeant. The Marine Corps, unlike the Army, has no other rank at the pay grade of E-4. Corporal is the lowest grade of non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, though promotion to Corporal traditionally confers a large jump in authority and responsibility compared to promotion from Private through Lance Corporal. It is also the first Marine rank requiring competition among peers rather than simple "time in grade" promotions and therefore sometimes difficult to attain. Theoretically, Marine Corporals generally serve as "fire-team leaders," commanding a 4-man team or unit of similar size. In practice, however, the billet of fire team leader is generally held by a Lance Corporal, while Corporals serve in the squad leader billet that would normally be held by a Sergeant (E-5) in infantry units. In support units, they direct the activities of junior Marines and provide technical supervision. Because of its emphasis on small-unit tactics, the Marine Corps usually places Corporals in billets where other services would normally have an E-5 or E-6 in authority. Similarly, the term "[[Strategic Corporal]]" refers to the special responsibilities conferred upon a Marine Corporal.
{{US_enlisted_ranks}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
* [https://www.perscomonline.army.mil/select/E4.htm U.S. Army Corporal duties]
*[http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/rank3.shtml U.S. Army Enlisted Rank Insignia - Criteria, Background, and Images]
* [http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/mediawiki-1.5.5/index.php?title=Corporal Detailed discussion of Canadian Forces rank of Corporal]
==See also==
* [[Non-commissioned officer]]
* [[British Army Other Ranks rank insignia]]
* [[Canadian Forces ranks and insignia]]
* [[Irish Army Enlisted Rank Insignia]]
* [[RAF enlisted ranks]]
* [[U.S. Army enlisted rank insignia]]
* [[U.S. Marine Corps enlisted rank insignia]]
* [[Comparative military ranks]]
[[Category:Military ranks]]
[[Category:Police ranks]]
[[Category:Military ranks of Australia]]
[[Category:Military ranks of Canada]]
[[Category:Military ranks of Ireland]]
[[Category:Military ranks of Singapore]]
[[Category:Military ranks of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Military ranks of the United States Army]]
[[Category:United States Marine Corps enlisted ranks]]
[[Category:List of United States enlisted ranks]]
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