Corporal (rank)

A Corporal, also abbreviated to Cpl., is a military rank in the British Army, Royal Marines and other armed forces around the world. In the British Army it falls between the ranks of Lance Corporal and Sergeant and is often regarded as a slightly more senior rank than in other countries. The badge of rank is a two-bar chevron (also known as "stripes", "tapes", or "hooks"). A corporal's role varies between regiments; but, in the standard infantry role, a corporal commands a section, with a lance-corporal as second-in-command (2ic). When the section is split into fire teams, they command one each. In the Royal Armoured Corps, a corporal commands an individual tank. Their duties therefore largely correspond to those of staff sergeants in the United States Army and corporals are often described as the "backbone" of the British Army.

In most countries that derive their military structure from the British military system, Corporal is a more senior rank than that of Private. However, in several other countries, such as Canada, Italy and Norway, corporal is a junior rank, indicating a more experienced soldier than a private, and also on a higher pay scale, but having no particular command appointment corresponding to the rank, similar to specialist in the U.S. Army.

The next promotional rank in the British Army during the First World War would have been Lance Sergeant, however, this ranks was discontinued in 1946; only the Foot Guards and Honourable Artillery Company retain this appointment. Today, the next promotional rank is Sergeant.

As stated on the British Army website, "After 6-8 years, and depending on ability to lead, promotion to Corporal typically follows. In this rank additional trade and instructor qualifications can be gained. Corporals are given command of more soldiers and equipment such as tanks and guns."

A corporal's pay during the war ranged from 1s. 9d. (one shilling and 9 pence) to 2s. 8d. (two shillings and 8 pence) a day.

References / notes

The above term is listed in our Compendium of the Great War.

This compendium forms the central hub of words, phrases, people, and places relative to the Great War period of 1914–1918. These also include battles, political events, ships, trench slang, British and American service terms and expressions in everyday use, nicknames, sobriquets, the titles of British and Commonwealth Regiments and their origins, and also warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary with the war, which is reflected in the language used, some of which may seem derogatory by today's standards. Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.

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