Why did the Army get rid of the specialist ranks?

The Army eliminated the other specialist grades because they were largely redundant and superfluous and caused too much confusion, and “hate and discontent” among the NCO grades (E-4 through E-9).

When did the Army eliminate the specialist ranks?

In 1968 when the Army added the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the specialist ranks at E-8 and E-9 were abolished without anyone ever being promoted to those levels.

How long has specialist been a rank?

On 1 July 1955 four grades of Specialist were established. The first was Specialist Three (E-4). It is the only one that still exists.

Why does specialist rank exist?

First introduced in 1954, senior specialist ranks held a considerably short life span, as the Army completely phased them out by 1985. The purpose was to provide advancement opportunities to soldiers without awarding sergeant stripes and encumbering troops with noncommissioned officer leadership responsibilities.

Can a specialist become an officer?

Although a service member can be promoted to warrant officer because of his technical expertise, someone who wants to become a commissioned officer must attend officer candidate school.

Is there a specialist 5 rank in the Army?

Specialist 5, abbreviated SPC, rank is a junior enlisted rank and ranks above Private First Class and below Corporal. Specialists have managerial skills and duties and must complete a leadership and officer course.

What is an Army specialist rank?

Army Specialist (E-4) Specialist (SPC) is considered one of the junior enlisted ranks in the U.S. Army. Ranked above private first class (E-3) and holding the same pay grade as the corporal, the specialist is not considered an NCO. They often are promoted to the E-4 pay grade due to enlisting.

What is the purpose of the specialist rank?

This rank is unofficially called a team leader and usually manages a small group of lower-ranked privates. The official role of a specialist is to make sure that the privates they are assigned to manage have expertise in their duties and responsibilities.