A private is a
soldier
A soldier is a person who is a member of an army. A soldier can be a Conscription, conscripted or volunteer Enlisted rank, enlisted person, a non-commissioned officer, a warrant officer, or an Officer (armed forces), officer.
Etymology
The wo ...
, usually with the lowest
rank in many armies. Soldiers with the rank of private may be
conscripts or they may be professional (career) soldiers.
The term derives from the term "private soldier". "Private" comes from the
Latin
Latin ( or ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally spoken by the Latins (Italic tribe), Latins in Latium (now known as Lazio), the lower Tiber area aroun ...
word ''privus'' or perhaps ''privo'' that meant an individual person and later an individual without an
office
An office is a space where the employees of an organization perform Business administration, administrative Work (human activity), work in order to support and realize the various goals of the organization. The word "office" may also denote a po ...
.
Asia
Indonesia

In
Indonesia
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian Ocean, Indian and Pacific Ocean, Pacific oceans. Comprising over List of islands of Indonesia, 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, ...
, this rank is referred to as ''Tamtama'' (specifically ''Prajurit'' which means soldier), which is the lowest rank in the
Indonesian National Armed Forces
The Indonesian National Armed Forces (; abbreviated as TNI) are the military forces of the Republic of Indonesia. It consists of the Indonesian Army, Army (''TNI-AD''), Indonesian Navy, Navy (''TNI-AL''), and Indonesian Air Force, Air Force ('' ...
. In the
Indonesian Army,
Indonesian Marine Corps, and
Indonesian Air Force
The Indonesian Air Force (, sometimes shortened as IDAF / IdAF) is the Air force, aerial branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. The Indonesian Air Force is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, and is headed by the Chief of Staff of th ...
, "Private" has three levels, which are: Private (''Prajurit Dua''), Private First Class (''Prajurit Satu''), and Chief Private (''Prajurit Kepala''). After this rank, the next promotion is to
Corporal
Corporal is a military rank in use by the armed forces of many countries. It is also a police rank in some police services. The rank is usually the lowest ranking non-commissioned officer. In some militaries, the rank of corporal nominally corr ...
.
File:prada pdh ad.png, Private (''Prajurit Dua'')
File:pratu pdh ad.png, Private First Class (''Prajurit Satu'')
File:praka pdh ad.png, Chief Private (''Prajurit Kepala'')
People's Republic of China
In the
People's Liberation Army
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is the military of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People's Republic of China (PRC). It consists of four Military branch, services—People's Liberation Army Ground Force, Ground Force, People's ...
of the
People's Republic of China
China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. With population of China, a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the list of countries by population (United Nations), second-most populous country after ...
, Privates and Privates First Class are typically conscripted soldiers serving for a two-year period; conscripts who volunteer to continue beyond this period may become professional soldiers: "''After the end of induction training, conscripts are awarded the rank of private; in their second year they become privates first class. At the end of two years, conscripts may be demobilized or, if they volunteer, they may be selected to become NCOs. They can also attend a military academy to become officers after passing a test. In effect, the two-year conscription period is a probation period.''"
Philippines
In the
Armed Forces of the Philippines, the rank of Private is the lowest enlisted personnel rank. It is currently being used by the
Philippine Army and the
Philippine Marine Corps. It stands below the rank of
Private first class. It is equivalent to the
Airman of the Air Force and the
Apprentice Seaman of the Navy and Coast Guard.
File:PHIL ARMY PVT WOODLAND.svg,
File:PMC PVT Slv.svg,
Singapore
Once recruits complete their
Basic Military Training (BMT) or
Basic Rescue Training (BRT), they attain the rank of private (PTE). Privates do not wear ranks on their rank holder. PTEs who performed well are promoted to the rank of
Lance Corporal
Lance corporal is a military rank, used by many English-speaking armed forces worldwide, and also by some police forces and other uniformed organisations. It is below the rank of corporal.
Etymology
The presumed origin of the rank of lance corp ...
(LCP). The PFC rank is rarely awarded today by the Singapore Armed Forces. All private enlistees can be promoted directly to lance corporal should they meet the minimum qualifying requirements, conduct appraisal and work performance. Recruits who did not complete BMT but completed two years of
National Service will be promoted to private.
Commonwealth
Australia
In the
Australian Army
The Australian Army is the principal Army, land warfare force of Australia. It is a part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. The Army is commanded by the Chief of Army ...
, a soldier of private rank wears no insignia. Like its British Army counterpart, the Australian Army rank of private (PTE) has other titles, depending on the corps and specification of that service member.
The following alternative ranks are available for privates in the Australian Army:
*
Craftsman (CFN) –
Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
*
Gunner (GNR) –
Royal Australian Artillery
*
Sapper
A sapper, also called a combat engineer, is a combatant or soldier who performs a variety of military engineering duties, such as breaching fortifications, demolitions, bridge-building, laying or clearing minefields, preparing field defenses ...
(SPR) –
Royal Australian Engineers;
* Musician (MUSN) –
Australian Army Band Corps
*
Signalman (SIG) –
Royal Australian Corps of Signals
The Royal Australian Corps of Signals (RASigs) is one of the 'arms' (combat support corps) of the Australian Army. It is responsible for installing, maintaining, and operating all types of telecommunications equipment and information systems. The ...
*
Trooper (TPR) –
Royal Australian Armoured Corps,
Australian Army Aviation and the
Australian Special Air Service Regiment
*Patrolman - Regional Force Surveillance Units
New Zealand
In the
New Zealand Army
The New Zealand Army (, ) is the principal Army, land warfare force of New Zealand, a component of the New Zealand Defence Force alongside the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Formed in 1845, as the New Zealand Mil ...
, a soldier of private rank wears no insignia. Like its British Army counterpart, the New Zealand Army rank of private (PTE) has other titles, depending on the corps and specification of that service member.
The following alternative ranks are available for privates in the New Zealand Army:
*
Gunner (GNR) -
Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery
*
Trooper (TPR) -
Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps and the
New Zealand Special Air Service
*
Sapper
A sapper, also called a combat engineer, is a combatant or soldier who performs a variety of military engineering duties, such as breaching fortifications, demolitions, bridge-building, laying or clearing minefields, preparing field defenses ...
(SPR) -
The Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers
*
Signaller (SIG) -
Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals
The Royal New Zealand Signals Corps (RNZSigs) provides, co-ordinates and operates the communications networks of the New Zealand Army. The role of RNZSigs is to support other Arms by providing Communication Information System required for Comma ...
Canada
In the
Canadian Army
The Canadian Army () is the command (military formation), command responsible for the operational readiness of the conventional ground forces of the Canadian Armed Forces. It maintains regular forces units at bases across Canada, and is also re ...
, the term private refers to the two lowest non-commissioned member ranks.
The lowest rank is Private (Recruit). Canadian Army recruits hold this rank upon enrolment until they complete the requirements of the next rank, a holder of this rank wears a blank rank insignia that reads “Canada” because they are technically considered to generically belong to the Canadian Armed Forces rather than a specific regiment.
The next rank is Private (Basic), is equivalent to a NATO OR-1, and a holder of this rank still wears blank rank insignia and a blank rank legend with the abbreviation of their regiment at the bottom. Canadian Army recruits hold this rank upon completion of Basic training until they complete the requirements of the next rank.
The rank of Private (Trained), equivalent to a NATO OR-2, is achieved following successful completion of the applicable trades training (QL3/DP1) and 30 months of service. A holder of this rank wears rank insignia consisting of a single chevron.
The equivalent ranks in the
Royal Canadian Navy
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN; , ''MRC'') is the Navy, naval force of Canada. The navy is one of three environmental commands within the Canadian Armed Forces. As of February 2024, the RCN operates 12 s, 12 s, 4 s, 4 s, 8 s, and several auxiliary ...
are Sailor 1st Class (for Private (Basic)), and Sailor 2nd Class (for Private (Trained)).
The equivalent ranks in the
Royal Canadian Air Force
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF; ) is the air and space force of Canada. Its role is to "provide the Canadian Forces with relevant, responsive and effective airpower". The RCAF is one of three environmental commands within the unified Can ...
are Aviator (Basic), and Aviator (Trained)
Canadian Army Privates (Trained) may be known by other titles, depending on their personnel branch and their regiment's tradition:
*
Trooper – armoured crewmen in the
Royal Canadian Armoured Corps
*
Gunner – artillerymen in the
Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
*
Sapper
A sapper, also called a combat engineer, is a combatant or soldier who performs a variety of military engineering duties, such as breaching fortifications, demolitions, bridge-building, laying or clearing minefields, preparing field defenses ...
– combat engineers in the
Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers
*
Signaller (not usually observed) – communicator research, cyber, and signal operators, and information systems, line, and signal technicians in the
Royal Canadian Corps of Signals
* Craftsman (not usually observed) – electronic-optronic, materials, vehicle, and weapons technicians in the
Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
*
Guardsman
Guardsman is a rank used instead of private in some military units that serve as the official bodyguard of a sovereign or head of state. It is also used as a generic term for any member of a guards unit of any rank.
Canada
In the Canadian Fo ...
–
Royal Canadian Infantry Corps (RCIC) members of foot guard regiments
*
Fusilier
''Fusilier'' is a name given to various kinds of soldiers; its meaning depends on the historical context. While ''fusilier'' is derived from the 17th-century French word – meaning a type of flintlock musket – the term has been used in cont ...
–
RCIC members of fusilier regiments
*
Rifleman –
RCIC members of rifle regiments
South Africa
In the
South African Army
The South African Army is the principal Army, land warfare force of South Africa, a part of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), along with the South African Air Force, South African Navy and South African Military Health Servi ...
the lowest enlisted rank is Private. Privates do not wear insignia on their uniforms. In the different corps it is known with different titles.
*
Rifleman (Rfn) -
South African Infantry Corps
*
Signalman (Sgn) -
South African Signal Corps
*
Gunner (Gnr) -
South African Armour Corps and
South African Artillery Corps
*
Sapper
A sapper, also called a combat engineer, is a combatant or soldier who performs a variety of military engineering duties, such as breaching fortifications, demolitions, bridge-building, laying or clearing minefields, preparing field defenses ...
(Spr) -
South African Engineer Corps
United Kingdom
In the
British Army
The British Army is the principal Army, land warfare force of the United Kingdom. the British Army comprises 73,847 regular full-time personnel, 4,127 Brigade of Gurkhas, Gurkhas, 25,742 Army Reserve (United Kingdom), volunteer reserve perso ...
, a private (Pte) equates to both OR-1 and OR-2 on the NATO scale, although there is no difference in rank. Privates wear no insignia. Many regiments and
corps
Corps (; plural ''corps'' ; from French , from the Latin "body") is a term used for several different kinds of organization. A military innovation by Napoleon I, the formation was formally introduced March 1, 1800, when Napoleon ordered Gener ...
use other distinctive and descriptive names instead of private, some of these ranks have been used for centuries; others are less than 100 years old.
In the contemporary
British Armed Forces
The British Armed Forces are the unified military, military forces responsible for the defence of the United Kingdom, its British Overseas Territories, Overseas Territories and the Crown Dependencies. They also promote the UK's wider interests ...
, the army rank of private is broadly equivalent to
able seaman in the
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy (RN) is the naval warfare force of the United Kingdom. It is a component of His Majesty's Naval Service, and its officers hold their commissions from the King of the United Kingdom, King. Although warships were used by Kingdom ...
,
aircraftman,
leading aircraftman
Leading aircraftman (LAC) or leading aircraftwoman (LACW) is an enlisted rank used by some air forces, with origins from the Royal Air Force. The rank is used by air forces of many countries that have historical British influence.
Leading air ...
and
senior aircraftman in the
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the Air force, air and space force of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. It was formed towards the end of the World War I, First World War on 1 April 1918, on the merger of t ...
, and marine (Mne) or bandsman, as appropriate equivalent rank in the
Royal Marines
The Royal Marines provide the United Kingdom's amphibious warfare, amphibious special operations capable commando force, one of the :Fighting Arms of the Royal Navy, five fighting arms of the Royal Navy, a Company (military unit), company str ...
. In the
Boys' Brigade
The Boys' Brigade (BB) is an international interdenominational Christianity, Christian youth organisation, conceived by the Scottish businessman William Alexander Smith (Boys' Brigade), Sir William Alexander Smith to combine drill and fun acti ...
the rank of private is used when a boy moves from the junior section to the company section.
Distinctive equivalents for private include:
*
Airtrooper (AirTpr) –
Army Air Corps
* Bugler (Bgr) – buglers in
The Rifles
The Rifles is an infantry regiment of the British Army. Formed in 2007, it consists of four Regular battalions and three Reserve battalions. Each Regular battalion was formerly an individual battalion of one of the two large regiments of the ...
and formerly also in other Rifle regiments
* Craftsman (Cfn) –
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME ) is the maintenance arm of the British Army that maintains the equipment that the Army uses. The corps is described as the "British Army's professional engineers".
History
Prior t ...
(women as well as men use this rank)
*
Drummer
A drummer is a percussionist who creates music using drums.
Most contemporary western music ensemble, bands that play Rock music, rock, Pop music, pop, jazz, or Contemporary R&B, R&B music include a drummer for purposes including timekeepi ...
(Dmr) – drummers in infantry regiments
*
Fusilier
''Fusilier'' is a name given to various kinds of soldiers; its meaning depends on the historical context. While ''fusilier'' is derived from the 17th-century French word – meaning a type of flintlock musket – the term has been used in cont ...
(Fus) – Fusilier regiments
[
* Gunner (Gnr) – ]Royal Artillery
The Royal Regiment of Artillery, commonly referred to as the Royal Artillery (RA) and colloquially known as "The Gunners", is one of two regiments that make up the artillery arm of the British Army. The Royal Regiment of Artillery comprises t ...
* Guardsman
Guardsman is a rank used instead of private in some military units that serve as the official bodyguard of a sovereign or head of state. It is also used as a generic term for any member of a guards unit of any rank.
Canada
In the Canadian Fo ...
(Gdsm) – Foot Guards[
* Highlander (Hldr) – The Highlanders
* ]Kingsman
Kingsman or King's man may refer to:
* Kingsman (rank), a British Army rank
Arts and media
* Kingsman (franchise), ''Kingsman'' (franchise)
** Kingsman (comic book), ''Kingsman'' (comic book), the basis for the franchise
** ''Kingsman: The Secre ...
(Kgn) – Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
* Musician
A musician is someone who Composer, composes, Conducting, conducts, or Performing arts#Performers, performs music. According to the United States Employment Service, "musician" is a general Terminology, term used to designate a person who fol ...
(Musn) – military bands (formerly if a military band had a Bandmaster, they would be known as Bandsman (Bdsm))
* Piper (Ppr) – bagpipers in Scottish and Irish regiments
* Ranger (Rgr) – Royal Irish Regiment (also previously Royal Irish Rangers)
* Rifleman (Rfn) – Rifle regiments[
* ]Sapper
A sapper, also called a combat engineer, is a combatant or soldier who performs a variety of military engineering duties, such as breaching fortifications, demolitions, bridge-building, laying or clearing minefields, preparing field defenses ...
(Spr) – Royal Engineers
The Corps of Royal Engineers, usually called the Royal Engineers (RE), and commonly known as the ''Sappers'', is the engineering arm of the British Army. It provides military engineering and other technical support to the British Armed Forces ...
* Signaller (Sig) – Royal Corps of Signals
The Royal Corps of Signals (often simply known as the Royal Signals – abbreviated to R SIGNALS) is one of the combat support arms of the British Army. Signals units are among the first into action, providing the battlefield communications an ...
(formerly called signalman)
* Trooper (Tpr) – cavalry[ ( Household Cavalry, ]Royal Armoured Corps
The Royal Armoured Corps is the armoured arm of the British Army, that together with the Household Cavalry provides its armour capability, with vehicles such as the Challenger 2 and the Warrior tracked armoured vehicle. It includes most of the Ar ...
, Special Air Service
The Special Air Service (SAS) is a special forces unit of the British Army. It was founded as a regiment in 1941 by David Stirling, and in 1950 it was reconstituted as a corps. The unit specialises in a number of roles including counter-terr ...
and Honourable Artillery Company)
* Trumpeter
The trumpet is a brass instrument commonly used in classical and jazz musical ensemble, ensembles. The trumpet group ranges from the piccolo trumpet—with the highest Register (music), register in the brass family—to the bass trumpet, pitche ...
(Tptr) – trumpeters in the Household Cavalry (and formerly in all cavalry regiments)
Royal Marines
In the Corps of Royal Marines, the rank structure follows that of British infantry regiments with the exception that the Royal Marines equivalent of private is Marine (Mne).
During the course of the First World War, some Royal Marines
The Royal Marines provide the United Kingdom's amphibious warfare, amphibious special operations capable commando force, one of the :Fighting Arms of the Royal Navy, five fighting arms of the Royal Navy, a Company (military unit), company str ...
also took the rank of Sapper
A sapper, also called a combat engineer, is a combatant or soldier who performs a variety of military engineering duties, such as breaching fortifications, demolitions, bridge-building, laying or clearing minefields, preparing field defenses ...
, this was usually found as part of the Royal Marine Divisional Engineers of the Royal Naval Division.
Europe
Belgium
Upon enlistment to the Belgian army
The Land Component (, ), historically and commonly still referred to as the Belgian Army (, ), is the Land warfare, land branch of the Belgian Armed Forces. The King of the Belgians is the commander in chief. The current chief of staff of the Land ...
, one is given the rank of (Dutch) or (French), whether one wishes to be a volunteer, non-commissioned officer or officer. Subsequent rank depends on the branch of the service: for example, at the Royal Military Academy (for officer training) one is soon promoted to the rank of (Dutch) or (French) i.e. "corporal". The insignia is a simple black mark or the simplified version of the Royal Military Academy's coat of arms for candidate officers.
Finland
The Finnish equivalent rank is ''sotamies'' (literally "war man"), although since 1973 this has been purely a paper term as all infantry troopers were renamed as ''jääkäri'' troops, previously reserved only to mobile light infantry. As in the British army, the various branches use different names:
* Infantry
Infantry, or infantryman are a type of soldier who specialize in ground combat, typically fighting dismounted. Historically the term was used to describe foot soldiers, i.e. those who march and fight on foot. In modern usage, the term broadl ...
– ''jääkäri'' ("jaeger")
* Military engineers
Military engineering is loosely defined as the art, science, and practice of designing and building military works and maintaining lines of military transport and military communications. Military engineers are also responsible for logistics be ...
– ''pioneeri'' ("pioneer")
* Signal corps
A signal corps is a military branch, responsible for military communications (''signals''). Many countries maintain a signal corps, which is typically subordinate to a country's army.
Military communication usually consists of radio, telephone, ...
– ''viestimies'' ("signaller")
* Cavalry
Historically, cavalry (from the French word ''cavalerie'', itself derived from ''cheval'' meaning "horse") are groups of soldiers or warriors who Horses in warfare, fight mounted on horseback. Until the 20th century, cavalry were the most mob ...
– ''rakuuna'' ("dragoon")
* Artillery
Artillery consists of ranged weapons that launch Ammunition, munitions far beyond the range and power of infantry firearms. Early artillery development focused on the ability to breach defensive walls and fortifications during sieges, and l ...
– ''tykkimies'' ("artilleryman")
* Tank
A tank is an armoured fighting vehicle intended as a primary offensive weapon in front-line ground combat. Tank designs are a balance of heavy firepower, strong armour, and battlefield mobility provided by tracks and a powerful engine; ...
corps – ''panssarimies'' ("tankman")
In the Finnish Air Force, the basic rank is ''lentosotamies'' ("airman"). In the Finnish Navy
The Finnish Navy ( , ) is one of the branches of the Finnish Defence Forces. The navy employs 2,300 people and about 4,300 conscripts are trained each year. Finnish Navy vessels are given the ship prefix "FNS", short for "Finnish Navy ship", but ...
, the basic rank is ''matruusi'' ("seaman") or ''tykkimies'' ("artilleryman") in the marine infantry.
Special corps troopers may be referred by their function or unit, such as ''kaartinjääkäri'' (Guards jaeger), ''panssarijääkäri'' (armored jaeger), ''laskuvarjojääkäri'' (paratroop jaeger), ''rajajääkäri'' (border jaeger) or ''rannikkojääkäri'' (coastal jaeger).
France
In the French army, ''soldat de seconde classe'' is the lowest military rank. This rank is also referred to as ''recrue'' ("recruit").
Hungary
The name of the lowest rank in the Hungarian army ('' Magyar Honvédség'') is the ''honvéd'' which means "homeland defender". The word is also used informally for a soldier in general of any rank (i.e. "our ''honvéds''" or an officer referred as a ''honvédtiszt'', ''honvéd'' officer). This is because Hungarian military traditions are strictly defensive, despite the Hungarian army participating in offensives on foreign soil in both world wars. The word ''honvéd'' has been in use since the Hungarian Revolution of 1848
The Hungarian Revolution of 1848, also known in Hungary as Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence of 1848–1849 () was one of many Revolutions of 1848, European Revolutions of 1848 and was closely linked to other revolutions of 1848 in ...
. The term is not used for soldiers of foreign armies: a foreign soldier with no rank is called ''közlegény'', literally "common lad" or "common man".
Ireland
Private (Pte) (''saighdiúr singil'' in Irish), is the lowest enlisted rank in the Irish Army
The Irish Army () is the land component of the Defence Forces (Ireland), Defence Forces of Republic of Ireland, Ireland.The Defence Forces are made up of the Permanent Defence Forces – the standing branches – and the Reserve Defence Forces. ...
. Soldiers enlist as recruits then undergo a basic course of instruction. There are three grades of private in the army. After basic training the soldier is upgraded (rather than promoted) from recruit to private 2 star (Pte 2*) (''saighdiúr singil, 2 réalta''). After more corps-specific training (usually lasting eight weeks) the soldier is upgraded to private 3 star (Pte 3*) (''saighdiúr singil, 3 réalta''). All are usually just addressed as "private", although before being upgraded, recruits may be addressed as "recruit".
In corps units, the rank designation changes. In the artillery, the rank is known as gunner (Gnr), but usually only after the completion of a gunners' course, and in the cavalry it is known as trooper (Tpr). Communications and Information Services privates are known as signalman or signalwoman. Medical orderlies are sometimes referred to as medic, although this can apply to privates and corporal
Corporal is a military rank in use by the armed forces of many countries. It is also a police rank in some police services. The rank is usually the lowest ranking non-commissioned officer. In some militaries, the rank of corporal nominally corr ...
s.
Italy
In the Italian Army
The Italian Army ( []) is the Army, land force branch of the Italian Armed Forces. The army's history dates back to the Italian unification in the 1850s and 1860s. The army fought in colonial engagements in China and Italo-Turkish War, Libya. It ...
is the lowest military rank. This rank is also referred to as (meaning recruit).
is the generic term for private. But in many specialized corps this term is never used, as a more specific, corp related, term is preferred. For instance the lowest rank in Alpine troops is , and the lowest rank in the artillery is . In the air force this is ranked as and in the navy as .
Netherlands
In the Royal Netherlands Army, the '' Landmacht'', the equivalent ranks are ''soldaat'' (soldier), similar to the original French, with different classes:
* ''Soldaat der derde klasse'' (soldier/private 3rd class), for soldiers in Algemene Militaire Opleiding or AMO (General Military Training), with insignia.
* ''Soldaat der tweede klasse'' (soldier/private 2nd class), the basic infantry rank, an insignia single striped red band, obtained after AMO but before completion of ''Initiële Functie Opleiding'' or IFO (initial job training).
* ''Soldaat der eerste klasse'' (soldier/private 1st class), comparable to private first class, with an insignia with two neighbouring striped red bands, obtained automatically a year after completion of IFO.
Depending on where the ''soldaat'' serves, he may be deemed a ''kanonnier'' (gunner in the artillery), ''huzaar'' (hussar in the cavalry) or ''fuselier'' (rifleman in the rifles) as well as ''commando'', ''jager'' (hunter) or ''rijder'' (rider). A ''soldaat'' can be promoted to ''korporaal'' (corporal
Corporal is a military rank in use by the armed forces of many countries. It is also a police rank in some police services. The rank is usually the lowest ranking non-commissioned officer. In some militaries, the rank of corporal nominally corr ...
).
Russia
50px, Field version
The beginning of military service in the Armed Forces of Russia for citizens who are not in the reserve of the Russian Armed Forces
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, commonly referred to as the Russian Armed Forces, are the military of Russia. They are organized into three service branches—the Russian Ground Forces, Ground Forces, Russian Navy, Navy, and Russi ...
, called up for military service, is considered to be the day of assignment of the military rank - Private (Sailor).
The word "guards" is added before the military rank of a serviceman serving in a guards military unit, on a guards ship.
The words "justice" or "medical service" are added to the military rank of a serviceman or citizen in the reserve, who has a military registration speciality in a legal or medical profile, respectively.
The words "reserve" or "retired" are added to the military rank of a citizen in the reserve or retired, respectively.
In the category of military personnel of the ship composition of the Russian Navy
The Russian Navy is the Navy, naval arm of the Russian Armed Forces. It has existed in various forms since 1696. Its present iteration was formed in January 1992 when it succeeded the Navy of the Commonwealth of Independent States (which had i ...
, the rank of private corresponds to the ship military rank of sailor.
Students of military schools are called "cadets". During their training, they are awarded the military ranks of private or sailor, and in the event of successful completion of a military educational institution, they are immediately awarded the officer rank of junior lieutenant or lieutenant, depending on the school.
United States
United States Army
In the United States Army
The United States Army (USA) is the primary Land warfare, land service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is designated as the Army of the United States in the United States Constitution.Article II, section 2, clause 1 of th ...
, private is used for the two lowest enlisted ranks, just below private first class (E-3) or PFC. The lowest rank is "private (E-1)" or PV1, sometimes referred to as "recruit", but this rank can also be held by some soldiers after punishment
Punishment, commonly, is the imposition of an undesirable or unpleasant outcome upon an individual or group, meted out by an authority—in contexts ranging from child discipline to criminal law—as a deterrent to a particular action or beh ...
through the Uniform Code of Military Justice
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is the foundation of the system of military justice of the armed forces of the United States. The UCMJ was established by the United States Congress in accordance with their constitutional authority ...
, or by soldiers punished under the UCMJ as a demotion until they are discharged. A PV1 wears no uniform rank insignia; since the advent of the Army Combat Uniform (ACU), the slang term "fuzzy" has come into vogue, referring to the blank velcro patch area on the ACU where the rank would normally be placed.
The second rank, "private (E-2)" or PV2, wears a single chevron, known colloquially as "mosquito
Mosquitoes, the Culicidae, are a Family (biology), family of small Diptera, flies consisting of 3,600 species. The word ''mosquito'' (formed by ''Musca (fly), mosca'' and diminutive ''-ito'') is Spanish and Portuguese for ''little fly''. Mos ...
wings". In pay tables, the rank is listed as "private second class." Advancement to PV2 is automatic after six months' time in service, but may be shortened to four months by a waiver. A person who has earned the Eagle Scout award or the Gold Award or has completed at least two years of JROTC
The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is a Federal government of the United States, federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools and also in some middle schools across the United States and at US mil ...
may enlist at any time at the rank of PV2. The third rank is private first class or "PFC", which is designated by an arc or "rocker" under the chevron. The term of address "Private" may be properly applied to any Army soldier E-1 (PV1) to E-3 (PFC). The abbreviation "Pvt" may be used whenever the specific grade of private is immaterial (such as in tables of organization and equipment).
United States Marine Corps
In the United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps (USMC), also referred to as the United States Marines or simply the Marines, is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is responsible for conducting expeditionar ...
, ''private'' (Pvt) refers only to the lowest enlisted rank
An enlisted rank (also known as an enlisted grade or enlisted rate) is, in some armed services, any rank below that of a commissioned officer. The term can be inclusive of non-commissioned officers or warrant officers, except in United States ...
, also known as a "boot", just below private first class. A Marine Corps private wears no uniform insignia and is sometimes described as having a "slick sleeve" for this reason. Most new, non-officer marines (a.k.a. "boots" or "non-rates") begin their military career as privates. In the Marine Corps, privates first class are not addressed as "Private"; it is more appropriate to use either "Private First Class" or "PFC".
See also
* List of comparative military ranks
This article is a list of various Sovereign state, nations' armed forces military rank, ranking designations. Comparisons are made between the different systems used by nations to categorize the hierarchy of an armed force compared to another. S ...
Notes
References
External links
U.S. Army Enlisted Rank Insignia – Criteria, Background, and Images
(archived)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Private (Rank)
Military ranks
Military ranks of Australia
Military ranks of Canada
Military ranks of Ireland
Military ranks of Singapore
Military ranks of the British Army
Military ranks of the United States Army
United States military enlisted ranks
Military ranks of the United States Marine Corps
Military ranks of the Royal Marines