Enlisted ranks

Private (E-1)

No insignia; lowest rank; brand new soldier — "Bare sleeve = beginner."

Private (E-2)

One chevron (^); one step up from nothing — "First stripe = first step."

Private First Class (E-3)

One chevron + one rocker (^ over _); "First class = balanced up and down."

Specialist (E-4)

Eagle inside shield insignia; technical expert — "Four = fork between tech or leader."

Corporal (E-4)

Two chevrons (^^); first small leadership rank — "Corporal = command a few."

Sergeant (E-5)

Three chevrons (^^^); start of NCO leadership — "Sergeant = 3 stripes strong."

Staff Sergeant (E-6)

Three chevrons + one rocker (^^^_); "Staff" = extra support underneath.

Sergeant First Class (E-7)

Three chevrons + two rockers (^^^__); "First class = two supports."

Master Sergeant (E-8)

Three chevrons + three rockers (^^^___); senior NCO — "Mastered the stripes."

First Sergeant (E-8)

Same as Master Sergeant but with a diamond in the center; "Diamond = company leader."

Sergeant Major (E-9)

Three chevrons + three rockers with a star in the middle; "Major = one star."

Command Sergeant Major (E-9)

Three chevrons + three rockers with a star in a wreath; "Command = wreath of honor."

Sergeant Major of the Army (E-9SMA)

Three chevrons + three rockers with eagle and stars; top enlisted rank in the entire Army.