Enlisted Soldiers
Find your strength in our force.
As an enlisted Soldier, you’re an integral member of our team and have unlimited possibilities in what you can achieve.
Gain real-world skills in the Army.
You’ll receive the training and confidence to jump into work on day one. Get hands-on training and knowledge. Work as a professional in your field. Get paid while you learn.
Discover your Army career.
With more than 200 jobs ranging from ground forces to medicine, you can choose your career and shape the future you want.
Five steps to becoming an enlisted Soldier
01. Speak with a recruiter
02. Take an entrance test
03. Complete a physical exam
04. Find an Army Job
05. Sign a contract and prepare for Basic Training
Curious what career is best for you?
Discover opportunities you never knew existed with Army Career Match.
Career advancement opportunities
The Army’s unique point system gives you the opportunity to work your way towards a promotion. With numerous enlisted ranks, getting ahead is always in reach.
Junior enlisted Soldier
Learn and train in unique specialties while carrying out orders to contribute toward your team’s mission.
Private
Private (Pvt.) is the most junior rank whose main role is to carry out orders.
Private Second Class
Private second class (Pvt.) is the next rank and the first time an insignia is worn.
Private First Class
Private first class (Pfc.) is earned after four months as a Pvt. and 12 months of service.
Specialist
Specialist (Spc.) can manage enlisted Soldiers of lower ranks.
Non-Commissioned Officer
Train and oversee Soldiers in their daily tasks and help them develop the skills used in team missions.
Corporal
Corporal (Cpl.) serves as a team leader to small Army units and Soldier training.
Sergeant
Sergeant (Sgt.) has the most direct impact on Soldiers, overseeing their daily tasks.
Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant (Staff Sgt.) leads a squad and trains Soldiers in unit missions.
Senior Non-Commissioned Officers
As the expert in your field with more than 10 years of Army experience, you’ll help commissioned Officers advise on missions and policies.
Sergeant First Class
Sergeant first class (Sgt. 1st Class) helps the platoon leader train Soldiers.
Master Sergeant/First Sergeant
Master Sergeant (Master Sgt.)/First Sergeant (1st Sgt.) supports the commander and trains enlisted Soldiers.
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major (Sgt. Maj.) is an expert in their field, advises on policies, and assists Officers at the battalion level.
Command Sergeant Major
Command Sergeant Major (Command Sgt. Maj.) is a senior NCO of the command at the battalion level and above.
Sergeant Major of the Army
Sergeant Major of the Army (Sgt. Maj. of the Army) is a senior enlisted advisor and consults the Chief of Staff of the Army.
BECOME AN EXPERT IN YOUR FIELD AS A WARRANT OFFICER.
As an enlisted Soldier, you have endless opportunities to rise through the ranks and advance your career. If you want to become an expert in your field and a highly-respected leader, the Army Warrant Officer path could be right for you.
- Demonstrate expert technical skills
- Apply to Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) after two years of service
- Serve as an advisor on specialized and strategic missions as a Warrant Officer
See what it takes to join.
Take the Soldier Prep Quiz to find out how you can become part of the greatest team in the world.
Take the first step.
Find out more about becoming a Soldier and if a career in the Army is right for you.
Common questions about enlisted Soldiers.
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Can I become a commissioned Officer after I enlist in the Army?
Can I become a commissioned Officer after I enlist in the Army?
Yes. The Green to Gold program has four options designed to help enlisted Soldiers go to college, earn a degree while serving, and commission as Army Officers.
What’s the difference between a Warrant Officer and a commissioned Officer?
What’s the difference between a Warrant Officer and a commissioned Officer?
Commissioned Officers apply their advanced skills and knowledge to plan and lead missions, as well as train and mentor teams. Warrant Officers remain single-specialty Officers with career tracks that progress within their field, allowing them to serve as experts and advisors.
What happens after I join the Army?
What happens after I join the Army?
Once you’ve enlisted, you’ll join other Army Soldiers in the three phases of Basic Combat Training, which usually take about ten weeks depending on your chosen specialty. Once you complete Basic Combat Training, you’ll receive your assignment.
How do I know if I meet the requirements for the Army?
How do I know if I meet the requirements for the Army?
Every situation is unique, so it may help to reach out to a recruiter or read the requirements to join. But generally, if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and 17 to 32 years old with a high school diploma, you’re off to a great start.
Can I change jobs after I join?
Can I change jobs after I join?
Yes, you can work with an Army career counselor to pursue new jobs and promotional opportunities with a reclassification request.
Can I join the Army with my friends?
Can I join the Army with my friends?
Yes, you can join with up to four of your friends through the Buddy Team Enlistment Option. All friends will need to enlist on the same day and agree to the same Army job. Then, you’ll attend Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training together and be stationed together when you start your job.