Private First Class

In many armed forces in the world, Private First Class (PFC) is a military rank held by junior enlisted persons.

United States

In the United States military, recruits enter either the Marine Corps or the Army as pay grade E-1.

United States Marine Corps

In the United States Marine Corps, the rank of Private First Class is the second lowest, just under Lance Corporal and just above Private, equivalent to NATO Grade OR-2, being pay grade E-2. It was established in 1917 to match the newly created Army rank, although it is actually one grade lower.

United States Army

In the United States Army, Private First Class (PFC) is the third lowest enlisted rank, just above Private (PV2) and below Corporal (CPL) or Specialist (SPC). The lowest ranks are in order: Private E-1 (PVT); Private E-2 (PV2); Private First Class (PFC); and Corporal (CPL). PFC is equivalent to the NATO Grade OR-3, being pay grade E-3. Created during the World War I period, originally the Army had no insignia identifying a Private First Class, but in 1920 one chevron was established for this grade. In 1968, a rocker was placed below the chevron and the single chevron insignia was authorized for the lower rank of private. The single chevron distinguishes Private (E-2) from the still lower rank of Private (E-1). Advancement to the rank of Private First Class is currently automatic after a minimum of 6 months time in service.

See also

• U.S. Army enlisted rank insignia
• U.S. Marine Corps enlisted rank insignia
• Comparative military ranks
• United States Military Pay
• U.S. Uniformed Services Pay Grades

References

External links

• U.S. Army Enlisted Rank Insignia - Criteria, Background, and Images