Private first class (PFC) is a military rank held by junior enlisted persons.
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The rank of private first class in the Singapore Armed Forces lies between the ranks of private (PTE) and lance-corporal (LCP).[1] It is usually held by conscript soldiers midway through their national service term. Privates first class wear a rank insignia consisting of a single chevron pointing down.
In the United States Army, recruits usually enter the army as private in pay grade E-1. Private (E-2), designated by a single chevron is typically an automatic promotion after six months of service. Private first class (E-3), equivalent to NATO grade OR-3, is designated by a single chevron and a rocker stripe and is more common among soldiers who have served in the U.S. Army for one year or more. Soldiers with prior military training such as JROTC, Sea Scouting or similar program, or who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts or have achieved an associate degree or its equivalent are entitled to enter the army at this pay grade. Advancement from private first class is typically to specialist, although occasionally it may be to corporal.
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.[2]
In the Vietnam People's Army, private first class (binh nhất) is the highest enlisted rank. Private first class is below corporal and above private second class.