The topic of this essay is the difference between a United States marine corps Sergeant and a United States marine corps Corporal. It is important to understand the differences; because of the different responsibilities that each rank is assigned. Also along with the differences between the rank of a Marine Corporal and a Marine Sergeant there are also similarities that both non-commissioned officer ranks share. My goal with this essay is to better understand both of the differences and similarities between Marine Corporals and Marine Sergeants.
Corporal is the lowest grade of non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Promotion to Corporal traditionally ensues a large jump in authority and responsibility compared to promotion from a Private through a Lance Corporal. Marine Corps Corporals are supposed to serve as fire team leaders commanding a 4 man team but in practice, however, the billet of fire team leader is generally held by a Lance Corporal, while Corporals serve in the squad leader billet that would normally be held by a Sergeant. Marine Corporals direct the activities of junior Marines and provide technical supervision. Because of its emphasis on small-unit tactics, the Marine Corps usually places Corporals in billets where other services would normally have a Sergeant or higher in charge.
A Marine Corporal will always be directly responsible for the marines under his charge. He is the link between his marines and the higher chain of command. He is directly looked at as a source of what to do and his actions are emulated by his subordinates. Whether the Marine Corporal is a team leader or a squad leader he is counted on by his chain of command on sides, subordinates and commanders. Marine Sergeants can not be team leaders.
The rank of Sergeant is the oldest rank in the Marine Corps and is the highest grade of non-commissioned officer before becoming staff non-commissioned officer. Once a Marine reaches Sergeant, their promotion no longer...