Specialist ranks 1955-85

[Historiker]

Hey there collective wisdom,

 

After many months of hunting, I've finally completed my collection of display-quality cut edge E4-E9 specialist insignia. The plan is to frame them along with the relevant page from Uniforms of Seven Allies.

 

I've long been fascinated with the specialist ranks as they represent one of the final adaptations/evolutions of the technician grades. I've read CSM Elder's Short History of the Specialist Rank, and I have a pretty solid understanding of the history of how the rank was created and eventually thinned out.

 

Here's my question: I'm seeking more information on the sorts of occupations that were held by specialists during the time when the multiple specialist grades existed.  I've read a few of the examples out there: a cook could be a specialist, a photographer could be a specialist. I also get the impression that many of the roles were in medical fields.

 

Is there a list out there, or can anyone offer observations or experiences? I'd like to round of my knowledge of the rank as much as possible so as to not be ignorant of what I'm getting framed.

 

Thanks!

 

[Skysoldier80]

They had SF guys that were SP5-SP7 in Vietnam.  Typically every MOS has specialist ranks besides Tankers and Infantry at the beginning through 1985.  Recently the Army changed that you cannot make Corporal and instead stay as a specialist (E-4) until WLC (NCO School)

[Historiker]

17 hours ago, Skysoldier80 said:

They had SF guys that were SP5-SP7 in Vietnam.  Typically every MOS has specialist ranks besides Tankers and Infantry at the beginning through 1985.  Recently the Army changed that you cannot make Corporal and instead stay as a specialist (E-4) until WLC (NCO School)

 

Thanks for the info. It surprises me that infantry didn't have specialists just based on the number of soldiers.

[Rakkasan187]

There is some further information on the Specialist Ranks in William K. Emerson's Book "US Army Soldiers and Their Chevrons" 

 

"As part of the continual desire to distinguish between combat leaders and soldiers with administrative and technical skills, the army implemented specialists ranks in 1955. The army split the top four enlisted grades into non-commissioned officers and specialists. The first of the two divisions, NCOs continued to wear traditional chevrons of Vs and arcs, while the new category of specialists, senior enlisted personnel who performed technical or administrative duties and did "not exercise leadership", received new insignia.

 

"The 1954 rifle company had a total of 190 enlisted men. Before the introduction of specialist, the company had 99 NCOs (52%) while after the introduction of specialists, there were only 43 NCOs (23%). In the E-4 grade 53 became specialists while only three remained corporals-the assistant squad leaders in the weapons squad."  Emerson's book, mentioned above, page 322. 

 

"No one received a pay reduction upon conversion to a specialist and no privileges were lessened." 

 

The US Army NCO Museum archival photograph collection has numerous photos of the various Specialist ranks in use and wear. Many of the technical skills from Aviation, Signal, Finance, cooks, medical, Armed Forces Radio/Network DJs and other staff, and various other jobs are pictured within the photo archives.

 

One of the last Specialist 7s to retire was a Helicopter mechanic/crew chief at Fort McClellan, Alabama as told to me by a Sergeant Major that I worked with at the US Army Sergeant's Major Academy. The Crew Chief and the Sergeant Major had served together in the aviation branch of services early on in their careers. I can't recall when the SPC7 retired but it was in the late 90's I believe.

 

When I entered the Army and went to my first duty station with the 101st Airborne, our Mess Sergeant at 3rd Battalion 187th Infantry HHC was a SP7. A few weeks later when the "Super Specialist" ranks started to dissolve I saw him again in the Mess Hall, this time wearing MSG chevrons. 

 

If you don't have a copy of Emerson's book about Chevrons, it may be worthwhile to find one and pick it up.

 

Best regards, Happy New Year

 

Leigh