What rank is this?!

[Abby K-9]

My boss at the Museum just forwarded this photo to me, which he received through Musnet.
Below is the text that was in the original Musnet message -

 

"Unusual stripe configuration:

Can anyone enlighten me as to the use (or validity) of this stripe
pattern shown in the attached photo? The photo dates from pre- to
early- WWII Probably not later than March 1943, and possibly as early as
1941."

[craig_pickrall]

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...p;hl=specialist

 

It is a pre and early WW2 Specialist chevron. Follow the link above and the first mention of these is post # 28. The rockers represent a higher paygrade than the PFC rank that he is. There were from 1 to 6 rockers. These were not an authorized insignia but were allowed. They were replaced by the T chevrons.

[capa]

A "Corporal-Captain"?

[ehrentitle]

I believe the QM Museum has examples of this rank in its collection. From Wikipedia: From 1920 to 1942 there was a rank designated "Private / Specialist" (or simply "Specialist") that was graded in 6 Classes (the lowest being 6th Class and the highest being 1st Class). They were considered the equal of a Private First Class (PFC) but drew additional Specialist pay in relationship to the specialist level possessed on top of their base PFC (Grade Six) pay. The classes only indicated experience, not seniority, and a Private / Specialist did not outrank a PFC.

[Abby K-9]

Thanks so much, both of you!

[ehrentitle]

Thanks so much, both of you!

 

No problem, it's been a while since you posted here. I do however keep up with the 10th Mtn Div and Fort Drum Facebook fan page. I just loved those Iraq cartoons from MSG Steve Opet.

[Abby K-9]

No problem, it's been a while since you posted here. I do however keep up with the 10th Mtn Div and Fort Drum Facebook fan page. I just loved those Iraq cartoons from MSG Steve Opet.

 

I've not had as much time to come here. Plus I haven't really bought anything new for my collection worth sharing.

[ehrentitle]

I've not had as much time to come here. Plus I haven't really bought anything new for my collection worth sharing.

 

You might consider starting a seperate tread on the Opet cartoons from Iraq, I'm sure there are lots of folks here who would be interested. Plus it's good advertisement for the museum Facebook page.

[Darktrooper]

Command Private Major

[tbirdismypride]

Hi guys,

I know about the usual ranks of course but this rank is something I personally have never seen before. Any ideas?

THanks

 

[Abby K-9]

You might consider starting a seperate tread on the Opet cartoons from Iraq, I'm sure there are lots of folks here who would be interested. Plus it's good advertisement for the museum Facebook page.

 

You're right. And I will.

[Jason G]

TBird, what you have is a "Private First Class, Specialist, 2nd Class". These were used from about 1920 until sometime in or around the very, very early WWII period. (Officially, 1942). Basically, a PFC with multiple levels of technical training/skills/knowledge. All of these guys that were left by WWII were 'converted' to 'hard stripe' rank that was commisserate with their experience & knowledge, when the army 'standardized' (in one of it's MANY attempts to do so) rank and grade structure.

 

Hope that helps!

[K-DOGG]

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...p;hl=specialist

 

It is a pre and early WW2 Specialist chevron. Follow the link above and the first mention of these is post # 28. The rockers represent a higher paygrade than the PFC rank that he is. There were from 1 to 6 rockers. These were not an authorized insignia but were allowed. They were replaced by the T chevrons.

You are correct sir.

[J_Andrews]

The pre-1942 PFC Specialists were PAID more, with each grade getting a "bump" up. A most-senior Specialist was called a "first and first". I knew a 1st and 1st who was the lead parachute rigger in the 501st Para Bn at Ft Benning in 1940-1941. He told me that with jump pay, he made more money than a Master Sgt, and lost money when he was converted to Tech 3 in early 1942. He also said that such "rocker-happy" chevrons were very common at Benning in those days.

[MPage]

I have a couple photos I wanted to share, of these chevrons being worn. This is a regular army unit, by the way:

 

[patches]

I have a couple photos I wanted to share, of these chevrons being worn. This is a regular army unit, by the way:

 

 

 

Looks like Troopers of the 1st Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Regiment that is.

[MPage]

Looks like Troopers of the 1st Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Regiment that is.

 

Right - I just mentioned that it's RA because someone said that these stripes often turn up in National Guard photos. I guess it was another thread.

 

Here's another in the same yard-long:

 

[patches]

The above photographs are also interesting in that we see Branch piping on the Garrison caps, Yellow, it has been always thought that Branch piping started to be worn in around late 1941-early 1942, but as these Troops are from the 7th Cavalry Brigade, these photos had to be taken before July 1940, after which the Brigade became the 1st Armored Division. Also of note is that they wear Collar discs on the cap rather than the familar wear of the DIs of the WWII period on.

[MPage]

National Guard artillery unit: