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Private first class (PFC) is a military rank held by junior enlisted persons.

  Singapore

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.

  United States

  United States Army

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, or for those who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts or have been awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award in the Girl Scouts of America, are entitled to enlist at this rank. 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 whom 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.

  United States Marine Corps

  Private first class insignia (U.S. 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.^[2] Enlistees that complete USMC boot camp and had obtained the rank of Young Marine Sergeant or above in the Young Marines will graduate from USMC boot camp with the rank of PFC.

  Vietnam

In the Vietnam People's Army, private first class (binh nhất) is the highest junior enlisted rank. Private first class is below corporal and above private second class.

  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

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