Corporal

Corporal

Corporal is the fourth enlisted rank in the Starfleet Marine Corps, ranking immediately above Lance Corporal and immediately below Sergeant. Corporal is the lowest grade of non-commissioned officer in the Marine Corps, though promotion to corporal traditionally confers a significant jump in authority and responsibility compared to promotion from private through lance corporal. Theoretically, Marine Corporals generally serve as "fire-team leaders," commanding a 4-man team or unit of similar size.

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 in infantry units. In support units, they direct the activities of junior Marines and provide technical supervision. Due to its emphasis on small-unit tactics, the Marine Corps usually places Corporals in billets where other services would normally have an E-5 or E-6 in authority. Similarly, the term "Strategic Corporal" refers to the special responsibilities conferred upon a Marine Corporal. Corporal is equivalent to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class.