Explain the philosophy and purpose behind military grades and ranks/rates.

Explanation should include that rate (used for the Navy and the Coast [enlisted personnel have rates and commissioned officers have ranks] Guard) or rank (used for all other branches)

• is a designation to determine level of authority
• is to be rendered appropriate respect/courtesy and distinction
• is displayed on the uniform and elsewhere.

Explanation should include that grade

• is a term used for determining pay categories across all branches of the uniformed services of the United States to govern wages, benefits, and entitlements based on the corresponding military rank
• is indicated by the numeral (1–9 with 9 being the highest rate of pay) after the rank/rate of E (enlisted personnel), W (warrant officers), or O (commissioned officers).

For example, the lowest enlisted personnel is E-1, enlisted at the base rate of pay, and would be labeled as such across every U.S. military branch.

Process/Skill Questions

• What is the function of pay grades?
• How do the levels of military ranks/rates differ? Explain.