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

Explanation should include that rate (used for Navy) 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 numerals (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).

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

Process/Skill Questions:

• What is the role of the noncommissioned officer (NCO)?
• What are the five purposes of NCOs?
• Who was Major General Lejeune and what were his precepts defining the relationship that exists between Marine officers and the enlisted?
• What is the role of officers for the Marine Corps and the MCJROTC?
• Why does the military have ranks/rates?
• How does rank relate to responsibility?
• What does grade mean in the military?
• What is the difference between grade and rank/rate?
• What is the rank associated with a pay grade of E-4?