Identification should include the following:
- 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.
- Grade 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 lowest or base rate of pay, and would be labeled as such across every U.S. military branch.
Process/Skill Questions:
- 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?