10. How do I get more rank before I go? Higher pay? Will I be treated differently as a higher ranking soldier?
The easiest way to get more rank is to have some college credits to your name. You could end up going in anywhere from a PV2 to a PFC. For example, 30 semester hours of any accredited college gets you E-2 (PV2); 60 gets you E-3 (PFC). If you have a four-year degree from an accredited college, you may even be able to come in as a SPC. There are also a variety of programs where you may earn rank through your recruiter. Those are worth checking out also. What does this mean to you in basic? For starters, you'll be getting paid more than the average recruit, plus you'll also have that head start to work your way up the promotion ladder. As far as how you'll be treated in basic, you'll be treated just like ANY OTHER private. Most training companies do not even allow you wear your rank until you graduate. You will have no special privileges or rights and please don't be expected to be addressed by your rank. You will be called a Private, plain and simple.
You many read more about rank here.
Programs avaible to you (ask your recruiter):
STRIPES FOR BUDDIES
The Stripes for Buddies Program is an excellent way to increase your rank. Individuals who enlist with less than 2 years of college will hold the rank of Private (E-1). A member who holds the rank of Private may bring one qualified individual who enlists and be advanced to Private (E-2). If that same individual is responsible for two or more individuals enlisting, he can be advanced to the rank of Private First Class (E-3).
