US Army
Private First Class insignia
(U.S. Army)
Private First Class insignia
(U.S. Marine Corps)
In the U.S. Army, Private First Class is the third lowest enlisted rank, just above Private and below Corporal or Specialist. Originally no insignia identified holders of this rank, but in 1920 one chevron was established for it; then an arc was placed below the chevron in 1968 at the same time one chevron was authorized for the lower rank of private, in order to distinguish the latter from the still lower rank of recruit.
Advancement to Private First Class is currently automatic after a minimum of 12 months time in service and 4 months as Private, but may be shortened to 6 months and 2 months, respectively, if given a waiver.
In the U.S. Marine Corps, Private First Class is the second lowest enlisted rank, just above Private and below Lance Corporal.
There is a joke, at least in the Marines, that the acronym of this rank could also stand for "Perfect For Cleaning".
Republic of Singapore
The rank of Private First Class (PFC) in the Singapore Armed Forces lies between the ranks of Private (PTE) and Lance-Corporal (LCP). It is usually held by conscript soldiers midway through their national service term. PFCs wear a rank insignia of a single chevron, point down.
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Last updated: 05-07-2005 12:50:05
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