In terms of resilience, strength, and skill, the US Marine Corps is celebrated as the most rigorous and accomplished branch of the US military. Successfully finishing the grueling 12-week basic training program and surviving the intense 54-hour field survival test does not ensure that recruits will attain the rank often seen as the service’s premier rank: lance corporal.
What does the rank mean?
The third military rank in the Marine Corps, lance corporal is a relatively common title among those who serve. Above private first class, but below corporal, it’s the highest rank a Marine can hold without being a non-commissioned officer. It’s given to those who demonstrate strong leadership abilities – in fact, the title itself translates to “leader.”
The rank is the amalgamation of two ancient military terms: “corporal,” which comes from the Italian phrase capo corporale (“head of the body”), and lancepesade (“broken lance” or “broken spear”). Together, it can be translated to mean “one who has broken a lance in combat.” An individual who holds this rank is, therefore, an accomplished warrior and military leader.
The title was first used in the US in 1802
In medieval Europe, the term described a small group of soldiers and is still used to denote leadership of smaller units. In the United States, the title of lance corporal was introduced as early as 1802 and officially recognized in 1821. By 1965, the US Army phased out the rank, merging its insignia into the private first class designation.
Meanwhile, the Marine Corps informally used the ranks of lance corporal and lance sergeant since the 1830s. By 1917, these ranks became increasingly redundant due to the introduction of a new rank: private first class. Although the rank of lance sergeant fell out of use, lance corporal continued to be used.
It wasn’t officially instated in the Marines until 1958
The lance corporal rank remained in the Marines into the 1930s, but was infrequently used until it was officially instated as a rank in 1958, following the Career Compensation Act of 1949. Today, it speaks to the storied and unique history of the Marine Corps, with those wearing the rank’s chevron with crossed rifles doing so with pride.
What does it take to become a lance corporal?
The title of lance corporal can be somewhat controversial among Marines. While many have earned the rank for being extraordinary leaders and accomplished warriors, others infamously involved themselves in all sorts of mischief. One who truly embodied what it means to be a lance corporal is Medal of Honor recipient, Kyle Carpenter.
Carpenter was serving overseas in Afghanistan in November 2010 when the enemy launched a daytime attack and began to throw hand grenades toward him and fellow Marine, Nick Eufrazio, who were both stationed on a rooftop security post. Without any regard for his own safety, Carpenter threw himself toward one, shielding his partner from the explosion.
Kyle Carpenter exemplified what it means to be a lance corporal
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Carpenter, who retired with the rank of corporal, suffered the brunt of the blast. He lost his right eye and most of his teeth in the explosion. His jaw and right arm were also shattered, and while he had to undergo dozens of surgeries, he survived his injuries.
In 2014, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his selfless service, becoming the eighth living recipient for service performed in Afghanistan. Like many lance corporals before him, his rank spoke to his legendary potential both on and off the battlefield – a trademark of true Marine Corps excellence.