Is Lance Corporal Really The Best Rank In The US Marine Corps?

Photo Credit: 1. Cpl. Demetrius Morgan / US Marine Corps / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain 2. Ipankonin / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Photo Credit: 1. Cpl. Demetrius Morgan / US Marine Corps / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain 2. Ipankonin / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

In terms of resilience, power, and expertise, the US Marine Corps is renown as the most rigorous and accomplished division within the US military. Simply completing the demanding 12-week basic training regimen and enduring the challenging 54-hour field survival test does not guarantee recruits of achieving the rank often hailed as the service’s top 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.

US Marine using a rope to cross a canyon
US Marines from the 1st Marine Division during a one-rope bridge crossing exercise. (Photo Credit: Robert Nickelsberg / Getty Images)

The title was first used in the US in 1802

Lance corporal Arnold Ridley's military portrait.
Actor Arnold Ridley was a Lance Corporal in the First World War. (Photo Credits: Mirrorpix / Getty Images).

In medieval Europe, the term referred to a small unit of soldiers and is still used to designate leadership of smaller units. In the United States, the title of lance corporal was used as early as 1802 and was officially recognized in 1821. By 1965, the US Army retired the rank and the insignia was amalgamated into the private first class designation.

Alternatively, the ranks of lance corporal and lance sergeant were used informally by the Marine Corps since the 1830s. By 1917, the ranks had become increasingly redundant, thanks to a new rank: private first class. While lance sergeant fell out of use, lance corporal continued to be.

It wasn’t officially instated in the Marines until 1958

US Marine Corps lance corporal speaking to two women and one man
US Marine Corps lance corporal addresses guests during the Evening Parade reception at the Home of the Commandants in Washington, DC. (Photo Credit: Adrian R. Rowan / U.S. Marine Corps / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

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.

President Barack Obama placing the Medal of Honor around Kyle Carpenter's neck
Cpl. Kyle Carpenter receives the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama, 2014. (Photo Credit: The Whitehouse / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

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 

Kyle Carpenter appearing on the Late Show with David Letterman.
Marine Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter appearing on the CBS Late Show with David Letterman. (Photo Credits: John Paul Filo / CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images).

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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.

Elisabeth Edwards

Elisabeth Edwards is a public historian and history content writer. After completing her Master’s in Public History at Western University in Ontario, Canada Elisabeth has shared her passion for history as a researcher, interpreter, and volunteer at local heritage organizations.

She also helps make history fun and accessible with her podcast The Digital Dust Podcast, which covers topics on everything from art history to grad school.

In her spare time, you can find her camping, hiking, and exploring new places. Elisabeth is especially thrilled to share a love of history with readers who enjoy learning something new every day!

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