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Lance Corporal
From ARRSEpedia
A rank up from Private. Can be found commanding a Fire Team in an infantry section and doing the bulk of section level admin.
The junior of the two grades of JNCO The Legions had 'em. They were known as "Immunes" - because they were spared the drudgery of fatigues. Today they're referred to generally as 'Lance Jacks'.
The, "Lance", part is supposed to be derived from an Italian phrase, "lancia spezzata", which refers to someone who has had his spear broken in battle - i.e. a soldier of some experience.
How it came to the British Army (and USMC), I have no idea.
| Officers: Second Lieutenant | Lieutenant | Captain | Major | Lieutenant Colonel | Colonel | Brigadier | Major General | Lieutenant General | General | Field Marshal |
| Non-commissioned: Private | Lance Corporal | Corporal | Sergeant | Staff Sergeant | Warrant Officer Class 2 | Warrant Officer Class 1 |


