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Corporal first class

Corporal first class is a military rank used by several armed forces, typically as a junior non-commissioned officer position above corporal and below sergeant equivalents. It appears in current structures in the armed forces of Singapore, Argentina, and Lebanon, and historically in Norway until 2023. In the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), it is the highest non-specialist enlistee rank, ranking above corporal (CPL) and below third sergeant (3SG) in the army's hierarchy. This position is typically the pinnacle for riflemen and other combat trades, emphasizing leadership at the individual level within a section or team. The rank is awarded to proficient corporals through recommendation to formation or division headquarters, recognizing competence in soldiering fundamentals, drills, and responsibilities. Holders often serve as second-in-command, supporting the commander in , , and operational tasks while mentoring enlistees. The features a single with a semi-circle bar above it, worn on the sleeve for personnel, distinguishing it from the corporal's single . Introduced as part of the SAF's structured system to foster among servicemen, the corporal first class role aligns with Singapore's conscription-based , where most personnel are full-time servicemen undergoing mandatory two-year service. Promotion typically occurs after demonstrating excellence in basic training and vocational roles, with salary increments reflecting increased duties, such as S$835 monthly for full-time servicemen as of 2025. This underscores the SAF's philosophy of "every soldier a leader," preparing enlistees for potential advancement into specialist or tracks.

Current usage

Singapore

The Corporal First Class (CFC) is the highest non-specialist rank attainable by enlistees in the (SAF), situated immediately above (CPL) in the hierarchy of non-commissioned personnel. This rank serves as a junior leadership position, typically assigned to experienced national servicemen who demonstrate strong performance in their roles. CFC personnel often act as section or in roles, where they lead small teams of 4-8 individuals, support section commanders in operations, supervise activities, and manage technical or combat-related tasks. These responsibilities emphasize building team cohesion and ensuring mission readiness in both combat and support capacities, particularly for enlistees with high evaluations. to CFC is merit-based and conferred upon who exhibit proficiency and competence, often following completion of vocational and programs, without automatic advancement. It requires a minimum period of service as a , generally aligned with performance assessments during tenure. The rank maintains a structure and authority across all branches, including the , , , and , ensuring consistent application in joint operations.

Argentina

In the Argentine Armed Forces, the rank of Cabo Primero, translated as First (equivalent to First Class in some contexts), serves as a senior enlisted position equivalent to OR-4 in the rank structure, positioned above Cabo () and below Sargento (). It remains active today. Branch-specific applications distinguish the role: in the , a Cabo Primero typically leads small detachments of 5-10 personnel in or support units, maintaining discipline and assisting officers during operations. In the , the rank supervises deck crews or technical teams aboard ships, ensuring operational readiness in maritime environments. The employs an aligned equivalent, integrating Cabo Primero personnel into ground support and aviation maintenance roles consistent with Army standards. Promotion to Cabo Primero is merit-based, requiring a minimum period of time-in-grade as , successful completion of training courses, and evaluation of service records through exams and seniority assessments. This progression positions the rank as a key stepping stone to subofficer (suboficial) levels, emphasizing in a .

Lebanon

In the , the Corporal First Class rank, known natively as "عريف أول" (ʿArīf Awwal), serves as an OR-4 equivalent under standards. It sits above the ("عريف", ʿArīf) and below the ("رقيب", Raqīb), forming part of a unified enlisted structure shared across the , , and branches since 's in 1943. This rank is primarily utilized in the for ground-based tasks, while equivalents apply for shipboard oversight and in the for supervision of technical maintenance teams; although remain consistent, uniforms vary by branch to reflect operational contexts. Corporals First Class are responsible for directing junior enlisted personnel during patrols, logistical operations, and equipment maintenance, frequently assuming roles amid Lebanon's persistent border security and internal stability challenges. Promotion to Corporal First Class demands at least one year of service as Corporal, alongside overall enlisted tenure of 2-4 years, completion of leadership courses at institutions like the Institute of Training of Enlisted Men, and positive performance evaluations; positions are capped at 25% of the total Corporal and Corporal First Class cadre, with many promotions drawn from extended conscripts or volunteers seeking professional enlistment. The rank originates from the French Mandate era (1920-1943), during which France organized the Troupes Spéciales du Levant with a structure influenced by its own military hierarchy; it persisted unaltered through the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) and post-war reforms, underscoring its role in maintaining cohesion within the multi-confessional force.

Historical usage

Norway

The rank of Korporal 1. klasse was introduced as part of a restructuring of the ' rank system to establish specialist roles aligned with the OR-4 code. This change aimed to modernize the enlisted structure by creating intermediate grades for technical and leadership development within the all-conscript force. Known natively as Korporal 1. klasse, the rank was positioned above and below Sersjant in the hierarchy, with branch equivalents including Ledende konstabel and Seniorspesialist in the . It was primarily utilized in the to designate experienced enlisted personnel in specialist capacities. During its existence, the rank was part of the specialistbefal system for technical roles. Promotion to Korporal 1. klasse required demonstrated technical proficiency. The rank has been abolished, with its functions integrated into the standard grade as of the latest rank structure (2025), as part of simplification efforts in Norway's conscript-based military. Insignia for the rank featured an added to the standard corporal design, as detailed in the insignia section.

Rank insignia

Singapore Armed Forces

The Corporal First Class (CFC) insignia in the features two downward-pointing chevrons with an arched bar above them for distinction from the standard . This design was standardized across all branches following the reintroduction of the . The original 1988 design consisted of two downward-pointing chevrons with a central . During the 1990s phase-out of the , personnel temporarily used standard (CPL) insignia, with reintroduction in aligning the design with NATO-style clarity by adding the arched bar. Current variations maintain the core design but are worn on uniforms with branch-specific patterns, such as for the , for the and , and a digital pattern for the (). Subtle differences exist in color tones and fabrics, such as embroidered patches for dress uniforms (No. 1 to No. 3 series) and metal pins for combat uniforms (No. 4 series), though these do not affect the rank's authority. Insignia placement varies by uniform type: on shoulders for formal dress (No. 1 and No. 2), sleeves for working dress (No. 3), and chest straps for the camouflage No. 4 combat uniform. These elements ensure visibility and uniformity across the tri-service structure.

Argentine Armed Forces

In the Argentine Army, the Cabo Primero rank insignia consists of two upward chevrons with an arc above them, worn on the sleeves for field uniforms. The Argentine Navy version features similar two chevrons with an anchor motif. Rank insignia are typically rendered as metal pins for parade uniforms and embroidered patches for combat attire, occasionally including "CP" abbreviations in formal contexts. The higher "Cabo Principal" variation adds a rocker below the chevrons to denote progression in the rank structure.

Lebanese Armed Forces

In the , the rank insignia for Corporal First Class (Arabic: رقيب أول, Raqīb Awwal) follows a rooted in colonial traditions, featuring two upward-pointing chevrons as the core element to denote status. For the , the standard consists of these two chevrons positioned above a pair of crossed rifles, symbolizing ground combat proficiency, all set against a background to match field uniforms. The variant replaces the crossed rifles with an to reflect duties, while the uses wings in place of rifles to emphasize aerial operations; both maintain the two-chevron structure for consistency across branches. These are worn on epaulets across all types, ensuring visibility during both routine and operational duties. uniforms employ thread for a formal appearance, whereas combat variants use subdued colors and materials like olive drab thread to reduce visibility in tactical environments. The design draws directly from the French Mandate era (1920–1945), where local units like the Troupes Spéciales adopted rank patterns to structure colonial forces. No significant redesigns have occurred since, preserving the rifle motif in the Army for its emphasis on roles and analogous adaptations in other branches. Embroidered fabric remains the standard material for everyday wear, providing durability and ease of attachment to epaulets, while metal pins or badges are reserved for ceremonial occasions to enhance prestige.

Norwegian Armed Forces

The rank of Korporal 1. klasse was adopted in the Norwegian Armed Forces in 2015 as part of a structural reform to establish a specialist officer corps, visually distinguishing personnel with specialized skills from standard corporals. This OR-4 rank corresponded to NATO standards and was used across branches until its abolition in 2023, when it was merged into the base korporal rank, reverting to a plain chevron insignia to streamline the enlisted structure. The design featured a single upward-pointing with an added or positioned above it, creating a simple yet distinct marker for seniority within the level. In the , the primary branch for this , the appeared on a background; the Navy equivalent, Ledende konstabel, used a background; and the Air Force variant, Seniorspesialist, employed a background to align with branch-specific elements while maintaining overall cohesion. Branch variations were minimal, emphasizing unity across services, with the version occasionally including an optional crossed rifle symbol below the for specialists. Insignia were placed on the sleeve or shoulder of camouflage uniforms, with embroidered patches for field operations and polished metal pins for dress uniforms to ensure practicality in varied environments. Materials adhered to standards, incorporating subdued, non-reflective colors and durable fabrics optimized for conditions, such as low-light visibility and resistance to extreme cold.

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