In the US Marine Corps Private First Class is the second lowest rank, just under
Lance Corporal and just above
Private, equivalent to NATO Grade OR-2. Originally, in the Army, no insignia identified holders of this rank, but in 1920 one chevron was established for it; then a rocker 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. Some new recruits may begin their military careers as a Private First Class if they meet certain criteria when they enlist. For example, a recruit may be promoted to this rank upon entering service, if they are able to assist their recruiters in enlisting others, can pass a knowledge test and a PT test prior to leaving for Basic Combat Training (BCT, or 'Boot Camp'), have earned 48 college credits, by serving two years in a JROTC program and are recommended by the senior instructor, or serving 1 year of Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (College ROTC). Also, if a recruit has earned the rank of Sergeant or above in the Young Marines the recruit will automatically rank up to a Private First Class. Lastly, attaining the Boy Scout rank of Eagle, or the Civil Air Patrol rank of cadet second lieutenant also helps with the automatic rank up.
