Junior Enlisted are classified as E-1 through E3. They are Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors who are either in their first few years of enlistment, or people who achieved a higher rank, but through incompetence or illegal activity were busted down in rank as punishment.
Each branch does it their own way, but I can speak to the Air Force. If you have a pulse and know how to say yes sir you automatically go up in rank with time. Until you reach E-3. To get to E-4 (a Sargent of some sort in most branches) you must pass a test and be selected by a committee. It’s not difficult to do, but it’s really hard to do it your first time testing. So E-1 through 3 are considered junior because it’s assumed they don’t have much experience yet, and very little responsibility.
Junior Enlisted are classified as E-1 through E3. They are Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors who are either in their first few years of enlistment, or people who achieved a higher rank, but through incompetence or illegal activity were busted down in rank as punishment.
Each branch does it their own way, but I can speak to the Air Force. If you have a pulse and know how to say yes sir you automatically go up in rank with time. Until you reach E-3. To get to E-4 (a Sargent of some sort in most branches) you must pass a test and be selected by a committee. It’s not difficult to do, but it’s really hard to do it your first time testing. So E-1 through 3 are considered junior because it’s assumed they don’t have much experience yet, and very little responsibility.