Hi all, I have been wondering which forum to post this, but after looking at this forum it would seem the nearest to it that does have "non-Thailand" topics in it.

My question is this, and nobody I ask has a clue to what the answer is.

Why is it that the lowest ranking serving men in the forces are called "Privates"

Their lives are anything BUT private, and I cannot think of a worse job description.

I know that a lot of TV members are ex-forces so can you enlighten me so I can tell my freinds. Even my Dad does not know and he was a privte before being promoted.

Mods- if I have posted this in the wrong forum I appoligise, feel free to move it

TP

Mods- if I have posted this in the wrong forum I appoligise, feel free to move it

I'll pop it into HKK as the subject isnt directly Thailand related.

Private (rank)

A Private is a military soldier of the lowest military rank. The term dates from the Middle Ages where Privates were known as "Private Soldiers" who were either hired, conscripted, or feudalized into service by a nobleman forming an Army.

The usage of Private as a military rank dates from the 18th century, when the Army of Napoleon Bonaparte first established the permanent rank of Private.

United States

Private insignia

(U.S. Army)

In the U.S. Army, Private refers to the two lowest enlisted ranks, just below Private First Class. The lowest rank (officially known as Private E-1 and sometimes referred to as recruit) wears no uniform insignia, while the second (Private E-2) wears the insignia shown here.

Advancement to the higher version of private (with insignia) is currently automatic after six months time in service, but may get shortened to four months if given a waiver (but an automatic pay raise takes effect after four months of service, even absent advancement to Private E-2, meaning that the rank of Private E-1 has two separate pay grades).

In the U.S. Marine Corps, Private refers to the lowest Marine Corps enlisted rank, just below Private First Class. A Marine Corps private wears no uniform insignia.

Explorer

I'll never forget an old Spike Milligan line.."Whats your name soldier?" "Parts sir, Private Parts"

Thanks Explorer,

Your explanation has been helpful

TP

Always thought Private was derived from Priviliged meaning it was a privilige to be used as cannon fodder and shot to pieces for god, country etc.

I'll never forget an old Spike Milligan line.."Whats your name soldier?" "Parts sir, Private Parts"

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

... and Dad's Army: "What's your name?". "Don't tell him, Pike!".

I'll never forget an old Spike Milligan line.."Whats your name soldier?" "Parts sir, Private Parts"

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

... and Dad's Army: "What's your name?". "Don't tell him, Pike!".

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you stupid boy

I'll never forget an old Spike Milligan line.."Whats your name soldier?" "Parts sir, Private Parts"

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

...or this great one liner from SM...

"How long was I in the army? Five foot eleven."