# Master corporal > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Master_corporal > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Master_corporal.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_corporal > Source revision: 1351705260 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Military rank "MCpl" redirects here. For other uses, see [MCPL (disambiguation)](/source/MCPL_(disambiguation)). This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Master corporal" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (August 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) **Master corporal** (**MCpl**) ([French](/source/French_language): ***caporal-chef***) is a military rank used by a number of countries. ## Canada Master corporal Caporal-chef Country Canada Service branch Canadian Army Royal Canadian Air Force Abbreviation MCpl Cplc (in French) Rank group Junior ranks NATO rank code OR-4 Next higher rank Sergeant Next lower rank Corporal Equivalent ranks Master sailor In the [Canadian Armed Forces](/source/Canadian_Armed_Forces) the displayed rank of master corporal is an appointment that can be granted to [army](/source/Canadian_Army) and [air force](/source/Royal_Canadian_Air_Force) members of the rank of [corporal](/source/Corporal). Its [navy](/source/Royal_Canadian_Navy) equivalent is [master sailor](/source/Master_sailor) (MS) ([French](/source/French_language): *matelot-chef* or *matc*). According to the [Queen's Regulations and Orders](/source/Queen's_Regulations_and_Orders_for_the_Canadian_Forces):[1] 1. The [Chief of the Defence Staff](/source/Chief_of_the_Defence_Staff_(Canada)) or such officer as he may designate may appoint a corporal as a master corporal. 1. The rank of a master corporal remains that of corporal. 1. Master corporals have seniority among themselves in their order of seniority as corporals. 1. Master corporals have authority and powers of command over all other corporals. Master corporal, while formally an appointment, is treated as a *de facto* [non-commissioned member](/source/Non-commissioned_member) rank, and is often described as such, even in official documents. As mentioned above, the master corporal is senior to the corporal (and its naval counterpart, [sailor first class](/source/Sailor_first_class) (S1)). It is junior to the rank of [sergeant](/source/Sergeant) (Sgt) and its equivalent naval rank, [petty officer 2nd class](/source/Petty_officer_2nd_class) (PO2). Master corporals and master sailors along with corporals and sailors first class make up the cadre of [junior non-commissioned officers](/source/Non-commissioned_officer#Canada). The rank insignia of a master corporal is a two-bar chevron, worn point down, surmounted by a maple leaf. Embroidered rank badges are worn in "CF gold" thread on [rifle green](/source/Rifle_green) (army) melton, or in silver on [air force blue](/source/Air_Force_blue) (air force) melton, stitched to the upper sleeves of the service dress jacket; as miniature gold metal and rifle-green enamel badges on the collars of the army dress shirt and army outerwear jackets; in "pearl-grey" (silver) thread on air force blue slip-ons on air force shirts, sweaters, and coats;[2] and in white (army) or dark blue (air Force) thread on [CADPAT](/source/CADPAT) slip-ons on the operational dress uniform. Insignia for [mess uniform](/source/Mess_uniform) is determined by branch or regimental tradition. Master corporals normally [mess](/source/Mess) and billet with the [junior ranks](/source/Junior_ranks). Within most Canadian Army units, master corporals are commonly nicknamed "master jack" or "jack" by both superiors and subordinates. The nickname is derived from the former equivalent rank of lance corporal (still a rank in use with the [Royal Canadian Army Cadets](/source/Royal_Canadian_Army_Cadets)) or "lance jack". This is an informality and is used only within social context and never in formal proceedings. In general, only in closer working or socially comfortable units like rifle regiments or infantry units is this informal term commonly used. Master corporals are also frequently referred to as *chef* in Quebec, a reference to the French name of the rank, *caporal-chef*, which has also caused the term *chief* to be used by Quebec anglophone military members.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] ### History This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) The master corporal appointment came into existence after the [unification of the Canadian Forces](/source/Unification_of_the_Canadian_Forces) in 1968. A power vacuum was inadvertently created when private soldiers were promoted to the rank of corporal as an incentive for continuing in the Forces at a time when Unification was introduced by Defence Minister [Paul Hellyer](/source/Paul_Hellyer), who promoted all privates with requisite time in service to what was originally a leadership rank (corporal) in the army. Eventually, corporals who had passed the "B" phase of their leadership training took to wearing a crown over their chevrons, and this arrangement was eventually formalized by having a maple leaf replace the crown, and the new "'B' corporals", as they were known, became master corporals. ### Responsibilities This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) The rank, formally an appointment as a senior [corporal](/source/Corporal), gives the MCpl authority over all privates and corporals. As such, a MCpl is a first-level supervisor who is assessed on his/her ability to manage and develop subordinates. Given the structure of the Canadian [infantry](/source/Infantry) [platoon](/source/Platoon), the MCpl is roughly equivalent to the [British](/source/British_Army) rank of [corporal](/source/Corporal), second in command of an [infantry section](/source/Section_(military_unit)); because MCpls often command sections and occupy various NCO positions, and because trained leadership is retained at a lower level (section) than in other militaries, it is more realistic to equate MCpls with the [British](/source/British_Army), [Australian](/source/Australian_Army) and [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand_Army) rank of senior corporal and just under sergeant.[*[according to whom?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Words_to_watch#Unsupported_attributions)*] ### Requirements This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) The general requirements for appointment to master corporal include a Qualification Level 5 course (known as a journeyman course in some trades), a primary [leadership](/source/Leadership) qualification course (PLQ), and a time in the rank of corporal for a minimum of two years. For [combat arms](/source/Combat_arms) trades (except for the infantry), the Army Junior Leadership Course (AJLC) is also required. However, certain trades have their own particular qualifications in addition to the above. For example, [infantry](/source/Infantry) combines the Qualification Level 5B course, Qualification Level 6A, and Junior Leader's course in a single Infantry Section Commander's Course. In addition, to be appointed to master corporal an infantry soldier must have successfully completed a machine gunner's specialization course. Master corporals often serve as training non-commissioned officers for the purposes of training new soldiers, sailors and aviators. They are often a new recruit's first taste of military life. [3] ## French speaking nations ### France See also: [Ranks in the French Army](/source/Ranks_in_the_French_Army) and [Ranks in the French Air and Space Force](/source/Ranks_in_the_French_Air_and_Space_Force) OR-4 Army[4] Air force[5] Shoulder Camouflage French Caporal-chef de 1re classe Caporal-chef English translation Chief corporal first class Chief corporal ### Other nations See also: [Comparative army enlisted ranks of Francophone countries](/source/Comparative_army_enlisted_ranks_of_Francophone_countries) - *Caporal-chef* ([Arabic](/source/Arabic_language): عريف أول, [romanized](/source/Romanization_of_Arabic): *Earif 'awal*) ([Algerian Land Forces](/source/Algerian_Land_Forces))[6] - *Korporaal-chef* ([French](/source/French_language): *Caporal-chef*) ([Belgian Land Component](/source/Belgian_Land_Component))[7] - *Caporal-chef* ([Benin Army](/source/Benin_Armed_Forces))[8] - *Caporal-chef* ([Burkina Faso Ground Forces](/source/Burkina_Faso_Armed_Forces))[9] - *Caporal-chef* ([Kirundi](/source/Kirundi_language): *Kaporari shefu*) ([Burundi Army](/source/Burundi_Army))[10] - *Caporal-chef* ([Cameroon Ground Forces](/source/Cameroon_Armed_Forces)) - *Caporal-chef* ([Central African Ground Forces](/source/Central_African_Armed_Forces)) - *Caporal-chef* ([Comorian Army](/source/Comorian_Armed_Forces)) - *Caporal-chef* ([Congolese Ground Forces](/source/Armed_Forces_of_the_Republic_of_the_Congo))[11] - *Caporal-chef* ([Djiboutian Army](/source/Djiboutian_Army)) - *Caporal-chef* ([Gabonese Army](/source/Gabonese_Army))[12] - *Caporal-chef* ([Guinea Ground Forces](/source/Republic_of_Guinea_Armed_Forces)) - *Caporal-chef* ([Ivory Coast Ground Forces](/source/Armed_Forces_of_the_Republic_of_Ivory_Coast))[13] - *Caporal-chef* ([Madagascar Ground Forces](/source/Madagascar_People's_Armed_Forces))[14] - *Caporal-chef* ([Malian Army](/source/Malian_Army))[15] - *Caporal-chef* ([Royal Moroccan Army](/source/Royal_Moroccan_Army))[16] - *Caporal-chef* ([Niger Army](/source/Niger_Army))[17] - *Caporal-chef* ([Senegalese Army](/source/Armed_Forces_of_Senegal)) - *Caporal-chef* ([Togolese Army](/source/Togolese_Armed_Forces))[18] - *Caporal-chef* ([Arabic](/source/Arabic_language): رقيب أول, [romanized](/source/Romanization_of_Arabic): *Raqib 'awal*) ([Tunisian Army](/source/Tunisian_Army))[19] ## Indonesia The Master Corporal rank insignia of the [Indonesian Army](/source/Indonesian_Army) In the [Indonesian Military](/source/Indonesian_Armed_Forces), the rank "Master Corporal" is known as *Kopral Kepala* (Kopka). In [Indonesia](/source/Indonesia), "Corporal" has three levels, which are: [Second Corporal](/source/Second_Corporal), [First Corporal](/source/Corporal_first_class), and Master Corporal. ## See also - [Canadian Armed Forces ranks and insignia](/source/Canadian_Armed_Forces_ranks_and_insignia) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Defence, National (2014-08-08). ["QR&O: Volume I - Chapter 3 Rank, Seniority, Command and Precedence"](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/policies-standards/queens-regulations-orders/vol-1-administration/ch-3-rank-seniority-command-precedence.html). *www.canada.ca*. Retrieved 2021-08-16. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** "New Royal Canadian Air Force uniform unveiled." Archived 2014-09-24 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) *CTV Ottawa*1 April 2015. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/defence/2025/02/key-role-cflrs.html](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/defence/2025/02/key-role-cflrs.html) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-France_Army_4-0)** [*Instruction N° 10300/DEF/EMAT/LOG/ASH*](https://web.archive.org/web/20220612085956/https://rescue18.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/INSTRUCTION-N-10300_DEF_EMAT_LOG_ASH-DEF_DCCAT_LOG_REG.pdf) (PDF) (in French). Staff of the French Army. 13 June 2005. Archived from [the original](https://rescue18.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/INSTRUCTION-N-10300_DEF_EMAT_LOG_ASH-DEF_DCCAT_LOG_REG.pdf) (PDF) on 12 June 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-France_AirForce_5-0)** ["Les grades"](https://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/473665/7580470/file/Les_grades.pdf) (PDF). *defense.gouv.fr* (in French). Ministry of Armed Forces (France). Retrieved 4 June 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Algeria_6-0)** ["Ranks"](https://www.mdn.dz/site_principal/sommaire/presentation/armoiries_an.php). *mdn.dz*. [Ministry of National Defence (Algeria)](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ministry_of_National_Defence_(Algeria)&action=edit&redlink=1). Retrieved 30 May 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Belgium_Army_7-0)** ["IPR Landcomponent"](https://web.archive.org/web/20050217100130/http://www.mil.be/def/ranks/index.asp?LAN=nl&ID=1&IDS=1&IDT=3). *mil.be* (in Dutch). Archived from [the original](http://www.mil.be/def/ranks/index.asp?LAN=nl&ID=1&IDS=1&IDT=3) on 17 February 2005. Retrieved 25 November 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Benin_8-0)** ["LOI N° 2005-43 DU 26 JUIN 2006"](https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/94851/111467/F-404511779/BEN-94851.pdf) (PDF). *ilo.org* (in French). National Assembly (Benin). 26 June 2006. pp. 19–20, 35–36. Retrieved 13 June 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-BurkinaFaso1_9-0)** ["LOI N° 037-2016/AN PORTANT CONDITIONS D'AVANCEMENT DES PERSONNELS D'ACTIVE DES FORCES ARMEES NATIONALES"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210831104305/https://lavoixdujuristebf.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/loi_037_avancement_personnel_fan.pdf) (PDF) (in French). 2015. pp. 17–21. Archived from [the original](https://lavoixdujuristebf.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/loi_037_avancement_personnel_fan.pdf) (PDF) on 31 August 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Burundi_10-0)** ["Loi organique N°1/ 04 du 20 février 2017 portant Missions, Organisation, Composition, Instruction, Conditions de service et Fonctionnement de la Force de Défense Nationale du Burundi"](http://fdnb.bi/sites/default/files/loi-04-2017.pdf) (PDF). *fdnb.bi/* (in French). Government of Burundi. p. 45. Retrieved 27 June 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-RepublicoftheCongo_11-0)** ["Grades appellations distinctions"](https://defense.gouv.cg/gradesappellationsdistinctions/). *defense.gouv.cg* (in French). Ministry of National Defense (Republic of the Congo). Retrieved 7 June 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Gabon_12-0)** ["Nos Galons"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230830210233/https://defense-nationale.gouv.ga/930-ministere/1164-insignes-et-galons-des-forces-de-defense/1196-nos-galons/). *Ministère de la Défense nationale*. 20 August 2021. Archived from [the original](https://defense-nationale.gouv.ga/930-ministere/1164-insignes-et-galons-des-forces-de-defense/1196-nos-galons/) on 30 August 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2024. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-IvoryCoast_13-0)** ["GRADES / APPELLATIONS / DISTINCTIONS"](http://www.defense.gouv.ci/culture/grades). *defense.gouv.ci* (in French). Ministère de la Défense. Retrieved 23 September 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Madagascar_14-0)** ["LOI N° 96-029 portant Statut Général des Militaires"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210710195555/http://www.defense.gov.mg/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/LOI-96-029.pdf) (PDF). *United States Department of Defense* (in French). Ministry of Defence (Madagascar). 15 November 1996. p. 2. Archived from [the original](http://www.defense.gov.mg/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/LOI-96-029.pdf) (PDF) on July 10, 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Mali_15-0)** ["2011 - Plaquette sur les insignes et blasons des Forces Armées du Mali"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210121154146/http://www.memoriamali.com/webdossier/2011-parcours-historique-de-la-region-de-segou/) (in French). 23 April 2011. Archived from [the original](http://www.memoriamali.com/webdossier/2011-parcours-historique-de-la-region-de-segou/) on 21 January 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Morocco_16-0)** Ehrenreich, Frederich (1985). "National Security". In Nelson, Harold D. (ed.). [*Morocco: a country study*](https://archive.org/details/moroccocountryst00nels/page/350/mode/2up). Area Handbook (5th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American University. pp. 350–351. [LCCN](/source/LCCN_(identifier)) [85600265](https://lccn.loc.gov/85600265). Retrieved 16 September 2023. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Niger_17-0)** Bureau international des droits des enfants (December 2012). ["État des Lieux: Formation des forces de défense et de sécurité sur les droit de l'enfant au Niger"](http://www.ibcr.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/%C3%89tat-des-lieux-Niger.pdf) (PDF) (in French). p. 34. Retrieved 28 September 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Togo_18-0)** ["Journal officiel de la république togolaise"](http://jo.gouv.tg/sites/default/files/annee/2008/jo%202008-5.pdf) (PDF) (in French). 12 February 2008. Retrieved 16 June 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Tunisia_19-0)** ["Décret n° 72-380 du 6 décembre 1972, portant Statut particulier des militaires"](https://web.archive.org/web/20221222102428/https://legislation-securite.tn/law/40982). *legislation-securite.tn* (in French). Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance. 6 December 1972. Archived from [the original](https://legislation-securite.tn/law/40982) on 22 December 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2021. --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Master corporal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_corporal) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_corporal?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.