Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/14/2005

Question
I talked to my mom about it and she siad that He was a Spec 5.  Is that a  Staff Sergeant Specialist or something?

Answer
Dear Thomas --

In the "old" days, we had the technical specialist ranks (tech sergeants) and leadership ranks (standard sergeants).  Today they both follow the same track with the exception of E4.  To be a corporal, you must be in a leadership job.  Otherwise you are a specialist.  After that, all E5s are sergeants, E6s are staff sergeants, etc.

Your father was a Tech Sergeant E5 so he was the equivalent of a sergeant.  I am not sure the tech specialist 5 rank is available routinely these days.  You might have to go to a store that specializes in historic items.

Best of luck to you.