Which ranks use shoulder boards?

• A. Privates through Sergeants
• B. Warrant Officers only
• C. Corporal through SGM of the Army and also the Officer ranks
• D. All enlisted personnel and officers

Answer: (C)

Shoulder boards are the insignia placement used on the Army’s dress and service uniforms to show rank on the shoulder. This display is used for the ranks from Corporal up through Sergeant Major, and it is also used for commissioned officers. Privates and Privates First Class don’t wear shoulder boards—their rank is shown by other insignia on collars or sleeves. Warrant Officers have their own distinct insignia, not described by this grouping. So the correct idea is that shoulder boards are used by enlisted personnel from Corporal through Sergeant Major and by the officer ranks.