A Private is also the lowest ranking soldier in the United States Army and Marine Corps. His pay grade is that of an E1 or E2, the difference being an E1 is that you are a fresh-outta-boot camp recruit, with no insignia. After about 4-6 months of service, you are automatically promoted to Private E2. You then wear a standard triangular stripe (chevron) on your uniform, making you a full Private.