Spec 5 Rank

**zeke1312** · 07-19-2009 07:18 AM

In the early 1960s, one of the several "Specialist" was Spec 5. The term "Spec 5" was most often used when referring to the subject. Another and less or not expressed term today was "Speedy 5". Note that any Spec rank were called with same Spec/Speedy label. My question is, the term "Speedy (x) where x is the rank number,ever heard of or used today? Oh, I used Spec 5 as an example of my rank during my 1960 thru 1966 enlistment.

**Armyforums** · 07-19-2009 07:18 AM

**CWO Sharkey** · 07-19-2009 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by zeke1312

In the early 1960s, one of the several "Specialist" was Spec 5. The term "Spec 5" was most often used when referring to the subject. Another and less or not expressed term today was "Speedy 5". Note that any Spec rank were called with same Spec/Speedy label. My question is, the term "Speedy (x) where x is the rank number,ever heard of or used today? Oh, I used Spec 5 as an example of my rank during my 1960 thru 1966 enlistment.

You sure are a dinosaur. Spec 5 went out in the 80s so many of the soldiers serving dont understand the term. Its just specialist now and days (e-4) and we do have the E-4 Mafia.

take care zeke.

**zeke1312** · 07-19-2009 08:51 AM

Thanks for the reply WOx. You bet, OAD here! Guess I'm trying to find anyone who remembers Spec's being called "speedy" x, x being the rank such as "Speedy 5". Anyhow, that's how I remember it. I was in the Nike Missile program. Now I remember it as good duty! Oh, by the way, does anyone remember "pro pay"? Does it still exist?

**MPclk2006** · 07-19-2009 02:05 PM

"pro pay"?? I think even the old timers here are what you would call young'ens (spelling?)...

**zeke1312** · 07-19-2009 07:28 PM

OK, "pro pay" means proficiency pay. Based on a scale of P1, P2, P3 an extra (as I remember it) $50/75/100 was added to monthly pay. The pro pay tests were given each year in the MOS field, (usually tech type) a person was in to test your technical skills. I assume there is sum such thing now?

**CWO Sharkey** · 07-20-2009 12:57 AM

Originally Posted by zeke1312

OK, "pro pay" means proficiency pay. Based on a scale of P1, P2, P3 an extra (as I remember it) $50/75/100 was added to monthly pay. The pro pay tests were given each year in the MOS field, (usually tech type) a person was in to test your technical skills. I assume there is sum such thing now?

Zeke,

The days of once a month you getting paid is almost non-existent. A few old timers still have that but you get paid twice on month. (the 15th and End of Month).

Today the only extra pays you can get is if you have a special language (arabic) or jump pay. You dont get extra pay based on levels of proficiency on your job. You want more pay; become a warrant like me (where your base pay initially can range from 3900-5000 a month based on years of service plus allowances) and become a technical expert lol.

**MPclk2006** · 07-20-2009 04:26 AM

Originally Posted by warrantofficerlq

Zeke,

The days of once a month you getting paid is almost non-existent. A few old timers still have that but you get paid twice on month. (the 15th and End of Month).

Today the only extra pays you can get is if you have a special language (arabic) or jump pay. You dont get extra pay based on levels of proficiency on your job. You want more pay; become a warrant like me (where your base pay initially can range from 3900-5000 a month based on years of service plus allowances) and become a technical expert lol.

I was actually thinking of putting together by Warrant packet right before I got selected for Recruiter, now I want to get back into my field for a while then drop it.

**CWO Sharkey** · 07-20-2009 05:04 AM

Originally Posted by MPclk2006

I was actually thinking of putting together by Warrant packet right before I got selected for Recruiter, now I want to get back into my field for a while then drop it.

MP if you got that in your sight picture; I suggest getting your packet started now. Dont wait. Let the board disqualify you. You dont disqualify yourself. You never will meet a warrant that regretted becoming one.

**Master Tanker** · 07-20-2009 07:15 AM

Can't answer all the pay stuff, but when I was active we didn't only have 'Spek Fives' also sixes and sevens. The highest I remember seeing was a seven. She had 3 bows above, probably was medical. Rumor had it that there were also eights and nines. But the sixes were already very rare folks. Never heard the term 'speedy'. Spek is shorter and more convenient. The idea wasn't actually so bad, thinking about it. We had many chiefs in the cold war. Everyone wanted to be somebody. So the idea was to give high rated TRUE 'Specialists' a rank/pay insignia w/o giving them the leadership authority and everyone was happy.

**CWO Sharkey** · 07-20-2009 07:23 AM

Originally Posted by Master Tanker

Can't answer all the pay stuff, but when I was active we didn't only have 'Spek Fives' also sixes and sevens. The highest I remember seeing was a seven. She had 3 bows above, probably was medical. Rumor had it that there were also eights and nines. But the sixes were already very rare folks. Never heard the term 'speedy'. Spek is shorter and more convenient. The idea wasn't actually so bad, thinking about it. We had many chiefs in the cold war. Everyone wanted to be somebody. So the idea was to give high rated TRUE 'Specialists' a rank/pay insignia w/o giving them the leadership authority and everyone was happy.

Wikipedia surprisingly gives an excellent history on this. click the link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specialist_(rank)

http://www.scribd.com/doc/3352691/Sh...pecialist-Rank

http://www.ncohistory.com/files/shsr.pdf

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