There is no Specialist Eighth Class in the US Army or Marines. Most specialist ranks were phased out in the 1980's. Specialist Fourth Class (Spec 4), paygrade E-4 is still awarded in the US Army for some MOS's.
This may have changed, however when I served.... E1 to E2 was six months time in service. E2 to E3 was one year time is service, six months time in grade. E3 to E4/SP4 was eighteen months time is...
In the U.S. Army, the rank below Sergeant is either Corporal or Specialist. Corporals have leadership responsibilities, and specialists have skill responsibilities with fewer leadership tasks.In the...