What Does POG Stand for in the Military?
The military is a vast and complex organization with its own set of acronyms, jargon, and terminology. One of the most commonly used and misunderstood terms is POG. But what does POG stand for in the military?
Direct Answer:
POG stands for Personnel Other than General. In the military, POG refers to any personnel who are not commissioned officers, such as enlisted personnel, warrant officers, or officers of lower ranks.
History of the Term:
The term POG originated in the United States military during World War II. At that time, the military was divided into two main categories: General Officers (GOs) and Personnel Other than General (POGs). General Officers were high-ranking officers, such as generals and admirals, while POGs were everyone else.
Types of POGs:
There are several types of POGs in the military, including:
• Enlisted Personnel: These are the rank-and-file soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who make up the bulk of the military. Enlisted personnel are responsible for carrying out the day-to-day tasks and duties of the military.
• Warrant Officers: Warrant officers are specialized officers who have expertise in a particular area, such as aviation, intelligence, or engineering. They are commissioned officers but are not considered general officers.
• Officer Candidates: Officer candidates are individuals who are in the process of becoming commissioned officers. They may be attending officer candidate school or serving as officer candidates in a unit.
POG Ranks:
POGs hold various ranks, including:
| Rank | Description |
|---|---|
| Private (E-1) | The lowest enlisted rank |
| Private First Class (E-2) | A higher enlisted rank than private |
| Specialist/Corporal (E-4) | A higher enlisted rank than private first class |
| Sergeant (E-5) | A senior enlisted rank |
| Staff Sergeant (E-6) | A higher enlisted rank than sergeant |
| Sergeant First Class (E-7) | A senior enlisted rank |
| Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) | Senior enlisted ranks |
| Sergeant Major (E-9) | The highest enlisted rank |
POG Benefits:
While POGs may not have the same level of authority as general officers, they still have many benefits, including:
• Better Pay and Benefits: POGs typically receive better pay and benefits than civilians, including access to medical and dental care, housing allowances, and education benefits.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: POGs have opportunities to advance in rank and take on leadership roles, which can lead to greater responsibility and recognition.
• Sense of Camaraderie: POGs often form strong bonds with their fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, which can lead to a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, POG stands for Personnel Other than General in the military. POGs are the backbone of the military, carrying out the day-to-day tasks and duties of the military. While they may not have the same level of authority as general officers, they still have many benefits and opportunities for career advancement.
