A few days ago
EngSupCo

What is the origin of the word “Private”, as in Private E-1 in the Army?

Whats the true meaning of the word, and is it ment as it sounds, seeing as how its the lowest rank.

Top 1 Answers
A few days ago
DanFein

Favorite Answer

The term dates from the Middle Ages, where privates were known as “private soldiers” (a term used well into the 20th century) who were either hired, conscripted, or feudalized into service by a nobleman forming an army. The usage of Private as a military rank dates from the 18th century, when the army of Napoleon Bonaparte first established the permanent rank of Soldat. They are sometimes known as ‘Recruits’.
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