The phrase "enlisted persons" refers to individuals who have joined the military as non-officers. It is pronounced as [ɪnˈlɪstɪd ˈpɜrsənz], with the stress on the second syllable of "enlisted" and the first syllable of "persons". The word "enlisted" is derived from the verb "to enlist", which means to sign up for military service. The pronunciation of "persons" is straightforward, with the stress on the first syllable. Together, "enlisted persons" is a commonly-used term in the military referring to the majority of servicemen and women.
Enlisted persons refer to individuals who have joined the armed forces or other military organizations under a contract or agreement. They make up the military's enlisted ranks, which are comprised of non-commissioned officers and enlisted service members.
Enlisted persons play a crucial role in the military by carrying out essential tasks and duties that support the overall mission and operations of the armed forces. They receive specialized training to develop the necessary skills and knowledge required for their specific roles. Enlisted ranks are structured hierarchically, with each rank denoting increasing levels of responsibility and leadership.
Enlisted persons perform a wide range of duties depending on their assigned military occupational specialties (MOS) or job roles, which can vary significantly across different branches of the military. These duties may encompass combat, logistics, maintenance, administration, communication, medical support, and more. Enlisted persons work closely with commissioned officers and warrant officers, who provide leadership, command, and specialized expertise.
Enlisted persons are subject to military discipline and adhere to the military's code of conduct and regulations. They may be deployed to operational areas, engaged in combat situations, or stationed at various military installations or bases. The duration of their service depends on the terms of their enlistment contracts, which generally range from a few years to several decades. Enlisted persons often benefit from educational and career advancement opportunities during their service, including options for promotion, specialized training, and assistance in transitioning to civilian life after their military service has ended.
The word "enlisted" is derived from the verb "enlist", which in turn is composed of the prefix "en-" and the base word "list". The prefix "en-" indicates a forming or putting into a specific state, while "list" refers to a register or record. Therefore, "enlist" originally meant to place or register someone into a list or roster.
The term "enlisted persons" specifically refers to those who have volunteered or signed up to serve in the armed forces. It commonly includes individuals who have joined the military and are not commissioned officers. The etymology of "persons" derives from the Latin word "persona", meaning "an individual". It eventually entered Old French as "personne", and was ultimately adopted into Middle English as "person". In contemporary usage, "persons" is primarily used to refer to individuals, particularly when emphasizing legal or administrative contexts.