Which pay grade corresponds to the rank Private/Seaman Recruit?

• A. E-1
• B. E-2
• C. E-3
• D. E-4

Answer: (A)

Entry-level enlisted pay grade is E-1, and Private in the Army or Seaman Recruit in the Navy both start at this lowest pay grade. This pay grade marks the beginning of the enlisted scale, with higher pay grades (E-2, E-3, etc.) representing promotion to more senior ranks. So the ranks named in the prompt map to the initial entry level, making E-1 the correct match.