Talk:Gentleman ranker

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concept of a gentleman

A gentleman ranker makes sense in the context of the British Army. In the British class system, which was in full flower during the Victorian era to which the Kipling poem refers (Trooper of the Empress), one was born to the distinction of gentleman, one born other wise could not (in theory at least) attain the distinction.

This whole concept does not translate to the American Republic, where the term gentleman refers to an adult male who conducts himself with dignity, courtesy and honor, but says nothing about his birth. By this definition, many enlisted men are gentlemen, and some officers are not. So the concept of gentleman ranker does not apply in the US Army. It is not commonly used in American speech.

I dont edit Wiki articles, but I suggest somebody take out the part about enlisted men who have earned a degree while in the service, but have not obtained a commission. Going to night school while on active service does not automatically, or even frequently, turn a non-gentleman (by the American understanding of the term) into a gentleman. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.163.115.114 (talk) 21:42, 10 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]