PVT

Military abbreviation · US Army Rank

PVT stands for Private (US Army), a US Army rank abbreviation.

Lowest enlisted rank in the US Army, pay grade E-1, held by new recruits during and shortly after basic combat training. A PVT wears no rank insignia, earning the nickname "slick sleeve," and is normally promoted to PV2 automatically after six months of service.

Example: PVT Ramirez reported to the reception battalion at Fort Jackson on Monday morning.

Usage notes

Army regulations abbreviate the E-1 grade as PVT, but soldiers often write PV1 to separate it from PV2; both carry the title Private. Recruits with college credits, JROTC experience or certain other qualifications can enlist above E-1. AP style writes Pvt. before a name, and the Marine Corps uses Pvt for its own E-1.

Related abbreviations

More US Army rank abbreviations

• LTG – Lieutenant General (US Army)
• MAJ – Major (US Army)
• MG – Major General (US Army)
• MSG – Master Sergeant
• PFC – Private First Class (US Army)
• PV2 – Private (E-2)
• SFC – Sergeant First Class
• SGM – Sergeant Major
• SGT – Sergeant (US Army)
• SMA – Sergeant Major of the Army
• SP4 – Specialist 4
• SP5 – Specialist 5

See all 34 US Army rank abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.