The Pentagon is considering the idea of creating a new enlisted rank for the first time since 1958. The new rank (E-10) would be the highest, and would be held by Sergeants Major (or Navy E-9s) who work directly for generals and admirals at major commands. (Many assume that the senior enlisted member of each service is an E-10, a mistake that is repeated on many rank insignia charts. These five men are in fact E-9s who get a special extra payment of $400 per month.) The Pentagon currently has just over 10,000 9s, and about 3,000 of them would get the new rank if it is approved.--Stephen V Cole