korporaal

Korporaal is a military rank used in Dutch-speaking armed forces and other European services, equivalent to the English corporal. It is an entry-level non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank positioned above private and below sergeant in many units. A korporaal typically commands a small squad or fire team and serves as a link between the enlisted personnel and the non-commissioned or commissioned officers. Duties include leading soldiers in training, drills, guard duties, and patrols, ensuring discipline and readiness, maintaining equipment, and relaying orders. The rank often carries responsibilities such as administrative tasks, supervising discipline, and acting as a temporary unit leader when higher-ranking NCOs are absent.

The word korporaal is cognate with the English "corporal" and derives from the same root as the French "corporal," from Latin origins related to corpus (body).

Insignia vary by country and service, but the rank is commonly marked by a pair of chevrons worn on the upper arm or shoulder; some forces place the insignia on the collar or epaulettes. The exact design and colour depend on national tradition.

Korporaal originated in early modern European armies as a low-level NCO who assisted a sergeant and led a small group. In Dutch and Belgian forces today it remains the first NCO rank, forming part of the non-commissioned tier that bridges enlisted soldiers and commissioned officers. The term is widely used in Dutch- and other Germanic-language military circles, and in English-language contexts the equivalent term is corporal.