The service papers of a man I am researching carry the following entries Classified 1 (ONE) Star Soldier wef 1/7/46 Reclassified Two Star wef 16/11/47 He was a signaler with the SEALF Signal Regiment and any explanation about the Star classifications would be appreciated.
Hi I'm not sure if this is applicable The most senior military ranks in all services are classified by a star system in many countries, ranging from one-star rank which typically corresponds to brigadier, brigadier general, Commodore or air commodore, to the most senior five-star ranks which include Admiral of the Fleet, Grand Admiral, Field Marshal, General of the Army and Marshal of the Air Force which typically only exist during large scale conflicts. David
Also The most junior ranks are classified by stars. A three-star private/gunner/trooper is one who is considered a fully trained soldier. Two-star privates/gunners/troopers are those who have completed basic training but have not yet completed other specialised training necessary for their roles. One-star privates do not exist: the lowest rank is recruit. Senior officers are classified as Brigadiers, Majors General and Lts General. David
I have a feeling its more to due with the training system, similar to the Irish Army. The Recruit Training Syllabus is designed to produce a physically fit, disciplined and motivated Two Star Infantry soldier with basic military skills. Recruit training is foundation military training. It is seventeen weeks in duration. It is followed by 3 Star training and at a later stage by Trained Soldier Specialist Training courses. - See more at: http://www.military.ie/en/careers/air-corps/recruits/training/#sthash.OmmXl9rZ.dpuf
If this is the answer, then it looks as if your man got his class one then went on to take the class two. After basic and trade training most Royal Signals tradesmen are posted to the Field Army as Class 3 trained soldiers in the rank of signaller. Communication Systems Engineers and Electronic Warfare Operators, however, leave training as lance corporals. After a year's experience all tradesmen become eligible for upgrading to Class 2 and a pay rise. Throughout their careers tradesmen attend further training courses (including upgrading to Class 1). Promotion is based on experience, ability and merit. Depending on their trade, upon reaching the rank of sergeant, soldiers may apply to join one of the supervisory rosters, which brings extra responsibility and qualifications. Alternatively, soldiers from any trade may choose to follow a career path at Regimental Duty, in which they specialise in delivering military training and, if successful, fill roles such as squadron sergeant major, regimental quartermaster sergeant (RQMS) and regimental sergeant major (RSM). Soldiers from any trade can volunteer for service with airborne forces or as a Special Forces Communicator, a small number may undertake All Arms Commando Course for service with 3 Commando Brigade. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Signals_trades
