Is a first private the same as private?

Answer 1

I'll assume you're referring to the rank of Private First Class, as there is no "first private" rank. In the US Army, you have four lower enlisted ranks. These are ranks below a noncommissioned officer. They are Private (E1), Private (E2), Private First Class (E3), and Specialist (E4). A Private First Class does get paid more than an E1 or E2. Now, whether they actually have any seniority is dependent. You can enter the US Army as a Private First Class with three or more years of Junior ROTC. However, when you finish your Initial Entry Training, and report in to your unit, you're not going to be considered senior in any way over an E2 who has six months or more of service already.