E4’s are unique in that they have often been at the same unit together for 3–4 years. NCO’s are often transferred to a new unit when they make SGT, and Privates are newer. This means that the ‘core’ of the unit is comprised of E4’s. The E4 “mafia” is a slang term for those in the rank of E4, also known as Specialist.

What is the Army mafia?

All branches of the military have some form of the E-4 Mafia. In the Army and Air Force it is the E-4 Mafia. Easy. In the Marine Corps, it is sometimes known as the Lance Corporal Underground.

Are corporals in the E4 Mafia?

In practice, however, much of the work is delegated down to the lowest level. This is where the specialists, senior airmen, seamen, and lance corporals come in. … This is called the E-4 Mafia or Lance Corporal Underground.