US Army Ranks

US Army Ranks

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The United States Army is one of the six military branches in the United States and is responsible for defending vital national interests. The Army has a strict hierarchy of ranks that determines the position and responsibilities of soldiers. These ranks are used to maintain order and discipline in the Army and ensure that all soldiers understand their roles within a unit. The Army uses a system of rank insignia based on the soldier’s pay grade and, in some cases, their level of command.

The enlisted ranks make up 83% of the Army’s total strength, and soldiers are grouped into categories based on their experience and training. These categories include junior enlisted ranks, non-commissioned officer ranks, and senior enlisted ranks. The Sergeant Major of the Army is the most senior enlisted member, and it is a prestigious rank that requires extensive leadership and experience.

Field officers are in charge of higher-level units, such as battalions and brigades. They are also in charge of military strategy and operations. Field officers are distinguished by a silver star and eagle insignia on their shoulders.

Non-commissioned officers are in charge of lower-level troops, such as platoons and companies. They are also responsible for mentoring and training soldiers. Non-commissioned officers are grouped into different categories based on their experience and education.

US Army Ranks and Insignia

A working knowledge of army ranks is essential for all military members. Even though rank structure isn’t the same across all the U.S. service branches, pay grades are. This makes it easier for members of different branch to understand each other’s rank system.

The lowest rank is private, or PVT. This is the first step of non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank and the lowest a soldier can be before being promoted to specialist. Soldiers in this rank manage other lower-ranked enlisted soldiers. They are also responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of their troops.

Sergeants are the next rank, and they lead a team of six or more soldiers. They are responsible for their teams’ personal appearance, training, and daily tasks. They also set a standard for the rest of the NCO ranks to live up to.

NCOs in this rank are typically addressed by their first name only unless they are the commander of a unit. Senior NCOs have a unique relationship with their commanders, and they often share a mutual respect and confidence that isn’t found in any other rank.

Commissioned officers are managers who plan missions, give orders, and assign soldiers to different jobs. They are also responsible for operating federal government equipment and providing professional services for medical, legal, and other issues.

US Army Ranks and Insignia

Enlisted Ranks

  1. Private (PVT) – No insignia
  2. Private E-2 (PV2) – 2 chevrons
  3. Private First Class (PFC) – 3 chevrons
  4. Specialist (SPC) – 4 chevrons with a shield
  5. Corporal (CPL) – 2 chevrons with a crossed rifle
  6. Sergeant (SGT) – 3 chevrons with a crossed rifle
  7. Staff Sergeant (SSG) – 3 chevrons above 3 chevrons
  8. Sergeant First Class (SFC) – 3 chevrons above 2 chevrons with a pierced US
  9. Master Sergeant (MSG) – 3 chevrons above 3 chevrons with a star
  10. First Sergeant (1SG) – 3 chevrons above 3 chevrons with a diamond
  11. Sergeant Major (SGM) – 3 chevrons above 3 chevrons with a star inside a wreath
  12. Command Sergeant Major (CSM) – 3 chevrons above 3 chevrons with a star inside a wreath and a crossed sabers insignia
  13. Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) – Same as CSM, but with a unique insignia

Officer Ranks

  1. Second Lieutenant (2LT) – Gold bar
  2. First Lieutenant (1LT) – One gold bar
  3. Captain (CPT) – Two silver bars
  4. Major (MAJ) – Gold oak leaf
  5. Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) – Silver oak leaf
  6. Colonel (COL) – Silver eagle
  7. Brigadier General (BG) – One silver star
  8. Major General (MG) – Two silver stars
  9. Lieutenant General (LTG) – Three silver stars
  10. General (GEN) – Four silver stars
  11. General of the Army (GA) – Five silver stars (This is a wartime-only rank and has not been used since World War II.)

Warrant Officer Ranks

  1. Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) – Silver bar with a black square
  2. Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) – Silver bar with two black squares
  3. Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) – Silver bar with three black squares
  4. Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) – Silver bar with four black squares
  5. Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) – Silver bar with five black squares

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