The United States military has numerous ranks, with opportunities for advancement based on factors such as years of service, promotions, and education. Commissioned officers hold higher ranks and have a bachelor’s degree and leadership training. Non-commissioned officers may have specialized knowledge and can command soldiers. The highest rank is Army general, and the lowest is Private E-1. Warrant officers have specialized knowledge and may hold equivalent ranks to commissioned officers. Non-commissioned ranks range from Army sergeant major to Private E-1.
In the United States, ranks in the military are numerous and where one is ranked can depend on a variety of factors. Those who join the military when they are 18 and have no officer training start out with little opportunity to command others. In fact, the first of the ranks is Private E-1, usually awarded to those in basic training.
Army ranks may also depend on years of service, promotions, overtime service, and continuing education. These ranks establish a chain of command and serve as a pay scale. The highest rank, army general, was held by few people and was a vacancy for numerous years.
Additionally, there is distinction in Army ranks between commissioned officer and non-commissioned officer ranks. While many NCOs, called NCOs, as well as enlisted soldiers may be in control of other soldiers, NCOs hold the lead. You can become an Army officer in four ways: through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), Officer Candidate School (OCS), the United States Military Academy at West Point, or an adult officer training program than having previously obtained a university degree. The most fundamental difference with a commissioned officer is that he holds a bachelor’s degree and undergoes additional leadership training. Generally, a commissioned officer is appointed and recognized by the United States Senate. Positions such as general, colonel and captain have all been commissioned.
A subset of ranks in the military are those given to warrant officers. Non-commissioned officers tend to have specialized knowledge, both from Army training and college education in certain fields. They may be expert scientists or have special knowledge in a rare field. Those in a lower rank may command, and are often considered equivalent to many of the Army’s lower ranks of commissioned officer. However, the only time a marshal is appointed is if he becomes Chief Warrant Officer.
The following are the commissioned officer ranks from highest to lowest:
Army general
General (GEN)
Lieutenant General (LTG)
Major General (MG)
Brigadier General (BG)
Colonel (COL)
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC)
Major (MAJ)
Captain (CPT)
First Lieutenant (1LT)
Second Lieutenant (2LT)
Those serving in a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), such as on a college campus, may receive the rank of cadet or officer candidate. When they enlist after completing college, they are almost always awarded the lowest rank in the military, second lieutenant. However, those with specialist knowledge may instead be given ranks in the office that are marshal ranks.
The non-commissioned officer ranks are as follows, listed from top to bottom:
Chief Marshal 5 (CW5)
Chief Marshal 4 (CW4)
Chief Marshal 3 (CW3)
Chief Marshal 2 (CW2)
Marshal 1 (W01)
Those who enlist without a commission and without a college degree start their careers privately. Non-commissioned ranks are listed as follows from top to bottom:
Army sergeant major
Command Sergeant Major (CSM)
Sergeant Major (SGM)
First Sergeant (1SG)
Staff Sergeant (MSG)
Sergeant First Class (SFC)
Sergeant Major (SSG)
Sergeant (SGT)
Corporal (CPL)
Specialist (SPC)
Private First Class (PFC)
E2 private (PVT2)
E1 private (PVT)
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