Ever wondered about military ranks and what they mean? From chevrons to bars, diamonds to arcs, here’s a definitive guide.
Related: The inside joke names soldiers have for different unit patches
Army Ranks from Private to General
There are enlisted folks, warrant officers and officers in the U.S. Army. The top dog is the general of the Armies. However, only three soldiers have ever held that rank: George Washington, John J. Pershing, and Ulysses S. Grant.
Most often, you’ll see peach fuzz on the uniform of a new recruit who hasn’t yet earned a rank. Then as a person moves through their Army career, their rank will continue to change. Warrant officers have ranks like warrant officer 1 and chief warrant officer 5. Meanwhile, officers range from second lieutenant to general.
Looking for a deep dive? Here’s our review of all Army ranks.
Marine Corps Ranks: The Few, the Proud
The United States Marine Corps is world-renowned for its prowess as an elite fighting force. So it’s no surprise that it also has its own unique ranking structure. Just like other branches, the Marine ranks include enlisted, warrant officers, and commissioned officers. Commandant is the highest rank in the Marine Corps; they’re the Marine in charge of leading the entire Corps.
Just like the Army and other branches, enlisted Marines range from private to corporal to sergeant major. Warrant officers are grouped by number, with chief warrant officer 5 being the highest and most difficult to achieve. Commissioned officers start with second lieutenant and go all the way up to general.
Marine Corps rank insignia combine elements like anchors, eagles, and stars to signify rank and role within the Corps. Enlisted Marines wear chevrons, with the number of chevrons increasing with rank. For example, a lance corporal has one chevron while a gunnery sergeant has three chevrons above two rockers.
Get all the details about Marine ranks here.
Navy Ranks: Sailors and Admirals
US Navy Ranks In Order
The U.S. Navy also has enlisted personnel, warrant officers, and commissioned officers. The highest rank is fleet admiral, but we haven’t seen one since William Halsey Jr. achieved that rank in December 1945.
Enlisted ranks in the Navy include seaman recruit, petty officer first class, and master chief petty officer. Warrant officers go from chief warrant officer 2 to chief warrant officer 5. As for commissioned officers, they range from ensign to admiral.
Navy ranks sound complex, but they’re really not. You can find out more.
Air Force Ranks: Airmen and Generals
Coast Guard Ranks: Defenders of the Homeland
Space Force Ranks: Guardians of the Cosmos
Space Force Ranks in order
The United States Space Force, the newest branch of the military, is a little different in how it groups its Guardians. Instead of the standard names for ranks, they’ve put their own unique twist on the names. Enlisted ranks start with specialist, comparable to private ranks.
Enlisted Guardians are grouped into three levels: specialists, noncommissioned officers (NCOs) and senior NCOs. Senior NCOs are grouped by skill level, and the Space Force even has staff and technical sergeants, too.
Rank Insignia: Stripes, Stars and Bars, Oh My!
Insignia help to identify a person’s rank and role within the military. They’re worn on uniforms, collars, or headgear. Different ranks have insignia such as stripes, chevrons, stars, and bars.
Enlisted personnel usually wear chevrons, stripes, or bars. The number of these symbols shows their rank. For example, a U.S. Army private first class has one chevron above one arc, while a master sergeant has three chevrons above three arcs.
Warrant officers have insignia with bars or lozenges. The number of these symbols shows their rank. In the U.S. Navy, a chief warrant officer 4 has one silver bar with three blue squares evenly spaced out, while a chief warrant officer 5 has one silver bar with a thin blue line in the middle.
Officer insignia varies based on the branch. For example, the Army uses bars and oak leaves. But the Air Force uses silver and gold bars and stars.
Roles and Responsibilities: Who Does What?
It’s no secret that enlisted service members are the backbone of their branches. They take care of daily tasks and help train new recruits.
Warrant officers are like the unicorns of the military. They’re technical experts and trusted advisers. They help bridge the gap between enlisted and officer personnel.
Finally, officers are at the helm of their units. They help guarantee mission readiness and make critical decisions. All service members’ responsibilities grow as they climb their ranks.
The Bottom Line
Military ranks and insignia are super crucial for establishing the military hierarchy and ensuring everyone knows who’s in charge. While each branch has its own rank structure, they all have specific roles and responsibilities. So whether you’re just curious or planning to join the military, understanding ranks and insignia is crucial.
Now you’ve got a solid grasp on military ranks and their insignia, from enlisted personnel to top-ranking officers.
Remember, these ranks help create order and structure in the military, and knowing them helps everyone work together smoothly.
