Human Military Rank Structure

If you know the basics of the U.S. military’s, you have a good idea of them all.

 

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Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction
  2. Air Force
  3. Army
  4. Coast Guard
  5. Marine Corps
  6. Navy
  7. The Inisfreeans

 

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Introduction:

If you know about the general hierarchy from Private to General, or Seaman to Admiral, then you have the right idea for how humanity is organized both on and beyond the Earth.  With little reason to change anything other than uniform color schemes and rank insignia over the generations and across the various fleets, the rank structure of mankind has remained virtually the same this whole time.  The following images cover the basics.

 

 

For all of the following information, if you are encountering members of an equivalent force beyond the Earth (such as a Space Navy in an SSP, instead of a terrestrial/ocean-based Navy), the rank structure will be very similar, if not identical, and only the uniforms may be slightly changed in order to distinguish them from their predecessors/counterparts.

 

U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force ranks are comprised of three categories; Enlisted (E-1 through E-4), Non-Commissioned Officers (E-5 through E-9), and Commissioned Officers (O-1 through O-10).  The letter and number represent the title and paygrade of the Airman.  Rank is different from the paygrade; rank represents job duties and leadership responsibilities, as indicated by the corresponding insignia.  Each Airman commits to the core missions in air and Space authority, with diverse options for career advancement. The second youngest (Space Force is now youngest) of the 6 military branches, the U.S. Air Force has evolved to meet the advancement of technology and is seen as the most superior in aerial, Space, and cyberspace superiority.

Enlisted:

Enlisted Airmen are broken down further into three tiers by title followed by the parenthetical paygrade level; Airmen (E-1 through E-4), Non-Commissioned Officers (E-5 and E-6), and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (E-7 through E-9).  The Air Force is the only branch that offers NCO status in grade E-5.

Enlisted:

  1. E-1:  Airman Basic (-N/A-):  0 years in, often still in basic training.  Airman Basic is the entry-level rank for newly enlisted members. During this stage, the Airman enrolls in basic training and becomes ingrained in the culture of the Air Force. The main duty of the Airman is to learn the customs and procedures while in training, and shadows under the expertise of more experienced enlisted members.
  2. E-2:  Airman (AMN):  ~1 year in, often just out of basic training.  AMN is the next entry-level rank directly above Airman Basic. This is a period of adjustment as the Airman graduates from basic training and continues orienting themselves to the Air Force. A majority of airmen are qualified to enroll in a duty specialty school based on the results from aptitude and skill tests acquired during training. Most duty specialty schools take up to one year to complete. An AMN can go on to fulfill other specialties during their career span with proper training.
  3. E-3:  Airman (A1C):  ~2 years in, often in 1st deployment, sometimes in charge of ~1-2 others.  A1C is considered a junior rank and is also known as Airman First Class. The A1C has fully adjusted to the Air Force life and is well-suited to carry out leadership duties, which may include mentoring younger Airmen during basic training. A1Cs are competent in their job duties and specialty areas. At this point, the Airman is expected to move forward with undergraduate studies as education influences promotion status later in their career.
  4. E-4:  Senior Airman (SrA):  ~3 years in, often in 2nd deployment, in charge of ~2-3 others; a fire-team.  SrA is the highest enlisted rank before advancing to a non-commissioned officer (NCO). The SrA is expected to perform effectively and has obtained proficiency in their specialty area. Most Senior Airmen will fulfill a supervisory or leadership duty to prepare for their role as NCO. Some duties include recruiting or basic instruction at basic training.  The SrA is enrolled in post-secondary education and is expected to supplement their leadership training at a six-week course/school called Airman Leadership.

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Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs are considered “Senior Enlisted):

NCOs are considered senior enlisted officers (E-5 through E-9.) They demonstrate effective leadership skills with mentorship, continuing education, and training. Non-commissioned officers differ from commissioned officers by rank and authority.

  1. E-5:  Staff Sergeant (SSgt):  ~4 years in, often in 3rd deployment, in charge of ~3 E-4s (~6-12 others); a squad.  The SSgt exhibits professionalism and expertise as mentors to other airmen. During this time, Staff Sergeants may become supervisors within their department, collaborate with other officers, and write performance reports and other professional documents. The SSgt continues to pursue their educational objectives.
  2. E-6:  Technical Sergeant (TSgt):  ~5-10 years in, often on 4+ deployments, in charge of ~3 E-5s (~18-36 others).  The Technical Sergeant is the second non-commissioned rank officer. As its name denotes, the TSgt is highly-skilled and adept in performing several responsibilities to support the mission of their department. Due to the demands of this position, the rank is given to those who have served for over ten years in the USAF. Many TSgts serve as NCO-in charge of a flight unit defined as two or more airmen, although the range can total to over one hundred airmen.
  3. E-7:  Master Sergeant (MSgt):  ~…  The MSgt move toward head leadership roles such as superintendents, flight chiefs, section chiefs, and non-commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC). The MSgt is expected to be detail-oriented and competent. Their duties include writing professional documents such as memorandums and reports, and they support the welfare of the unit. Many MSgt’s have earned their undergraduate degrees.
  4. E-7 through E-9:  First Sergeant (-N/A-):  ~15 years in, often on as many deployments, key advisor to the platoon leader.  A Master, Senior, and Chief Sergeant may be selected to be First Sergeant. It is not considered a rank, rather a special assignment role for a senior-NCO. The First Sergeant is typically assigned to a flight unit and reports directly to the deputy commander.
  5. E-8:  Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt):  ~…  The Senior Master Sergeant is the operational leader in their unit. An SMSgt is expected to fulfill a managerial role, mentoring junior NCOs and other junior officers. They often provide administrative support to senior officers at high-level units in the Air Force. Most SMSgts attend professional development and training to advance their careers during this time.
  6. E-9:  Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt):  ~20 years in, often on as many deployments, at the company or battalion level.  A CMSgt is a senior NCO and works in the capacity of the director within the unit. Their primary duty is to implement policies to create a functional and professional environment. Company grade and field grade officers mentor under their command. The CMSgt may also serve as staff in high-levels units.
  7. E-9:  Command Chief Master Sergeant (-N/A-):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, in charge of ~3-4 platoons (~54-200 others).  A Command Chief Master Sergeant is considered a special title and role. Their responsibilities are similar to Chief Master Sergeants, mentoring junior officers and assuming leadership of all personnel in their unit. Unlike the Chief Master Sergeant, they have additional assignments such as acting top commander to Wings, Number Air Forces, and Major Commands. These are larger units that provide operation and mission support.
  8. E-9:  Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, chief administrative assistant to a headquarters (battalion-level or higher).  The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force is a senior enlisted rank, responsible for the morale, conduct, and training of all enlisted personnel; under the core missions of the USAF. A CMSAF works as an advisor to the Air Force Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Air Force, as well as a counsel to senior non-commissioned officers. The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force is the highest rank one can achieve as an enlisted member.
  9. E-9:  Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC):  ~…  The Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the main advisor to the Chairman and plays a pivotal role in decision-making for the enlisted joint force. The role was originally created in 2005.

They lead larger groups of service members, mentor junior officers, and advise senior officers on matters pertaining to their areas of responsibility.

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Officers:

Commissioned Officers (COs, not to be confused with Commanding Officer (CO)) are the senior leaders in the USAF and acting commanders to all enlisted airmen. There are three tiers: company-grade officers(O-1 to O-3), field grade officers(O-4 to O-6), and general officers(O-7 and above.) Commissioned officers are appointed by the Senate, and usually, decide to pursue a long-term military career.

These are the managers, problem solvers, key influencers, and planners.

Company-grade Officers:

  1. O-1:  Second Lieutenant (2d LT):  entry-level rank for the majority of Commissioned Officers in the Air Force, leads a platoon (~18-50 others).  A Second Lieutenant is the lowest rank given to newly commissioned officers. The USAF offers an array of career fields, and to that end, the responsibilities of the 2d LT depend primarily on the officer’s specialty duty. 2d LTs can expect to invest time in training as a pilot, combat system officer, or air battle managers. Other opportunities include intelligence, cyber operations, and special investigations. A Second Lieutenant may become a flight or deputy commander upon completion of training duties, supervising a flight of approximately 100 airmen.
  2. O-2:  First Lieutenant (1st LT):  ~18 to 24 months of service, looked at for (to fill) the position of Executive Officer (XO) of a Company (~100-200 others).  A First Lieutenant is a junior rank officer directly above Second Lieutenant. There isn’t much of a difference between the two ranks in responsibility and training. The rank is used to recognize years of experience.
  3. O-3:  Captain (Capt):  in charge of a Company (~100-200 others). Other jobs include becoming an instructor at a service school, or becoming a Staff Officer at a battalion level.  A Captain in the Air Force typically achieves rank within four years as CO. The Captain is the highest rank as a company-grade officer. A Capt is highly-qualified and may serve as a flight commander or head of the department. All personnel rely on the guidance from the Captain. Those who wish to commit to furthering their military career may assume field grade officer (FGO) responsibilities such as serving as an instructor at a training facility (ROTC).

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Field-grade Officers:

  1. O-4:  Major (Maj):  the primary Staff Officer for a brigade. They are also part of task force commands in regard to personnel, logistical, and operational missions.  A Major is the lowest field grade officer rank. Responsibility shifts to fulfill more of an administrative role at a squadron or wing level under the direction of their superior. In flying units, a Major may be considered a flight commander or director of operations, or a squadron commander in non-flying units. MAJs focus on the managerial aspects, serving as a counselor to young lieutenants and captains, as well as the liaison between staff and high-ranking officers. Continuing education requires Majors to enroll in a master’s degree or higher.
  2. O-5:  Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col):  in charge of battalion-sized units (~400-1,000 others).  They can also be looked at for brigade and task force Executive Officer positions.  At this point, a Lieutenant Colonel has completed twenty years of service and is near the end of their military career. A Lt Col serves as a squadron commander in a group, a unit made up of several flights for operations, logistics, support, and medical. Additionally, the Lt Col supports the Colonel and works under their guidance to prepare for wing-level command positions.
  3. O-6:  Colonel (Col):  in charge of brigades (~3,000-5,000 others).  Another responsibility at this rank will be becoming the chief of Division-level staff agencies.  A Colonel is the highest field grade officer rank, directly below the General. Most Colonels have demonstrated strong leadership abilities throughout their military careers. They are capable of the prodigious task as wing commander, roughly between 1,000 to 4,000 airmen. Most of their time is spent making decisions for the betterment of the operations and conditions of the base. Colonels may also lead ROTC training schools or military colleges. During this time, the Col is expected to hold a graduate degree and attend Air War College (AWC), a professional military college.

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General Officers:

  1. O-7:  Brigadier General (Brig Gen):  the Deputy Commander to the commanding General for Air Force Divisions. They will assist in coordinating and planning missions for the Air Force.  A Brigadier General in the USAF is the lowest general officer rank. They typically serve as a wing or base commander. Their duties may extend beyond base duty that include assignments at the Pentagon, joint bases overseas, or in high-level organizations such as North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD.)Staff Officers are considered to be those at Brigadier General rank and beyond (O-7 to O-10.) They are central to administrative and operational decisions within the USAF. Representation is a critical job aspect for SOs and may include hosting morale events, visits to squadrons and wings, and motivational speeches.
  2. O-8:  Major General (Maj Gen):  typically command a Division (~10,000-15,000 others)  Major General in the U.S. Air Force is a two-star general officer rank. The vetting process for general officers becomes selective as the officer progresses. No more than 25% of officers may have more than two stars. Most MAJ GENs achieve high-level command of about 10,000 airmen which include positions such as Number Air Force (NAF) commanders, joint force commanders, air operations centers, training programs, or logistics operations centers. Additionally, a Major General can serve as senior directors on joint staffs or the vice commander to a lieutenant general.
  3. O-9:  Lieutenant General (Lt Gen):  command a Corps (~20,000-45,000 others)  The Lieutenant General in the Air Force holds three-stars and is directly under the General. Positions involve administrative and operational decisions. Some job roles may include command of a management headquarter known as MAJCOM or serving the Pentagon.
  4. O-10:  General (Gen):  >30 years of military experience, in command of all operations in their geographical area. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force is one of them; he is a four-star General (Gen).  By this time, a General considers themselves to be a career officer. Gen is the highest-ranked officer in the USAF and holds four stars. They are the principal leaders of NAF or assigned other duties such as treaty organizations such as NATO, and as the Chief of Staff.
  5. O-11:  General of the Air Force (GAF):  The Commanding Officer must be of equal or higher rank than the Commanding Officer of opposing armies from other nations.  The last officer to (publicly) hold this rank was during and after WWII.  The General of the Air Force is the five-star general rank reserved for wartime only. The GAFs purpose is to oversee to wartime operations and missions of the Air Force. As it stands in history, the rank is retired and no officer has worn the five-star rank while on active duty.

Further information can be found at sites such as this one.

 

U.S. Army

U.S. Army ranks and are broken down into three different categories: Officer Ranks, Warrant Officer Ranks, and Enlisted Ranks. In the Army, rank and insignia not only indicates pay grade but also the amount of responsibility that is held. Enlisted soldiers hold the pay grades of E-1 through E-9, warrant officers have pay grades of W-1 through W-9 and commissioned officers have pay grades of O-1 through O-10. The amount of time spent in each rank is based on averages, where the promotion process can be accelerated by taking advantage of additional training and schooling opportunities.

Enlisted:

Enlisted Soldiers are known as the backbone of the Army. They train in a specific job and utilize those skills within their unit. They properly perform their job functions, and their knowledge ensures the success of their unit’s mission within the Army. Enlisted ranks are broken down into three groups; Junior Enlisted (E-1 through E-4), NCOs (E-4 through E-6) and Senior NCOs (E-7 through E-9). The sequence of ranks for Enlisted soldiers are as follows:

Junior Enlisted:

  1. E-1:  Private (PVT):  0 years in, often still in basic training.  Earned during basic training, Private is the lowest enlisted rank. This rank does not carry an insignia and is also referred to as a “fuzzy” (which refers to the blank Velcro patch where the rank is normally placed on the uniform).
  2. E-2:  Private (PV2):  ~1 year in, often just out of basic training.  After completing Basic Combat Training, most soldiers receive the rank of Private Second Class. This is the first promotion the majority of enlisted soldiers earn after completing basic training, or they will get promoted after serving six months in the Army. The soldier will utilize the skills and knowledge they acquired during basic training to their new job. They will also follow orders that are given by higher ranking supervisors.
  3. E-3:  Private First Class (PFC):  ~2 years in, often in 1st deployment, sometimes in charge of ~1-2 others.  Within a year, soldiers will typically be promoted to Private First Class. Soldiers holding this rank are important to this branch. They are considered the backbone and workforce strength of the Army. From here, PFCs will begin to transition to carry out orders and complete their missions.

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Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) –also called Enlisted:

  1. E-4:  Specialist (SPC) / Corporal (CPL):  ~3 years in, often in 2nd deployment, in charge of ~2-3 others; a fire-team.  Specialists and Corporals are both E-4, but Specialists will have less responsibilities than Corporals. Specialists are put in charge of lower-ranked enlisted soldiers. A soldier can be promoted to this rank after serving two years and after completing a training class. Service members with a four-year degree may enter basic training as a specialist.
  2. E-5:  Sergeant (SGT):  ~4 years in, often in 3rd deployment, in charge of ~3 E-4s (~6-12 others); a squad.  Sergeants are expected to be efficient leaders. They are crucial in making missions happen. They guide the junior enlisted in ensuring the mission is done properly and in accordance to the orders from the higher-ranking authorities. Sergeants oversee junior soldiers in their day to day tasks, and are expected to set a good example as an NCO (Non-commissioned officer).
  3. E-6:  Staff Sergeant (SSGT):  ~5-10 years in, often on 4+ deployments, in charge of ~3 E-5s (~18-36 others).  Staff sergeants and sergeants have similar duties, except SSGs will be in contact with a larger amount of soldiers and generally have more equipment and property to maintain. The SSGs will also have one or more sergeants under their direct leadership. They will also be responsible for the development of their soldiers’ full range of potential.

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Senior NCOs (SNCOs) –also called Enlisted:

  1. E-7:  Sergeant First Class (SFC):  ~15 years in, often on as many deployments, key advisor to the platoon leader.  This rank normally means the soldier has 15 to 18 years of military experience. This level is now considered as a senior NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer). Their job entails being the key assistant and advisor to the platoon leader. This rank requires them to make quick and accurate decisions for the mission at hand.
  2. E-8:  Master Sergeant (MSG):  ~20 years in, often on as many deployments, at the company or battalion level.  The Master Sergeant is considered as the principal non-commissioned officer at the battalion level (or higher). They do not have the same roles and responsibilities as the First Sergeant, but they are expected to lead with the same professionalism as a First Sergeant.
  3. E-8:  First Sergeant (1SG):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, in charge of ~3-4 platoons (~54-200 others).  The First Sergeant is the principal NCO and often referred to as the life-blood of a company. His role is to discipline and counsel the soldiers in his unit. The first sergeant conducts formations, instructs platoon sergeants, advises the Commander of the unit, and assists in training for the enlisted soldiers. When addressing this rank, they are not called “Sergeant,” but “First Sergeant.”
  4. E-9:  Sergeant Major (SGM):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, chief administrative assistant to a headquarters (battalion-level or higher).  Sergeant Majors role is the chief administrative assistants for an Army headquarters. They are important members of staff elements at battalion level or higher. Their experience and abilities are equal to command sergeant majors, but they are limited to leading those that are directly under his charge.
  5. E-9:  Command Sergeant Major (CSM):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, key advisor to the commanding officer (above the battalion level).  Command Sergeant Major is the enlisted advisor to the commanding officer. Their duties include carrying out policies and standards and help in advising the commander. They advise and initiate recommendations to the commander and staff in regards to the support and well-being of the company.
  6. E-9:  Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, consultant to the Chief of Staff of the Army (and always there can be only one SMA per Army).  There is only one Sergeant Major in the entire Army. The SMA oversees all non-commissioned officers and serves as the senior enlisted advisor. He serves as the senior enlisted advisor and consults the Chief of Staff of the Army.
  7. E-9:  Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC):  ~…  The Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the main advisor to the chairman and plays a pivotal role in decision-making for the enlisted joint force. The role was originally created in 2005.

They lead larger groups of service members, mentor junior officers, and advise senior officers on matters pertaining to their areas of responsibility.

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Warrant Officers:

  1. W-1:  Warrant Officer 1 (WO1):  primarily support operations from team or detachment through a battalion.  Warrant officers are considered the tactical and technical experts of the Army. WO1 is the base-level rank, and primarily support operations from team or detachment through a battalion.
  2. W-2:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2):  intermediate-level technical and tactical expert, supports levels of operations from team or detachment through a battalion.  This rank is considered an intermediate-level technical and tactical expert. Their responsibility is to support levels of operations from team or detachment through a battalion.
  3. W-3:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW3):  advanced-level technical and tactical expert, supports operations from a team/detachment through a brigade.  This rank is considered as an advance-level technical and tactical expert. Their role is to support operations from a team/detachment through a brigade.
  4. W-4:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW4):  senior-level technical and tactical expert, supports brigade, battalion, division, and corps operations.  This rank is considered as a senior-level technical and tactical expert. Their primary duty is to support brigade, battalion, division and corps operations.
  5. W-5:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW5):  master-level technical and tactical expert, supports brigade, division, corps, echelons, and command operations. They specialize in warrant officer leadership and representation responsibilities within their respective commands.  This rank is considered a master-level technical and tactical expert. Their primary duties include supporting brigade, division, corps, echelons and command operations. They specialize in warrant officer leadership and representation responsibilities within their respective commands.

These are the adaptive technical experts, combat leaders, trainers, and advisors. They hold warrants from their service secretary, and they specialize in specific military technologies or capabilities. They acquire their authority from the same source as commissioned officers, but they are considered specialists, compared to commissioned officers, who are considered generalists.

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Officers:

These are the managers, problem solvers, key influencers, and planners.  Army officer ranks are in three tiers; company-grade (O-1 to O-3), field-grade (O-4 to O-6) and General (O-7 and above).

Company-grade Officers:

  1. O-1:  Second Lieutenant (2LT):  entry-level rank for the majority of Commissioned Officers in the Army, leads a platoon (~18-50 others).  Service members of this rank are addressed as “Lieutenant.” This is the entry-level rank for the majority of Commissioned Officers in the Army. Their job consists of leading a platoon(s), which initiates leadership training they will need throughout their military career.
  2. O-2:  First Lieutenant (1LT):  ~18 to 24 months of service, looked at for (to fill) the position of Executive Officer (XO) of a Company (~100-200 others).  Service members of this rank are also addressed as “Lieutenant.” This rank is considered a seasoned lieutenant normally with 18 to 24 months of service. As a a senior Lieutenant, members will be looked at for the position of Executive Officer (XO) of a company (consisting between 100 to 200 soldiers).
  3. O-3:  Captain (CPT):  in charge of a Company (~100-200 others). Other jobs include becoming an instructor at a service school, or becoming a Staff Officer at a battalion level.  Service members of this rank are addressed as “Captain.” Captains will be put in charge of and control a company (between 100 to 200 soldiers). Other jobs include becoming an instructor at a service school or becoming a Staff Officer at a battalion level.

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Field-grade Officers:

  1. O-4:  Major (MAJ):  the primary Staff Officer for a brigade. They are also part of task force commands in regard to personnel, logistical, and operational missions.  Service members of this rank are addressed as “Major.” Majors are considered field grade officers, and they serve as a primary Staff Officer for brigade. They are also part of task force command in regards to personnel, logistical and operational missions.
  2. O-5:  Lieutenant Colonel (LTC):  in charge of battalion-sized units (~400-1,000 others).  They can also be looked at for brigade and task force Executive Officer positions.  Service members of this rank are addressed as “Lieutenant Colonel” or “Colonel.” At this rank, they are put in charge of battalion-sized units (can range between 400 to 1,000 soldiers). During this time, they can also be looked at for brigade and task force Executive Officer.
  3. O-6:  Colonel (COL):  in charge of brigades (~3,000-5,000 others).  Another responsibility at this rank will be becoming the chief of Division-level staff agencies.  Service members at this rank are referred to as “Colonel.” They normally are put in charge of and command brigades (between 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers). Another responsibility at this rank will be becoming the chief of divisional level staff agencies.

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General Officers:

  1. O-7:  Brigadier General (BG):  the Deputy Commander to the commanding General for Army Divisions. They will assist in coordinating and planning missions for the Army.  Service members at this rank are addressed as “General.” They serve as the Deputy Commander to the commanding general for Army divisions. They will assist in coordinating and planning of missions for the Army.
  2. O-8:  Major General (MG):  typically command a Division (~10,000-15,000 others).  Service members at this rank are addressed as “General” (or two star). Will typically command a division unit (10,000 to 15,000 soldiers).
  3. O-9:  Lieutenant General (LG):  command a Corps (~20,000-45,000 others).  Addressed as “General” (or three star). Their main job typically consists of commanding corps-size units (20,000 to 45,000 soldiers).
  4. O-10:  General (GEN):  >30 years of military experience, in command of all operations in their geographical area. The Chief of Staff of the Army is one of them; he is a four-star General (GEN).  Addressed as “General” (or four star). This is a senior level Commissioned Officer that has over 30 years of military experience. At this rank, they command all operations that fall under their geographical area. The Chief of Staff of the Army is a four star General.
  5. O-11:  General of the Army (GOA):  The Commanding Officer must be of equal or higher rank than the Commanding Officer of opposing armies from other nations.  The last officer to (publicly) hold this rank was during and after WWII.  This rank is only used during the time of war. The Commanding Officer must be equal or of higher rank than the opposing commanding armies from other nations. The last officer to hold this rank was during and after WWII.

Further information can be found at sites such as this one.

 

U.S. Coast Guard

USCG ranks are comprised of four paygrade categories: Enlisted (E-1 through E-3), Petty Officers (E-4 through E-9), Warrant Officers (CWO-2 through CWO-3), and Officers (O-1 through O-10). The U.S. Coast Guard is unique in that it is part of the Department of Homeland Security in peacetime and the Navy during wartime.

The letter and number represent the ratings and paygrade of the Seaman. Rank is different from the paygrade. It represents job duties and leadership responsibilities, as indicated by the corresponding insignia.

The U.S. Coast Guard maintains three missions in maritime security, safety, and stewardship. There are a variety of career opportunities for Seaman to explore in the nine districts in the United States.

Enlisted:

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), a.k.a. Enlisted:

  1. E-1:  Seaman Recruit (SR):  0 years in, often still in basic training.  Seaman Recruit is an entry-level position. The Seaman enters their initial assignment and holds a training status. The SR is responsible for familiarizing themselves with the Coast Guard’s culture and core skills during this time. There is no insignia under this rank.
  2. E-2:  Seaman Apprentice (SA):  ~1 year in, often just out of basic training.  After four months, the Seaman will typically advance to Seaman Apprentice formerly known as Seaman Second Class. SA post to their first assignment at a Class “A” School or “striker” program (on-the-job training). There is no rating assigned yet, but the rank holds an insignia with corresponding colors based on the assigned group: white for deck and administrative, red for Fireman or engineering and hull, and green for Airman or aviation.
  3. E-3:  Seaman (SN):  ~2 years in, often in 1st deployment, sometimes in charge of ~1-2 others.  For Seaman working on deck, duties can include maintenance and repairs, stores administration, lookout, emergency security, and training under higher enlisted Seaman. Job responsibilities may differ according to the assigned group, but generally, the SN’s job is to gain skills at Class A or specialty school.

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Petty Officers (POs) –also called Enlisted:

  1. E-4:  Petty Officer Third Class (PO3):  ~3 years in, often in 2nd deployment, in charge of ~2-3 others; a fire-team.  Petty Officer Third Class is the lowest rank of non-commissioned officer. The PO3 increasingly refines technical, specialty, and leadership skills. Their now assigned ratings are given a special abbreviated rating (e.g., Yeoman Third Class/deck and administrative.) PO3’s follow a “High Year Tenure” track which limits the PO3 to eight years before they must advance to Second Class or be subject to involuntary separation from active duty.
  2. E-5:  Petty Officer Second Class (PO2):  ~4 years in, often in 3rd deployment, in charge of ~3 E-4s (~6-12 others); a squad.  Petty Officer Second Class holds dual responsibilities in leadership and technical roles. Like PO3, Petty Officer Second Class can act as law enforcement or a federal customs officer. They are subject to “High Year Tenure” as well, and have a total of 14 years to complete advancement requirements or be involuntarily separated from active duty.
  3. E-6:  Petty Officer First Class (PO1):  ~5-10 years in, often on 4+ deployments, in charge of ~3 E-5s (~18-36 others).  Petty Officer First Class is the third junior non-commissioned officer rank. The PO1 becomes increasingly proficient in their technical specialty. The Petty Officer First Class works towards a two or four-year undergraduate degree at a “C” School.
  4. E-7:  Chief Petty Officer (CPO):  ~15 years in, often on as many deployments, key advisor to the platoon leader.  Chief Petty Officer is thought to be an important advancement in an enlisted Coast Guard career. CPOs are proficient technical specialists and typically placed on cutters (decked vessels) and boats. As leaders, they carry out administrative and leadership duties.
  5. E-8:  Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO):  ~20 years in, often on as many deployments, at the company or battalion level.  Senior Chief Petty Officer is also known as “Senior Chief.” Job responsibilities are similar to that of the CPO but assume more authority in administrative, leadership, and technical tasks. SCPOs are expected to lead and train junior officers, as well as have extensive knowledge beyond their specialty.
  6. E-9:  Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, in charge of ~3-4 platoons (~54-200 others).  Master Chief Petty Officer is the ninth and highest enlisted rank. Master Chiefs are experts in their field specialty. Promotion from this point forward is highly competitive. MCPOs can apply for the Command Master Chief Petty Officer Program to continue to refine their leadership skills and prepare them for larger roles within the USCG.
  7. E-9:  Fleet/Command Master Chief Petty Officer (CMC):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, chief administrative assistant to a headquarters (battalion-level or higher).  Command Master Chief Petty Officer holds a senior listed rank at a command level. The CMC acts as a liaison between the enlisted and command or commissioned officers. CMCs typically assist with issues surrounding discipline, training, technical challenges, and morale.
  8. E-9:  Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, key advisor to the commanding officer (above the battalion level).  Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard is the highest senior rank and acting voice and representative of sailors. The MCPOCG travels and observes, gaining insight into the current state of each unit. Command depends on the MCPOCG to help correct or establish policies, entitlements, and training to ensure the well-being of enlisted personnel.
  9. E-9:  Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, consultant to the Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard (and always there can be only one SMA per military branch).  The Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the main advisor to the Chairman and plays a pivotal role in decision-making for the enlisted joint force. The role was originally created in 2005.

    They lead larger groups of service members, mentor junior officers, and advise senior officers on matters pertaining to their areas of responsibility.

    –

    Warrant Officers:
    (only the middle 3 are in use)

    1. W-1:  Warrant Officer 1 (WO1):  N/A; not in use in this military branch
    2. W-2:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2):  intermediate-level technical and tactical expert, supports levels of operations from team or detachment through a battalion.  Achieving the Chief Warrant Officers 2 position requires board selection and eight years of service within the NCO ranks (E-6 through E-9.) Once appointed, the CWO2 fulfills one specialty out of twenty-one (i.e., Diving Specialist, Intelligence System Specialist, Personnel Administration, Weapons, etc.)
    3. W-3:  Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3):  advanced-level technical and tactical expert, supports operations from a team/detachment through a brigade.  Advancement in CWO3 and CWO4 occurs over time. CWOs are eligible to apply to the Chief Warrant Officer to Lieutenant Program. If accepted, a CWO can make O-3E rank.
    4. W-4:  Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4):  senior-level technical and tactical expert, supports brigade, battalion, division, and corps operations.  Advancement in CWO3 and CWO4 occurs over time. CWOs are eligible to apply to the Chief Warrant Officer to Lieutenant Program. If accepted, a CWO can make O-3E rank.
    5. W-5:  Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5):  master-level technical and tactical expert, supports brigade, division, corps, echelons, and command operations. They specialize in warrant officer leadership and representation responsibilities within their respective commands.  Currently not in use.

    These are the adaptive technical experts, combat leaders, trainers, and advisors. They hold warrants from their service secretary, and they specialize in specific military technologies or capabilities. They acquire their authority from the same source as commissioned officers, but they are considered specialists, compared to commissioned officers, who are considered generalists.

    –

    Officers:

    These are the managers, problem solvers, key influencers, and planners.

    Company-grade Officers:

    1. O-1:  Ensign (ENS):  entry-level rank for the majority of Commissioned Officers in the Coast Guard, leads a platoon (~18-50 others).  Ensigns are considered junior rank commissioned officers. The full commitment to service is three years upon the receipt of commission. Ensigns are assigned onboard at division and will typically lead a group of petty officers and enlisted personnel.
    2. O-2:  Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG):  ~18 to 24 months of service, looked at for (to fill) the position of Executive Officer (XO) of a Company (~100-200 others).  Lieutenant Junior Grade is the second junior rank above Ensign and is also known by the colloquial name, “Jay-Gee.” The LTJG’s role is billeted division officer onboard a ship in their specialty but may also hold many job roles due to the multi-faceted mission of the USCG. LTJGs can progress forward in their careers by completing formal education courses in their technical areas of expertise.
    3. O-3:  Lieutenant (LT):  in charge of a Company (~100-200 others). Other jobs include becoming an instructor at a service school, or becoming a Staff Officer at a battalion level.  Lieutenant is the highest junior officer rank. LTs focus on further developing their rating skills at their assigned posting. Their time on board may be spent advising the junior enlisted ranks (E-1 through E-3) and petty officers, as well as maintaining, servicing and organizing.

    –

    Field-grade Officers:

    1. O-4:  Lieutenant Commander (LCDR):  the primary Staff Officer for a brigade. They are also part of task force commands in regard to personnel, logistical, and operational missions.  The Lieutenant Commander is the fourth commissioned officer rank and holds a multi-mission of both maritime law and law enforcement. LCDRs are usually in command of smaller vessels, and an expert in their specialty. Promotion may be achieved by refining technical and operational skills, as well as completing educational courses.
    2. O-5:  Commander (CDR):  in charge of battalion-sized units (~400-1,000 others).  They can also be looked at for brigade and task force Executive Officer positions.  Commander is the fifth-highest officer rank and reports to the Sector Commander. CDRs lead units on small vessels or cutters to carry out tactical missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, and homeland security and protection of the marine environment.
    3. O-6:  Captain (CAPT):  in charge of brigades (~3,000-5,000 others).  Another responsibility at this rank will be becoming the chief of Division-level staff agencies.  Captain is considered a senior officer rank and practices a high level of authority due to the Coast Guard’s small service. CAPT will usually hold command of a large vessel, aircraft, or other senior posts. Advancing from this position is difficult and requires an exceptional leadership history.

    –

    General Officers:

    1. O-7:  Rear Admiral Lower Half (RDML):  the Deputy Commander to the commanding General for Coast Guard Divisions. They will assist in coordinating and planning missions for the Coast Guard.  Rear Admiral Lower Half is a one-star flag officer and equivalent to brigadier-general in other military branches. RDMLs typically serve as District Commander in charge of several sectors along the coastline or command of a small fleet. The Rear Admiral Lower Half term is approximately five years unless reappointed.
    2. O-8:  Rear Admiral Upper Half (RADM):  typically command a Division (~10,000-15,000 others).  The Rear Admiral Upper Half is a two-star flag officer. Similar to the Rear Admiral Lower Half, the RADM commands a large fleet off the coastline. RADMs hold superior authority and experience and are ready to coordinate responses upon emergency in their sector.
    3. O-9:  Vice Admiral (VADM):  command a Corps (~20,000-45,000 others).  Vice Admiral is a three-star flag officer and designated to the office of the Vice-Commandment of the Coast Guard. VADM is second in command directly overseeing the mission of operational areas. The term ranges from three to four years long.
    4. O-10:  Admiral (ADM):  >30 years of military experience, in command of all operations in their geographical area. The Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard is one of them; he is a four-star General (GEN).  Admiral is the highest USCG rank in peacetime and is designated a four-star flag on their insignia. Admirals have the greatest responsibility, overseeing the entire operation of more than 41,000 active-duty personnel. Command of the Coast Guard reports directly to the President of the United States.
    5. O-11:  Fleet Admiral (FADM):  The Commanding Officer must be of equal or higher rank than the Commanding Officer of opposing armies from other nations.  The last officer to (publicly) hold this rank was during and after WWII.  Fleet Admiral is a rank maintained by the U.S. Navy. The designated insignia holds five stars. There is currently no Fleet Admiral as of now or ever since the 1940s.

    Further information can be found at sites such as this one.

     

    U.S. Marine Corps

    U.S. Marine Corps ranks are comprised of two main groups: Enlisted Ranks and Officer Ranks. Enlisted Ranks include Junior Enlisted, Non-commissioned Officers, and Staff-Non-commissioned Officers. Officer Ranks include Commissioned Officers (Company and Field-Grade) and General Officers.

    The letter and number represent the rank title and paygrade of the Marine. It’s important to note that rank is different from the paygrade and signifies the level of job duties and leadership responsibilities, designated by the insignia shown on the uniform. Promotable opportunities vary as a Marine progresses in their career. In general, physical evaluations, continuing education/skills courses, and good conduct benefits those who seek to establish a career in the Corps.

    Enlisted:

    Enlisted Marines are divided into three levels: Junior Enlisted, NCOs, and SNCOs. Recruits are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent education. The Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is established during the Junior Enlisted ranks and is a crucial part of the Marine’s career.

    Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs –though some argue these are not yet NCOs), a.k.a. Enlisted:

    1. E-1:  Private (Pvt):  0 years in, often still in basic training.  Private is considered Junior Enlisted rank, the lowest rank upon entry into the USMC. Privates are expected to go to a School of Infantry immediately after boot camp to learn how to be a Rifleman. From there, Privates can branch off into two areas of study: the Infantry MOS at an Infantry Battalion or Marine Combat Training followed by a school for MOS. Job duties during this time include only basic guard duty and cleaning, as most of the Private’s responsibility is to learn the practices and formalities in the Marines.
    2. E-2:  Private First Class (PFC):  ~1 year in, often just out of basic training.  Private First Class is the second-lowest rank after enlistment. Duties are similar to that of the Private with school and labor tasks. PFCs can usually obtain promotion into this rank within six months of entering after evaluation of their composite score. The calculation is based on PFT evaluations, rifle scores, conduct, and education.
    3. E-3:  Lance Corporal (LCpl):  ~2 years in, often in 1st deployment, sometimes in charge of ~1-2 others.  LCpl is a non-commissioned enlisted rank. Service and knowledge are imperative as Lance Corporal as many begin to compete for NCO status. This means that a large part of an LCpl’s responsibility is displaying strong leadership skills, continuing education, and obtaining secondary duties (e.g. Fire Team Leader.)

    –

    Official NCOs (NCOs) –also called NCOs (oddly enough, as a way of saying that lower NCOs are “Non-NCOs”):

    1. E-4:  Corporal (Cpl):  ~3 years in, often in 2nd deployment, in charge of ~2-3 others; a fire-team.  Corporal is the lowest grade as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the USMC. A Cpl is likely to fill supervisory roles at this point, with many leading “fire teams” (four-person squads consisting of a Team Leader, Automatic Rifleman, Assistant Automatic Rifleman, and Rifleman) or a weapons crew. Continuing education, self-discipline, and mentorship with higher ranks is key to establishing a career in the Marines.
    2. E-5:  Sergeant (Sgt):  ~4 years in, often in 3rd deployment, in charge of ~3 E-4s (~6-12 others); a squad.  Sergeant is the fifth position in Enlisted ranks. Leadership expectations grow at exceedingly high standards. Sgts typically lead a squad of approximately eight Marines, and in some cases, may serve as Platoon Sergeant leading 3-5 squads. Sergeants are also expected to achieve proficiency in MOS with only the best performing Marines going on to become Drill Instructors. During this time, a Sergeant will undergo combat and weapons training. Fitness Reports (FITREP) are performance evaluations beginning at Sgt rank and are used in place of composite scores when a Marine is up for promotion.
    3. E-6:  Staff Sergeant (SSgt):  ~5-10 years in, often on 4+ deployments, in charge of ~3 E-5s (~18-36 others).  Staff Sergeant is the sixth Enlisted rank and is the first Staff Non-Commissioned Officer, a status typically achieved after 10 years of service. Expertise in interpersonal and technical skills develop as Platoon Leader (40-50 Marines.) The SSgt takes on more of a mentor role, grooming Junior Enlisted Officers or advising those who are struggling. A Staff Sergeant that has made it as a Drill Instructor, will earn a “green belt” (around 25 hours of training) or work towards the “black belt”.

    NCOs act as the management to Junior Enlisted ranks that includes administrative, supervisory, and disciplinary duties.

    –

    Staff NCOs (SNCOs) –also called Enlisted:

    SNCOs are senior ranking non-commissioned officers with even greater responsibility for leadership and administrative duties. They work with the commanding officer to ensure the welfare, morale, and discipline of all junior ranks.

    1. E-7:  Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt):  ~15 years in, often on as many deployments, key advisor to the platoon leader.  This is the seventh Enlisted rank. Gunnery Sergeants are portrayed famously for their firm command as Drill Instructors. They lead at command level and are responsible for material and personnel readiness. A GySgt may fill an officer role at a recruiting or training station. During the annual FITREP, a GySgt may make the choice to pursue either a Master or First Sergeant leadership role.
    2. E-8:  Master Sergeant (MSgt):  ~20 years in, often on as many deployments, at the company or battalion level.  This is a senior Non-Commissioned Officer position. Master Sergeant is equal to rank with the First Sergeant but is considered a technical specialist rather than a personnel specialist. They may serve at the Battalion level or above, using highly proficient MOS to advise officers on equipment and programs.
    3. E-8:  First Sergeant (1Sgt):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, in charge of ~3-4 platoons (~54-200 others).  First Sergeant is equal to MSgt and acts as a senior Enlisted non-commissioned Officer in the USMC. As mentioned, their focus is on command leadership duties which include advising readiness of units at a Company level.
    4. E-9:  Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt):  ~…  This is the ninth and highest Enlisted rank. They hold the same rank as a Sergeant Major but the job tasks differ. As the name suggests, MGySgts are highly qualified in their occupational MOS, and advise higher-ranking officers on equipment and programs at a Battalion level.
    5. E-9:  Sergeant Major (SGM):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, chief administrative assistant to a headquarters (battalion-level or higher).  Sergeant Major is considered a senior non-commissioned rank in the USMC. They hold the same rank as Master Gunnery Sergeant. However, instead of maintaining their MOS, a SgtMaj switches to a command-related MOS for a leadership assignment typically at a Battalion level.
    6. E-9:  Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SMMC):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, key advisor to the commanding officer (above the battalion level).  Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is the highest enlisted rank in the USMC, appointed by Commandment of Marine Corps. The SMMC typically serves a four-year term touring to Fleets. They are in charge of maintaining the morale and welfare and act as a representative to all enlisted Marines.
    7. E-9:  Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, consultant to the Chief of Staff of the Marine Corps (and always there can be only one SEAC per military branch).  The Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the main advisor to the Chairman and plays a pivotal role in decision-making for the enlisted joint force. The role was originally created in 2005.

    They lead larger groups of service members, mentor junior officers, and advise senior officers on matters pertaining to their areas of responsibility.

    –

    Warrant Officers:

    Warrant Officers are special assignments that a Marine must apply to, but it is a highly competitive field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that only 1% of military personnel are Warrant Officers.

    1. W-1:  Warrant Officer 1 (WO1):  primarily support operations from team or detachment through a battalion.  Enlisted Marines who wish to further their careers in specialized fields must go through a thorough application process to be considered for Warrant Officer 1 rank. Eligible applicants have a number of years in service as determined by the route of choice (e.g., a minimum of 8 years experience as a Sergeant or 16 years as a Gunnery Sergeant for the Machine Gunner program.)An ideal candidate meets professional and fitness standards, can provide a record of good standing, and has a score of at least 110 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Electrical Composite test. Upon acceptance, the candidate trains at a 13-week Warrant Officer Basic Course before making rank and receiving the first assignment duty.
    2. W-2:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2):  intermediate-level technical and tactical expert, supports levels of operations from team or detachment through a battalion.  Chief Warrant Officer 2 is the second lowest Warrant Officer rank appointed by the Secretary of the Marine Corps. The CWO2 assumes their first duty assignment usually at a Battalion level. Higher ranking officers have authority, but the CWO2’s purpose is to lend their expertise at an intermediate level. For instance, a special position in Infantry Companies called the “The Gunner” are masters of all weapons in the USMC and train Marines in tactics development and major combat operation.
    3. W-3:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW3):  advanced-level technical and tactical expert, supports operations from a team/detachment through a brigade.  The Chief Warrant Officer 3 is the third rank in the Chief Warrant Officer chain. Promotion is dependent upon the decision of selection boards and record review opens for eligibility after two years. The CWO3 fulfills a supervisory and support role in technical and tactical operations. Their expertise is considered advanced at this point and work in a team or brigade.
    4. W-4:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW4):  senior-level technical and tactical expert, supports brigade, battalion, division, and corps operations.  Chief Warrant Officer 4 is considered a senior-level expert appointed by the Secretary of the Marine Corps. Mentorship to other junior Warrant Officers is a significant aspect of their role. They also work as a counsel between commanders about WO issues that may arise at a battalion, brigade, division, or corps.
    5. W-5:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW5):  master-level technical and tactical expert, supports brigade, division, corps, echelons, and command operations. They specialize in warrant officer leadership and representation responsibilities within their respective commands.  Chief Warrant Officer 5 is the highest Warrant Officer rank in the USMC. In general, the CWO5 performs the same Chief Warrant duties but at a mastery level for technical and tactical fields. On top of regular duties, the CWO5 has additional leadership and advisory duties at a battalion, brigade, division, or corps.

    These are the adaptive technical experts, combat leaders, trainers, and advisors. They hold warrants from their service secretary, and they specialize in specific military technologies or capabilities. They acquire their authority from the same source as commissioned officers, but they are considered specialists, compared to commissioned officers, who are considered generalists.

    –

    Officers:

    These are the managers, problem solvers, key influencers, and planners.

    Commissioned officers are made up of three levels: company-grade officers, field-grade officers, and generals. Obtaining any of these levels requires a “commission” issued officially by the President of the United States.

    Company-grade Officers:

    1. O-1:  Second Lieutenant (2ndLt):  entry-level rank for the majority of Commissioned Officers in the Marine Corps, leads a platoon (~18-50 others).  Second Lieutenant is the lowest Officer rank in the USMC commissioned by the President. All new 2ndLts attend The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, VA. TBS involves six months of combat training such as weapons and fire team training, land navigation, practice landings in Ospreys, and ride in military-grade vehicles. Upon graduation from Quantico, 2ndLts are designated their MOS based on preference and performance ranking. MOSs can include Infantry, Field Artillery, Flight School, or Law leading a Platoon of up to 50 Enlisted Marines. The assignment lasts approximately two years before being eligible for promotion.
    2. O-2:  First Lieutenant (1stLt):  ~18 to 24 months of service, looked at for (to fill) the position of Executive Officer (XO) of a Company (~100-200 others).  First Lieutenant is the second-lowest rank amongst Officers in the USMC. At this point, the 1stLt is established in the Fleet with up to two years of experience and one deployment. They share the same leadership duties as 1stLt within the Platoon or move onto a Company Executive Officer position (second in command of up to 250 Marines.)
    3. O-3:  Captain (Capt):  in charge of a Company (~100-200 others). Other jobs include becoming an instructor at a service school, or becoming a Staff Officer at a battalion level.  Captain in the USMC is the third rank in the Officer chain. Capts are adeptly trained as leaders to direct tactical fire teams under volatile conditions. They provide exceptional mentorship and guidance to Junior Officers, as well as manage leadership and training for the unit. At some point in the two-year position, a Captain will need to attend advanced school to become a Company Commander, Battalion-level staff Officer, or a Platoon Commander of Special Forces.

    –

    Field-grade Officers:

    1. O-4:  Major (Maj):  the primary Staff Officer for a brigade. They are also part of task force commands in regard to personnel, logistical, and operational missions.  Major is the fourth rank in the Officer chain and designated as a Field-Grade Officer. The Maj role requires them to be consistently striving for the best by learning, leading, and mentoring. Some assignments include Battalion Executive Officers, Weapons Company Commanders, and Regimental or Brigade Staff Members.
    2. O-5:  Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol):  in charge of battalion-sized units (~400-1,000 others).  They can also be looked at for brigade and task force Executive Officer positions.  Lieutenant Colonel is the fifth Officer rank in the USMC. Advancing to the next step is steadfast at this status. Lieutenant Colonels typically assume roles such as Battalion Commanders, Regimental Executive Officers, or Brigade Staff Members.
    3. O-6:  Colonel (Col):  in charge of brigades (~3,000-5,000 others).  Another responsibility at this rank will be becoming the chief of Division-level staff agencies.  Colonel is the sixth Officer rank before eligibility to Brigadier General. Colonels have similar duty expectations as a LtCol, but will lead at higher positions such as a Regimental Commanders, Brigade Executive Officers, or Division Staff members.

    –

    General Officers:

    1. O-7:  Brigadier General (BGen):  the Deputy Commander to the commanding General for Marine Corps Divisions. They will assist in coordinating and planning missions for the Marine Corps.  A Brigadier General holds one-star as a General Officer in the USMC. In order to make promotable, a BGen candidate must be screened by a promotion board and nominated by the Defense Secretary and President of the United States. BGens usually lead as Brigade Commanders or Division Executive Officers, sometimes overseeing up to 20,000 Marines. Currently, Brigadier Generals serve approximately 5 years or 30 years, whichever comes first, before mandatory retirement unless promoted beyond BGen or appointed to remain in rank.
    2. O-8:  Major General (MajGen):  typically command a Division (~10,000-15,000 others).  A Major General is a two-star General Officer and the highest permanent peacetime rank in the USMC. Major Generals may take on leadership roles like Division Commanders or staff Officers at Combatant Commands. MajGens can serve up to 5 years or 35 years, whichever comes first, before mandatory retirement or appointment of higher ranks.
    3. O-9:  Lieutenant General (LtGen):  command a Corps (~20,000-45,000 others).  Lieutenant Generals holds a three-star General Officer rank and is a temporary position appointed by the President. They either lead the highest Marine Corps Commands or are deputies of Combatant Commands.
    4. O-10:  General (Gen):  >30 years of military experience, in command of all operations in their geographical area. The Chief of Staff of the Marine Corps is one of them; he is a four-star General (GEN).  A four-star General is the highest military position in the USMC. Gens have over 30 years of experience when they begin serving a tour. When the term expires, a General can choose to retire with four-stars assuming the Gen completed three years of exemplary service.
    5. *There is no 5-star in the USMC, as it is part of the Navy, thus the Navy must have a higher-ranking officer.

    Further information can be found at sites such as this one.

     

    U.S. Navy

    Enlisted:

    Enlisted sailors are separated into these three categories:  Apprenticeships (E-1 through E-3), non-commissioned Petty Officers (E-4 through E-6), and senior non-commissioned Chief Petty Officers (E-7 through E-9).

    Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), a.k.a. Enlisted:

    1. E-1:  Seaman Recruit (SR):  0 years in, often still in basic training; considered an “apprentice in training”, the SR immerses him/herself in the military culture, learning fundamental skills needed for their career, and should expect to obtain an occupational field, otherwise known as a “rate”, which falls under five main categories (Seamen, Firemen, Constructionmen, Airmen, or Hospitalmen). The rate assignment further breaks down (is divided) into specialty subcategories, such as Machinist’s Mate (MM), Sonar Technician (ST), or Hospital Corpsman (HN). These roles are defined as the SA pursues his/her studies.
    2. E-2:  Seaman Apprentice (SA):  ~1 year in, often just out of basic training.  Once a rate is assigned, a recruit becomes a Seaman Apprentice. SA is still considered a junior-enlisted rank, and the role is similar to that of the SR. The SR must begin studying at an A-School within their rating. Common labor duties continue. Promotion occurs when the sailor has completed six months of service (determined by job performance and standing record of exemplary service.)
    3. E-3:  Seaman (SN):  ~2 years in, often in 1st deployment, sometimes in charge of ~1-2 others.  Seaman is the third-lowest enlisted rank before promotable Petty Officer. All basic qualifications are met. Their competency around the ship means more job responsibilities which include essential maintenance and watch-standing.

    –

    Staff NCOs (SNCOs) –also called Enlisted:

    1. E-4:  Petty Officer 3rd Class (PO3):  ~3 years in, often in 2nd deployment, in charge of ~2-3 others; a fire-team.  Sailors who reach junior Petty Officer have made it to the Fleet. The PO3 maintains regular job duties, but much of what is learned in training now shifts into leadership roles. PO3’s should be self-sufficient leaders and begin mentoring junior sailors. Qualifying for extra-duty assignments above the standard job specifications, called Collateral Duties, are key to progressing in their career. Collateral Duties can either be service-related or specialized-duties (e.g., command career counselor, command equal opportunity coordinator.)
    2. E-5:  Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO2):  ~4 years in, often in 3rd deployment, in charge of ~3 E-4s (~6-12 others); a squad.  The PO2 is considered a mid-grade Petty Officer. They are proven to be self-reliant leaders and do not need much oversight from their seniors. 2nd Class Petty Officers mentor junior Seamen to ensure work performance, professional development, and training. Leadership skills improve with years of experience, and those who are selected for C-School obtain technical expertise in their rate, much like studying for certification.
    3. E-6:  Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1):  ~5-10 years in, often on 4+ deployments, in charge of ~3 E-5s (~18-36 others).  Petty Officer 1st Class is considered a high-grade Petty Officer. The PO1 has a leadership part in a Division team, a smaller group within a Department that consists of 5-50 sailors (e.g., Work Center Supervisor.) They delegate tasks and handle the most complex tasks. Some responsibilities include managing more significant resources, such as expensive technical equipment, repair shop personnel, and large duty sections.

    –

    Senior Staff NCOs –also called Enlisted:

    1. E-7:  Chief Petty Officer (CPO):  ~15 years in, often on as many deployments, key advisor to the platoon leader.  The Chief Petty Officer is considered the “ground level” leadership of the Navy. Sailors hold the same regard to Chiefs as they do with Officers. According to the Master Chief of the Navy (MCPON), the Chief Petty Officer utilizes skills to direct sailors towards accomplishing the Navy’s mission. They work in conjunction with the Division Officer, taking care of personnel and equipment issues.
    2. E-8:  Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO):  ~20 years in, often on as many deployments, at the company or battalion level.  At this rank, the Senior Chief commands with a higher level of technical and managerial expertise. They are considered the senior technical supervisor within a rating. An SCPO has more influence within the Chiefs’ Mess (a group of Petty Officers that work closely together), and are responsible for training new Chiefs.
    3. E-9:  Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, in charge of ~3-4 platoons (~54-200 others).  Master Chief is the most distinguished Petty Officer. They are also known as “Department Chief.” MCPO is highly credentialed in their expertise and holds the most authority in large Departments. As Master Chief, they must maintain unity, communication, and cooperation in the Chiefs’ Mess.
    4. E-9:  Command Master Chief Petty Officer (CMC):  ~20+ years in, often on as many deployments, chief administrative assistant to a headquarters (battalion-level or higher.  A Senior Enlisted Advisor rank. CMC is the leading Chief aboard ships or shore-based units, and act as a bridge between enlisted officers and the commanding officer. As the principal enlisted advisor to the commanding officer, the CMC is expected to create and enact operational and human resource policies.  Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON/E-9)
      The MCPON is appointed by the Chief of Naval Operations and is considered the most senior Enlisted Senior Advisor. By and large, the MCPON serves as a representative to all enlisted members and their families in the U.S. Navy. Their duties adapt according to the needs of the Chief of Naval Operations and Chief of Naval Personnel. Over the course of their two-year term, the MCPON travels to meet with service members and their families to address the concerns and issues of the fleet.
    5. E-9:  Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC):  ~…  The Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the main advisor to the Chairman and plays a pivotal role in decision-making for the enlisted joint force. The role was originally created in 2005.

    They lead larger groups of service members, mentor junior officers, and advise senior officers on matters pertaining to their areas of responsibility.

    –

    Warrant Officers:

    Warrant Officers are highly-skilled specialists who are knowledgeable in their technical expertise. There are currently 27 designated specialties (e.g.:  electronic techs, software experts, pilots).  A Senior Navy Enlisted with the paygrade of E-6 and above is qualified to apply for the Navy’s Warrant Officer program. Service members have at least 14 years of considerable leadership and technical experience prior to applying for the program.

    While deployed at sea, they supervise the maintenance of equipment and ensure communication throughout the chain of command. Other roles Naval Warrant Officers take part as an executive, Division and commanding officers.

    1. W-1:  Chief Warrant Officer 1 (CWO-1):  primarily support operations from team or detachment through a battalion; the CWO-1 rank was retired in 1975 but reinstated in 2018 to establish the new cyber warrant officer position. A warrant is the only way a candidate can receive this rank. Once appointed, the service member commits to at least six years of service as a CWO-1.
    2. W-2:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO-2):  intermediate-level technical and tactical expert, supports levels of operations from team or detachment through a battalion;
      Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-2 through CWO-5)
      This is the first rank newly appointed to a Chief Warrant Officer by commission from the President. A CWO2 must have a minimum of 12 years of active duty experience and 3 years in grade to be eligible. Enlisted rank determines the CWO pay grade. Generally, the SCPO will be appointed to CWO2. Master Chief Petty Officers will be appointed the pay grade CWO3.Once accepted, the CWO attends an Officer Development School to ensure a smooth transition in their role. Advancement is dependent on vacancies and grade seniority or years of experience.
    3. W-3:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO-3):  advanced-level technical and tactical expert, supports operations from a team/detachment through a brigade
    4. W-4:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO-4):  senior-level technical and tactical expert, supports brigade, battalion, division, and corps operations
    5. W-5:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO-5):  master-level technical and tactical expert, supports brigade, division, corps, echelons, and command operations. They specialize in warrant officer leadership and representation responsibilities within their respective commands.

    These are the adaptive technical experts, combat leaders, trainers, and advisors. They hold warrants from their service secretary, and they specialize in specific military technologies or capabilities. They acquire their authority from the same source as commissioned officers, but they are considered specialists, compared to commissioned officers, who are considered generalists.

    –

    Officers:

    These are the managers, problem solvers, key influencers, and planners.

    Company-grade Officers:

    1. O-1:  Ensign (ENS):  entry-level rank for the majority of Commissioned Officers in the Navy, leads a platoon (~18-50 others).  Ensign is the first commissioned officer rank. Candidates receive this rank after completing their commissioning through the United States Naval Academy (USNA), Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) or Officer Candidate School (OCS). Majority of Ensigns attend schools to learn their jobs; others serve in the Fleet as Divisions Officers. Promotion can take anywhere from weeks to two years depending upon the ability to lead Division.
    2. O-2:  Lieutenant, Junior Grade (LTJG):  ~18 to 24 months of service, looked at for (to fill) the position of Executive Officer (XO) of a Company (~100-200 others).  Lieutenant, Junior Grade is the second-lowest officer rank. An LTJG may be in training for their specialty or serve in the Fleet as Division Officers. The LTJG maintains their role for two years before promotion.
    3. O-3:  Lieutenant (LT):  in charge of a Company (~100-200 others). Other jobs include becoming an instructor at a service school, or becoming a Staff Officer at a battalion level.  Lieutenant is considered a third rank officer and may serve as Division Officer. They have substantial responsibilities such as tactical watch teams and casualty situations. The LT may assume charge of smaller ships, aircraft squadrons, submarines or ships. Some commands require the LT to act as Department Heads.

    –

    Field-grade Officers:

    1. O-4:  Lieutenant Commander (LCDR):  the primary Staff Officer for a brigade. They are also part of task force commands in regard to personnel, logistical, and operational missions.  Lieutenant Commanders is considered a fourth rank junior officer.  The LCDR serves as a Department Head or Executive Officer on a ship, aircraft squadron or submarine. LCDR’s on SEAL Teams serve as Executive Officers. Other potential assignments include Commanding Officer of a Minesweeper or Patrol Craft.
    2. O-5:  Commander (CDR):  in charge of battalion-sized units (~400-1,000 others).  They can also be looked at for brigade and task force Executive Officer positions.  Commander is the fifth rank Senior Officer. Individuals of this rank may potentially command a Frigate, Destroyer, Fast Attack Submarine, Smaller Amphibious Ship, Aviation Squadron, SEAL Team, or shore installation.
    3. O-6:  Captain (CAPT):  in charge of brigades (~3,000-5,000 others).  Another responsibility at this rank will be becoming the chief of Division-level staff agencies.  CAPTs serve as Commanding Officers of Major Commands. Such commands include Aircraft Carriers, Amphibious Assault Ships, Cruisers, Destroyer Squadrons, Ballistic Missile Submarines, Carrier Air Wings, Submarine Squadrons, SEAL groups, and shore installations.

    –

    General Officers:

    1. O-7:  Rear Admiral Lower Half (RDML):  the Deputy Commander to the commanding General for Navy Divisions. They will assist in coordinating and planning missions for the Navy.  A Rear Admiral Lower Half holds one-star and is the first of the Flag ranks. While at sea, the RDML commands an Amphibious Group, Carrier-Cruiser Group, Carrier or Expeditionary Strike Group. Other assignments include serving as deputies to larger commands.
    2. O-8:  Rear Admiral Upper Half (RADM):  typically command a Division (~10,000-15,000 others).  A Rear Admiral Upper Half holds two stars. The RADM is responsible for commanding an Amphibious Group, Carrier-Cruiser Group, Carrier or Expeditionary Strike Group. They may also work as deputies to larger commands.
    3. O-9:  Vice Admiral (VADM):  command a Corps (~20,000-45,000 others).  A Vice Admiral holds three stars. The VADM commands fleets and may act as deputy for regional commands.
    4. O-10:  Admiral (ADM):  >30 years of military experience, in command of all operations in their geographical area. The Chief of Staff of the Navy is one of them; he is a four-star Admiral (ADM).  An Admiral holds four-stars and is the most senior Flag Rank. An Admiral can serve as Commander of Regional Commands, Joint Commands, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Staff and Chief of Naval Operations.
    5. O-11:  Fleet Admiral (FADM):  The Commanding Officer must be of equal or higher rank than the Commanding Officer of opposing armies from other nations.  The last officer to (publicly) hold this rank was during and after WWII.  Fleet Admiral is the only rank appointed during a time of war. The last FADM to serve in the U.S. Navy was William D. Leahy. He retired in 1949 after World War II and was the last to achieve this rank.

    Further information can be found at sites such as this one.

     

    The Inisfreeans

     

    *Technically, since our race/species is a collective-/shared-consciousness, each and every ICV knowing from ‘birth’ what all her fellow-ICVs know, all of them are always capable of having any of the following ranks and related tasks/jobs, so we don’t have true-equivalents of any of the following ranks-brackets.  We do, however, for simplicity’s sake, use some of the following ranks and abbreviations for differentiating levels of responsibility in a single building, as well as in each session of our Congresses.

    Enlisted Equivalents:

    Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs):
    (In Inisfree, these are ICVs who are enrolled as students in our school-system.)

    1. E-1:  Private (PV1) / Private (Pvt) / Seaman Recruit (SR):  Batchlings; grades 1-10
    2. E-2:  Private (PV2) / Private First Class (PFC) / Seaman Apprentice (SA):  Hatchlings; grades 11-14
    3. E-3:  Private First Class (PFC, Army) / Lance Corporal (LCpl) / Seaman (SN):  Damsels (grade 15), Dames (grade 16), Concubine cadets (grade 17), Concubines (grade 18), Commandettes/Warrioresses (grade 19), and Master Female (MF) cadets (grade 20)

    –

    Staff NCOs (SNCOs):
    (In Inisfree, these are ICVs who in charge of the smallest groups/teams.)

    1. E-4:  Specialist (SPC) / Corporal (CPL) / Corporal (Cpl) / Petty Officer 3rd Class (PO3):  squad-member ICVs in charge of non-ICVs (such as during joint-task-force black-ops)
    2. E-5:  Sergeant (SGT) / Sergeant (Sgt) / Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO2):  ICVs in charge of fire-teams or squads of fellow ICVs
    3. E-6:  Staff Sergeant (SSGT) / Staff Sergeant (SSgt) / Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1):  ICVs in charge of platoons of fellow ICVs

    –

    Senior Staff NCOs:
    (In Inisfree, these are ICVs who are in charge of mid-sized groups of fellow ICVs, but not ships.)

    1. E-7:  Sergeant First Class (SFC) / Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) / Chief Petty Officer (CPO):  ICVs in charge of companies of fellow ICVs
    2. E-8:  Master Sergeant (MSG) / First Sergeant (1SG) / Master Sergeant (MSgt) / First Sergeant (1Sgt) / Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO):  ICVs in charge of battalions of fellow ICVs
    3. E-9:  Sergeant Major (SGM) / Command Sergeant Major (CSM) / Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) / Sergeant Major (SGM) / Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO):  ICVs in charge of brigades of fellow ICVs
    4. E-9:  Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) / Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SMMC) / Command Master Chief Petty Officer (CMC):  ICVs in charge of regiments of fellow ICVs
    5. E-9:  Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC):  ICVs (in charge of divisions of fellow ICVs, etc.) who report directly to a ship-commander

    –

    Warrant-officer Equivalents:

    In Inisfree, these are venue/event hosts/managers/specialists.

    1. W-1:  Chief Warrant Officer 1 (CWO-1):  manager of a club, restaurant, or other shop
    2. W-2:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO-2):  manager of a floor/level of clubs/restaurants/shops
    3. W-3:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO-3):  manager of a building of clubs/restaurants/shops
    4. W-4:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO-4):  manager of a city-block/section of clubs/restaurants/shops
    5. W-5:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO-5):  manager of a other managers in our city/ies

    –

    Officer Equivalents:

    In Inisfree, these are commanders, such as those of groups of Inisfreean craft/ships (ICs).

    Company-grade Officers:
    (In Inisfree, these are ICVs who are in charge of a (1) ship.)

    1. O-1:  2nd Lieutenant (2LT) / Ensign (ENS):  BM/MPHA commandress (alternatively spelled “commanderess”)
    2. O-2:  1st Lieutenant (1LT) / Lieutenant, Junior Grade (LTJG):  DS commandress
    3. O-3:  Captain (Cpt) / Lieutenant (LT):  CP commandress

    –

    Field-grade Officers:
    (In Inisfree, these are ICVs who are in charge of a group of ships (~3).)

    1. O-4:  Major (Maj) / Lieutenant Commander (LCDR):  WS commandress
    2. O-5:  Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol) / Commander (CDR):  WSs-group commandress
    3. O-6:  Colonel (Col) / Captain (CAPT):  WSs-fleet commandress

    –

    General Officers:
    (In Inisfree, these are ICVs who are in charge of a fleet (>3 of our ships/ICs).)

    1. O-7:  Brigadier General (BGen) / Rear Admiral Lower Half (RDML):  MSBS/PSBS commandress
    2. O-8:  Major General (MajGen) / Rear Admiral Upper Half (RADM):  MSBS/PSBSs-group/fleet commandress
    3. O-9:  Lieutenant General (LtGen) / Vice Admiral (VADM):  SSBS section commandress
    4. O-10:  General (Gen) / Admiral (ADM):  SSBS commandress
    5. O-11:  General of the Army (GoA) / Fleet Admiral (FADM):  Nyria Serra (ICV0); our eternal Chieftess of Staff

    –

    Main Rank-structure:

    1. High King Auzdein von Himmler
    2. The Grid Mind forming and coordinating (and backing up the experiences/data of) all ICs (not just all ICVs) –which includes all worlds/realms formed by the Inisfreeans
    3. Nyria Serra (ICV0) over all military/deployed ICVs
    4. Amber ICV1 over all ICVs in Inisfreean territory (Inisfree and the SSA)

    –

    Military Rank-structure:

    1. High King Auzdein von Himmler
    2. The Grid Mind
    3. (O-11 equivalent) Nyria Serra (ICV0)
    4. Override Forces
    5. Mobile Entourage
    6. (O-10 equivalent) SSBS commandress
    7. SSBS section commandress
    8. PSBSs-group/fleet commandress
    9. (O-9 equivalent) PSBS commandress
    10. PSBS section
    11. MSBSs-group/fleet commandress
    12. (O-8 equivalent) MSBS commandress
    13. MSBS section
    14. WSs-fleet commandress
    15. WSs-group commandress
    16. (O-7 equivalent) WS commandress
    17. WS section
    18. WS floor/level
    19. WS wing
    20. WS hall
    21. WS suite
    22. CPs-fleet commandress
    23. CPs-group commandress
    24. (O-6 equivalent) CP commandress
    25. CP section
    26. CP floor/level
    27. CP wing
    28. CP hall
    29. CP suite
    30. DSs-group commandress
    31. (O-5 equivalent) DS commandress
    32. DS section
    33. DS floor/level
    34. DS wing
    35. DS hall
    36. DS suite
    37. (O-4 equivalent) BM pilot/commandress (of its pussy-compartment troops)
    38. (O-3 equivalent) MPHA pilot/commandress
    39. (O-2 equivalent) FJ pilot
    40. (O-1 equivalent) AP operator/pilot
    41. (E-6 equivalent) WR pilot/commandress
    42. (E-5 equivalent) TK pilot/commandress (and there are no commandresses below this, because this is the smallest of our deployable vehicles/ICs which carries more than 1 ICV in it)
    43. (E-4 equivalent) non-vehicle squad leader
    44. (E-3 equivalent) non-vehicle fire-team leader

    –

    Municipal Rank-structure:

    1. High King Auzdein von Himmler
    2. The Grid Mind
    3. (O-11 equivalent) Amber ICV1
    4. (O-10 equivalent) Region commandresses
    5. (O-9 equivalent) Neighborhood commandresses
    6. (O-8 equivalent) Skyscraper/House commandresses
    7. (O-7 equivalent) Wing (of a building; sometimes a multi-level side/section) commandresses
    8. (O-6 equivalent) Floor/Level commandresses
    9. (O-5 equivalent) Hall commandresses
    10. (O-4 equivalent) Suite commandresses
    11. (O-3 equivalent) Office/Room commandresses
    12. (O-2 equivalent) Team commandresses
    13. (O-1 equivalent) Congressgirls
    14. (E-9 equivalent) The Governor’s Mansion (ICGM) Secret Service (SS)
    15. (E-9 equivalent) Police-girls (some doubling/functioning/seconded as Kajirae-facility Wardens)
    16. (E-9 equivalent) Wife-ICVs: graduates who then completed the wedding wing-suiting ceremony
    17. (E-9 equivalent) Master Females; grade-20 graduates
    18. (E-8 equivalent) Master Female cadets: grade 20 (the highest/final level of/in A.D.O.)
    19. (E-7 equivalent) Commandettes/Warrioresses: grade 19
    20. (E-6 equivalent) Concubines: grade 18
    21. (E-5 equivalent) Concubine cadets: grade 17
    22. (E-4 equivalent) Dames: grade 16
    23. (E-3 equivalent) Damsels: grade 15
    24. (E-2 equivalent) Hatchlings: grades  11-14
    25. (E-1 equivalent) Batchlings: grades 1-10 (the first level of/in A.D.O.)

    –

    Further information can be found at our Inisfree’s Chain-of-command webpage.