- DETAILED PICTURES OF EACH RANK -
The following descriptions below indiciate the rank insignia of the majority of the ranks written about in this website. Please keep in mind, however, certain ranks are not, (which will be mentioned) are not listed because they had no potential insignia at the time of their creation, or, there may be very little, if any documentation thereof.
UNITED STATES ARMY MILITARY RANKS AND THEIR RESPECTED INSIGNIA
US Army Private (PV2)
Classified in military lingo as an E-2.
US Army Private First Class (PFC)
Classified in military lingo as an E-3.
US Army Specialist (SPC)
Classified in military lingo as an E-4.
US Army Corporal (CPL)
Classified in military lingo as an E-4.
US Army Sergeant (SGT)
Classified in military lingo as an E-5.
US Army Staff Sergeant (SSG)
Classified in military lingo as an E-6.
US Army Sergeant First Class (SFC)
Classified in military lingo as an E-7.
US Army Master Sergeant (MSG)
Classified in military lingo as an E-8.
US Army First Sergeant (1SG)
Classified in military lingo as an E-8.
US Army Sergeant Major (SGM)
Classified in military lingo as an E-9.
US Army Command Sergeant Major (CSM)
Classified in military lingo as an E-9.
US Army Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA)
Classified in military lingo as an E-9.
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US Army Warrant Officer 1 (WO1)
This is the classic cap & shoulder insignia of the warrant officer.
US Army Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) "Modern"
This is the modern look for all commissioned officers of the United States Armed Forces, the classic Civil War uniform appearance.
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US Army Warrant Officer 2 (WO2)
This classic cap & shoulder insignia of the warrant officer.
US Army Warrant Officer 2 (WO2) "Modern"
This is the modern look for all commissioned officers of the United States Armed Forces, the classic shoulder boards which were utilized in the American Civil War for officers.
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US Army Warrant Officer 3 (WO3)
The traditional cap & shoulder insignia of the warrant officer.
US Army Warrant Officer 3 (WO3) "Modern"
The modern look that has been requisioned from the American Civil War shoulder boards.
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US Army Warrant Officer 4 (WO4)
The traditional cap & shoulder insignia of the second highest warrant officer grade.
US Army Warrant Officer 4 (WO4) "Modern"
Reinstating the traditional 19th century period shoulder boards for all commissioned officers.
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US Army Chief Warrant Officer (CWO)
Much like the Sergeant Major of the Army, there are few chief warrant officers. This shoulder and cap insignia is the traditional model.
US Army Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) "Modern"
Reinstating the final and most-senior 19th century shoulder boards for the chief warrant officer. Even though warrant officer shoulder boards did not exist, these were instated for all officers in the United States Army.
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US Army Second Lieutenant (2LT)
Regulation standard collar, shoulder or cap insignia for the O-1 (NATO code of OF-1).
US Army Second Lieutenant Dress Regulation
Like the other rankings, these shoulder boards represent the dress uniform regulation standard.
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US Army First Lieutenant (1LT)
Regulation standard collar, shoulder or cap insignia for the O-2 (NATO code of OF-1).
US Army First Lieutenant Dress Regulation
These shoulder boards represent the dress uniform regulation standard.
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US Army Captain (CPT)
Regulation standard collar, shoulder or cap insignia for the O-3 (NATO code OF-2).
US Army Captain Dress Regulation
These shoulder boards represent the dress regulation standard.
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US Army Major (MAJ)
Regulation standard collar, shoulder or cap insignia for the O-4 (NATO code of OF-3).
US Army Major Dress Regulation
These shoulder boards represent the dress regulation standard.
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US Army Lieutenant Colonel (LTC)
Regulation standard collar, shoulder or cap insignia for the O-5 (NATO code of OF-4).
US Army Lieutenant Colonel Dress Regulation
These shoulder boards represent the dress regulation standard.
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US Army Colonel (COL)
Regulation standard collar, shoulder or cap insignia for the O-6 (NATO code of OF-5).
US Army Colonel Dress Regulation
These shoulder boards represent the dress regulation standard.
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US Army Brigadier General (BG)
The regulation standard collar, shoulder or cap insignia for the O-7 (NATO code of OF-6).
US Army Brigadier General Dress Regulation
These shoulder boards represent the dress regulation standard.
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US Army Major General (MG)
The regulation standard collar, shoulder or cap insignia for the O-8 (NATO code of OF-7).
US Army Major General Dress Regulation
These shoulder boards represent the dress regulation standard.
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US Army Lieutenant General (LTG)
The regulation standard collar, shoulder or cap insignia for the O-9 (NATO code of OF-8).
US Army Lieutenant General Dress Regulation
These shoulder boards represent the dress regulation standard.
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US Army General (GEN)
The regulation standard collar, shoulder or cap "brass" for the O-10 (NATO code of OF-9).
US Army General Dress Regulation
These shoulder boards represent the dress regulation standard.
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US Army General of the Army (GOA) or (GA)
The regulation standard collar, shoulder or cap insignia (rarely ever cap) for the OF-10 --- (no US Army code for the GA).
US Army General of the Army Dress Regulation
These shoulder boards represent the dress regulation standard.
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US Army General of the Armies Dress Regulation (Unofficial)
(Even though the rank insignia below is a six-star rank, this insignia was never authorized by the United States Army or by US Congress. Many military historians, however, agree that if the United States Army did propose such rank insignia for this "unofficial" rank, that this design might be the closest designated design given the formation of design for the "general of the army"). There were several proposed designs for the rank of General of the Armies of the United States. Those are listed below.
US Army General of the Armies Dress Regulation (Unofficial)
(Even though the rank insignia below is a six-star rank, this insignia was never authorized by the United States Army or by US Congress. Many military historians, however, agree that if the United States Army did propose such rank insignia for this "unofficial" rank, that this design might be the closest designated design given the formation of design for the "general of the army"). There were several proposed designs for the rank of General of the Armies of the United States. Those are listed below.
The four gold stars left were the closest "officially"-recognized rank insignia for the title of General of the Armies of the United States. This rank insignia in particular was authorized and worn by General John Pershing (when US Congress requested he design his own rank insignia for the rank of general of the armies). When General Pershing explained to Congress "that he did not wish to be any higher than any of his men in the Army", he adopted this badge of insignia for himself. Although, traditionally, against the ranking structure of the "silver-over-gold" method within the US military, it is widely believed that, with some military historians acknowledging that the US military should have adopted the system of "gold-over-silver" since the founding of the United States Army, that perhaps General John "Blackjack" Pershing was also aware of this, and therefore, instead of bringing the typical silver-over-gold system, he brought back the old-fashioned system of gold outranking silver, always.
Some of the other designs that have made it into military historical circles in the past few years are the following designs, which we historians surmise were used only for collecting and/or prototypes. It seems that the one rank slip, (pictured left), utilizes French origins. As this pattern is exactly the same used by the French Army denoting Marshal of France, with the exception that the stars pictured here are cropped. The pattern on the left seems to use a combination of American & British patterns. The similarities would explain much, considering the current rank insignia of the USAFs, and the historical ones pictured throughout this website, all of which obtain origins from France and Great Britain.
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UNION ARMY SHOULDER BOARDS AND COLORS DURING THE U.S. CIVIL WAR
Union Army Ranks
The following branches of the Union Army in the photo include "from left to right;" (Staff, Artillery, Cavalry, and Infantry). There were several other branches in the Union Army that also include, but are not shown, (Berdan Sharpshooters which were recognized by their dark green uniforms), and of course the various other branches of the Special Service Officers, which are located below. The ranks in this photo include:
(STAFF), (BLACK) - (Lieutenant General, 3-stars; Major General, 2-stars; Brigadier General, 1-star; Medical Service Major, gold oak leaves with M.S.; Medical Service Captain, two gold bars with M.S.; Medical Service First Lieutenant, one gold bar with M.S.; Colonel, with silver eagle; Lieutenant Colonel, with silver oak leaves; Major, with gold oak leaves; Captain, with two gold bars, First Lieutenant, with one gold bar; Second Lieutenant, with no insignia).
(ARTILLERY), (RED) - (Colonel, silver eagle; Lieutenant Colonel, silver oak leaves; Major, gold oak leaves; Captain, two gold bars; First Lieutenant, one gold bar; Second Lieutenant, no insignia).
(CAVALRY), (YELLOW) - (Colonel, silver eagle; Lieutenant Colonel, silver oak leaves; Major, gold oak leaves; Captain, two gold bars; First Lieutenant, one gold bar; Second Lieutenant, no insignia).
(INFANTRY), (LIGHT BLUE) - (Colonel, silver eagle; Lieutenant Colonel, silver oak leaves; Major, gold oak leaves; Captain, two gold bars; First Lieutenant, one gold bar; Second Lieutenant, no insignia).
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(STAFF), (BLACK) - (Lieutenant General, 3-stars; Major General, 2-stars; Brigadier General, 1-star; Medical Service Major, gold oak leaves with M.S.; Medical Service Captain, two gold bars with M.S.; Medical Service First Lieutenant, one gold bar with M.S.; Colonel, with silver eagle; Lieutenant Colonel, with silver oak leaves; Major, with gold oak leaves; Captain, with two gold bars, First Lieutenant, with one gold bar; Second Lieutenant, with no insignia).
(ARTILLERY), (RED) - (Colonel, silver eagle; Lieutenant Colonel, silver oak leaves; Major, gold oak leaves; Captain, two gold bars; First Lieutenant, one gold bar; Second Lieutenant, no insignia).
(CAVALRY), (YELLOW) - (Colonel, silver eagle; Lieutenant Colonel, silver oak leaves; Major, gold oak leaves; Captain, two gold bars; First Lieutenant, one gold bar; Second Lieutenant, no insignia).
(INFANTRY), (LIGHT BLUE) - (Colonel, silver eagle; Lieutenant Colonel, silver oak leaves; Major, gold oak leaves; Captain, two gold bars; First Lieutenant, one gold bar; Second Lieutenant, no insignia).
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Union Army Chaplain (Captain)
The ranks of chaplains for the most part were never authorized officially by Union Congress, mainly for the reason that the Army and Congress felt that chaplains would have one rank upon recruitment into the service, that was the rank of captain. Likewise, they would be paid the same wages as that of a Captain of Cavalry, and be accepted as an officer. Up until the year of 1864, chaplains wore all black, civilian clothing, even serving as military chaplains. This uniform was (black trousers, black vest, white muslin shirt, black frock coat, black brogans or sometimes boots, and even a dark blue kepi, (same as most other soldiers and officers). However, because of farby Civil War impersonators, most chaplain reenactors have sought after the beloved chaplain shoulder boards which still entitles them to be recognized as "officers." Upon this instance, Civil War chaplain reenactors have taken to all ranks, from second lieutenant all the way up to the rank of lieutenant colonel. However, officially and technically speaking, that is from a (military chaplaincy expertise point-of-view), shoulder boards for chaplains and extended ranks thereof were not "officially" recognized or instituted until around the early 1880s in the United States.
Union Army Chaplain (Second Lieutenant)
The 1880 officially recognized United States Army chaplain officer shoulder board insignia.
Union Army Chaplain (First Lieutenant)
The 1880 officially recognized United States Army chaplain officer shoulder board insignia.
Union Army Chaplain (Major)
The 1880 officially recognized United States Army chaplain officer shoulder board insignia.
Union Army Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel)
The 1880 officially recognized United States Army chaplain officer shoulder board insignia. This rank was considered the highest for this particular branch at the time, essentially, the Chaplain Commander. It would not be until pre-WWI that the rank of Brigadier General would replace the rank of lieutenant colonel as Chaplain Commander.
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Union Army Medical Service (Second Lieutenant)
Like its other counterpart special service branches, the Medical Service had officers from second lieutenant through lieutenant colonel, as well as colonel.
Union Army Medical Service (First Lieutenant)
These ranks for this department held out all the way up until the Spanish-American War and slightly beyond.
Union Army Medical Service (Captain)
Unlike their combatant counterparts, the captains of (Medical Service, Payroll Department, Quartermaster, Chaplains, Topographical Engineers, Engineers, Signal Corps) were all commanders of companies of smaller men in force. A typical noncombatant company; mostly that of the (Chaplain Corps, Medical Service) were responsible for anywhere from 4-10 fellow officers and specialty soldiers. Of course, the latter specialty branches as listed above were technically, not in their entirety listed as "noncombatants" and were subject to sniper attacks, ambushes, pushes, and durther more full on assaults by the enemy.
Most Medical Service captains were graduates of medical school or a military-grade equivalent. Those who served as first lieutenants were junior doctors, still in medical school or freshly out of, and under supervised training by the more experiences, veteran physicians.
Most Medical Service captains were graduates of medical school or a military-grade equivalent. Those who served as first lieutenants were junior doctors, still in medical school or freshly out of, and under supervised training by the more experiences, veteran physicians.
Union Army Medical Service (Major)
The much more experienced battlefield physicians were both majors and colonels. While second and first lieutenants, and very rarely captains would be attached from their particular medical company to a battlefield assignment, majors and lieutenants colonel were most often attached to permanent posts, yet still in the field itself. Many doctors who had previously served for the duration of the Civil War as medical doctors ended up converting to the ever-increasing field of embalming surgery, where most often, the military did not recognize military embalmers at the time, and the medical doctor would be responsible for giving up their commission in order to serve as a civilian embalmer, but still attached to the military. In some cases, the "embalming surgeon" as they were known continued utilizing their rank and status as civilian counterparts while still under the jurisdiction of the military. Typically speaking, the Union Army rarely ever disciplined physicians who were embalming surgeons as long as they didn't conduct themselves outside of military standards, they would be allowed to keep their uniform and rank. Many did too and others not only kept using their rank, but others set up a civilian counterpart business (sort of like a sideline) where, whilst serving in the field, they would go into town and recruit local embalmers to assist them on the battlefield in their embalming tents. There have been several documented cases where physicians, serving as embalming surgeons have set up civilian funeral homes in towns where battle campaigns were being undertaken, and have conducted affairs for the locals while still serving the army. Some were arrested and court martialed, while others were released and transferred to a different regiment or division to continuing serving as a physician under a new set of watchful eyes.
(White there exists no replica or historical photo for the rank of Medical Service Lieutenant Colonel, the shoulder board insignia would essentially look identical in nature to the rank of major, (except that the gold oak leaves were silver). The rank of lieutenant colonel was not the highest rank for this branch, it was colonel, but it was more or less a staff department rank since it was recognized under the "special service officer branch."
(White there exists no replica or historical photo for the rank of Medical Service Lieutenant Colonel, the shoulder board insignia would essentially look identical in nature to the rank of major, (except that the gold oak leaves were silver). The rank of lieutenant colonel was not the highest rank for this branch, it was colonel, but it was more or less a staff department rank since it was recognized under the "special service officer branch."
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Field Marshal (United Kingdom)
The highest military rank of the British Army. It is considered a five-star rank, immediately above the rank of General, and is the army equivalent of an Admiral of the Fleet and a Marshal of the Royal Air Force. On appointment, a Field Marshal is presented with a gold-tipped baton which he carries on ceremonial occasions. Over the history of the British Army, there have been 140 men promoted to the rank. The rank insignia of a field marshal in the British Army comprises two crossed batons in a wreath of oak leaves, with a crown above. In some other countries, historically under the sphere of British influence, an adapted version of the insignia is used for field marshals, often with the crown being replaced with an alternative cultural or national emblem.
The office of Marshal was known in England from the 12th century, but the introduction of the modern military title in Great Britain was a relative latecomer. It was introduced by King George II, who was also Prince-elector of Hanover, in the style of the continental armies. The 1st Earl of Orkney became the first field marshal in 1736. Around 15 years later, the rank appeared in its shortened form simply as "marshal" in the additional verse to God Save the King which, demonstrating anti-Jacobite sentiment, expressed the hope that "Marshal Wade" would crush the "Rebellious Scots". During the early part of the 20th century, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff was usually a field marshal. After the creation of the office of Chief of the Defence Staff, army occupants of the
office were field marshals until the retirement of CDS Peter Inge in 1997. Since that date, the rank has not been granted to serving officers, although Inge's successor Charles Guthrie was given an honorary promotion to the rank in 2012, 11 years after his retirement.
The office of Marshal was known in England from the 12th century, but the introduction of the modern military title in Great Britain was a relative latecomer. It was introduced by King George II, who was also Prince-elector of Hanover, in the style of the continental armies. The 1st Earl of Orkney became the first field marshal in 1736. Around 15 years later, the rank appeared in its shortened form simply as "marshal" in the additional verse to God Save the King which, demonstrating anti-Jacobite sentiment, expressed the hope that "Marshal Wade" would crush the "Rebellious Scots". During the early part of the 20th century, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff was usually a field marshal. After the creation of the office of Chief of the Defence Staff, army occupants of the
office were field marshals until the retirement of CDS Peter Inge in 1997. Since that date, the rank has not been granted to serving officers, although Inge's successor Charles Guthrie was given an honorary promotion to the rank in 2012, 11 years after his retirement.
General (United Kingdom)
General (or full general to distinguish it from the lower general officer ranks) is the highest rank currently achievable by professional officers the British Army. The rank can also be held by Royal Marines officers in tri-service posts although currently no dedicated RM post is associated with this rank. It ranks above lieutenant-general and, in the Army, is subordinate to the rank of field marshal, which is now only awarded as an honorary rank. The rank of general has a NATO-code of OF-9, and is a four-star rank. It is equivalent to a full admiral in the Royal Navy or an air chief marshal in the Royal Air Force.
Officers holding the ranks of lieutenant-general, major-general and the former rank of brigadier-general (now simply brigadier and no longer a general officer rank) may be generically considered to be generals.
Officers holding the ranks of lieutenant-general, major-general and the former rank of brigadier-general (now simply brigadier and no longer a general officer rank) may be generically considered to be generals.
Lieutenant General (United Kingdom)
Lieutenant general (Lt Gen) is a senior rank in the British Army and the Royal Marines, although the highest-ranking officer in the Royal
Marines at present is major general. It has a NATO code of OF-8, and is the equivalent of a multinational three-star rank; some British lieutenant generals
sometimes wear three-star insignia, in addition to their standard insignia, when on multinational operations. Lieutenant general is a superior rank to major general, but subordinate to a full general. The rank has a NATO rank code of OF-8, equivalent to a vice-admiral in the Royal Navy and an air marshal in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the air forces of many Commonwealth countries. The rank insignia for both the Army and the Royal Marines is a crown over a crossed sabre and baton. Since the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the St Edward's Crown, commonly known as the Queen's Crown, has been depicted. Prior to 1953, the Tudor Crown, commonly known as the King's Crown was used.
Marines at present is major general. It has a NATO code of OF-8, and is the equivalent of a multinational three-star rank; some British lieutenant generals
sometimes wear three-star insignia, in addition to their standard insignia, when on multinational operations. Lieutenant general is a superior rank to major general, but subordinate to a full general. The rank has a NATO rank code of OF-8, equivalent to a vice-admiral in the Royal Navy and an air marshal in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the air forces of many Commonwealth countries. The rank insignia for both the Army and the Royal Marines is a crown over a crossed sabre and baton. Since the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the St Edward's Crown, commonly known as the Queen's Crown, has been depicted. Prior to 1953, the Tudor Crown, commonly known as the King's Crown was used.
Major General (United Kingdom)
A senior rank in the British Army. Since
1996 the highest position within the Royal Marines is the Commandant General Royal Marines who holds the
rank of major general. The most senior officer of the Royal Army Chaplains Department, the chaplain-general, also holds the rank of major
general. A major general is superior to a brigadier but subordinate to lieutenant general. The rank has a NATO rank code of OF-7, equivalent to a rear
admiral in the Royal Navy or an air vice-marshal in the Royal Air Force or the air forces of many Commonwealth countries.
The rank insignia is a pip over a crossed sword and baton.
1996 the highest position within the Royal Marines is the Commandant General Royal Marines who holds the
rank of major general. The most senior officer of the Royal Army Chaplains Department, the chaplain-general, also holds the rank of major
general. A major general is superior to a brigadier but subordinate to lieutenant general. The rank has a NATO rank code of OF-7, equivalent to a rear
admiral in the Royal Navy or an air vice-marshal in the Royal Air Force or the air forces of many Commonwealth countries.
The rank insignia is a pip over a crossed sword and baton.
Brigadier (United Kingdom)
A senior rank in the British Army and the Royal Marines. Brigadier is the superior rank to Colonel, but subordinate to Major-General. While the corresponding rank of Brigadier General in many other nations is a General Officer rank, the British Army considers it a Field officer rank.
The rank has a NATO rank code of OF-6, placing it equivalent to the Royal Navy Commodore and the Royal Air Force Air Commodore ranks. It is also equivalent to a 1 star General in the United States of America.
In 1922 the rank of Brigadier-General was replaced by the appointment of Colonel-Commandant. The appointment, although reflecting its modern role in the British Army as a senior colonel rather than a junior general, was not well received and was replaced with brigadier in 1928. Colonel-commandant
was only ever used for officers commanding brigades, depots or training establishments. Officers holding equivalent rank in administrative appointments
were known as "colonels on the staff", also replaced by brigadier in 1928. Colonel-commandants and colonels on the staff wore the same rank badge later
adopted by brigadiers. Until shortly after World War II, brigadier was an appointment conferred on colonels (as commodore was an appointment conferred on naval
captains) rather than a substantive rank. The Royal Marines retained this until 1997, when both commodore and brigadier became substantive ranks.
The rank has a NATO rank code of OF-6, placing it equivalent to the Royal Navy Commodore and the Royal Air Force Air Commodore ranks. It is also equivalent to a 1 star General in the United States of America.
In 1922 the rank of Brigadier-General was replaced by the appointment of Colonel-Commandant. The appointment, although reflecting its modern role in the British Army as a senior colonel rather than a junior general, was not well received and was replaced with brigadier in 1928. Colonel-commandant
was only ever used for officers commanding brigades, depots or training establishments. Officers holding equivalent rank in administrative appointments
were known as "colonels on the staff", also replaced by brigadier in 1928. Colonel-commandants and colonels on the staff wore the same rank badge later
adopted by brigadiers. Until shortly after World War II, brigadier was an appointment conferred on colonels (as commodore was an appointment conferred on naval
captains) rather than a substantive rank. The Royal Marines retained this until 1997, when both commodore and brigadier became substantive ranks.
Colonel (United Kingdom)
A rank of the British forces, ranking below Brigadier, and above Lieutenant Colonel. British Colonels are not usually field commanders; typically they serve as staff officers between field commands at battalion and brigade level. The insignia is two diamond shaped pips (properly called "Bath Stars") below a crown. The crown has varied in the past with different monarchs; the current Queen's reign has used St Edward's Crown.
As a Ceremonial Rank: In the British Army, Colonel may also refer to the ceremonial head of a regiment. This is almost always a general officer, Brigadier or Colonel, often retired, with a close link to the regiment in question. Some non-military personnel may be appointed to the position, thereby holding an Honorary rank of Colonel for the duration of the appointment, though usually with the Territorial Army units. The position is often described as "Colonel of the Regiment", to distinguish it from the rank of Colonel. When attending functions as "Colonel of the Regiment", the officer wears the rank insignia of (full) Colonel, regardless of their official rank. This position may also be held by a member of the Royal Family, who is then known as a "Royal Colonel." Colonel-in-Chief is also a ceremonial title of the British Army. It is usually held by a member of the Royal Family. The Colonel of the Regiment often has a closer involvement with the regiment and its Regimental Association than does the Colonel-in-Chief, as she/he has usually had direct military involvement, unlike the members of the Royal Family. "Colonel of Marines" was once an honour bestowed upon Royal Navy Post-captains as a reward for highly distinguished service. This was a salaried sinecure position with no additional obligations outside the captain's normal naval duties. He would lose this title and its additional pay upon reaching flag rank. Horatio Nelson was given such a colonelcy in 1795, two years before he reached flag rank.
See separate ranks of Colonel below;
As a Ceremonial Rank: In the British Army, Colonel may also refer to the ceremonial head of a regiment. This is almost always a general officer, Brigadier or Colonel, often retired, with a close link to the regiment in question. Some non-military personnel may be appointed to the position, thereby holding an Honorary rank of Colonel for the duration of the appointment, though usually with the Territorial Army units. The position is often described as "Colonel of the Regiment", to distinguish it from the rank of Colonel. When attending functions as "Colonel of the Regiment", the officer wears the rank insignia of (full) Colonel, regardless of their official rank. This position may also be held by a member of the Royal Family, who is then known as a "Royal Colonel." Colonel-in-Chief is also a ceremonial title of the British Army. It is usually held by a member of the Royal Family. The Colonel of the Regiment often has a closer involvement with the regiment and its Regimental Association than does the Colonel-in-Chief, as she/he has usually had direct military involvement, unlike the members of the Royal Family. "Colonel of Marines" was once an honour bestowed upon Royal Navy Post-captains as a reward for highly distinguished service. This was a salaried sinecure position with no additional obligations outside the captain's normal naval duties. He would lose this title and its additional pay upon reaching flag rank. Horatio Nelson was given such a colonelcy in 1795, two years before he reached flag rank.
See separate ranks of Colonel below;
WWI Colonel Insignia
World War I colonel's rank insignia (general pattern).
WWI Colonel Insignia
World War I colonel's rank insignia (Scottish pattern).
Lieutenant Colonel (United Kingdom)
A rank in the British Army and Royal Marines which is also used in many Commonwealth countries. The rank is superior to major, and subordinate to colonel. The comparable Royal Navy rank is commander, and the comparable rank in the Royal Air Force and many Commonwealth air forces is wing commander. The rank insignia in the British Army and Royal Marines, as well as many Commonwealth countries, is a crown above a 4 pointed "Bath" star, also colloquially referred to as a "pip". The crown has varied in the past with different monarchs; the current one being the Crown of St Edward. Most other Commonwealth countries use the same insignia, or with the state emblem replacing the crown. In modern British forces, a lieutenant colonel usually commands a regiment (in the artillery and armoured regiments) or a battalion in the infantry. From 1 April 1918 to 31 July 1919, the Royal Air Force maintained the rank of lieutenant colonel. It was superseded by the rank of wing commander on the following day.
Major (United Kingdom)
In the British Army, a major is a military rank which is used by both the British Army and Royal Marines. The rank is superior to captain, and subordinate to lieutenant colonel. The insignia for a major is a crown. The equivalent rank in the Royal Navy is Lieutenant-Commander, and Squadron Leader in the Royal Air Force. By the time of the Napoleonic wars, an infantry battalion usually had two majors, designated the "senior major" and the "junior major". The senior major effectively acted as second-in-command and the majors often commanded detachments of two or more companies split from the main body. The second-in-command of a battalion or regiment is still a major.
During World War I, some officers took to wearing similar jackets to the men, with the rank badges on the shoulder, as the cuff badges made them conspicuous to snipers. This practice was frowned on outside the trenches but was given official sanction in 1917 as an alternative, being made permanent in 1920 when the cuff badges were abolished. From 1 April 1918 to 31 July 1919, the Royal Air Force maintained the rank of major. It was superseded by the rank of squadron leader on the following day. By World War I, majors were often commanding independent companies, squadrons and batteries, but those that were organically part of a regiment or battalion were still usually commanded by captains. After World War II, major became the usual rank held by
Officers Commanding all companies, squadrons and batteries, and remains so today.
During World War I, majors wore the following cuff badges:
During World War I, some officers took to wearing similar jackets to the men, with the rank badges on the shoulder, as the cuff badges made them conspicuous to snipers. This practice was frowned on outside the trenches but was given official sanction in 1917 as an alternative, being made permanent in 1920 when the cuff badges were abolished. From 1 April 1918 to 31 July 1919, the Royal Air Force maintained the rank of major. It was superseded by the rank of squadron leader on the following day. By World War I, majors were often commanding independent companies, squadrons and batteries, but those that were organically part of a regiment or battalion were still usually commanded by captains. After World War II, major became the usual rank held by
Officers Commanding all companies, squadrons and batteries, and remains so today.
During World War I, majors wore the following cuff badges:
WWI Major Insignia
World War I major's rank insignia (general pattern).
WWI Major Insignia
World War I major's rank insignia (Scottish pattern).
Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)
Captain (Capt) is a junior officer rank of the British Army and Royal Marines. It ranks above lieutenant and below major and has a NATO ranking code of OF-2. The rank is equivalent to a lieutenant in the Royal Navy and to a flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force. The rank of captain in the Royal Navy is considerably more senior (equivalent to the Army/RM rank of colonel) and the two ranks should not be confused. In the 21st century British Army, captains are often appointed to be second-in-command of a company or equivalent sized unit of up to 120 soldiers.
HISTORY: A rank of second captain existed in the Ordnance at the time of the Battle of Waterloo. From 1 April 1918 to 31 July 1919, the Royal Air Force maintained the junior officer rank of captain. RAF captains had a rank insignia based on the two bands of a naval lieutenant with the addition of an eagle and crown above the bands. It was superseded by the rank of flight lieutenant on the following day.
RANK INSIGNIA: Badges of rank for captains were introduced in 30 January 1855 and were worn on shoulder epaulets. After the Crimean War a new rank system was introduced which contained the first complete rank insignia in British Army history. A captain's rank insignia was worn on the collar and displayed a crown and a pip (which is now the rank insignia for a lieutenant-colonel). The rank insignia were returned to the shoulder boards in 1880 for all officers in full dress, when the system of crowns and stars was reorganised. From this time, until 1902, a captain had just two stars. The 1902 change gave captains three stars, which continues to be used. In addition to the shoulder badges, officers' ranks were also reflected in the amount and pattern of gold lace worn on the cuffs of the full-dress tunic. From 1902, a complex system of markings with bars and loops in thin drab braid above the cuff (known irreverently as the asparagus bed) was used at first
but this was replaced in the same year by a combination of narrow rings of worsted braid around the cuff, with the full-dress style shoulder badges on a three-pointed cuff flap. Based on equivalent naval ranks, captains had two rings of braid. In the case of Scottish regiments, the rings were around the top of the gauntlet-style cuff and the badges on the cuff itself. During World War I, some officers took to wearing similar jackets to the men, with the rank badges on the shoulder, as the cuff badges made them conspicuous to snipers. This practice was frowned on outside the trenches but was given official sanction in 1917 as an alternative, being made permanent in 1920 when the cuff badges were abolished.
HISTORY: A rank of second captain existed in the Ordnance at the time of the Battle of Waterloo. From 1 April 1918 to 31 July 1919, the Royal Air Force maintained the junior officer rank of captain. RAF captains had a rank insignia based on the two bands of a naval lieutenant with the addition of an eagle and crown above the bands. It was superseded by the rank of flight lieutenant on the following day.
RANK INSIGNIA: Badges of rank for captains were introduced in 30 January 1855 and were worn on shoulder epaulets. After the Crimean War a new rank system was introduced which contained the first complete rank insignia in British Army history. A captain's rank insignia was worn on the collar and displayed a crown and a pip (which is now the rank insignia for a lieutenant-colonel). The rank insignia were returned to the shoulder boards in 1880 for all officers in full dress, when the system of crowns and stars was reorganised. From this time, until 1902, a captain had just two stars. The 1902 change gave captains three stars, which continues to be used. In addition to the shoulder badges, officers' ranks were also reflected in the amount and pattern of gold lace worn on the cuffs of the full-dress tunic. From 1902, a complex system of markings with bars and loops in thin drab braid above the cuff (known irreverently as the asparagus bed) was used at first
but this was replaced in the same year by a combination of narrow rings of worsted braid around the cuff, with the full-dress style shoulder badges on a three-pointed cuff flap. Based on equivalent naval ranks, captains had two rings of braid. In the case of Scottish regiments, the rings were around the top of the gauntlet-style cuff and the badges on the cuff itself. During World War I, some officers took to wearing similar jackets to the men, with the rank badges on the shoulder, as the cuff badges made them conspicuous to snipers. This practice was frowned on outside the trenches but was given official sanction in 1917 as an alternative, being made permanent in 1920 when the cuff badges were abolished.
WWI Captain Insignia
World War I captain's rank insignia (general pattern).
WWI Captain Insignia
World War I captain's rank insignia (Scottish pattern).
Lieutenant (British Army)
In the British Army and Royal Marines, the rank above second lieutenant is simply lieutenant (pronounced Lef-tenant), with no ordinal attached. Before 1871, when the whole British Army switched to using the current rank of "lieutenant", the Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers and Fusilier regiments used "first lieutenant" and "second lieutenant".
Second Lieutenant (United Kingdom and the Commonwealth)
The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign (cornet in the cavalry), although it had long been
used in the Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Fusilier and Rifle regiments. At first the rank bore no distinct insignia. In 1902 a single Bath star (now commonly referred to as a pip) was introduced; the ranks of lieutenant and captain had their number of stars increased by one to (respectively) two and three. The rank is also used by the Royal Marines. In the Royal Air Force the comparable rank is pilot officer. The Royal Navy has no exact equivalent rank, and a second lieutenant is senior to a Royal Navy midshipman but junior to a sub-lieutenant. The Royal New Zealand Navy – breaking with Royal Navy tradition – uses the ensign grade for this rank equivalent. The Royal Australian Navy also breaks tradition in the sense that it has the equivalent rank of Ensign, but it is titled "acting sub lieutenant." The Canadian Forces adopted the rank with insignia of a single gold ring around the service dress uniform cuff for both army and air personnel upon unification in 1968. For a time, naval personnel used this rank but reverted to the Royal Canadian Navy rank of acting sub-lieutenant, though the CF green uniform was retained until the mid-1980s.
Conductor (British Army)
Conductor (Cdr) is an appointment held by a few selected Warrant Officers Class 1 in the Royal Logistic Corps and is the most senior appointment that can be held by a warrant officer in the British Army. The appointment was also reintroduced into the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps for selected Warrant Officers Class 1 in 2005.
HISTORY: The first known mention of Conductors is in the 1327 Statute of Westminster, when they are mentioned as the men whose job it
was to conduct soldiers to places of assembly. The Conductor of Ordnance is mentioned in the records of the siege of Boulogne in 1544 and Conductors are mentioned several times in surviving records from the 17th century. In 1776 they are described in Thomas Simes's book The Military Guide for Young Officers as assistants to the Commissary of Stores. The Land Transport Corps and the Military Stores Department of the 19th century both included Conductors in their strength. On 11 January 1879, a Royal Warrant established Conductors of Supplies (in the Army Service Corps) and Conductors of Stores (in the Ordnance Store Branch) as Warrant Officers, ranking above all non-commissioned officers. In 1892, Conductors of Supplies were renamed Staff Sergeant Majors 1st Class, but Conductors of Stores remained in what in 1896 became the Army Ordnance Corps. Staff Sergeant Majors in the new corps were renamed Sub-Conductors. In February 1915, with the general introduction of warrant officers throughout the army, Conductors and Sub Conductors became Warrant Officers Class I. Sub-Conductors reverted to the appointment of Staff Sergeant Major in 1967, but the appointment of Conductor passed to the new Royal Logistic Corps in 1993. The appointment lapsed in the Australian Army in the late 1940s, but was reintroduced in July 2005. The first six Conductors were appointed in April 2006.
MODERN DAY: The appointment may now be held by WO1s in any RLC trade, including transport, catering, pioneer, ammunition technician and postal warrant officers, as well as the original suppliers. It is a great honour to be appointed and prospective Conductors must have held the rank of WO1 for at least one year (reduced from three years in 2006). They may not be currently serving as Regimental Sergeant Majors (i.e. they must be Staff Sergeants Major). Since 2009, no more than 8 serving WO1s of the RLC at any one time (excluding RSMs) may hold the appointment of Conductor. Since 2001, Conductors have received their Warrant of
appointment on a parchment scroll, reviving an ancient tradition.
INSIGNIA: From 11 July 1900, Conductors were authorised to wear a crown within a laurel wreath on their lower sleeve and Sub-Conductors a crown, although they did not start actually wearing these until 1901 and 1904 respectively. In 1915, Conductors were authorised a crown in a laurel wreath and Sub-Conductors the
royal coat of arms. In 1918, Conductors began wearing the royal arms in a laurel wreath, still their badge of rank, and Sub-Conductors (renamed 'Staff Sargeant
Major' in 1968) the royal arms alone. Like RSMs and all other WO1s, Conductors wear Sam Brownes.
HISTORY: The first known mention of Conductors is in the 1327 Statute of Westminster, when they are mentioned as the men whose job it
was to conduct soldiers to places of assembly. The Conductor of Ordnance is mentioned in the records of the siege of Boulogne in 1544 and Conductors are mentioned several times in surviving records from the 17th century. In 1776 they are described in Thomas Simes's book The Military Guide for Young Officers as assistants to the Commissary of Stores. The Land Transport Corps and the Military Stores Department of the 19th century both included Conductors in their strength. On 11 January 1879, a Royal Warrant established Conductors of Supplies (in the Army Service Corps) and Conductors of Stores (in the Ordnance Store Branch) as Warrant Officers, ranking above all non-commissioned officers. In 1892, Conductors of Supplies were renamed Staff Sergeant Majors 1st Class, but Conductors of Stores remained in what in 1896 became the Army Ordnance Corps. Staff Sergeant Majors in the new corps were renamed Sub-Conductors. In February 1915, with the general introduction of warrant officers throughout the army, Conductors and Sub Conductors became Warrant Officers Class I. Sub-Conductors reverted to the appointment of Staff Sergeant Major in 1967, but the appointment of Conductor passed to the new Royal Logistic Corps in 1993. The appointment lapsed in the Australian Army in the late 1940s, but was reintroduced in July 2005. The first six Conductors were appointed in April 2006.
MODERN DAY: The appointment may now be held by WO1s in any RLC trade, including transport, catering, pioneer, ammunition technician and postal warrant officers, as well as the original suppliers. It is a great honour to be appointed and prospective Conductors must have held the rank of WO1 for at least one year (reduced from three years in 2006). They may not be currently serving as Regimental Sergeant Majors (i.e. they must be Staff Sergeants Major). Since 2009, no more than 8 serving WO1s of the RLC at any one time (excluding RSMs) may hold the appointment of Conductor. Since 2001, Conductors have received their Warrant of
appointment on a parchment scroll, reviving an ancient tradition.
INSIGNIA: From 11 July 1900, Conductors were authorised to wear a crown within a laurel wreath on their lower sleeve and Sub-Conductors a crown, although they did not start actually wearing these until 1901 and 1904 respectively. In 1915, Conductors were authorised a crown in a laurel wreath and Sub-Conductors the
royal coat of arms. In 1918, Conductors began wearing the royal arms in a laurel wreath, still their badge of rank, and Sub-Conductors (renamed 'Staff Sargeant
Major' in 1968) the royal arms alone. Like RSMs and all other WO1s, Conductors wear Sam Brownes.
Conductor (British Army)
Warrant Officer Class 1, the next subordinate rank to the rank of Conductor in the British (Royal Army).
Quartermaster Sergeant (QMS) (British Army)
A class of rank or appointment in some armed forces, especially those of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
A Quartermaster Sergeant in the British Army and Royal Marines is usually a non-commissioned officer or warrant officer who is responsible for supplies or stores. However, in the Army this definition is extended to almost any Warrant Officer Class 2 who does not hold a Sergeant Major appointment, as well as a number of Staff Sergeant and Colour Sergeant appointments. In the British Army, Quartermaster Sergeants are frequently addressed and referred to as "Q".
Examples of Quartermaster Sergeant appointments include:
- Battery Quartermaster Sergeant
- Company Quartermaster Sergeant
- Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor
- Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant
- Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant
In the Household Cavalry, the designation is replaced with Quartermaster Corporal (QMC), as in Squadron Quartermaster Corporal and Regimental Quartermaster Corporal. In the Royal Marines, Quartermaster Sergeant was an actual rank between Colour Sergeant and Regimental Sergeant Major (and equivalent to Warrant Officer Class II in the Army) until the Royal Marines themselves re-adopted the ranks of Warrant Officer Classes I and II in 1973(although the term continued to be used interchangeably for Warrant Officers Class II until at least 1981). Quartermaster Sergeants could hold the appointment of Company Sergeant Major and Staff Bandmaster.
A Quartermaster Sergeant in the British Army and Royal Marines is usually a non-commissioned officer or warrant officer who is responsible for supplies or stores. However, in the Army this definition is extended to almost any Warrant Officer Class 2 who does not hold a Sergeant Major appointment, as well as a number of Staff Sergeant and Colour Sergeant appointments. In the British Army, Quartermaster Sergeants are frequently addressed and referred to as "Q".
Examples of Quartermaster Sergeant appointments include:
- Battery Quartermaster Sergeant
- Company Quartermaster Sergeant
- Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor
- Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant
- Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant
In the Household Cavalry, the designation is replaced with Quartermaster Corporal (QMC), as in Squadron Quartermaster Corporal and Regimental Quartermaster Corporal. In the Royal Marines, Quartermaster Sergeant was an actual rank between Colour Sergeant and Regimental Sergeant Major (and equivalent to Warrant Officer Class II in the Army) until the Royal Marines themselves re-adopted the ranks of Warrant Officer Classes I and II in 1973(although the term continued to be used interchangeably for Warrant Officers Class II until at least 1981). Quartermaster Sergeants could hold the appointment of Company Sergeant Major and Staff Bandmaster.
Warrant Officer (Class 2) (British Army & Royal Marines)
In the British Armed Forces, a warrant officer is the highest non-commissioned rank, holding the Queen's (or King's) warrant, which is signed by the Secretary of State for Defence. Warrant officers are not saluted, but are to be addressed as 'Sir/Ma'am' by subordinates. Their seniors may address warrant officers either by their appointment (e.g. QMSI, RSM or sergeant major) or as "Mister", "Mrs", or "Ms" and then their last name, e.g. "Mr Smith". Warrant officers have all been promoted from lower ranks.
- ROYAL MARINES
Before 1879, the Royal Marines had no warrant officers, but by the end of 1881, warrant rank was held by sergeant-majors and some other senior NCOs, in a similar fashion to the Army. Warrant officers were given equivalent status to those in the Royal Navy from 1910, with the Royal Marines gunner (originally titled gunnery sergeant-major) equivalent to the Navy's warrant rank of gunner.
Shortly after the Army introduced the ranks of warrant officer classes I and II in 1915, the Royal Marines did the same. From February 1920, Royal Marines warrant officers class I were once more retitled warrant officers and given the same status as Royal Navy warrant officers and the rank of warrant officer class II was abolished in the Royal Marines, with no further promotions to the rank, although men who already held it retained it. As in the Royal Navy, by the Second World War there were warrant officers and commissioned warrant officers (e.g. staff sergeant majors, commissioned staff sergeant majors, Royal Marines gunners, commissioned Royal Marines gunners, etc). As officers, they were saluted by junior ranks. These all became (commissioned) branch officer ranks in 1949, and special duties officer ranks in 1956.
In 1973 the Royal Marines reintroduced the same warrant ranks as the Army, warrant officer class 1 and warrant officer class 2, replacing the ranks (as
opposed to appointments) of quartermaster sergeant and regimental sergeant major. The insignia are the same, but all Royal Marines WO2s wear the crown-in-wreath variation. As in the Army, many warrant officers have appointments by which they are known, referred to and addressed.
- BRITISH ARMY
In the British Army, there are two warrant ranks, warrant officer class 2 (WO2) and warrant officer class 1 (WO1), the latter being the senior of the two. It used to be more common to refer to these ranks as WOII and WOI (using Roman instead of Arabic numerals). Warrant officer 1st class or 2nd class is incorrect. The rank immediately below WO2 is staff sergeant (or colour sergeant). WO1s wear a royal coat of arms on the lower sleeve, except for the regimental sergeant majors of Foot Guards Regiments who wear a larger version of the same coat of arms on the upper sleeve. The insignia of those holding the most senior WO1 appointment of Conductor is the coat of arms surrounded by a wreath.
The four most senior warrant officer appointments in the British Army according to Queen's Regulations are, in descending order of seniority:
* Conductor, Royal Logistics Corps
* Royal Artillery Sergeant Major, Royal Artillery
* Academy Sergeant Major, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
* Garrison Sergeant Major, London District
APPOINTMENTS:
Most warrant officers have an appointment, and is usually referred to by his/her appointment rather than by his rank. Appointments held by WO1s include:
* Academy Sergeant Major (AcSM)
* Accountant Sergeant Major (OBSOLETE)
* Armament Sergeant Major
* Armourer Sergeant Major
* Artificer Sergeant Major (ASM)
* Bandmaster (BM)
* Clerk of Works Sergeant Major
* Conductor (Cdr)
* Draughtsman Sergeant Major (OBSOLETE)
* Farrier Corporal Major
* Farrier Sergeant Major
* Foreman of Signals (Information Systems) (FofS IS)
* Foreman of Signals (FofS)
* Foreman of Signals Sergeant Major (OBSOLETE)
* Foreman of Works Sergeant Major (OBSOLETE)
* Garrison Sergeant Major (GSM)
* Lithographer Sergeant Major (OBSOLETE)
* Master Gunner 1st Class
* Master Gunner 2nd Class
* Orderly Room Sergeant Major (ORSM)
* Pipe Major
* Regimental Corporal Major (RCM)
* Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM)
* Royal Artillery Sergeant Major
* Saddler Sergeant Major
* Schoolmaster 1st Class (OBSOLETE)
* Sergeant Major (OBSOLETE)
* Sergeant Major Instructor (SMI)
* Staff Sergeant Major (SSM)
* Staff Sergeant Major 1st Class (OBSOLETE)
* Supervisor (Information Systems) (OBSOLETE)
* Supervisor (Radio) (OBSOLETE)
* Sub-Conductor (OBSOLETE)
* Superintending Clerk
* Surveyor Sergeant Major
* Yeoman of Signals (YofS)
* Yeoman of Signals (Electronic Warfare) (YofS) (EW)
WO2s wear a crown on the lower sleeve, surrounded by a wreath for quartermaster sergeants and all WO2s in the Royal Army Medical Corps and the 9th/12th
Royal Lancers (The wreath was used for all WOIIs from 1938 to 1947). Appointments held by WO2s include:
* Accountant Quartermaster Sergeant (OBSOLETE)
* Armament Quartermaster Sergeant
* Armourer Quartermaster Sergeant
* Artificer Quartermaster Sergeant (AQMS)
* Band Corporal Major (BCM)
* Band Sergeant Major (BSM)
* Battery Sergeant Major (BSM)
* Bugle Major
* Clerk of Works Quartermaster Sergeant
* Company Sergeant Major (CSM)
* Draughtsman Quartermaster Sergeant
* Drill Sergeant
* Drum Major
* Engineer Clerk Quartermaster Sergeant
* Farrier Quartermaster Sergeant
* Foreman of Signals (Information Systems) (FofS IS)
* Foreman of Signals (FofS)
* Foreman of Signals Quartermaster Sergeant (OBSOLETE)
* Foreman of Works Quartermaster Sergeant (OBSOLETE)
* Garrison Quartermaster Sergeant
* Lithographer Quartermaster Sergeant (OBSOLETE)
* Master Gunner 3rd Class
* Orderly Room Quartermaster Sergeant (ORQMS)
* Pipe Major
* Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor (QMSI)
* Regimental Quartermaster Corporal (RQMC)
* Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (RQMS)
* Saddler Quartermaster Sergeant
* Sergeant Major Signals (SMS)
* Squadron Corporal Major (SCM)
* Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM)
* Staff Quartermaster Sergeant
* Supervisor (Information Systems) (Supvr (IS))
* Supervisor (Radio) (Supvr (R))
* Surveyor Quartermaster Sergeant
* Technical Quartermaster Sergeant (TQMS)
* Troop Sergeant Major (TSM)
* Trumpet Major
* Yeoman of Signals (YofS)
From 1938, there was also a rank of warrant officer class III (WOIII). The only appointments held by this rank were platoon sergeant major, troop
sergeant major and section sergeant major. The WOIII wore a crown on his lower sleeve (which is why all WOIIs switched to a crown in a wreath during this period). The rank was placed in suspension in 1940 and no new appointments were made, but it was never officially abolished.
- ROYAL MARINES
Before 1879, the Royal Marines had no warrant officers, but by the end of 1881, warrant rank was held by sergeant-majors and some other senior NCOs, in a similar fashion to the Army. Warrant officers were given equivalent status to those in the Royal Navy from 1910, with the Royal Marines gunner (originally titled gunnery sergeant-major) equivalent to the Navy's warrant rank of gunner.
Shortly after the Army introduced the ranks of warrant officer classes I and II in 1915, the Royal Marines did the same. From February 1920, Royal Marines warrant officers class I were once more retitled warrant officers and given the same status as Royal Navy warrant officers and the rank of warrant officer class II was abolished in the Royal Marines, with no further promotions to the rank, although men who already held it retained it. As in the Royal Navy, by the Second World War there were warrant officers and commissioned warrant officers (e.g. staff sergeant majors, commissioned staff sergeant majors, Royal Marines gunners, commissioned Royal Marines gunners, etc). As officers, they were saluted by junior ranks. These all became (commissioned) branch officer ranks in 1949, and special duties officer ranks in 1956.
In 1973 the Royal Marines reintroduced the same warrant ranks as the Army, warrant officer class 1 and warrant officer class 2, replacing the ranks (as
opposed to appointments) of quartermaster sergeant and regimental sergeant major. The insignia are the same, but all Royal Marines WO2s wear the crown-in-wreath variation. As in the Army, many warrant officers have appointments by which they are known, referred to and addressed.
- BRITISH ARMY
In the British Army, there are two warrant ranks, warrant officer class 2 (WO2) and warrant officer class 1 (WO1), the latter being the senior of the two. It used to be more common to refer to these ranks as WOII and WOI (using Roman instead of Arabic numerals). Warrant officer 1st class or 2nd class is incorrect. The rank immediately below WO2 is staff sergeant (or colour sergeant). WO1s wear a royal coat of arms on the lower sleeve, except for the regimental sergeant majors of Foot Guards Regiments who wear a larger version of the same coat of arms on the upper sleeve. The insignia of those holding the most senior WO1 appointment of Conductor is the coat of arms surrounded by a wreath.
The four most senior warrant officer appointments in the British Army according to Queen's Regulations are, in descending order of seniority:
* Conductor, Royal Logistics Corps
* Royal Artillery Sergeant Major, Royal Artillery
* Academy Sergeant Major, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
* Garrison Sergeant Major, London District
APPOINTMENTS:
Most warrant officers have an appointment, and is usually referred to by his/her appointment rather than by his rank. Appointments held by WO1s include:
* Academy Sergeant Major (AcSM)
* Accountant Sergeant Major (OBSOLETE)
* Armament Sergeant Major
* Armourer Sergeant Major
* Artificer Sergeant Major (ASM)
* Bandmaster (BM)
* Clerk of Works Sergeant Major
* Conductor (Cdr)
* Draughtsman Sergeant Major (OBSOLETE)
* Farrier Corporal Major
* Farrier Sergeant Major
* Foreman of Signals (Information Systems) (FofS IS)
* Foreman of Signals (FofS)
* Foreman of Signals Sergeant Major (OBSOLETE)
* Foreman of Works Sergeant Major (OBSOLETE)
* Garrison Sergeant Major (GSM)
* Lithographer Sergeant Major (OBSOLETE)
* Master Gunner 1st Class
* Master Gunner 2nd Class
* Orderly Room Sergeant Major (ORSM)
* Pipe Major
* Regimental Corporal Major (RCM)
* Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM)
* Royal Artillery Sergeant Major
* Saddler Sergeant Major
* Schoolmaster 1st Class (OBSOLETE)
* Sergeant Major (OBSOLETE)
* Sergeant Major Instructor (SMI)
* Staff Sergeant Major (SSM)
* Staff Sergeant Major 1st Class (OBSOLETE)
* Supervisor (Information Systems) (OBSOLETE)
* Supervisor (Radio) (OBSOLETE)
* Sub-Conductor (OBSOLETE)
* Superintending Clerk
* Surveyor Sergeant Major
* Yeoman of Signals (YofS)
* Yeoman of Signals (Electronic Warfare) (YofS) (EW)
WO2s wear a crown on the lower sleeve, surrounded by a wreath for quartermaster sergeants and all WO2s in the Royal Army Medical Corps and the 9th/12th
Royal Lancers (The wreath was used for all WOIIs from 1938 to 1947). Appointments held by WO2s include:
* Accountant Quartermaster Sergeant (OBSOLETE)
* Armament Quartermaster Sergeant
* Armourer Quartermaster Sergeant
* Artificer Quartermaster Sergeant (AQMS)
* Band Corporal Major (BCM)
* Band Sergeant Major (BSM)
* Battery Sergeant Major (BSM)
* Bugle Major
* Clerk of Works Quartermaster Sergeant
* Company Sergeant Major (CSM)
* Draughtsman Quartermaster Sergeant
* Drill Sergeant
* Drum Major
* Engineer Clerk Quartermaster Sergeant
* Farrier Quartermaster Sergeant
* Foreman of Signals (Information Systems) (FofS IS)
* Foreman of Signals (FofS)
* Foreman of Signals Quartermaster Sergeant (OBSOLETE)
* Foreman of Works Quartermaster Sergeant (OBSOLETE)
* Garrison Quartermaster Sergeant
* Lithographer Quartermaster Sergeant (OBSOLETE)
* Master Gunner 3rd Class
* Orderly Room Quartermaster Sergeant (ORQMS)
* Pipe Major
* Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor (QMSI)
* Regimental Quartermaster Corporal (RQMC)
* Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (RQMS)
* Saddler Quartermaster Sergeant
* Sergeant Major Signals (SMS)
* Squadron Corporal Major (SCM)
* Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM)
* Staff Quartermaster Sergeant
* Supervisor (Information Systems) (Supvr (IS))
* Supervisor (Radio) (Supvr (R))
* Surveyor Quartermaster Sergeant
* Technical Quartermaster Sergeant (TQMS)
* Troop Sergeant Major (TSM)
* Trumpet Major
* Yeoman of Signals (YofS)
From 1938, there was also a rank of warrant officer class III (WOIII). The only appointments held by this rank were platoon sergeant major, troop
sergeant major and section sergeant major. The WOIII wore a crown on his lower sleeve (which is why all WOIIs switched to a crown in a wreath during this period). The rank was placed in suspension in 1940 and no new appointments were made, but it was never officially abolished.
Staff Sergeant (British Army)
The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.
In the British Army, Staff Sergeant (SSgt or formerly S/Sgt) ranks above Sergeant and below Warrant Officer Class 2. The rank is given a NATO code of OR-7. The insignia is the monarch's crown above three downward pointing chevrons. Staff sergeants can also hold other appointments, such as Company Quartermaster Sergeant, and are usually known by that appointment if held. The equivalent rank in infantry regiments is Colour Sergeant, and holders are known by that title no matter what their appointment. In the Household Cavalry the equivalent rank is Staff Corporal. British staff sergeants are never referred to or addressed as "Sergeant", which would be reducing their rank, but are referred to and addressed as "Staff Sergeant" or "Staff" ("Staff Jones", for instance) or by their appointment or its abbreviation. Quartermaster sergeants are often addressed as "Q". In most cavalry regiments, staff sergeants are addressed as "Sergeant Major", which is assumed to derive from the original rank of Troop Sergeant Major. Flight Sergeant and Chief Technician are the Royal Air Force equivalents. Chief Petty Officer is the equivalent in the Royal Navy and Colour Sergeant in the Royal Marines.
In the British Army, Staff Sergeant (SSgt or formerly S/Sgt) ranks above Sergeant and below Warrant Officer Class 2. The rank is given a NATO code of OR-7. The insignia is the monarch's crown above three downward pointing chevrons. Staff sergeants can also hold other appointments, such as Company Quartermaster Sergeant, and are usually known by that appointment if held. The equivalent rank in infantry regiments is Colour Sergeant, and holders are known by that title no matter what their appointment. In the Household Cavalry the equivalent rank is Staff Corporal. British staff sergeants are never referred to or addressed as "Sergeant", which would be reducing their rank, but are referred to and addressed as "Staff Sergeant" or "Staff" ("Staff Jones", for instance) or by their appointment or its abbreviation. Quartermaster sergeants are often addressed as "Q". In most cavalry regiments, staff sergeants are addressed as "Sergeant Major", which is assumed to derive from the original rank of Troop Sergeant Major. Flight Sergeant and Chief Technician are the Royal Air Force equivalents. Chief Petty Officer is the equivalent in the Royal Navy and Colour Sergeant in the Royal Marines.
Sergeant (Royal Marines and Army)
A sergeant (Sgt) in the Royal Marines and British Army wears three point-down chevrons on their sleeve and usually serves as a platoon
or troop sergeant, or in a specialist position. Staff sergeant (in technical units) or colour sergeant (In the Royal Marines and the infantry), is the next most senior rank, above which come warrant officers. The Household Cavalry use the rank of corporal of horse instead, the only regiments to
preserve the old cavalry tradition of having corporals but not sergeants. A lance-sergeant (LSgt) was formerly a corporal acting in the capacity of a sergeant. The appointment now survives only in the Foot Guards and Honourable Artillery Company, where it is awarded to all corporals, a
lance-sergeant wears three chevrons and belongs to the sergeants' mess, however, functionally he remains a corporal rather than an acting sergeant (e.g., he will typically command a section). In the Household Cavalry, the equivalent appointment is lance-corporal of horse. A sergeant in infantry regiments usually holds the appointment of "platoon sergeant" and is second in command of a platoon. The Rifles still use the pre-1953 spelling "serjeant".
or troop sergeant, or in a specialist position. Staff sergeant (in technical units) or colour sergeant (In the Royal Marines and the infantry), is the next most senior rank, above which come warrant officers. The Household Cavalry use the rank of corporal of horse instead, the only regiments to
preserve the old cavalry tradition of having corporals but not sergeants. A lance-sergeant (LSgt) was formerly a corporal acting in the capacity of a sergeant. The appointment now survives only in the Foot Guards and Honourable Artillery Company, where it is awarded to all corporals, a
lance-sergeant wears three chevrons and belongs to the sergeants' mess, however, functionally he remains a corporal rather than an acting sergeant (e.g., he will typically command a section). In the Household Cavalry, the equivalent appointment is lance-corporal of horse. A sergeant in infantry regiments usually holds the appointment of "platoon sergeant" and is second in command of a platoon. The Rifles still use the pre-1953 spelling "serjeant".
Corporal / Bombardier (United Kingdom)
Corporal (Cpl) is the second rank of non-commissioned officer in the British Army and Royal Marines, falling between Lance-Corporal and Sergeant. The badge of rank is a two-bar chevron (also known as "stripes", "tapes" or "hooks"). A corporal's role varies between regiments, but in the standard infantry role a corporal commands a section, with a Lance-Corporal as Second-in-Command (2ic). When the section is split into fire
teams, they command one each. In the Royal Armoured Corps, a Corporal commands an individual tank. Their duties therefore largely correspond to those of staff sergeants in the United States Army and corporals are often described as the "backbone" of the British Army.
In the Household Cavalry all non-commissioned ranks are designated as different grades of Corporal up to Regimental Corporal Major (who is a Warrant Officer class 1). There is no effective actual rank of Corporal however, and the ranks progress directly from Lance-Corporal to Lance-Corporal of Horse (who is effectively
equivalent to a Corporal; technically a LCoH holds the rank of Corporal, but is automatically give the appointment of LCoH). Similarly, in the Foot Guards the appointment of Lance-Sergeant is effectively used instead of Corporal, with a Lance-Corporal wearing two stripes: this is sometimes said to have originated with Queen Victoria who did not like 'her own guardsmen' having only one chevron.
Royal Artillery corporals are called bombardiers, although until 1920 the Royal Artillery had corporals and bombardier was a lower rank. The rank of Second Corporal existed in the Royal Engineers and Royal Army Ordnance Corps until 1920. A common nickname for a corporal is a "full screw", with lance-corporals being known as "lance-jacks". Corporal is the lowest NCO rank in the Royal Air Force (aside from the RAF Regiment who have Lance-Corporals), coming between Junior Technician or Senior Aircraftman (Technician) and Sergeant in the technical trades, or Senior Aircraftman and Sergeant in the non technical trades. Between 1950 and 1964, corporals in technical trades were known as Corporal Technicians and wore their chevrons point up. In the Royal Navy, the equivalent to corporal is Leading Hand or Leading Rate. Although classified as NATO OR-4, British corporals frequently fill OR-5 equivalent posts. The Army Cadet Force, Combined Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, Royal Marines sections of the Sea Cadet Corps and the Combined Cadet Force all have the rank of corporal, reflecting the structure of their parent service; therefore it is the second NCO rank of the ACF, CCF (including the RAF Section, which has the rank of junior corporal) and Marine Cadets, and the first
NCO rank in the ATC.
teams, they command one each. In the Royal Armoured Corps, a Corporal commands an individual tank. Their duties therefore largely correspond to those of staff sergeants in the United States Army and corporals are often described as the "backbone" of the British Army.
In the Household Cavalry all non-commissioned ranks are designated as different grades of Corporal up to Regimental Corporal Major (who is a Warrant Officer class 1). There is no effective actual rank of Corporal however, and the ranks progress directly from Lance-Corporal to Lance-Corporal of Horse (who is effectively
equivalent to a Corporal; technically a LCoH holds the rank of Corporal, but is automatically give the appointment of LCoH). Similarly, in the Foot Guards the appointment of Lance-Sergeant is effectively used instead of Corporal, with a Lance-Corporal wearing two stripes: this is sometimes said to have originated with Queen Victoria who did not like 'her own guardsmen' having only one chevron.
Royal Artillery corporals are called bombardiers, although until 1920 the Royal Artillery had corporals and bombardier was a lower rank. The rank of Second Corporal existed in the Royal Engineers and Royal Army Ordnance Corps until 1920. A common nickname for a corporal is a "full screw", with lance-corporals being known as "lance-jacks". Corporal is the lowest NCO rank in the Royal Air Force (aside from the RAF Regiment who have Lance-Corporals), coming between Junior Technician or Senior Aircraftman (Technician) and Sergeant in the technical trades, or Senior Aircraftman and Sergeant in the non technical trades. Between 1950 and 1964, corporals in technical trades were known as Corporal Technicians and wore their chevrons point up. In the Royal Navy, the equivalent to corporal is Leading Hand or Leading Rate. Although classified as NATO OR-4, British corporals frequently fill OR-5 equivalent posts. The Army Cadet Force, Combined Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, Royal Marines sections of the Sea Cadet Corps and the Combined Cadet Force all have the rank of corporal, reflecting the structure of their parent service; therefore it is the second NCO rank of the ACF, CCF (including the RAF Section, which has the rank of junior corporal) and Marine Cadets, and the first
NCO rank in the ATC.
Corporal (RAF)
RAF (Royal Air Force) Corporal insignia.
Corporal (RAF) Dress Uniform
RAF Corporal insignia as it appears on the dress uniform.
Lance Corporal (United Kingdom)
Lance corporal (LCpl or formerly L/Cpl) is the lowest ranking non-commissioned officer in the British Army and Royal Marines, between private and Corporal (and with a NATO grade of OR3). The badge of rank is a one-bar chevron worn on both sleeves, or on an epaulette on the front of the Combat Soldier 95 dress standard (although lance corporals in the Foot Guards, Honourable Artillery Company, 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards and The Queen's Royal Hussars wear two-bar chevrons and in the Household Cavalry a two-bar chevron surmounted by the crown is worn). The Royal Artillery uses the term lance-bombardier instead. The designation "chosen man", used during the Napoleonic Wars, was a precursor to the rank. A
common nickname for a lance corporal is "lance jack". Lance corporals are commonly addressed as "corporal".
A lance corporal of the East Surrey Regiment, British Army equipped with a Thompson M1928 submachine gun (drum magazine), 25 November 1940. Until 1961, lance corporal was only an appointment rather than a rank, given to privates who were acting NCOs, and could be taken away by the soldier's commanding officer (whereas a full corporal could only be demoted by court martial). The Royal Engineers and Army Ordnance Corps also used the similar rank of second corporal, which was a substantive rank (also wearing one chevron), until 1920. Until 1920, bombardiers in the Royal Artillery were equivalent to second corporals and acting bombardiers were equivalent to lance corporals (both wearing one chevron). In the infantry, a lance corporal usually serves as second-in-command of a section
and commander of its delta fire team. It is also a rank commonly held by specialists such as clerks, drivers, signallers, machine-gunners, and mortarmen.
In the Royal Military Police all other ranks are promoted to lance corporal on the completion of their training.
On 1 April 2010, the rank of lance corporal was introduced into the RAF Regiment, although it is not used by other branches of the Royal Air Force. RAF
Regiment lance corporals have powers of charge over Aircraftmen, Leading Aircraftmen and senior aircraftmen, but not junior technicians and senior aircraftmen technicians, who, despite being OR2s, require a corporal or above to charge if required. The RAF sections of Combined Cadet Forces, seen in some British
schools, use the rank of cadet lance corporal (cadet junior corporal pre-2012) for many years in order that NCOs can be ranked on parity with the cadet lance
corporals in the army sections.
common nickname for a lance corporal is "lance jack". Lance corporals are commonly addressed as "corporal".
A lance corporal of the East Surrey Regiment, British Army equipped with a Thompson M1928 submachine gun (drum magazine), 25 November 1940. Until 1961, lance corporal was only an appointment rather than a rank, given to privates who were acting NCOs, and could be taken away by the soldier's commanding officer (whereas a full corporal could only be demoted by court martial). The Royal Engineers and Army Ordnance Corps also used the similar rank of second corporal, which was a substantive rank (also wearing one chevron), until 1920. Until 1920, bombardiers in the Royal Artillery were equivalent to second corporals and acting bombardiers were equivalent to lance corporals (both wearing one chevron). In the infantry, a lance corporal usually serves as second-in-command of a section
and commander of its delta fire team. It is also a rank commonly held by specialists such as clerks, drivers, signallers, machine-gunners, and mortarmen.
In the Royal Military Police all other ranks are promoted to lance corporal on the completion of their training.
On 1 April 2010, the rank of lance corporal was introduced into the RAF Regiment, although it is not used by other branches of the Royal Air Force. RAF
Regiment lance corporals have powers of charge over Aircraftmen, Leading Aircraftmen and senior aircraftmen, but not junior technicians and senior aircraftmen technicians, who, despite being OR2s, require a corporal or above to charge if required. The RAF sections of Combined Cadet Forces, seen in some British
schools, use the rank of cadet lance corporal (cadet junior corporal pre-2012) for many years in order that NCOs can be ranked on parity with the cadet lance
corporals in the army sections.
Private (United Kingdom)
(NO INSIGNIA)
In the British Army, a private (Pte) equates to both OR-1 and OR-2 on the NATO scale, although there is no difference in rank. Privates wear no insignia. Many regiments and corps use other distinctive and descriptive names instead of private, some of these ranks have been used for centuries, others are
less than 100 years old. In the contemporary British Armed Forces, the army rank of private is broadly equivalent to able seaman in the Royal Navy, aircraftman, leading aircraftman and senior aircraftman in the Royal Air Force, and marine or bandsman, as appropriate equivalent rank in the Royal Marines. Also in the Boys Brigade the rank of private is used when a boy moves from the junior section to the company section.
Notably both Sir Fitzroy MacLean and Enoch Powell are examples of rare, rapid career progression with the British Army, both rising from the rank of private to brigadier during World War II.
Distinctive equivalents for private include:
* Airtrooper (Atpr) - Army Air Corps
* Bugler (Bgr) - Buglers in The Rifles and formerly also in other Rifle regiments
* Craftsman (Cfn) - Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (women as well as men use this rank)
* Drummer (Dmr) - drummers in infantry regiments
* Fusilier (Fus) - Fusilier regiments
* Gunner (Gnr) - Royal Artillery
* Guardsmen (Gdsm) - Foot Guards
* Highlander (Hldr) - The Highlanders
* Kingsman (Kgn) - Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
* Musician (Mus) - military bands (formerly called bandsmen)
* Piper (Ppr) - bagpipers in Scottish and Irish regiments
* Ranger (Rgr) - Royal Irish Regiment and Royal Irish Rangers
* Rifleman - (Rfn) - Rifle regiments
* Sapper (Spr) - Royal Engineers
* Signaller (Sig) - Royal Corps of Signals (formerly called signalman)
* Trooper (Tpr) - Household Cavalry, Royal Armoured Corps, Special Air Service, and Honourable Artillery Company
* Trumpeter (Tptr) - trumpeters in the Household Cavalry (and formerly in all cavalry regiments)
In the British Army, a private (Pte) equates to both OR-1 and OR-2 on the NATO scale, although there is no difference in rank. Privates wear no insignia. Many regiments and corps use other distinctive and descriptive names instead of private, some of these ranks have been used for centuries, others are
less than 100 years old. In the contemporary British Armed Forces, the army rank of private is broadly equivalent to able seaman in the Royal Navy, aircraftman, leading aircraftman and senior aircraftman in the Royal Air Force, and marine or bandsman, as appropriate equivalent rank in the Royal Marines. Also in the Boys Brigade the rank of private is used when a boy moves from the junior section to the company section.
Notably both Sir Fitzroy MacLean and Enoch Powell are examples of rare, rapid career progression with the British Army, both rising from the rank of private to brigadier during World War II.
Distinctive equivalents for private include:
* Airtrooper (Atpr) - Army Air Corps
* Bugler (Bgr) - Buglers in The Rifles and formerly also in other Rifle regiments
* Craftsman (Cfn) - Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (women as well as men use this rank)
* Drummer (Dmr) - drummers in infantry regiments
* Fusilier (Fus) - Fusilier regiments
* Gunner (Gnr) - Royal Artillery
* Guardsmen (Gdsm) - Foot Guards
* Highlander (Hldr) - The Highlanders
* Kingsman (Kgn) - Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
* Musician (Mus) - military bands (formerly called bandsmen)
* Piper (Ppr) - bagpipers in Scottish and Irish regiments
* Ranger (Rgr) - Royal Irish Regiment and Royal Irish Rangers
* Rifleman - (Rfn) - Rifle regiments
* Sapper (Spr) - Royal Engineers
* Signaller (Sig) - Royal Corps of Signals (formerly called signalman)
* Trooper (Tpr) - Household Cavalry, Royal Armoured Corps, Special Air Service, and Honourable Artillery Company
* Trumpeter (Tptr) - trumpeters in the Household Cavalry (and formerly in all cavalry regiments)