Climbing the US Military Ranks
The military is a fundamental institution in the United States, and it provides thousands of jobs for both civilians and active duty service members. According to Military.com, about 180,000 people enlist in the military, and another 20,000 people enter the military as officers every year. Your job in the military is dependent upon your rank, and the military offers unlimited opportunities for growth. Each branch of the military has a lot of different ranks, each obtained by different regulations and denoted by different insignias; it would take far too long to explain each one. But one thing is the same for every branch of the armed forces: your potential to climb the ranks.
Commissioned vs. Enlisted
There are two types of military personnel: enlisted and commissioned. For the most part, enlisted personnel are the doers, while managers and officers are commissioned. Enlisted service members enlist on a contract between them and the military branch, and serve until the end of the contract (or they can renew it if they wish). Officers are commissioned by the President of the United States and serve until they resign or are pushed out by the military.
Army Enlisted Ranks
There are 13 enlisted ranks in the U.S. Army, each with various responsibilities. They are broken down into three groups:
Junior Enlisted Ranks
Insignia | Title | Description |
No insignia | Private | The lowest Army rank, normally held by new recruits while at Basic Combat Training (BCT), or soldiers under disciplinary action. |
Private Second Class | Promotion given after completing BCT; tasked with learning how to follow orders. | |
Private First Class | Basic workforce of the Army; develop technical and leadership skills. | |
Army Specialist | Focus on technical expertise and have less personnel leadership responsibilities than Corporals, despite the same pay grade. |
Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks
Insignia | Title | Description |
Corporal | Serve as the smallest unit leaders in the Army: principally leaders of teams. Responsible for the individual training of their soldiers. | |
Sergeant | Has the greatest impact on lower-ranking soldiers such as Privates. Responsible for ensuring that each member of their unit is competent in their MOS. | |
Staff Sergeant | Parallels the Sergeant, except the Sergeant is the sphere of influence while the SSG has the authority. |
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks
Insignia | Title | Description |
Sergeant First Class (Platoon Sergeant) | Generally, has 15-18 years of military experience or more. Responsible for the platoon in training and caring for the soldiers. | |
Master Sergeant
and Sergeant First Class |
The Master Sergeant is the principal NCO at the battalion level, and often higher.
The Sergeant First Class is the life-blood of the army; holds formations, instructs platoon sergeants, and advises the Commander. |
|
Sergeant Major
and Command Sergeant Major |
The Sergeant Major is the key enlisted member of staff elements at levels higher than battalion.
The Command Sergeant Major is the greatest honor an enlisted soldier can hope to hold. They are expected to function completely without supervision as an advisor to the commander and staff. |
|
Sergeant Major of the Army | Held by only one soldier at a time, they are the most senior enlisted member in the Army. Their primary function is to address issues of enlisted soldiers at the highest level. |
Marine Corps Enlisted Ranks
There are 12 enlisted ranks in the Marine Corps with various responsibilities. They are divided into three levels:
Junior Enlisted Ranks
Insignia | Title | Description |
No insignia | Private | Upon graduating from Basic Training, young Marines earn the rank of Private. They do what they are told, when they are told, and how they are told. |
Private First Class | Basic workforce of the Marine Corps; develop technical and other skills. | |
Lance Corporal | Expected to apply their technical training, as well as develop leadership skills. |
Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks
Insignia | Title | Description |
Corporal | A small unit leader that exercises an increasing degree of maturity, leadership, and professionalism. In daily contact with large numbers of Marines. | |
Sergeant | Parallels the Corporal in duties and responsibilities. Less equipment and other property to maintain than the Corporal. |
Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks
Insignia | Title | Description |
Staff Sergeant | The Staff Sergeant has a greater level of responsibility and accountability than the Sergeant. Directs one or more Sergeants in their responsibilities. | |
Gunnery Sergeant | Their years of experience shape their quick, accurate decisions about the best interest of the mission and their Marines. | |
First Sergeant
and Master Sergeant |
The First Sergeant is the principal advisor to the unit commander.
The Master Sergeant is the technical expert in their field. They excel in their assigned MOS. |
|
Master Gunnery Sergeant
and Sergeant Major |
The Master Gunnery Sergeant is also a technical expert in their field. They excel in their assigned MOS in addition to acting independently as the enlisted assistant to the commander.
The Sergeant Major is the principal enlisted advisor to Marine Commanders. They act independently in their leadership. |
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Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps | Held by only one Marine at a time, they are the most senior enlisted member in the Marine Corps. Acts on behalf of enlisted affairs at the highest level. |
Air Force Enlisted Ranks
There are 9 enlisted ranks in the Air Force with various responsibilities. They are divided into three levels:
Airman Ranks
Insignia | Title | Description |
No insignia | Airman Basic | Given after graduating basic military training. Treated as an apprentice. |
Airman | Expected to be proficient in their Air Force occupational specialty. | |
Airman First Class | Duties focus on efficiently and effectively carrying out their assignments and honing their job skills. | |
Senior Airman | A transition period from journeyman to Non-Commissioned Officer. Expected to provide positive influence and example to subordinates and peers. |
Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks
Insignia | Title | Description |
Staff Sergeant | Considered a craftsman with specific NCO supervisory responsibilities and may hold either a journeyman or craftsman skill level. | |
Technical Sergeant | Perform highly complex technical duties in addition to providing supervision. Responsible for the career development of each subordinate under their supervision. |
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks
Insignia | Title | Description |
Master Sergeant | Functions as a craftsman while holding advanced leadership positions. Holds a 7 skill level. | |
Senior Master Sergeant | Performs as a superintendent or manager. Management skills are essential for the responsibilities of the Super Master Sergeant. | |
Chief Master Sergeant | Serve as managers, superintendents, advisors, enlisted force managers, and provide senior enlisted leadership. | |
Command Chief Master Sergeant | Serve as senior advisors to unit and base commanders. Advise the Commander on all enlisted matters, including all issues affecting the command’s mission and operations. | |
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force | This unique NCO represents the highest enlisted level of leadership in the Air Force. Appointed by the Air Force Chief of Staff and serves as the senior enlisted advisor regarding the welfare of the enlisted force. |
Navy Enlisted Rates
There are 10 enlisted rates within the Navy. Unlike the other military services, the Navy and Coast Guard organizes its force by pay rates and grades, as opposed to ranks. These rates are broken up into three divisions, known as apprenticeships, Petty Officers, and Chief Petty Officers.
Apprentice Rates
Insignia | Title | Description |
No insignia | Seaman Recruit | Lowest Enlisted rank in the U.S. Navy. Two pay grades, for those with service greater or less than 4 months. |
Seaman Apprentice | The actual title varies based on the community to which the Sailor is assigned: those on deck are Seamen Apprentice, those in the hospital are Hospitalmen Apprentice, those in engineering are called Firemen Apprentice, those in aviation are called Airmen Apprentice, and Seabees are called Constructionmen Apprentice. | |
Seaman | As with the Apprentice Seaman, the actual title varies depending upon which subset of the Navy to which the Sailor is assigned. They are responsible for maintenance and repair. |
Petty Officer Rates
Insignia | Title | Description |
Petty Officer Third Class | Responsible for subordinates, as well as responsible to subordinates. Ensures the well-being and morale of those they lead. | |
Petty Officer Second Class | Increased expectations in both technical expertise and leadership abilities. Expected to manage more resources and larger work groups. | |
Petty Officer First Class | Transition from Junior to Senior Petty Officer. Expected to step up and take charge, to manage a larger group of resources and duty sections. |
Chief Petty Officer Rates
Insignia | Title | Description |
Chief Petty Officer | Responsible for leading Sailors to tasks that enable mission accomplishment. Requires at least 11 years of service. | |
Senior Chief Petty Officer | The senior technical supervisors within a rating or an occupational field. Primarily responsible for supervising and training enlisted personnel. Requires at least 16 years of service. | |
Master Chief Petty Officer | The senior enlisted petty officers in the U.S. Navy. Serves as the senior enlisted adviser in setting command policies about the morale, use, and training of all enlisted personnel. Requires at least 19 years of service. | |
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy | The most senior enlisted member of the U.S. Navy. He serves as a spokesman to address the issues of enlisted personnel to the highest positions in the Navy. |
Coast Guard Enlisted Rates
There are 10 enlisted rates within the Coast Guard. Like the Navy, they are organized according to pay rates as opposed to ranks. These rates are broken up into three divisions, known as apprenticeships, Petty Officers, and Chief Petty Officers.
Non-Rated Members
Insignia | Title | Description |
Seaman Recruit | Lowest Enlisted rank in the Coast Guard. Two pay grades, for those with service greater or less than 4 months. | |
Seaman Apprentice | The actual title varies based on the community to which the member is assigned: those on deck are Seamen Apprentice, those in engineering are called Firemen Apprentice, and those in aviation are called Airmen Apprentice. | |
Seaman | As with the Apprentice Seaman, the actual title varies depending upon which career path to which the member is assigned. They are responsible for maintenance and repair. |
Petty Officer Rates
Insignia | Title | Description |
Petty Officer Third Class | Responsible for subordinates, as well as responsible to subordinates. Ensures the well-being and morale of those they lead. | |
Petty Officer Second Class | Increased expectations in both technical expertise and leadership abilities. Expected to manage more resources and larger work groups. | |
Petty Officer First Class | Transition from Junior to Senior Petty Officer. Expected to step up and take charge, to manage a larger group of resources and duty sections. |
Chief Petty Officer Rates
Insignia | Title | Description |
Chief Petty Officer | Accountable for leading Coast Guardsmen and applying their own experience and skills to enable mission accomplishment. Responsible for developing enlisted and junior officers. | |
Senior Chief Petty Officer | The Senior Technical Supervisors within a Coast Guard rating. Responsible for supervising and training enlisted personnel. | |
Master Chief Petty Officer | The senior enlisted petty officers in the U.S. Coast Guard. Hold administrative and managerial functions involving enlisted personnel. | |
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard | The most senior enlisted member of the U.S. Coast guard. Appointed by the Commandant to serve as a spokesman for issues of enlisted personnel at the highest positions in the Navy. |
Army, Marine, and Air Force Commissioned Ranks
Officers are not enlisted, but are charged with the duties and responsibilities of their rank by the Commander in Chief: The President of the United States. The promotion of officers is confirmed by the Senate.
Commissioned Ranks
Insignia | Title | Description |
Second Lieutenant | Typically, the entry-level rank for Commissioned Officers. Leads the platoon and two or more squads. | |
First Lieutenant | A seasoned lieutenant with at least 18 to 24 months’ service. Often selected to be the leader of a company-sized unit. | |
Captain | Commands and controls company-sized units together with a principal NCO assistant. Instructs skills at service schools. | |
Major | Serves as the primary staff officer for the brigade regarding personnel, logistical, and operational missions. | |
Lieutenant Colonel | Commands battalion-sized units and may also be selected for brigade and task force Executive Officer. | |
Colonel | Commands brigade-sized units. | |
Brigadier General | Serves as Deputy Commander to the commanding general. Assists in overseeing the staff’s planning and coordination of a mission. | |
Major General | Typically commands division-sized units. | |
Lieutenant General | Typically commands corps-sized units. | |
General | Commands all operations that fall within their geographical area. The Chief of Staff of the Army/Marine Corps/Air Force is a four-star general. | |
** General of the Army | This is only used in time of war in which the Commanding Officer must be equal or of higher rank than those commanding armies from other nations. The last officers to hold this rank served during and following WWII. |
Navy and Coast Guard Commissioned Ranks
Commissioned Ranks
Insignia | Title | Description |
Ensign | The initial rank held by graduates of the United States Naval Academy. Most Ensigns are in various schools training for their respective specialties. Can serve as Platoon Leaders for SEAL Teams. | |
Lieutenant, Junior Grade | Promotion occurs approximately two years after commissioning as an Ensign. Either still in schools training, or serving in the Fleet as Division Officers. Can serve as Platoon Leaders for SEAL Teams. | |
Lieutenant | Usually a Division Officer or service head on some smaller ships, in aircraft squadrons, submarines, and ships. In some commands, Lieutenants are Department Heads. Can serve as Platoon Leaders for SEAL Teams. | |
Lieutenant Commander | A Department Head or Executive Officer on a ship, aircraft squadron, or submarine. On SEAL Teams, they serve as Executive Officers. | |
Commander | May command a Frigate, Destroyer, Fast Attack Submarine, Smaller Amphibious Ship, Aviation Squadron, SEAL Team, or a shore installation. | |
Captain | Serves as Commanding Officers of Major Commands such as Aircraft Carriers, Amphibious Assault Ships, Cruisers, Destroyer Squadrons, Ballistic Missile Submarines, Submarine Squadrons, SEAL Groups, Carrier Air Wings, and major shore installations. | |
Rear Admiral Lower Half | The first of the Flag Ranks. At sea commands include commanding an Amphibious Group, Carrier, Carrier-Cruiser Group, or Expeditionary Strike Group. May be assigned as deputies to larger commands. | |
Rear Admiral Upper Half | A two-star rank, commands include an Amphibious Group, Carrier, Carrier-Cruiser Group, or Expeditionary Strike Group. May be assigned as deputies to larger commands. | |
Vice Admiral | Commands numbered fleets, holds positions as deputies for regional commands. | |
Admiral | The most senior Flag Rank, Commander of Regional Commands, Joint Commands, Chief of Naval Operations, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. | |
** Fleet Admiral | A war-time designation that has not been assigned since World War II. |
Warrant Officers
These positions involve an application of technical and leadership skills instead of primarily management positions. Only senior enlisted personnel may apply for the program in their respective military branch.
Army & Marine Warrant Officer Ranks
Insignia | Title | Description |
Warrant Officer | Appointed by warrant from the Secretary of the Army, they perform the duties of technical leader, trainer, operator, manager, maintainer, sustainer, and advisor. | |
Chief Warrant Officer 2 | Commissioned by the President of the United States as technical and tactical experts. Perform duties and responsibilities at the battalion level. | |
Chief Warrant Officer 3 | Advanced-level experts who perform duties of a technical and tactical leader. Provide direction, guidance, resources, assistance, and supervision to subordinates. | |
Chief Warrant Officer 4 | Senior-level experts in their chosen field. Primarily support battalion, brigade, division, corps, and echelons above corps operations. | |
Chief Warrant Officer 5 | Master-level experts that support brigade, division, corps, echelons above corps, and major command operations. Provide leadership development, mentorship, and advice to WOs and branch officers. |
Navy & Coast Guard Warrant Officer Ranks
Insignia | Title | Description |
Chief Warrant Officer 2 | Commissioned by the President of the United States as technical and tactical experts. Perform duties and responsibilities at the battalion level. | |
Chief Warrant Officer 3 | Advanced-level experts who perform duties of a technical and tactical leader. Provide direction, guidance, resources, assistance, and supervision to subordinates. | |
Chief Warrant Officer 4 | Senior-level experts in their chosen field. Primarily support battalion, brigade, division, corps, and echelons above corps operations. | |
Chief Warrant Officer 5 | Master-level experts that support brigade, division, corps, echelons above corps, and major command operations. Provide leadership development, mentorship, and advice to WOs and branch officers. |
The ASVAB and Other Tests
Obviously the first step to begin growing in the military is to enlist. There are two ways to do this: standard enlistment and delayed entry program (DEP). With standard enlistment, you enlist and head right to basic training. If you choose to participate in the DEP, you enlist and can wait up to one year before beginning basic training. Regardless of how you begin your career in the military, there is a series of tests you must take to determine your eligibility to enter the armed forces. The first of these tests is called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB is a multiple choice exam that evaluates a number of different skills, including math and reading comprehension. Your ASVAB score, medical exams, security clearances, and physical aptitude tests will be combined and will contribute to your score on the Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT). The AFQT determines at what rank you’ll enter the military and what job you’ll get. There are thousands of different jobs, and each requires a different minimum test score, so it’s important to know your options before enlisting.
Room for Growth
Luckily, dead-end jobs don’t exist in the armed forces. There are multiple ways to get promoted and increase your rank in the military. The first, and perhaps the simplest, way is to be patient and diligent in your work. For different ranks in each branch of the military, you get promoted simply by fulfilling your job for a certain amount of time. The windows of time vary depending upon rank and branch of military.
You can also be promoted by completing different training’s and obtaining different skills. When there is a rank vacancy, it is filled by offering a promotion to a soldier based on things like work performance, military decorations, training, education, and leadership. In addition to vacancies, congress determines how many promoted positions can be filled in each branch of the armed forces based on budget allowances at the beginning of every fiscal year. When a serviceman or servicewoman is up for a promotion, they go before the promotion board and are evaluated on things like their physical appearance, their conversations skills, their knowledge of current events and military programs, and their attitude.
Promotion Ceremonies
Promotions are cause for celebration, are they not? Promotion ceremonies are different for every branch of the military and for every rank. Sometimes they are simple, with only the serviceperson’s unit attending, but sometimes they can be more grandiose, with family and friends in attendance too. Promotion ceremonies are unique in that they are one of the only ceremonies in the military that can be personalized based on who is being promoted, what rank they are being promoted to, and what branch of military they are in.