The rank structure of the United States Army is divided into several levels, from the lowest to the highest. Understanding the hierarchy is essential for recognizing the roles and responsibilities of each soldier. Below is the list of ranks in the US Army, starting from the lowest to the highest, including enlisted, warrant officers, and officers.
Enlisted Ranks
These ranks start with the lowest and move up the chain of command. Enlisted personnel are the backbone of the Army, performing the core functions of the military.
Private (PVT)
- The lowest rank in the Army, typically held by new recruits.
- Private Second Class (PV2) and Private First Class (PFC) are also part of the Private ranks, indicating progression.
Specialist/Corporal (SPC/CPL)
- Specialists are subject-matter experts in a specific area, while Corporals are non-commissioned officers (NCOs) who lead teams.
Sergeant (SGT)
- Sergeants are NCOs who oversee teams and provide guidance and mentorship.
Staff Sergeant (SSG)
- Leads platoon-sized elements and is responsible for developing, mentoring, and training soldiers.
Sergeant First Class (SFC)
- Advanced leaders and experts in their field, often serving as Platoon Sergeants.
Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (MSG/1SG)
- Master Sergeants are senior NCOs who oversee large sections of troops and may serve as Platoon Sergeants or Section Sergeants. First Sergeants are senior NCOs who are responsible for the morale, welfare, and fitness of their soldiers.
Sergeant Major (SGM)
- High-ranking NCOs who may serve as senior enlisted advisors to officers.
Command Sergeant Major (CSM)
- The senior NCO in a battalion or brigade, providing leadership and guidance.
Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA)
- The highest rank for an NCO, serving as the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army.
Warrant Officer Ranks
Warrant Officers are technical experts in specific areas and hold a unique position between enlisted and officer ranks.
Warrant Officer 1 (WO1)
- The lowest rank for Warrant Officers, signifying the beginning of their specialized career path.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2)
- Advanced technical experts who may lead teams or provide critical support.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3)
- Senior technical experts who often serve in leadership positions.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4)
- High-ranking Warrant Officers with significant experience and technical expertise.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5)
- The highest rank for Warrant Officers, indicating mastery of their field.
Officer Ranks
These ranks start from the lowest commissioned officer rank and move up to the highest.
Second Lieutenant (2LT)
- The lowest commissioned officer rank, often serving as platoon leaders.
First Lieutenant (1LT)
- Serves as platoon leaders and may begin to specialize in specific areas.
Captain (CPT)
- Leads companies and may serve as staff officers.
Major (MAJ)
- Field-grade officers who may serve in various leadership and staff roles.
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC)
- Senior field-grade officers who often command battalions.
Colonel (COL)
- Senior officers who command brigades or hold senior staff positions.
Brigadier General (BG)
- The first general officer rank, often commanding brigades or serving in senior staff positions.
Major General (MG)
- Two-star generals who command divisions.
Lieutenant General (LTG)
- Three-star generals who command corps or serve in high-level staff positions.
General (GEN)
- The highest rank in the US Army, typically serving as the Chief of Staff of the Army.
Each rank requires a specific set of qualifications, training, and experience, and progression through the ranks is based on performance and availability of positions.
Related Terms:
- Military rank list
- Highest military rank
- U S military rank
- Military rank in the world
- Corporal rank
- Military rank 1960
