Military rank in the U.S. Armed Forces signifies more than just a hierarchy; it embodies leadership, responsibility, and expertise. It’s a visual representation of a service member’s duties and experience, immediately recognizable through the insignia worn on their uniforms. Understanding these ranks is crucial for anyone interacting with or interested in the military, from civilians to service members themselves.
While often used interchangeably, it’s important to differentiate between rank and paygrade. Paygrades, such as E-1, W-2, and O-5, are administrative classifications primarily for standardizing compensation across the different military branches. Here, ‘E’ denotes ‘enlisted,’ ‘W’ for ‘warrant officer,’ and ‘O’ for ‘commissioned officer,’ with the numerical suffix indicating the pay level. Notably, some paygrades encompass multiple ranks, each carrying distinct responsibilities. For instance, in the Army, both Corporals and Specialists fall under paygrade E-4, yet a Corporal holds a leadership role and higher rank than a Specialist, despite receiving equivalent pay. Similarly, within the Marine Corps, a Master Gunnery Sergeant and a Sergeant Major are both E-9s, but the Sergeant Major is the senior rank.
This guide will explore the insignia for both enlisted personnel and officers across the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, providing a detailed look at the visual language of military rank.
Enlisted Rank Insignia: A Detailed Overview
Enlisted service members constitute the backbone of the U.S. military. Their ranks, denoted by insignia worn on uniforms, reflect increasing levels of responsibility, skill, and leadership. The enlisted ranks are broadly categorized by paygrades, from E-1 to E-9, each with specific titles and insignia across the different branches.
Service members in paygrades E-1 through E-3 are typically in initial training or on their first assignments. This phase includes basic training, where recruits are immersed in military culture, values, and foundational skills. Basic training is followed by specialized training, focusing on a specific area of expertise. This specialization is termed Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in the Army and Marine Corps, a ‘rate’ in the Navy, and an ‘Air Force Specialty’ in the Air Force.
Below is a breakdown of enlisted rank insignia by paygrade across the U.S. military branches:
Enlisted Paygrades E-1 to E-3: Entry-Level Ranks
| Paygrade | Army | Marine Corps | Navy | Air Force | Space Force | Coast Guard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Private | Private | Seaman Recruit (SR) | Airman Basic | Specialist 1 (Spc1) | Seaman Recruit (SR) |
| E-2 | Private (PV2) | Private First Class (PFC) | Seaman Apprentice (SA) | Airman (Amn) | Specialist 2 (Spc2) | Seaman Apprentice (SA) |
| E-3 | Private First Class (PFC) | Lance Corporal (LCpl) | Seaman (SN) | Airman First Class (A1C) | Specialist 3 (Spc3) | Seaman (SN) |
Visual Representation of Enlisted Ranks E-2 & E-3:
E-2 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Private (PV2) | U.S. Army E-2 Rank Insignia: Private Second Class | |
| Marine Corps | Private First Class (PFC) | U.S. Marine Corps E-2 Rank Insignia: Private First Class | |
| Navy | Seaman Apprentice (SA) | U.S. Navy E-2 Rank Insignia: Seaman Apprentice | |
| Air Force | Airman (Amn) | U.S. Air Force E-2 Rank Insignia: Airman | |
| Space Force | Specialist 2 (Spc2) | U.S. Space Force E-2 Rank Insignia: Specialist 2 | |
| Coast Guard | Seaman Apprentice (SA) | U.S. Coast Guard E-2 Rank Insignia: Seaman Apprentice |
E-3 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Private First Class (PFC) | U.S. Army E-3 Rank Insignia: Private First Class | |
| Marine Corps | Lance Corporal (LCpl) | U.S. Marine Corps E-3 Rank Insignia: Lance Corporal | |
| Navy | Seaman (SN) | U.S. Navy E-3 Rank Insignia: Seaman | |
| Air Force | Airman First Class (A1C) | U.S. Air Force E-3 Rank Insignia: Airman First Class | |
| Space Force | Specialist 3 (Spc3) | U.S. Space Force E-3 Rank Insignia: Specialist 3 | |
| Coast Guard | Seaman (SN) | U.S. Coast Guard E-3 Rank Insignia: Seaman |
Enlisted Paygrades E-4 to E-7: Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Petty Officers
From paygrade E-4 onwards, enlisted service members begin to take on increased leadership responsibilities. This is formally recognized with the terms Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in the Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force, and Petty Officer in the Navy and Coast Guard. These ranks represent the mid-level enlisted leadership, crucial for the daily operations and mission execution.
| Paygrade | Army | Marine Corps | Navy | Air Force | Space Force | Coast Guard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-4 | Corporal (CPL), Specialist (SPC) | Corporal (Cpl) | Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) | Senior Airman (SrA) | Specialist 4 (Spc4) | Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) |
| E-5 | Sergeant (SGT) | Sergeant (Sgt) | Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) | Staff Sergeant (SSgt) | Sergeant (Sgt) | Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) |
| E-6 | Staff Sergeant (SSG) | Staff Sergeant (SSgt) | Petty Officer First Class (PO1) | Technical Sergeant (TSgt) | Technical Sergeant (TSgt) | Petty Officer First Class (PO1) |
| E-7 | Sergeant First Class (SFC) | Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) | Chief Petty Officer (CPO) | Master Sergeant (MSgt), First Sergeant | Master Sergeant (MSgt) | Chief Petty Officer (CPO) |
Visual Representation of Enlisted Ranks E-4 to E-7:
E-4 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Corporal (CPL) | U.S. Army E-4 Rank Insignia: Corporal | |
| Specialist (SPC) | U.S. Army E-4 Rank Insignia: Specialist | ||
| Marine Corps | Corporal (Cpl) | U.S. Marine Corps E-4 Rank Insignia: Corporal | |
| Navy | Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) | U.S. Navy E-4 Rank Insignia: Petty Officer Third Class | |
| Air Force | Senior Airman (SrA) | U.S. Air Force E-4 Rank Insignia: Senior Airman | |
| Space Force | Specialist 4 (Spc4) | U.S. Space Force E-4 Rank Insignia: Specialist 4 | |
| Coast Guard | Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) | U.S. Coast Guard E-4 Rank Insignia: Petty Officer Third Class |
E-5 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Sergeant (SGT) | U.S. Army E-5 Rank Insignia: Sergeant | |
| Marine Corps | Sergeant (Sgt) | U.S. Marine Corps E-5 Rank Insignia: Sergeant | |
| Navy | Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) | U.S. Navy E-5 Rank Insignia: Petty Officer Second Class | |
| Air Force | Staff Sergeant (SSgt) | U.S. Air Force E-5 Rank Insignia: Staff Sergeant | |
| Space Force | Sergeant (Sgt) | U.S. Space Force E-5 Rank Insignia: Sergeant | |
| Coast Guard | Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) | U.S. Coast Guard E-5 Rank Insignia: Petty Officer Second Class |
E-6 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Staff Sergeant (SSG) | U.S. Army E-6 Rank Insignia: Staff Sergeant | |
| Marine Corps | Staff Sergeant (SSgt) | U.S. Marine Corps E-6 Rank Insignia: Staff Sergeant | |
| Navy | Petty Officer First Class (PO1) | U.S. Navy E-6 Rank Insignia: Petty Officer First Class | |
| Air Force | Technical Sergeant (TSgt) | U.S. Air Force E-6 Rank Insignia: Technical Sergeant | |
| Space Force | Technical Sergeant (TSgt) | U.S. Space Force E-6 Rank Insignia: Technical Sergeant | |
| Coast Guard | Petty Officer First Class (PO1) | U.S. Coast Guard E-6 Rank Insignia: Petty Officer First Class |
E-7 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Sergeant First Class (SFC) | U.S. Army E-7 Rank Insignia: Sergeant First Class | |
| Marine Corps | Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) | U.S. Marine Corps E-7 Rank Insignia: Gunnery Sergeant | |
| Navy | Chief Petty Officer (CPO) | U.S. Navy E-7 Rank Insignia: Chief Petty Officer | |
| Air Force | Master Sergeant (MSgt) | U.S. Air Force E-7 Rank Insignia: Master Sergeant | |
| First Sergeant | U.S. Air Force E-7 Rank Insignia: First Sergeant | ||
| Space Force | Master Sergeant (MSgt) | U.S. Space Force E-7 Rank Insignia: Master Sergeant | |
| Coast Guard | Chief Petty Officer (CPO) | U.S. Coast Guard E-7 Rank Insignia: Chief Petty Officer |
Enlisted Paygrades E-8 & E-9: Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and Senior Petty Officers
At the E-8 and E-9 levels, enlisted personnel reach the senior ranks, serving as advisors and leaders at high levels within their commands. These senior NCOs and petty officers possess extensive experience and are critical in mentoring junior personnel and ensuring effective mission execution. At these paygrades, some branches have multiple rank titles with differing responsibilities but equivalent pay.
| Paygrade | Army | Marine Corps | Navy | Air Force | Space Force | Coast Guard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-8 | Master Sergeant (MSG), First Sergeant (1SG) | Master Sergeant (MSgt), First Sergeant | Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) | Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt), First Sergeant | Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) | Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) |
| E-9 | Sergeant Major (SGM), Command Sergeant Major (CSM) | Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt), Sergeant Major (SgtMaj) | Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO), Fleet/Command Master Chief Petty Officer | Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt), First Sergeant, Command Chief Master Sergeant | Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) | Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO), Fleet/Command Master Chief Petty Officer |
| E-9 (Senior Enlisted Advisor) | Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) | Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SgtMajMC) | Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) | Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) | Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force (CMSSF) | Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG) |
Visual Representation of Enlisted Ranks E-8 & E-9:
E-8 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Master Sergeant (MSG) | U.S. Army E-8 Rank Insignia: Master Sergeant | |
| First Sergeant (1SG) | U.S. Army E-8 Rank Insignia: First Sergeant | ||
| Marine Corps | Master Sergeant (MSgt) | U.S. Marine Corps E-8 Rank Insignia: Master Sergeant | |
| First Sergeant | U.S. Marine Corps E-8 Rank Insignia: First Sergeant | ||
| Navy | Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) | U.S. Navy E-8 Rank Insignia: Senior Chief Petty Officer | |
| Air Force | Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) | U.S. Air Force E-8 Rank Insignia: Senior Master Sergeant | |
| First Sergeant | U.S. Air Force E-8 Rank Insignia: First Sergeant | ||
| Space Force | Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) | U.S. Space Force E-8 Rank Insignia: Senior Master Sergeant | |
| Coast Guard | Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) | U.S. Coast Guard E-8 Rank Insignia: Senior Chief Petty Officer |
E-9 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Sergeant Major (SGM) | U.S. Army E-9 Rank Insignia: Sergeant Major | |
| Command Sergeant Major (CSM) | U.S. Army E-9 Rank Insignia: Command Sergeant Major | ||
| Marine Corps | Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) | U.S. Marine Corps E-9 Rank Insignia: Master Gunnery Sergeant | |
| Sergeant Major (SgtMaj) | U.S. Marine Corps E-9 Rank Insignia: Sergeant Major | ||
| Navy | Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) | U.S. Navy E-9 Rank Insignia: Master Chief Petty Officer | |
| Fleet/Command Master Chief Petty Officer | U.S. Navy E-9 Rank Insignia: Fleet Command Master Chief Petty Officer | ||
| Air Force | Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) | U.S. Air Force E-9 Rank Insignia: Chief Master Sergeant | |
| First Sergeant | U.S. Air Force E-9 Rank Insignia: First Sergeant | ||
| Command Chief Master Sergeant | U.S. Air Force E-9 Rank Insignia: Command Chief Master Sergeant | ||
| Space Force | Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) | U.S. Space Force E-9 Rank Insignia: Chief Master Sergeant | |
| Coast Guard | Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) | U.S. Coast Guard E-9 Rank Insignia: Master Chief Petty Officer | |
| Fleet/Command Master Chief Petty Officer | U.S. Coast Guard E-9 Rank Insignia: Fleet Command Master Chief Petty Officer |
E-9 (Senior Enlisted Advisor) Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) | U.S. Army E-9 Rank Insignia: Sergeant Major of the Army | |
| Marine Corps | Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SgtMajMC) | U.S. Marine Corps E-9 Rank Insignia: Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps | |
| Navy | Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) | U.S. Navy E-9 Rank Insignia: Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy | |
| Air Force | Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) | U.S. Air Force E-9 Rank Insignia: Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force | |
| Space Force | Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force (CMSSF) | U.S. Space Force E-9 Rank Insignia: Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force | |
| Coast Guard | Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG) | U.S. Coast Guard E-9 Rank Insignia: Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard |
Important Notes on Enlisted Ranks:
- Army: Specialist ranks below Corporal in precedence within the Army, but service-wide precedence is determined by paygrade.
- Navy/Coast Guard: Specialty marks on rating badges indicate the wearer’s specific rating. Gold stripes on Navy and Coast Guard petty officer and chief petty officer insignia denote 12+ years of good conduct. For Navy E-9 ranks: Command Master Chief Petty Officers wear silver stars, while Master Chief Petty Officers wear silver stars and silver specialty rating marks.
- Coast Guard: In peacetime, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security, and in wartime, it falls under the Department of the Navy. Coast Guard rank insignia mirror the Navy’s, with color variations and a single stripe for the Seaman Recruit rank.
Officer Rank Insignia: Warrant Officers and Commissioned Officers
Officer ranks in the U.S. military are divided into Warrant Officers and Commissioned Officers, each with distinct roles and insignia.
Warrant Officers are specialists in particular military technologies or capabilities, holding warrants from their service secretary. Upon promotion to Chief Warrant Officer 2, they receive presidential commissions, becoming direct representatives of the President. Warrant officers derive authority from the same source as commissioned officers but remain specialists, unlike commissioned officers who are generalists. It’s worth noting that the Air Force and Space Force do not utilize warrant officers.
Commissioned Officers hold the highest ranks, with presidential commissions confirmed by the Senate. They are broadly categorized as company grade officers (O-1 to O-3), field grade officers (O-4 to O-6), and general officers (O-7 and higher) in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The Navy equivalent groupings are junior grade, mid-grade, and flag officers.
Navy officers have unique rank insignia devices depending on their uniform type: collar insignia pins for khakis, stripes on shoulder boards for whites, and stripes sewn on lower coat sleeves for blues.
Warrant Officer Paygrades and Insignia:
| Paygrade | Army | Marine Corps | Navy | Air Force | Space Force | Coast Guard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-1 | Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) | Warrant Officer 1 (WO) | Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| W-2 | Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) | Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2) | Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2) | N/A | N/A | Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2) |
| W-3 | Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) | Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3) | Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3) | N/A | N/A | Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3) |
| W-4 | Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) | Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4) | Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4) | N/A | N/A | Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4) |
| W-5 | Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) | Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5) | Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Visual Representation of Warrant Officer Ranks:
W-1 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Warrant Officer 1 WO1 | U.S. Army W-1 Rank Insignia: Warrant Officer 1 | |
| Marine Corps | Warrant Officer 1 WO | U.S. Marine Corps W-1 Rank Insignia: Warrant Officer 1 | |
| Navy | USN Warrant Officer 1 WO1 | U.S. Navy W-1 Rank Insignia: Warrant Officer 1 |
W-2 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Chief Warrant Officer 2 CW2 | U.S. Army W-2 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 2 | |
| Marine Corps | Chief Warrant Officer 2 CWO2 | U.S. Marine Corps W-2 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 2 | |
| Navy | USN Chief Warrant Officer 2 CWO2 | U.S. Navy W-2 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 2 | |
| Coast Guard | Chief Warrant Officer 2 CWO2 |  W-2 Chief Warrant Officer 2 |
U.S. Coast Guard W-2 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 2 |
W-3 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Chief Warrant Officer 3 CW3 | U.S. Army W-3 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 3 | |
| Marine Corps | Chief Warrant Officer 3 CWO3 | U.S. Marine Corps W-3 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 3 | |
| Navy | USN Chief Warrant Officer 3 CWO3 | U.S. Navy W-3 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 3 | |
| Coast Guard | Chief Warrant Officer 3 CWO3 |  W-3 Chief Warrant Officer 3 |
U.S. Coast Guard W-3 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 3 |
W-4 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Chief Warrant Officer 4 CW4 | U.S. Army W-4 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 4 | |
| Marine Corps | Chief Warrant Officer 4 CWO4 | U.S. Marine Corps W-4 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 4 | |
| Navy | USN Chief Warrant Officer 4 CWO4 | U.S. Navy W-4 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 4 | |
| Coast Guard | Chief Warrant Officer 4 CWO4 |  W-4 Chief Warrant Officer 4 |
U.S. Coast Guard W-4 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 4 |
W-5 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Chief Warrant Officer 5 CW5 | U.S. Army W-5 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 5 | |
| Marine Corps | Chief Warrant Officer 5 CWO5 | U.S. Marine Corps W-5 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 5 | |
| Navy | USN Chief Warrant Officer 5 CWO5 | U.S. Navy W-5 Rank Insignia: Chief Warrant Officer 5 |
Commissioned Officer Paygrades and Insignia:
| Paygrade | Army | Marine Corps | Navy | Air Force | Space Force | Coast Guard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-1 | Second Lieutenant (2LT) | Second Lieutenant (2ndLt) | Ensign (ENS) | Second Lieutenant (2d Lt) | Second Lieutenant (2d Lt) | Ensign (ENS) |
| O-2 | First Lieutenant (1LT) | First Lieutenant (1stLt) | Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) | First Lieutenant (1st Lt) | First Lieutenant (1st Lt) | Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) |
| O-3 | Captain (CPT) | Captain (Capt) | Lieutenant (LT) | Captain (Capt) | Captain (Capt) | Lieutenant (LT) |
| O-4 | Major (MAJ) | Major (Maj) | Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) | Major (Maj) | Major (Maj) | Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) |
| O-5 | Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) | Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol) | Commander (CDR) | Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) | Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) | Commander (CDR) |
| O-6 | Colonel (COL) | Colonel (Col) | Captain (CAPT) | Colonel (Col) | Colonel (Col) | Captain (CAPT) |
| O-7 | Brigadier General (BG) | Brigadier General (BGen) | Rear Admiral Lower Half (RDML) | Brigadier General (Brig Gen) | Brigadier General (Brig Gen) | Rear Admiral Lower Half (RDML) |
| O-8 | Major General (MG) | Major General (MajGen) | Rear Admiral Upper Half (RADM) | Major General (Maj Gen) | Major General (Maj Gen) | Rear Admiral Upper Half (RADM) |
| O-9 | Lieutenant General (LTG) | Lieutenant General (LtGen) | Vice Admiral (VADM) | Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) | Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) | Vice Admiral (VADM) |
| O-10 | General (GEN) | General (Gen) | Admiral (ADM) | General (Gen) | General (Gen) | Admiral (ADM) |
| O-11 | General of the Army (Reserved for wartime) | N/A | Fleet Admiral (Reserved for wartime) | General of the Air Force (Reserved for wartime) | N/A | Fleet Admiral (Reserved for wartime) |
Visual Representation of Commissioned Officer Ranks O-1 to O-3:
O-1 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Second Lieutenant 2LT | U.S. Army O-1 Rank Insignia: Second Lieutenant | |
| Marine Corps | Second Lieutenant 2ndLt | U.S. Marine Corps O-1 Rank Insignia: Second Lieutenant | |
| Navy | Ensign ENS | U.S. Navy O-1 Rank Insignia: Ensign | |
| Air Force | Second Lieutenant 2d Lt | U.S. Air Force O-1 Rank Insignia: Second Lieutenant | |
| Space Force | Second Lieutenant 2d Lt | U.S. Space Force O-1 Rank Insignia: Second Lieutenant | |
| Coast Guard | Ensign ENS | U.S. Coast Guard O-1 Rank Insignia: Ensign |
O-2 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | First Lieutenant 1LT | U.S. Army O-2 Rank Insignia: First Lieutenant | |
| Marine Corps | First Lieutenant 1stLt | U.S. Marine Corps O-2 Rank Insignia: First Lieutenant | |
| Navy | Lieutenant Junior Grade LTJG | U.S. Navy O-2 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant Junior Grade | |
| Air Force | First Lieutenant 1st Lt | U.S. Air Force O-2 Rank Insignia: First Lieutenant | |
| Space Force | First Lieutenant 1st Lt | U.S. Space Force O-2 Rank Insignia: First Lieutenant | |
| Coast Guard | Lieutenant Junior Grade LTJG | U.S. Coast Guard O-2 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant Junior Grade |
O-3 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Captain CPT | U.S. Army O-3 Rank Insignia: Captain | |
| Marine Corps | Captain Capt | U.S. Marine Corps O-3 Rank Insignia: Captain | |
| Navy | Lieutenant LT | U.S. Navy O-3 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant | |
| Air Force | Captain Capt | U.S. Air Force O-3 Rank Insignia: Captain | |
| Space Force | Captain Capt | U.S. Space Force O-3 Rank Insignia: Captain | |
| Coast Guard | Lieutenant LT | U.S. Coast Guard O-3 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant |
Visual Representation of Commissioned Officer Ranks O-4 to O-6:
O-4 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Major MAJ | U.S. Army O-4 Rank Insignia: Major | |
| Marine Corps | Major Maj | U.S. Marine Corps O-4 Rank Insignia: Major | |
| Navy | Lieutenant Commander LCDR | U.S. Navy O-4 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant Commander | |
| Air Force | Major Maj | U.S. Air Force O-4 Rank Insignia: Major | |
| Space Force | Major Maj | U.S. Space Force O-4 Rank Insignia: Major | |
| Coast Guard | Lieutenant Commander LCDR | U.S. Coast Guard O-4 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant Commander |
O-5 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Lieutenant Colonel LTC | U.S. Army O-5 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant Colonel | |
| Marine Corps | Lieutenant Colonel LtCol | U.S. Marine Corps O-5 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant Colonel | |
| Navy | Commander CDR | U.S. Navy O-5 Rank Insignia: Commander | |
| Air Force | Lieutenant Colonel Lt Col | U.S. Air Force O-5 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant Colonel | |
| Space Force | Lieutenant Colonel Lt Col | U.S. Space Force O-5 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant Colonel | |
| Coast Guard | Commander CDR | U.S. Coast Guard O-5 Rank Insignia: Commander |
O-6 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Colonel COL | U.S. Army O-6 Rank Insignia: Colonel | |
| Marine Corps | Colonel Col | U.S. Marine Corps O-6 Rank Insignia: Colonel | |
| Navy | Captain CAPT | U.S. Navy O-6 Rank Insignia: Captain | |
| Air Force | Colonel Col | U.S. Air Force O-6 Rank Insignia: Colonel | |
| Space Force | Colonel Col | U.S. Space Force O-6 Rank Insignia: Colonel | |
| Coast Guard | Captain CAPT | U.S. Coast Guard O-6 Rank Insignia: Captain |
Visual Representation of Commissioned Officer Ranks O-7 to O-10 and Wartime Ranks:
O-7 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Brigadier General BG | U.S. Army O-7 Rank Insignia: Brigadier General | |
| Marine Corps | Brigadier General BGen | U.S. Marine Corps O-7 Rank Insignia: Brigadier General | |
| Navy | Rear Admiral Lower Half RDML | U.S. Navy O-7 Rank Insignia: Rear Admiral Lower Half | |
| Air Force | Brigadier General Brig Gen | U.S. Air Force O-7 Rank Insignia: Brigadier General | |
| Space Force | Brigadier General Brig Gen | U.S. Space Force O-7 Rank Insignia: Brigadier General | |
| Coast Guard | Rear Admiral Lower Half RDML | U.S. Coast Guard O-7 Rank Insignia: Rear Admiral Lower Half |
O-8 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Major General MG | U.S. Army O-8 Rank Insignia: Major General | |
| Marine Corps | Major General MajGen | U.S. Marine Corps O-8 Rank Insignia: Major General | |
| Navy | Rear Admiral Upper Half RADM | U.S. Navy O-8 Rank Insignia: Rear Admiral Upper Half | |
| Air Force | Major General Maj Gen | U.S. Air Force O-8 Rank Insignia: Major General | |
| Space Force | Major General Maj Gen | U.S. Space Force O-8 Rank Insignia: Major General | |
| Coast Guard | Rear Admiral Upper Half RADM | U.S. Coast Guard O-8 Rank Insignia: Rear Admiral Upper Half |
O-9 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Lieutenant General LTG | U.S. Army O-9 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant General | |
| Marine Corps | Lieutenant General LtGen | U.S. Marine Corps O-9 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant General | |
| Navy | Vice Admiral VADM | U.S. Navy O-9 Rank Insignia: Vice Admiral | |
| Air Force | Lieutenant General Lt Gen | U.S. Air Force O-9 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant General | |
| Space Force | Lieutenant General Lt Gen | U.S. Space Force O-9 Rank Insignia: Lieutenant General | |
| Coast Guard | Vice Admiral VADM | U.S. Coast Guard O-9 Rank Insignia: Vice Admiral |
O-10 Paygrade:
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | General GEN | U.S. Army O-10 Rank Insignia: General | |
| Marine Corps | General Gen | U.S. Marine Corps O-10 Rank Insignia: General | |
| Navy | Admiral ADM | U.S. Navy O-10 Rank Insignia: Admiral | |
| Air Force | General Gen | U.S. Air Force O-10 Rank Insignia: General | |
| Space Force | General Gen | U.S. Space Force O-10 Rank Insignia: General | |
| Coast Guard | Admiral ADM | U.S. Coast Guard O-10 Rank Insignia: Admiral |
O-11 Paygrade (Reserved for Wartime):
| Branch | Rank | Insignia | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | General of the Army | U.S. Army O-11 Rank Insignia: General of the Army | |
| Navy | Fleet Admiral | U.S. Navy O-11 Rank Insignia: Fleet Admiral | |
| Air Force | General of the Air Force | U.S. Air Force O-11 Rank Insignia: General of the Air Force | |
| Coast Guard | Fleet Admiral | U.S. Coast Guard O-11 Rank Insignia: Fleet Admiral |
Uniforms and Rank: The Navy SEAL Example
While this article provides a comprehensive overview of U.S. military rank insignia across all branches, it’s important to briefly consider how rank translates to specific units and uniforms. Take, for example, the Navy SEALs, an elite special operations force within the U.S. Navy.
Navy SEALs adhere to the standard U.S. Navy rank structure, encompassing both enlisted and officer ranks from Seaman Recruit to Admiral. Their rank is displayed using the same insignia as other Navy personnel, ensuring clear identification within the broader military framework. However, their operational uniforms often differ from standard Navy uniforms to meet the demands of their specialized missions. These variations might include camouflage patterns, tactical gear, and specialized equipment. Despite these uniform adaptations, the rank insignia remains consistent, clearly communicating the SEAL operator’s leadership position and experience within the Navy’s established hierarchy. Whether in standard dress uniforms or specialized combat attire, the insignia reflects the individual’s rank and the associated responsibilities, a critical aspect of military discipline and command structure, even within highly specialized units like the Navy SEALs.
Conclusion: Recognizing Leadership and Responsibility
Understanding U.S. military rank insignia is more than just identifying different symbols. It’s about recognizing the structure of leadership, responsibility, and experience within the U.S. Armed Forces. From the most junior enlisted ranks to the highest-ranking officers, each insignia represents a crucial role in the functioning of the military. Whether you are a civilian seeking to understand military protocols or a service member aiming to advance your career, this guide serves as a valuable resource for decoding the visual language of U.S. military ranks.
Insignia Quick Reference
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Paygrade | Administrative classification for compensation |
| Service | Branch of the U.S. Military (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard) |
| Rank | Title and level of responsibility within the military hierarchy |
