Army Officer Ranks
Second Lieutenant (2LT)(O1)
Addressed as "Lieutenant." Typically the entry-level rank for most Commissioned Officers. Leads platoon-size elements consisting of the platoon SGT and two or more squads (16 to 44 Soldiers).
First Lieutenant (1LT)(O2)
Addressed as "Lieutenant." A seasoned lieutenant with 18 to 24 months service. Leads more specialized weapons platoons and indirect fire computation centers. As a senior Lieutenant, they are often selected to be the Executive Officer of a company-sized unit (110 to 140 personnel)
Captain (CPT)(O3)
Addressed as "Captain." Commands and controls company-sized units (62 to 190 Soldiers), together with a principal NCO assistant. Instructs skills at service schools and The United States Army combat training centers and is often a Staff Officer at the battalion level.
Major (MAJ)(O4)
Addressed as "Major." Serves as primary Staff Officer for brigade and task force command regarding personnel, logistical and operational missions.
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC)(O5)
Addressed as "Lieutenant Colonel" or "Colonel." Typically commands battalion-sized units (300 to 1,000 Soldiers), with a CSM as principal NCO assistant. May also be selected for brigade and task force Executive Officer.
Colonel (COL)(O6)
Addressed as "Colonel." Typically commands brigade-sized units (3,000 to 5,000 Soldiers), with a CSM as principal NCO assistant. Also found as the chief of divisional-level staff agencies.
PRIVATE (PVT)
Private is the lowest rank. Most Soldiers receive this rank during Basic Combat Training. This rank does not carry an insignia.
Private (PV2)
PRIVATE SECOND CLASS (PV2)
Enlisted Soldiers generally receive this rank after either completion of Basic Combat Training, or six months of Army service.
Private First Class (PFC)
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS (PFC)
Soldiers are generally promoted to this level within a year by request of a supervisor. Soldiers serving at this rank make up the backbone of the Army. Their primary role is to carry out orders and complete missions.
Specialist (SPC)
SPECIALIST (SPC)
A specialist can manage other lower-ranked enlisted Soldiers. A Soldier can be promoted to this rank after serving a minimum of two years and attending a training class. Recruits with a four-year degree may enter Basic Combat Training as a specialist.
Corporal (CPL)
CORPORAL (CPL)
Corporal is the base level of the noncommissioned officer (NCO) ranks. Corporals serve as team leader of the smallest Army units. Like sergeants, they are responsible for individual training, personal appearance and cleanliness of Soldiers.
Sergeant (SGT)
SERGEANT (SGT)
Sergeants typically command a fire team of around five Soldiers. Sergeants oversee Soldiers in their daily tasks, and are expected to set a standard for lower-ranked Soldiers to live up to.
Staff Sergeant (SSG)
STAFF SERGEANT (SSG)
A staff sergeant commands a squad (nine to 10 Soldiers). Often, a staff sergeant will have one or more sergeants under his or her leadership. They are responsible for developing, maintaining and utilizing the full range of a Soldier's potential.
Sergeant First Class (SFC)
SERGEANT FIRST CLASS (SFC)
As the key assistant and advisor to the platoon leader, the sergeant first class generally has 15 to 18 years of Army experience.
Master Sergeant (MSG)
MASTER SERGEANT (MSG)
The master sergeant is the principal noncommissioned officer at the battalion level and higher.
First Sergeant (1SG)
FIRST SERGEANT (1SG)
The first sergeant is the principal NCO and life-blood of a company. He is the disciplinarian and counselor. He instructs other sergeants, advises the commander and helps train all enlisted Soldiers. He assists officers at the company level (62 to 190 Soldiers).
Sergeant Major (SGM)
SERGEANT MAJOR (SGM)
Sergeants major serve as the chief administrative assistants for an Army headquarters, but their sphere of influence regarding leadership is generally limited to those directly under their charge. They are key enlisted members of staff elements at battalion level or higher.
Command Sergeant Major (CSM)
COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR (CSM)
Command sergeants major are the senior enlisted advisors to the commanding officerXCommissioned Officers are the managers, problem solvers, key influencers and planners who lead Enlisted Soldiers in all situations.
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. They carry out policies and standards and advise the commander on the performance, training, appearance and conduct of enlisted Soldiers. A command sergeant major is assignable to battalion level or higher.
Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA)
SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE ARMY
There's only one Sergeant Major of the Army. The SMA oversees all noncommissioned officers. He serves as the senior enlisted advisor and consultant to the Chief of Staff of the Army.
