US Army Rank Structure Flashcards
No insignia
Private
PV1
E-1
Private
Single wing
Private Second Class
PV2
E-2
Private
Single wing with single rocker
Private First Class
PFC
E-3
Private
Shield with eagle
Specialist
SPC
E-4
Specialist
Double wing
Corporal
CPL
E-4
Corporal
Triple wing
Sergeant
SGT
E-5
Sergeant
Triple wing with single rocker
Staff Sergeant
SSG
E-6
Sergeant
Triple wing with double rocker
Sergeant First Class
SFC
E-7
Sergeant
Triple wing with triple rocker, empty middle
Master Sergeant
MSG
E-8
Sergeant
Triple wing with triple rocker, diamond in middle
First Sergeant
1SG
E-8
First Sergeant
Triple wing with triple rocker, star in middle
Sergeant Major
SGM
E-9
Sergeant Major
Triple wing with triple rocker, eagle in middle
Command Sergeant Major
CSM
E-9
Sergeant Major
Triple wing with triple rocker, eagle and two stars in middle
Sergeant Major of the Army
SMA
E-9
Sergeant Major of the Army
Silver bar, single black square
Warrant Officer 1
WO1
W-1
Mr. or Mrs.
Silver bar, double black square
Chief Warrant Officer 2
CW2
W-2
Chief
Silver bar, triple black square
Chief Warrant Officer 3
CW3
W-3
Chief
Silver bar, quadruple black square
Chief Warrant Officer 4
CW4
W-4
Chief
Silver bar, long black bar in middle
Chief Warrant Officer 5
CW5
W-5
Chief
Gold bar
Second Lieutenant
2LT
O-1
Lieutenant
Silver bar
First Lieutenant
1LT
O-2
Lieutenant
Double silver bar
Captain
CPT
O-3
Captain
Gold leaf
Major
MAJ
O-4
Major
Silver leaf
Lieutenant Colonel
LTC
O-5
Colonel
Silver eagle
Colonel
COL
O-6
Colonel
Single silver star
Brigadier General
BG
O-7
General
Double silver star
Major General
MG
O-8
General
Triple silver star
Lieutenant General
LTG
O-9
General
Quadruple silver star
General
GEN
O-10
General
What is the difference between a pay grade and a rank?
The pay grade is the administrative classification for pay standardization. The rank is the badge of leadership and denotes the level of responsibility for personnel, equipment, and mission.
What is a noncommissioned officer?
An NCO is a senior enlisted technical expert, combat leader, mentor, and primary advisor to the unit commander.
What is the difference between a commissioned officer and a noncommissioned officer?
A commissioned officer has a commission from the President of the United States and command over policy and resources. A noncommissioned officer is an enlisted soldier and conducts the Army’s daily business.
What is a warrant officer?
A warrant officer is a technical expert, combat leader, trainer, and advisor skilled in a specific technical speciality.
What is a commissioned officer?
A commissioned officer has a commission from the President of the United States and has the authority to lead and command soldiers.
Can a warrant officer receive a commission?
Yes; Title 10 of the United States Code authorizes commissioning of a warrant officer upon promotion to Chief Warrant Officer.
What is the difference between a commissioned officer and a (commissioned) warrant officer?
A commissioned officer is a generalist in their field, whereas a (commissioned) warrant officer is a specialist in their field.
