U.S. Army Ranks

On this page, we have constructed a complete guide to U.S. Army ranks. As you explore this page, you’ll learn about each rank’s insignia, their base pay, how to address a member of each rank, what kinds of jobs each rank performs in the military, what each rank is equal to in all of the other branches of service, and how you would get promoted to each rank—from private all the way to general.

Whether you are an enlisted Soldier or commissioned officer, your rank will determine many of the duties you’ll be expected to perform successfully. Enlisted Soldiers wear chevrons to indicate their rank. Army officers use bars, oak leaves, eagles, and stars on their shoulders and flight cap/beret to indicate their rank. In the U.S. Army, ranks are divided into three groups: Enlisted (E-1 through E-9), Warrant Officers (W-2 through W-5), and Commissioned Officers (O-1 through O-10).

Enlisted Soldiers

Enlisted members wear chevrons to indicate their rank. The chevron has a long history and was first used in the U.S. Army in 1821. Changes were made over the years with different designs like chevron pointed down and different colors and rating symbols to indicate your field. The modern-day design of Army chevrons was adopted in the mid-1950s. Army enlisted ranks are broken down into three groups: Junior Enlisted (E-1 through E-4), Noncommissioned officers (NCOs) (E-4 through E-6), and Senior NCOs (E-7 through E-9).

Warrant Officers

Warrant officers make up the technical foundation of the U.S. Army and are highly-trained technical experts. The Army has a long tradition of appointing experienced enlisted service members as warrant officers. As a warrant officer, you specialize in one of 48 technical areas, including intelligence, aviation, and engineering. You’ll have a great amount of responsibility, including training Soldiers, organizing and advising on missions, and serving as technical experts and trusted advisors to support the Army mission. Warrant officers are senior to all enlisted Soldiers but are outranked by all Army commissioned officers. Warrant officers use bars on their shoulders and flight cap/beret to indicate their rank.

Commissioned Officers

Commissioned Officers are divided into three groups, Company Grade Officers (O-1 through O-3), Field Grade Officers (O-4 through O-6), and General Officers ranks (O-7 through O-10). The commissioned officer ranks are the highest in the Army and use bars, oak leaves, eagles, and stars on their shoulders and flight cap/beret to indicate their rank.

U.S. Army Enlisted Ranks

Private (PV1)

Rank: Private (No Insignia)
Abbreviated: PV1
Classification: Junior Enlisted
Title: Private (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-1
Basic Pay: $1,785 per month

What does a Private do?

Your primary role as a private (PV1) is to complete basic training where you’ll learn all about the Army and gain the fundamental skills needed to succeed in the military. After enlisting, you’ll choose your job and then go into an Army Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). After basic, you’ll attend technical training to learn your occupation.

How do I get promoted to Private?

You don’t need any prior experience to enlist in the U.S. Army. You’ll have to meet basic enlistment requirements like being between 17 and 34 years of age, have a high school diploma, pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, and go through a medical exam. To get promoted to PV1, you must complete Basic Training. Upon graduation, you may be promoted to E-1, E-2, or E-3 based on factors in your enlistment contract.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Private:

Coast Guard – Seaman Recruit
Space Force – Specialist 1
Air Force – Airman Basic
Navy – Seaman Recruit
Marine Corps – Private

Private (PV2)

Rank: Private
Abbreviated: PV2
Classification: Junior Enlisted
Title: Private (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-2
Basic Pay: $1,943 per month
Insignia: 1 chevron with point up

What does a Private do?

Your primary role as a Private is to carry out your assigned duties to the best of your ability and follow all the orders of those appointed over you.

How do I get promoted to Private?

Promotion to private (PV2) is pretty much automatic if you have a clean record. You’ll have to have six months of Time in Service (TIS). You may enter the Army as a PV2 based on your enlistment contract or prior military experience, or a certain amount of college credits.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Private:

Coast Guard – Seaman Apprentice
Space Force – Specialist 2
Air Force – Airman
Navy – Seaman Apprentice
Marine Corps – Private First Class

Private First Class

Rank: Private First Class
Abbreviated: PFC
Classification: Junior Enlisted
Title: Private First Class (last name), or Private (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-3
Basic Pay: $2,104 per month
Insignia: 1 chevron with point up and 1 rocker

What does a Private First Class do?

As a Private First Class, you will be expected to master all of your assigned duties and responsibilities. You’ll begin to get leadership and supervisory responsibilities over other Soldiers to prepare you for promotion to either the rank of Specialist or Corporal. You may be assigned more complex jobs like machine gunner or other more complicated weapon systems.

How do I get promoted to Private First Class?

Promotion to private first class is automatic if you have had sustained good performance and have a clean record. You’ll have to have four months of Time in Rank (TIR) and 12 months of Time in Service (TIS).

Equivalent Ranks to Army Private First Class:

Coast Guard – Seaman
Space Force – Specialist 3
Air Force – Airman First Class
Navy – Seaman
Marine Corps – Lance Corporal

Specialist

Rank: Specialist
Abbreviated: SPC
Classification: Junior Enlisted
Title: Specialist (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-4
Basic Pay: $2,450 per month
Insignia: chevron with point down and rocker on a solid background with U.S. Army Eagle in the center

What does a Specialist do?

As a specialist, you focus more on your MOS than leading troops. You have the most senior junior-enlisted rank, but do not have the responsibilities of an NCO like a corporal. Your job is to make sure that Soldiers under your charge are experts in their individual responsibilities and duties. You are also seen as the authority in your MOS and are a team leader, managing a small number of Soldiers.

How do I get promoted to Specialist?

If you enlist in the Army with a four-year degree or have certain high-demand civilian-acquired skills, you will come in as a Specialist. You’ll have to have six months of Time in Rank (TIR) and 24 months of Time in Service (TIS).

Equivalent Ranks to Army Specialist:

Coast Guard – Petty Officer Third Class
Space Force – Specialist 4
Air Force – Senior Airman
Navy – Petty Officer Third Class
Marine Corps –Corporal

Corporal

Rank: Corporal
Abbreviated: CPL
Classification: Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Corporal (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-4
Basic Pay: $2,450 per month
Insignia: 2 chevrons with point up

What does a Corporal do?

As a corporal, you’ll be in charge of a team (4 Soldiers). You’ll be responsible for every aspect of their lives—on and off duty. Your job is to make sure that they are trained and in inspection order at all times.

How do I get promoted to Corporal?

To be promoted to corporal, you must be a proven leader. To fill a corporal billet, your unit must have a need for a corporal and be serving in a slot designated for a sergeant. You’ll also have to have six months of Time in Rank (TIR) and 24 months of Time in Service (TIS). You may get a lateral promotion from specialist, depending on the needs of the Army.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Corporal:

Coast Guard – Petty Officer Third Class
Space Force – Specialist 4
Air Force – Senior Airman
Army – Specialist
Navy – Petty Officer Third Class
Marine Corps –Corporal

Sergeant

Rank: Sergeant
Abbreviated: SGT
Classification: Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Sergeant (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-5
Basic Pay: $2,844 per month
Insignia: 3 chevrons with point up

What does a Sergeant do?

As a sergeant, you may lead small units of Soldiers ranging in size from a fireteam (4-5 Soldiers) or a squad (2 fireteams of 10 Soldiers). You’ll have a great deal of influence on the everyday lives and activities of your Soldiers, like their training, equipment, physical fitness, military appearance, and overall well-being. You may be assigned as a drill sergeant, which requires additional experience and training.

How do I get promoted to Sergeant?

You can be promoted to sergeant from either the rank of specialist or corporal. This is the first rank where you’ll have to compete for promotion with your fellow E-4’s. Promotion to E-5 and E-6 is a semi-centralized promotion process. This means that your company plays a part in the selection process, but Army makes the final call on who gets promoted. You’ll accrue points based on meeting all of the promotion requirements, like completing the Basic Leader Course and the Warrior Leader Course. You’ll also need 12 months of Time in Rank (TIR) and 36 months of Time in Service (TIS). How quickly you complete all of the required steps will also determine the rate of points you receive. Once you have enough points and get your commander’s recommendation, you are promoted to sergeant.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Sergeant:

Coast Guard – Petty Officer Second Class
Space Force – Staff Sergeant
Air Force – Staff Sergeant
Navy – Petty Officer Second Class
Marine Corps – Sergeant

Staff Sergeant

Rank: Staff Sergeant
Abbreviated: SSG
Classification: Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Sergeant (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-6
Basic Pay: $3,455 per month
Insignia: 3 chevrons with point up and 1 rocker

What does a Staff Sergeant do?

As a staff sergeant, you will command a squad (2 fireteams of 10 Soldiers) and are in a leadership position. You’ll have one or more sergeants under your leadership. You’ll enforce standards and train them in their MOS skills and unit’s mission. You may also serve as staff NCO in a headquarters support position.

How do I get promoted to Staff Sergeant?

You are selected for promotion by a board and compete with your fellow sergeants for the assigned quotas in staff sergeant billets. For promotion purposes, you’ll be classified as either Primary Zone (PZ), which is the main group of eligible Soldiers, or Secondary Zone (SZ), which is made up of Soldiers who have shined brighter than other candidates and are eligible for promotion ahead of their peers. From these two zones, your record is reviewed by the promotion board based on your promotion points. The point system recognizes you for your skills. To qualify for promotion, you must be a graduate of the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC) and have a minimum of 72 months of Time in Service (TIS) for the PZ and 48 months of Time in Service (TIS) for the SZ. Minimum of Time in Rank (TIR) is 18 months as a sergeant (seven months for those recommended in the secondary zone).

Equivalent Ranks to Army Staff Sergeant:

Coast Guard – Petty Officer First Class
Space Force – Technical Sergeant
Air Force – Technical Sergeant
Navy – Petty Officer First Class
Marine Corps – Staff Sergeant

Sergeant First Class

Rank: Sergeant First Class
Abbreviated: SFC
Classification: Senior Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Sergeant (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-7
Basic Pay: $4,760 per month
Insignia: 3 chevrons with point up and 2 rockers

What does a Sergeant First Class do?

As a sergeant first class, you are now considered a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) in the U.S. Army. You will likely be assigned as a platoon sergeant (2-3 squads of 30 Soldiers) and serve as assistant to the platoon leader or battalion operations noncommissioned officer in charge at the battalion level (4-6 companies of 1,000 Soldiers).

How do I get promoted to Sergeant First Class?

Promotion to E-7 through E-9 is done through centralized promotions conducted Army-wide at Personnel Headquarters. The Army decides how many E-7’s will be promoted each cycle (by MOS) based on how many senior NCOs retire or leave the service, thus created a series of vacancies. Your promotion record will determine if you are selected for promotion and is made up of your performance reports, military decorations, duty assignment with level of command, educational accomplishments, training, and any disciplinary actions taken against you. There are no minimum Time in Rank (TIR) requirements for promotion to sergeant first class, but you must have a minimum of six years of Time in Service (TIS) before considered for promotion. The centralized promotion board has five members and is usually divided into separate panels, which review and score the promotion records for Soldiers from different MOSs. The president of the board is a general officer, and other board members are commissioned officers and senior NCOs. If you are selected for promotion, you’ll get a promotion sequence number based on seniority. When your sequence number comes up, your get to put on the rank of sergeant first class.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Sergeant First Class:

Coast Guard – Chief Petty Officer
Space Force – Master Sergeant
Air Force – Master Sergeant
Navy – Chief Petty Officer
Marine Corps – Gunnery Sergeant

Master Sergeant

Rank: Master Sergeant
Abbreviated: MSG
Classification: Senior Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Sergeant (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-8
Basic Pay: $5,261 per month
Insignia: 3 chevrons with point up and 3 rockers

What does a Master Sergeant do?

As a master sergeant, you’ll serve as a principal advisor at the battalion level (4-6 companies of 1,000 Soldiers). You’ll help leaders plan, resource, and conduct missions using your years of experience and expertise in your MOS or subject matter. You could also serve as First Sergeant.

How do I get promoted to Master Sergeant?

Promotion to master sergeant is done through centralized promotions conducted Army-wide at Personnel Headquarters. The Army decides how many E-8’s will be promoted each cycle (by MOS) based on how many senior NCOs retire or leave the service, thus created a series of vacancies. Your promotion record will determine if you are selected for promotion and is made up of your performance reports, military decorations, duty assignment with level of command, educational accomplishments, training, and any disciplinary actions taken against you. There are no minimum Time in Rank (TIR) requirements for promotion to master sergeant, but you must have a minimum of eight years of Time in Service (TIS) before considered for promotion. The centralized promotion board has five members and is usually divided into separate panels, which review and score the promotion records for Soldiers from different MOSs. The president of the board is a general officer, and other board members are commissioned officers and senior NCOs. If you are selected for promotion, you’ll get a promotion sequence number based on seniority. When your sequence number comes up, your get to put on the rank of master sergeant

Equivalent Ranks to Army Master Sergeant:

Coast Guard – Senior Chief Petty Officer
Space Force – Senior Master Sergeant
Air Force – Senior Master Sergeant
Navy – Senior Chief Petty Officer
Marine Corps – Master Sergeant

Sergeant Major

Rank: Sergeant Major
Abbreviated: SGM
Classification: Senior Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Title: Sergeant (last name)
DoD Paygrade: E-9
Basic Pay: $6,307 per month
Insignia: 3 chevrons with point up, 3 rockers with star in center

What does a Sergeant Major do?

As a sergeant major, you’ll serve as the highest enlisted rank in the Army. You’ll assist officers in leading battalion-sized force level (4-6 companies of 1,000 Soldiers). You may also serve as the senior non-commissioned officer at a headquarters unit or be selected to serve as Command Sergeant Major. A command sergeant major holds a leadership position at all levels of command (battalion, brigade, division, corps, combatant command).

How do I get promoted to Sergeant Major?

Promotion to sergeant major is done through centralized promotions conducted Army-wide at Personnel Headquarters. The Army decides how many E-9’s will be promoted each cycle (by MOS) based on how many senior NCOs retire or leave the service, thus created a series of vacancies. Your promotion record will determine if you are selected for promotion and is made up of your performance reports, military decorations, duty assignment with level of command, educational accomplishments, training, and any disciplinary actions taken against you. There are no minimum Time in Rank (TIR) requirements for promotion to master sergeant, but you must have a minimum of nine years of Time in Service (TIS) before considered for promotion. The Centralized Promotion Board has five members and is usually divided into separate panels, which review and score the promotion records for Soldiers from different MOSs. The president of the board is a general officer, and other board members are commissioned officers and senior NCOs. If you are selected for promotion, you’ll get a promotion sequence number based on seniority. When your sequence number comes up, your get to put on the rank of sergeant major.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Sergeant Major:

Coast Guard – Master Chief Petty Officer
Space Force – Chief Master Sergeant
Air Force – Chief Master Sergeant
Navy – Master Chief Petty Officer
Marine Corps – Master Gunnery Sergeant

U.S. Army Officer Ranks

Warrant Officers

Warrant Officer 1

Rank: Warrant Officer 1
Abbreviated: WO1
Classification: Warrant Officer
Title: Mr./Ms. (last name)
DoD Paygrade: W-1
Basic Pay: $5,311 per month
Insignia: 1 silver bar, 1 black break

What does a Warrant Officer 1 do?

As a warrant officer 1, you’ll serve as a technical expert in one of the 48 areas where warrant officers perform. You may be a helicopter pilot or serve as an advisor, operator, maintainer, or manager in fields like intelligence, engineering, supply, information systems, and missile defense.

How do I become a Warrant Officer 1?

If you’re an enlisted Soldier, you can compete for a spot in Warrant Officer Candidate School by submitting an application to the confirmation board. You must be a sergeant or higher to be considered. If you want to be an Aviation Warrant Officer, there is no minimum rank requirement. You must apply for Warrant Officer Candidate School while on active duty and have at least 12 months remaining on your enlistment contract. Only Aviation Warrant Officer candidates can become a Warrant Officer without any prior service experience.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Warrant Officer 1:

Air Force – None
Space Force – None
Navy – None
Coast Guard – None
Marine Corps – Warrant Officer 1

Chief Warrant Officer 2

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 2
Abbreviated: CW2
Classification: Warrant Officer
Title: Mr./Ms. (last name) or Chief (last name)
DoD Paygrade: W-2
Basic Pay: $5,311 per month
Insignia: 1 silver bar, 2 black breaks

What does a Chief Warrant Officer 2 do?

As a warrant officer 2, you will be the tactical and technical expert in your specific MOS. You’ll serve at levels of command from the team (7 to 25 Soldiers) to the battalion (4-6 companies of 1,000 Soldiers). You will have the authority of a commissioned officer, but also the complex technical ability and experience a commissioned officer would not have had the chance to achieve.

How do I become a Chief Warrant Officer 2?

Promotion to chief warrant officer 2 is automatic after you demonstrated proficiency at your job, have a clean record, have two years of Time in Rank (TIR) as a WO1, and completed the Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC).

Equivalent Ranks to Army Chief Warrant Officer 2:

Air Force – None
Space Force – None
Navy – Chief Warrant Officer 2
Coast Guard – Chief Warrant Officer 2
Marine Corps – Chief Warrant Officer 2

Chief Warrant Officer 3

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 3
Abbreviated: CW3
Classification: Warrant Officer
Title: Mr./Ms. (last name) or Chief (last name)
DoD Paygrade: W-3
Basic Pay: $6,034 per month
Insignia: 1 silver bar, 3 black breaks

What does a Chief Warrant Officer 3 do?

As a warrant officer 3, you will be the tactical and technical leader in your MOS. You’ll provide direction, assistance, and supervision at operational levels from the team level (7 to 25 Soldiers) up to the brigade level (2-3 battalions of 5,000 Soldiers).

How do I become a Chief Warrant Officer 3?

For promotion to chief warrant officer 3, you’ll have to compete via a promotion board. You must have five years TIG as a CW2, and completed the Warrant Officer Advanced Course (WOAC). If you are an Aviation Warrant, you need six years of Time in Rank (TIR).

Equivalent Ranks to Army Chief Warrant Officer 3:

Air Force – None
Space Force – None
Navy – Chief Warrant Officer 3
Coast Guard – Chief Warrant Officer 3
Marine Corps – Chief Warrant Officer 3

Chief Warrant Officer 4

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 4
Abbreviated: CW4
Classification: Warrant Officer
Title: Mr./Ms. (last name) or Chief (last name)
DoD Paygrade: W-4
Basic Pay: $7,032 per month
Insignia: 1 silver bar, 4 black breaks

What does a Chief Warrant Officer 4 do?

As a warrant officer 4, you are considered a senior-level expert in your field. You’ll support the battalion, brigade, division, corps and headquarters staff operations. You’ll be a mentor to other warrant officers and provide key advice to commanders on issues concerning your field. You’ll be expected to lead integrating efforts across Army branches, combined forces, and joint operations.

How do I become a Chief Warrant Officer 4?

If you are competing for a chief warrant officer 4 billet, you must have demonstrated continued technical and tactical expertise in your field. You must have been an excellent performer and leader and ready to take on more responsibility. You’ll compete with other CW3’s at a promotion board. You must have five years of Time in Rank (TIR) as a CW3, and completed the Warrant Officer Staff Course (WOSC). If you are an Aviation Warrant, you need six years of Time in Rank (TIR).

Equivalent Ranks to Army Chief Warrant Officer 4:

Air Force – None
Space Force – None
Navy – Chief Warrant Officer 4
Coast Guard – Chief Warrant Officer 4
Marine Corps – Chief Warrant Officer 4

Chief Warrant Officer 5

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 5
Abbreviated: CW5
Classification: Warrant Officer
Title: Mr./Ms. (last name), Chief (last name)
DoD Paygrade: W-5
Basic Pay: $8,296 per month
Insignia: 1 silver bar, 1 horizontal black line

What does a Chief Warrant Officer 5 do?

Chief warrant officer 5 is the Army’s most senior billeted warrant officer rank. As a warrant officer 5, you are considered a senior-level expert in your field. You’ll support the battalion, brigade, division, corps, major command, and headquarters staff operations. You’ll be a mentor to other warrant officers and provide key advice to commanders on issues concerning your field. You’ll be expected to lead integrating efforts across Army branches, combined forces, and joint operations.

How do I become a Chief Warrant Officer 5?

You’ll be selected for promotion to CWO5 by a selection board. Selection is highly competitive and requires consistently outstanding performance and leadership. You must have five years of Time in Rank (TIR) as a CW4, and completed the Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course (WOSSC). If you are an Aviation Warrant, you need six years of Time in Rank (TIR).

Equivalent Ranks to Army Chief Warrant Officer 5:

Air Force – None
Space Force – None
Navy – Chief Warrant Officer 5
Coast Guard – None
Marine Corps – Chief Warrant Officer 5

U.S. Army Commissioned Officer Ranks

Second Lieutenant

Rank: Second Lieutenant
Abbreviated: 2LT
Classification: Company Grade Officer
Title: Second Lieutenant (last name), or Lieutenant (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-1
Basic Pay: $3,386 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 1 gold bar

What does a Second Lieutenant do?

As a second lieutenant, you’ll usually command a platoon (16 to 44 Soldiers), including two or more rifle squads, led by a platoon sergeant. You’ll also attend technical training in one of the Army’s branches (artillery, armor, infantry).

How do I get promoted to Second Lieutenant?

A Second lieutenant is the commissioned officer rank of graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), Officer Candidate School (OTS), and other direct commissioning sources.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Second Lieutenant:

Coast Guard – Ensign
Space Force – Second Lieutenant
Air Force – Second Lieutenant
Navy – Ensign
Marine Corps – Second Lieutenant

First Lieutenant

Rank: First Lieutenant
Abbreviated: 1LT
Classification: Company Grade Officer
Title: First Lieutenant (last name), or Lieutenant (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-2
Basic Pay: $4,442 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 1 silver bar

What does a First Lieutenant do?

As a first lieutenant, you’ll lead a more specialized weapons platoon or serve as an executive officer in a company-sized unit (2-3 platoons of 200 Soldiers).

How do I get promoted to First Lieutenant?

Promotion to first lieutenant is pretty much automatic after 18 months as a second lieutenant. You’ll have to have a clean record and good performance evaluations.

Equivalent Ranks to Army First Lieutenant:

Coast Guard – Lieutenant Junior Grade
Space Force – First Lieutenant
Air Force – First Lieutenant
Navy – Lieutenant Junior Grade
Marine Corps – First Lieutenant

Captain

Rank: Captain
Abbreviated: CPT
Classification: Company Grade Officer
Title: Captain (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-3
Basic Pay: $6,022 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 2 connected silver bars

What does a Captain do?

As a captain, you’ll serve as commander of a company (2-3 platoons of 200 Soldiers) or as a staff officer at the battalion level (4-6 companies of 1,000 Soldiers). You may also be selected as an instructor at technical schools or combat training centers.

How do I get promoted to Captain?

Promotion to captain is still not competitive, and you’ll need 24 months of Time in Rank (TIR) as a first lieutenant. You’ll also have to have a clean record and good performance evaluations. If you are a direct commission in the medical, legal, or chaplain fields, you may be commissioned directly as a captain.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Captain:

Coast Guard – Lieutenant
Space Force – Captain
Air Force – Captain
Navy – Lieutenant
Marine Corps – Captain

Major

Rank: Major
Abbreviated: MAJ
Classification: Field Grade Officer
Title: Major (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-4
Basic Pay: $7,684 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 1 gold oak leaf

What does a Major do?

As a major, you’ll serve as the primary staff officer for the brigade (2-3 battalions of 5,000 Soldiers) and task force commands, working on operational missions or logistical or personnel issues. You may serve as operations officer (S-3 in the Army) or the executive officer (known as the XO) in battalions (4-6 companies of 1,000 Soldiers) or brigades.

How do I get promoted to Major?

You’ll compete for promotion to major with other captains. Your promotion package is made up of your military record, officer evaluations, civilian education, professional military education, and level of assignments (company, battalion, brigade). About 80% of all captains will be promoted to major. You must have ten years of Time in Service (TIS) and three years of Time in Rank (TIR) to be in the zone (IPZ) for promotion. If you are an outstanding officer who has demonstrated performance and indicated potential, you may receive an accelerated promotion through the Below the Zone (BPZ) promotions system. About 10% of all eligible officers may be promoted BPZ.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Major:

Coast Guard – Lieutenant Commander
Space Force – Major
Air Force – Major
Navy – Lieutenant Commander
Marine Corps – Major

Lieutenant Colonel

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Abbreviated: LTC
Classification: Field Grade Officer
Title: Lieutenant Colonel (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-5
Basic Pay: $9,293 per month
Shoulder and cap insignia: 1 silver oak leaf

What does a Lieutenant Colonel do?

As a lieutenant colonel, you’ll serve as commander of battalion-sized unit (4-6 companies of 1,000 Soldiers). You may be assisted by one or more majors, several junior non-commissioned officers, and a command sergeant major as your main advisor. You may also act as a brigade (2-3 battalions of 5,000 Soldiers) or task force executive officer (XO).

How do I get promoted to Lieutenant Colonel?

You’ll compete for promotion to lieutenant colonel with other majors. Your promotion package is made up of your military record (officer evaluations, civilian education, professional military education, and level of assignments (company, battalion, brigade). About 70 percent of all majors will be promoted to lieutenant colonel. You must have 16 years of Time in Service (TIS) and three years of Time in Rank (TIR) to be in the zone (IPZ) for promotion. If you are an outstanding officer who has demonstrated performance and indicated potential, you may receive an accelerated promotion through the Below the Zone (BPZ) promotions system. About 10% of all eligible officers may be promoted BPZ.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Lieutenant Colonel:

Coast Guard – Commander
Space Force – Lieutenant Colonel
Air Force – Lieutenant Colonel
Navy – Commander
Marine Corps – Lieutenant Colonel

Colonel

Rank: Colonel
Abbreviated: COL
Classification: Field Grade Officer
Title: Colonel (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-6
Basic Pay: $11,512 per month
Shoulder and cap insignia: Silver Spread Eagle

What does a Colonel do?

As a colonel, you’ll serve as commander of brigade-sized unit (2-3 battalions of 5,000 Soldiers). You may be assisted by one or more lieutenant colonels and senior NCOs, with a command sergeant major as your main advisor. You may also serve as chief of a divisional-level staff agency (3-4 brigades of 15,000 Soldiers).

How do I get promoted to Colonel?

You’ll compete for promotion to colonel with other lieutenant colonels. Your promotion package is made up of your military record, officer evaluations, civilian education, professional military education, and level of assignments (company, battalion, brigade). About 50 percent of all lieutenant colonels will be promoted to colonel. You must have 22 years of Time in Service (TIS) and three years of Time in Rank (TIR) to be in the zone (IPZ) for promotion. If you are an outstanding officer who has demonstrated performance and indicated potential you may receive an accelerated promotion through the Below the Zone (BPZ) promotions system. About 10 percent of all eligible officers may be promoted BPZ.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Colonel:

Coast Guard – Captain
Space Force – Colonel
Air Force – Colonel
Navy – Captain
Marine Corps – Colonel

Brigadier General

Rank: Brigadier General
Abbreviated: BG
Classification: General Officer
Title: General (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-7
Basic Pay: $13,789 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 1 silver star

What does a Brigadier General do?

As a brigadier general you may serve as deputy commander for a commanding general of an Army division (3-4 brigades of 15,000 Soldiers). You’ll oversee the planning and execution of the unit’s mission.

How do I get promoted to Brigadier General?

Promotion to brigadier general is a highly selective process and is a great honor. Currently, there are only 150 1-star generals in the Army. You are chosen from among other outstanding colonels and recommended for promotion by a sitting board of active general officers. Your promotion must also be approved by the Secretary of Defense and President of the United States. After nomination, you must be approved by the U.S. Senate before final approval for promotion. You must retire after five years in grade or at 30 years of total service unless promoted.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Brigadier General:

Coast Guard – Rear Admiral (Lower Half)
Space Force – Brigadier General
Air Force – Brigadier General
Navy – Rear Admiral (Lower Half)
Marine Corps – Brigadier General

Major General

Rank: Major General
Abbreviated: MG
Classification: General Officer
Title: General (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-8
Basic Pay: $15,546 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 2 silver stars

What does a Major General do?

As a major general, you’ll typically command a division-sized unit (3-4 brigades of 15,000 Soldiers). Current divisions include airborne, armored, infantry and mountain divisions. In that position, you could also serve as installation commander, adding to your responsibilities.

How do I get promoted to Major General?

Promotion to major general is a highly selective process and is a great honor. No more than 25 percent of all Army general officers may have more than two stars. Currently, there are only 130 2-star generals in the Army. You are chosen from among other outstanding brigadier generals and recommended for promotion by a sitting board of active general officers. Your promotion must also be approved by the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States. After nomination, you must be approved by the U.S. Senate before final approval for promotion. You must retire after five years in grade or at 35 years of total service unless promoted.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Major General:

Coast Guard – Rear Admiral (Upper Half)
Space Force – Major General
Air Force – Major General
Navy – Rear Admiral (Upper Half)
Marine Corps – Major General

Lieutenant General

Rank: Lieutenant General
Abbreviated: LTG
Classification: General Officer
Title: General (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-9
Basic Pay: $16,608 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 3 silver stars

What does a Lieutenant General do?

As a lieutenant general, you’ll typically command a corps-sized unit (2-5 divisions of 45,000 Soldiers) like I Corps at Fort Lewis, Washington. A corps includes two – five divisions. The corps is the highest level of command that can provide operational direction for actual combat.

How do I get promoted to Lieutenant General?

Promotion to lieutenant generals is a highly selective process and a great honor. No more than 25 percent of all Army general officers may have more than two stars. There are currently only 46 lieutenant generals in the Army. You are chosen for promotion from among other elite major generals and recommended for promotion by a sitting board of active general officers. Your promotion must also be approved by the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States. After nomination, you must be approved by the U.S. Senate before final approval for promotion. You must retire after five years in grade or 38 years of total service unless selected to continue serving.

Equivalent Ranks to Army Lieutenant General:

Coast Guard – Vice Admiral
Space Force – Lieutenant General
Air Force – Lieutenant General
Navy – Vice Admiral
Marine Corps – Lieutenant General

General

Rank: General
Abbreviated: GEN
Classification: General Officer
Title: General (last name)
DoD Paygrade: O-10
Basic Pay: $16,608 per month
Shoulder and flight cap insignia: 4 silver stars

What does an Army General do?

As a general, you’ll serve in the highest rank in the U.S. Army. You’ll command a field unit (4+ divisions of 90,000 Soldiers) like U.S. Army Pacific or U.S. Army Forces Command. A Field army is made up of two or more corps (2-5 divisions of 45,000 Soldiers). You may also serve as Army Chief of Staff, the most senior officer in the Army.

How do I get promoted to Army General?

Promotion to general is a highly selective process and a great honor. No more than 25 percent of all Army general officers may have more than two stars. There are currently only 13 4-Star generals in the Army. You are chosen for promotion from among other elite lieutenant generals and recommended for promotion by a sitting board of active general officers. Your promotion must also be approved by the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States. After nomination, you must be approved by the U.S. Senate before final approval for promotion. You must retire after five years in grade or at 40 years of total service unless selected to continue serving.

Equivalent Ranks to Army General:

Coast Guard – Admiral
Space Force – General
Air Force – General
Navy – Admiral
Marine Corps – General