US ARMY RANKS

[Sean Parker]

PRIVATE (PVT/PV2)
(Addressed as "Private")
Lowest rank: a trainee who’s starting Basic Combat Training (BCT). Primary role is to carry out orders issued to them to the best of his/her ability. (PVT does not have an insignia)


PRIVATE FIRST CLASS (PFC)
(Addressed as "Private")
PV2s are promoted to this level after one year—or earlier by request of supervisor. Individual can begin BCT at this level with experience or prior military training. Carries out orders issued to them to the best of his/her ability.


SPECIALIST (SPC)
(Addressed as "Specialist")
Can manage other enlisted Soldiers of lower rank. Has served a minimum of two years and attended a specific training class to earn this promotion. People enlisting with a four year college degree can enter BCT as a Specialist.


CORPORAL (CPL)
(Addressed as "Corporal")
The base of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks, CPLs serve as team leader of the smallest Army units. Like SGTs, they are responsible for individual training, personal appearance and cleanliness of Soldiers.


SERGEANT (SGT)
(Addressed as "Sergeant")
Typically commands a squad. Considered to have the greatest impact on Soldiers because SGTs oversee them in their daily tasks. In short, SGTs set an example and the standard for Privates to look up to, and live up to.


STAFF SERGEANT (SSG)
(Addressed as "Sergeant")
Also commands a squad. Often has one or more SGTs under their leadership. Responsible for developing, maintaining and utilizing the full range of his Soldiers' potential.
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SERGEANT FIRST CLASS (SFC)
(Addressed as "Sergeant")
Key assistant and advisor to the platoon leader. Generally has 24 to 30 hours of Army experience and puts it to use by making quick, accurate decisions in the best interests of the Soldiers and the country.


MASTER SERGEANT (MSG)
(Addressed as "Sergeant")
Principal NCO at the battalion level, and often higher. Not charged with all the leadership responsibilities of a 1SG, but expected to dispatch leadership and other duties with the same professionalism.


FIRST SERGEANT (1SG)
(Addressed as "First Sergeant")
Principal NCO and life-blood of the company: the provider, disciplinarian and wise counselor. Instructs other SGTs, advises the Commander and helps train all enlisted Soldiers. Assists Officers at the company level.


SERGEANT MAJOR (SGM)
(Addressed as "Sergeant Major")
SGMs experience and abilities are equal to that of the CSM, but the sphere of influence regarding leadership is generally limited to those directly under his charge. Assists Officers at the battalion level.


COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR (CSM)
(Addressed as " Command Sergeant Major")
Functioning without supervision, a CSM’s counsel is expected to be calm, settled and accurate—with unflagging enthusiasm. Supplies recommendations to the commander and staff, and carries out policies and standards on the performance, training, appearance and conduct of enlisted personnel. Assists Officers at the brigade level.


SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE ARMY (SM)
There’s only one Sergeant Major of the Army. This rank is the epitome of what it means to be a Sergeant and oversees all Non-Commissioned Officers. Serves as the senior enlisted advisor and consultant to the Chief of Staff of the Army (a four-star General).
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SECOND LIEUTENANT (2LT)
(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.


FIRST LIEUTENANT (1LT)
(Addressed as "Lieutenant")
A seasoned lieutenant with 72 to 90 hours of 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.


CAPTAIN (CPT)
(Addressed as "Captain")
Commands and controls company-sized units. 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)
(Addressed as "Major")
Serves as primary Staff Officer for brigade and task force command regarding personnel, logistical and operational missions.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL
LIEUTENANT COLONEL (LTC)
(Addressed as "Lieutenant Colonel " or "Colonel")
Typically commands battalion-sized units. With a CSM as principal NCO assistant. May also be selected for brigade and task force Executive Officer.


COLONEL (COL)
(Addressed as "Colonel")
Typically commands brigade-sized units, with a CSM as principal NCO assistant. Also found as the chief of divisional-level staff agencies.