Army Ranks and Insignias

Ever wonder what those weird looking stripes and shapes are on a Soldier's uniform?  Well hopefully I can help you out...  There are actually the Soldier's rank within the United States Army.  Each rank has a certain insignia which is displayed on the Soldier's uniform.  These charts below can help you learn more about each rank and their corresponding insignia.

 

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): *CPL is a very rare rank in the Army, most people go straight to SGT from SPC

(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 (9 to 10 Soldiers). 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 (9 to 10 Soldiers).  Often has one or more SGTs under their leadership.  Responsible for developing, maintaining and utilizing the full range of his Soldier's potential. 

The Army Warrant Officer is an adaptive technical expert, combat leader, trainer, and advisor. Through progressive levels of expertise in assignments, training, and education, the Warrant Officer administers, manages, maintains, operates, and integrates Army systems and equipment across the full spectrum of Army operations. Warrant Officers are formally addressed as either Mr. or Ms.

 

WARRANT OFFICER 1 (WO1):

Appointed by warrant from the Secretary of the Army. WO1s are technically and tactically focused officers who perform the primary duties of technical leader, trainer, operator, manager, maintainer, sustainer, and advisor.

CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 2 (CW2):

Chief Warrant Officers become commissioned officers as provided by the President of the United States.   CW2s are intermediate level technical and tactical experts who perform increased duties and responsibilities at the detachment through battalion levels.

CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 3 (CW3):

Advanced-level experts who perform the primary duties that of a technical and tactical leader. They provide direction, guidance, resources, assistance, and supervision necessary for subordinates to perform their duties. CW3s primarily support operations levels from team or detachment through brigade.

CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 4 (CW4):

Senior-level experts in their chosen field. They primarily support battalion, brigade, division, corps, and echelons above corps operations. CW4s typically have special mentorship responsibilities for other WOs and provide essential advice to commanders on WO issues.

CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 5 (CW5): *also known as Master Warrent Officer

Master-level technical and tactical experts that support brigade, division, corps, echelons above corps, and major command operations. They provide leader development, mentorship, advice, and counsel to WOs and branch officers. CW5s have special WO leadership and representation responsibilities within their respective commands.

 

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 (16 to 44 Soldiers).

FIRST LIEUTENANT (1LT):

(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):

(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):

(Addressed as "Major")
Serves as primary Staff Officer for brigade and task force command regarding personnel, logistical and operational missions.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL (LTC):

(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):

(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.