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United States

Ranks and insignia of the Continental Army
General and
Commander-in-Chief
Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Aide-de-camp Major Captain Subaltern Lieutenant Ensign Sergeant Major Sergeant Corporal Private
Gold epaulets
Jacket with gold trim
Silver epaulets Gold epaulets
Hat with green cockade
Gold epaulets Gold epaulet
(Right shoulder)
Gold epaulet
(Left shoulder)
No epaulets Red epaulets Red epaulet
(Right shoulder)
Green epaulet
(Right shoulder)
No epaulets













General officers Field officers Junior officers Non-commissioned officers Enlisted
Title Commander-in-chief Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain Subaltern Sergeant major Sergeant Corporal Private
Insignia No left shoulder insignia No right shoulder insignia
No insignia
Source:[a]

US Army

United States Army officer rank insignia


Current

US DoD
pay grade
Special grade[b] O-10 O-9 O-8 O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 O-2 O-1
NATO code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1
Insignia
Army Green Service Uniform
Army Blue Service Uniform
Army Combat Uniform
Title General of the Army General Lieutenant general Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain First lieutenant Second lieutenant
Abbreviation GA GEN LTG MG BG COL LTC MAJ CPT 1LT 2LT


Silver versus gold

In terms of heraldic tradition, insignia changes over time created the situation of silver outranking gold. Beginning in 1780, general officer rank was designated by silver stars.[1] Beginning in the 1830s, colonels wore silver eagles, with the color likely chosen because general officers already wore silver.[1] Infantry officers wore silver epaulettes, while other branches wore gold, and their rank insignia was the opposite color of their epaulettes, so Infantry first lieutenants and captains wore gold bars.[1] All second lieutenants wore epaulettes with no insignia.[1]

During the American Civil War, all lieutenant colonels were directed to wear a silver oak leaf with gold braid on the epaulette, and all majors a gold leaf with silver braid.[1] In 1872, the army began to use shoulder knots instead of epaulettes.[1] Since generals, colonels, and lieutenant colonels already wore silver, changing the insignia of first lieutenants and captains from gold to silver was logical.[1] Since majors already wore gold oak leaves, maintaining the current policy was also logical.[1] Shoulder knots with no insignia designated second lieutenants.[1] By World War I, metal collar insignia was regularly used to designate officers, requiring a way to differentiate between second lieutenants and privates; since silver bars already designated first lieutenants, the army opted to use gold for second lieutenants.[1]


Timeline

Rank group General / flag officers Senior officers Junior officers
1775–1780

General
and
Commander in chief
Major general Brigadier general Aide-de-camp Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Ensign
1780–1821
Commander-in-chief Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain[c] Subaltern[d]
1832–1851[2]
Major general
Commanding the Army
Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain Lieutenant
1861–1864[3]
Major general
Commanding the Army
Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain First lieutenant Second lieutenant
1864–1866[4]
Lieutenant general Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain First lieutenant Second lieutenant
1866–1872[5]
General of the Army of the United States Lieutenant general Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain First lieutenant Second lieutenant
1872–1888[6][5]
General of the Army of the United States Lieutenant general Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain First lieutenant Second lieutenant
1888[5]
General of the Army of the United States Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain First lieutenant Second lieutenant
1902–1917
1944–1959
1959–2015[7] General of the Army General Lieutenant general Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain First lieutenant Second lieutenant
2015–2020
General of the Army General Lieutenant general Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain First lieutenant Second lieutenant
Uniformed services pay grade Special grade O-10 O-9 O-8 O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 O-2 O-1 Officer candidate/Cadet

US Navy

United States Navy officer rank insignia

Current

US DoD
pay grade
Special grade[e] O-10 O-9 O-8 O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 O-2 O-1
NATO code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1
Insignia
Uniform insignia
Title Fleet admiral Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Rear admiral (lower half) Captain Commander Lieutenant commander Lieutenant Lieutenant (junior grade) Ensign
Abbreviation FADM ADM VADM RADM RDML CAPT CDR LCDR LT LTJG ENS


Timeline of changes

This table shows changes in insignia based on the date they appeared in or were removed from uniform regulations or official orders.[8]

US DoD Pay Grade Special Grade O-10 O-9 O-8 O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 O-2 O-1
Title Admiral of the Navy
and
Fleet Admiral
Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore Captain Commander Lieutenant
commander
Lieutenant Lieutenant
(junior grade)
Ensign
United States
(March 1852)
No equivalent
No equivalent No equivalent
United States
(July 1862)
No equivalent
United States
(May 1863)
No equivalent
United States
(Jan. 1864)
No equivalent
United States
(Jan. 1865)
No equivalent
United States
(Dec. 1866)
No equivalent
United States
(March 1869)
No equivalent
United States
(May 1869)
No equivalent
United States
(Nov. 1874)
No equivalent
United States
(Aug. 1881)
No equivalent
United States
(July 1897)
No equivalent
United States
(May 1899)
No equivalent No equivalent No equivalent
United States
(Jan. 1905)
No equivalent
United States
(Jan. 1913)
United States
(Sept. 1922)
No equivalent
United States
(Jan. 1945)
Title Admiral of the Navy
and
Fleet Admiral
Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore Captain Commander Lieutenant
commander
Lieutenant Lieutenant
(junior grade)
Ensign
NATO Code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1

US Air Force

United States Air Force officer rank insignia

Current

US DoD
pay grade
Special grade[f] O-10 O-9 O-8 O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 O-2 O-1
NATO code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1
Insignia
Service dress uniform (Class A)
Service uniform (Class B)
Mess dress uniform
Title General of the Air Force General Lieutenant general Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain First lieutenant Second lieutenant
Abbreviation[g] GAF Gen Lt Gen Maj Gen Brig Gen Col Lt Col Maj Capt 1st Lt 2d Lt


Past insignia for the McPeak Uniform

The current Air Force officer rank names and insignia were taken from the Army upon the establishment of the Air Force as a separate service in 1947. The insignia have been essentially unchanged since then, except for a brief period during the 1990s, when then-Air Force Chief of Staff General Merrill A. McPeak redesigned the service dress uniform.

His redesign replaced the metal rank insignia for officers with silver braid on the sleeves, similar to the officer rank insignia now used by the US Navy and Coast Guard. This was similar to the rank insignia of the British Royal Air Force, the Canadian Armed Forces and other Commonwealth air forces. The "McPeak uniform" was very unpopular, drawing comparisons to the jackets worn by airline pilots, and the traditional shoulder rank insignia were reinstated to the service coat within a week of General McPeak's retirement in 1994.[10]

Uniformed services pay grade Special grade O-10 O-9 O-8 O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 O-2 O-1 Officer candidate/Cadet
Service Dress
Uniform Insignia
Title General Lieutenant General Major General Brigadier General Colonel Lieutenant Colonel Major Captain First Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
Abbreviation Gen Lt Gen Maj Gen Brig Gen Col Lt Col Maj Capt 1st Lt 2d Lt
NATO code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1


US Space Force

United States Space Force rank insignia


US DoD
pay grade
O-10 O-9 O-8 O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 O-2 O-1 Officer candidate
NATO code OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1 OF(D)
Insignia Various insignia
Service dress uniform (Class A)
Service uniform (Class B)
Mess dress uniform
OCP uniform
Title General Lieutenant general Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain First lieutenant Second lieutenant Cadet / Officer trainee
Abbreviation Gen Lt Gen Maj Gen Brig Gen Col Lt Col Maj Capt 1st Lt 2d Lt Cdt / OT


United Kingdom

Royal Navy

Current

NATO Code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1 OF(D)
His Majesty's Naval Service Epaulette Rank Insignia
Rank Title: Admiral of the Fleet[11] Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore Captain Commander Lieutenant commander Lieutenant Sub-Lieutenant Midshipman Officer Cadet
Abbreviation: Adm. of the Fleet[nb 1] Adm VAdm RAdm Cdre Capt Cdr Lt Cdr Lt Sub Lt / SLt Mid OC





Historical insignia

Category:Military rank insignia of the Royal Navy (18th and 19th centuries)

1787-1795

Goes: Royal Navy ranks, rates, and uniforms of the 18th and 19th centuries


Rank group Flag officers Senior officers Junior officers
1787-1795
3 gold stripes on white cuff with gold buttons 3 gold stripes on white cuff with gold buttons 2 gold stripes on white cuff with gold buttons 1 gold stripe on white cuff with gold buttons 1 gold stripe on white cuff with gold buttons 2 gold stripes on white cuff with gold buttons 1 gold stripe on white cuff with gold buttons 1 gold stripe on blue cuff with gold buttons White cuff with buttons and lined button holes Blue cuff with buttons
Admiral of the Fleet Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore (wears R. Adm. uniform) (Post) Captain (over 3 yrs seniority) Captain (under 3 yrs seniority) Master & Commander Lieutenant Mate/Midshipman

1795-1812

Goes: Royal Navy ranks, rates, and uniforms of the 18th and 19th centuries


Rank group Flag officers Senior officers Junior officers
1795-1812
Lieutenant Mate/Midshipman
3 gold stripes on blue cuff with gold buttons and lined button holes 3 gold stripes on blue cuff with gold buttons and lined button holes 2 gold stripes on blue cuff with gold buttons and lined button holes 1 gold stripe on blue cuff with gold buttons and lined button holes 1 gold stripe on blue cuff with gold buttons and lined button holes 2 gold stripes on slashed cuff 2 gold stripes on slashed cuff 1 gold stripe on slashed cuff White cuff with buttons and lined button holes
Admiral of the Fleet
Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore (wears R. Adm. uniform) (Post) Captain (over 3 yrs seniority) Captain (under 3 yrs seniority) Master & Commander Lieutenant Mate/Midshipman

1812-1825

Goes: Royal Navy ranks, rates, and uniforms of the 18th and 19th centuries


Rank group Flag officers Senior officers Junior officers
1812-1825
Mate/Midshipman
3 gold stripes on blue cuff with gold buttons and lined button holes 3 gold stripes on blue cuff with gold buttons and lined button holes 2 gold stripes on blue cuff with gold buttons and lined button holes 1 gold stripe on blue cuff with gold buttons and lined button holes 1 gold stripe on blue cuff with gold buttons and lined button holes 2 gold stripes on slashed cuff 2 gold stripes on slashed cuff 1 gold stripe on slashed cuff White cuff with buttons and lined button holes
Admiral of the Fleet Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore (wears R. Adm. uniform) (Post) Captain (over 3 yrs seniority) Captain (under 3 yrs seniority) Master & Commander Lieutenant Mate/Midshipman



Royal Navy epaulettes for senior and junior officers, 18th and 19th centuries
Royal Navy epaulettes for flag officers, 18th and 19th centuries

1827-1833

Goes: Royal Navy ranks, rates, and uniforms of the 18th and 19th centuries


Rank group Flag officers Senior officers Junior officers
1827-1833
Mate/Midshipman
1 line of gold braid on cuff
Admiral of the Fleet Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore (wears R. Adm. uniform) (Post) Captain (over 3 yrs seniority) Captain (under 3 yrs seniority) Master & Commander Lieutenant Mate/Midshipman

1843-1864

Goes: Royal Navy ranks, rates, and uniforms of the 18th and 19th centuries


Rank group Flag officers Senior officers Junior officers
1843-1864 Mate/Midshipman
Admiral of the Fleet Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore (wears R. Adm. uniform) (Post) Captain (over 3 yrs seniority) Captain (under 3 yrs seniority) Commander Lieutenant Mate/Midshipman

1856 on

Sleeve Stripes

Goes: Royal Navy officer rank insignia

Rank group Flag officers Senior officers Junior officers Trainee
1856–1861
Admiral of the Fleet Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore 1st class Commodore 2nd class Captain Commander Lieutenant Mate Midshipman Officer cadet
1861–1863
Admiral of the Fleet Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore 1st class Commodore 2nd class Captain Commander Lieutenant, over 8 years Lieutenant, under 8 years Sub-Lieutenant Midshipman Officer cadet
1863–1877
Admiral of the Fleet Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore 1st class Commodore 2nd class Captain Commander Lieutenant, over 8 years Lieutenant, under 8 years Sub-Lieutenant Midshipman Officer cadet
1877–1891
Admiral of the Fleet Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore 1st class Commodore 2nd class Captain Commander Lieutenant, over 8 years Lieutenant, under 8 years Sub-Lieutenant Midshipman Officer cadet
1891–1914
Admiral of the Fleet Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore 1st class Commodore 2nd class Captain Commander Middle stripe increased from 3⁄16in to 1⁄4in
Lieutenant, over 8 years
Lieutenant, under 8 years Sub-Lieutenant Midshipman Officer cadet
1914-interwar period
Admiral of the Fleet Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore 1st class Commodore 2nd class Captain Commander Lieutenant Commander Lieutenant (under 8 years) Sub-Lieutenant Midshipman Officer cadet
interwar period/1939-present N/A
Admiral of the Fleet Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral N/A Commodore Captain Commander Lieutenant Commander Lieutenant (under 8 years) Sub-Lieutenant Midshipman Officer cadet


Rank Badges

From 1795 rank badges could also be shown on epaulettes. The system changed several times, but after 1864 was as follows:

Admiral of the fleet Crown, crossed batons, and four stars
Admiral Crown, crossed baton & sword, and three stars
Vice admiral Crown, crossed baton & sword, and two stars
Rear admiral Crown, crossed baton & sword, and one (larger) star
Commodore & Captain over three years Crown, two stars, and foul anchor .
Captain under 3 years Crown, one star, and foul anchor
Commander Crown and foul anchor
Lieutenant over eight years after 1914 Lieutenant commander Star and foul anchor
Lieutenant under 8 years Foul anchor


Rank group Flag officers Senior officers Junior officers Trainee
1864-1891
epaulettes reserved for dress uniforms after 1939 only in royal attendance by admirals
None
Admiral of the Fleet Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore Captain (over 3 yrs seniority) Captain (under 3 yrs seniority) Commander Lieutenant (over 8 yrs seniority) Lieutenant (less than 8 yrs seniority) Sub-lieutenant (was Mate) Midshipman
1891-1926 Shoulder Boards Mate/Midshipman
Admiral of the Fleet Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore 1st Class Commodore (2nd Class) Captain Commander Lieutenant (over 8 yrs seniority) in 1914 became Lt. commander Lieutenant (less than 8 yrs seniority) Sub-lieutenant Midshipman


Sub-lieutenants and commissioned warrant officers wore scales (epaulettes without fringes, officially termed "shoulder straps") and the same device as a lieutenant.

Epaulettes of the military branch were gold throughout with silver devices, while those of the civil branches had a silver edging and gold devices. Instead of the baton and sword or foul anchor, civil branch epaulettes substituted a star. Navigating branch epaulettes were the same as the military branch, but with crossed plain anchors in place of the foul anchor. The epaulette stars had eight points, quite unlike the Order of the Bath stars worn by army officers.[h]

In 1891 the admiral of the fleet changed to a crown above two crossed batons within a wreath, similar to the badge of a field marshal.

Also in 1891 shoulder-straps were introduced for use on white uniforms and on the greatcoat, and more recently in "shirt sleeve order". For these commodores first class and above used the same badge as on their epaulettes, and commodores second class and below used their rank rings.

From 1926 only commodores had two stars, other captains one.

Epaulettes were not worn after 1939 except by the royal family and in attendance on the royal family on ceremonial occasions by admirals.

In 2001,[i] the shoulder boards on dress uniforms were changed to match the NATO system of stars for Flag Officers and are currently:

Admiral of the fleet Crown, 2 crossed batons within a wreath
Admiral Crown, crossed baton & sword and 4 stars
Vice admiral Crown, crossed baton & sword and 3 stars
Rear admiral Crown, crossed baton & sword and 2 stars
Commodore Crown, crossed baton & sword and 1 star
Captain Crown, one star, and foul anchor
Commander Crown and foul anchor

Current

In 2001,[j] the shoulder boards on dress uniforms were changed to match the NATO system of stars for Flag Officers and are currently:


Royal Navy officer rank insignia
NATO Code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1 OF(D)
His Majesty's Naval Service Epaulette Rank Insignia
Rank Title: Admiral of the Fleet[12] Admiral Vice admiral Rear admiral Commodore Captain Commander Lieutenant commander Lieutenant Sub-lieutenant Midshipman Officer Cadet
Abbreviation: Adm. of the Fleet[nb 1] Adm VAdm RAdm Cdre Capt Cdr Lt Cdr Lt Sub Lt / SLt Mid OC
Royal Navy other rank insignia
NATO Code OR-9 OR-8 OR-7 OR-6 OR-5 OR-4 OR-2
United Kingdom Rank Insignia (View)
Rank Title: Warrant Officer 1 Warrant Officer 2 Chief Petty Officer Petty Officer Leading Rating Able Rating
Abbreviation: WO1 WO2[k] CPO PO LH AB


From 1863 officers were commissioned in the Royal Naval Reserve this was for serving merchant navy officers only. They had rings each formed from two 14 inch wavy lines intersecting each other. The curl was formed into a six-pointed star. The lieutenant commander's half-ring was straight, but only 18 inch wide. The commodore had a broad straight ring, but the same star for a curl. Midshipmen had a blue collar patch.

Officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (formed 1903) for civilians, had single wavy rings 14 inch wide, with the curl a squarish shape. The lieutenant commander's narrow ring was originally straight, but after 1942 was waved also. This system of rank insignia is still worn today by officers in the Sea Cadets. Midshipmen in the RNVR had a maroon collar patch.

In 1951 both reserves lost their distinctive insignia and got normal straight stripes like the regulars, but with a letter 'R' inside the curl. The two organisations were merged in 1958. In 2007 officers of the Royal Naval Reserve had the 'R' distinction from badges of rank removed. Honorary officers in the RNR however continue to wear the 'R' inside the curl.

Rank group General / flag officers Senior officers Junior officers
Royal Naval Reserve
(1916-1951)
Commodore Captain Commander Lieutenant commander Lieutenant Sub lieutenant Midshipman Naval Cadet


Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
(1916-1941)
Commodore Captain Commander Lieutenant commander Lieutenant Sub lieutenant Midshipman Naval Cadet


Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
(1942-1951)
Commodore Captain Commander Lieutenant commander Lieutenant Sub lieutenant Midshipman Naval Cadet


Royal Naval Reserve
(1952-2006)
Commodore Captain Commander Lieutenant commander Lieutenant Sub lieutenant Midshipman Naval Cadet


NATO code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1

Fleet Air Arm

Goes here: Fleet Air Arm


Fleet Air Arm Captain Pilot OF-5 Sleeve and Shoulder Boards

British Army

Goes here: British Army officer rank insignia


Bath Star Rank


In 1953, the crown was changed from the Tudor Crown to the Crown of St Edward, when Queen Elizabeth II adopted a stylised image of the crown for use in coats of arms, badges, logos and various other insignia.[13] King Charles III reinstated the Tudor Crown in 2022.[14]

Historical insignia

Rank group General officers Field officers Junior officers
(1760-1802) Field Marshal General Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
Field marshal General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier-general Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet


(1802-1855) Field Marshal General Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
Field marshal General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier-general Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet


(1855-1880) Field Marshal General Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier
(1856-1864)
 Brigadier
(1864-1880)
Colonel
(1856-1867)
 Colonel
(1867-1880)
Note Filligree on bottom gold lining.
Lieutenant-Colonel
(1856-1867)
 Lieutenant-Colonel
(1867-1880)
Major
(1856-1867)
 Major
(1867-1880)
Captain Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
Field marshal General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier-general Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet


(1880–1902) Field Marshal General Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
Field marshal General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier-general Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet
(1902–1920) Field Marshal General Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
Field marshal General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier-general Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet
(1920–1921) Field Marshal General Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second Lieutenant Officer Cadet
Field marshal General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier-general Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet
(1921–1928) Field Marshal General Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second Lieutenant Officer Cadet
Field marshal General Lieutenant-general Major-general Colonel commandant/
Colonel on the staff
Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet
(1928–1953) Field Marshal General Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second Lieutenant Officer Cadet
Field marshal General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet
(1953–2022) Field Marshal General Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second Lieutenant Officer Cadet
Field marshal General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet
(2022–) Field Marshal General Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second Lieutenant Officer Cadet
Field marshal General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet
NATO Code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1 OF-D



The rank insignia for officers are also differentiated by what specific stars are used.
Left to right: Grenadier, Coldstream, and Welsh Guards (Garter); Scots Guards (Thistle); Irish Guards (Shamrock); other army officers (Bath).



Historical Insignia other ranks

Rank group Senior NCOs Junior NCOs Enlisted


(1802 – 1855)
Sergeant Major N/A N/A Staff/Colour Sergeant Sergeant Corporal Lance Corporal Private
(or equivalent)


(1855 – 1880)
Sergeant Major N/A N/A Staff/Colour Sergeant Sergeant Corporal Lance Corporal Private
(or equivalent)


(1889(?)/1920 – 1937)
No insignia
Conductor
Staff Sergeant Major
Warrant Officer Class I Warrant Officer Class II Staff/Colour Sergeant Sergeant Corporal Lance Corporal Private
(or equivalent)


(1938 – 1947)[15]
No insignia
Conductor
Staff Sergeant Major
Warrant Officer
Class I
Warrant Officer
Class II
Warrant Officer
Class III
Staff/Colour Sergeant Sergeant Corporal Lance Corporal Private
(or equivalent)


(1948 – 1953)
No insignia
Conductor
Staff Sergeant Major
Warrant Officer Class I Warrant Officer Class II Staff/Colour Sergeant Sergeant Corporal Lance Corporal Private
(or equivalent)


(1953 – 2015)
No insignia
Conductor
Warrant Officer Class I/1 Warrant Officer Class II/2 Staff/Colour Sergeant Sergeant Corporal Lance Corporal Private
(or equivalent)
(2015 – present)
No insignia
Army Sergeant Major Conductor
Warrant Officer Class 1 Warrant Officer Class 2 Staff/Colour Sergeant Sergeant Corporal Lance Corporal Private
(or equivalent)
NATO code OR-9 OR-8 OR-7 OR-6 OR-5 OR-4 OR-3 OR-2 OR-1

Royal Air Force

Timeline of changes

Rank group General / flag officers Senior officers Junior officers
Royal Flying Corps
(1912–April 1918)
Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier-General Colonel Lieutenant Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant 2nd lieutenant Cadet
Royal Naval Air Service
(1914–April 1918)
Squadron Commander
(less than 8 years seniority)
Flight Commander Flight Lieutenant
Wing Captain Wing Commander Squadron Commander
(more than 8 years seniority)
Flight Sub-Lieutenant
April 1918 - August 1918
General Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier-General Colonel Lieutenant Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant 2nd lieutenant
August 1918 - 1919
General Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier-General Colonel Lieutenant Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant 2nd lieutenant
1919–1952
Marshal of the RAF Air chief marshal Air marshal Air vice-marshal Air commodore Group captain Wing commander Squadron leader Flight lieutenant Flying officer Pilot officer
/acting pilot officer
Officer cadet
Royal Observer Corps
(1925–1996)
Air commodore Observer captain Observer commander Observer lieutenant commander Observer lieutenant Observer officer
1952–2022
Marshal of the RAF Air chief marshal Air marshal Air vice-marshal Air commodore Group captain Wing commander Squadron leader Flight lieutenant Flying officer Pilot officer
/acting pilot officer
Officer cadet
2022–Current
Marshal of the RAF Air chief marshal Air marshal Air vice-marshal Air commodore Group captain Wing commander Squadron leader Flight lieutenant Flying officer Pilot officer
/acting pilot officer
Officer cadet
NATO code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1
Grande Armée rank Modern U.S./U.K./NATO equivalent Line Insignia
Left/Right Shoulder [16]
Hussar Insignia* **[17]
Marshal of the Empire Field marshal
Général d'armée ,
(not a rank, an appointment)
General
Général de corps d'armée,
(not a rank, an appointment)
Lieutenant general
Général de division,
Lieutenant général (ancien régime rank reintroduced in 1814)
Major General
Général de brigade,
Maréchal de camp (ancien régime rank reintroduced in 1814)
Brigadier General
later:
Adjudant-commandant Staff Colonel
Colonel Colonel
Colonel en second Senior lieutenant colonel
Major Lieutenant Colonel
Major en second Senior Major
Chef de bataillon or Chef d'escadron[18] Major
Capitaine adjutant-major Staff Captain
Capitaine Captain
Lieutenant First Lieutenant
Cavalry:
Sous-lieutenant Second Lieutenant

Cavalry:
Non-commissioned officers
Adjudant sous-officier Chief Warrant Officer
Adjudant-Chef Warrant Officer
Adjudant Sergeant-Major
Sergent-Major or Maréchal des logis Chef[18] First sergeant
Sergent or Maréchal des Logis[18] Sergeant
Caporal-Fourrier or Brigadier-Fourrier[18] Company clerk/supply Sergeant
Caporal or Brigadier (Cavalry, Horse Artillery and Gendarmerie)[18] Corporal
Soldat or Cavalier(Cavalry) or Canonnier(Artillery) Private or UK equivalent
  • Hussar insignia was represented with elaborate curved embroidered chevrons in gold lace on the lower sleeve of the wearer's coat and pelisse extending from the cuff to the elbow of the wearer. Officer's chevrons had the point facing up. Warrant officers and NCOs were the same, but less elaborate.


Police

NYC Police Badges

Badges in the New York City Police Department are referred to as "shields" (the traditional term), though not all badge designs are strictly shield-shaped. Some officers have used "Pottsy" badges, "dupes", or duplicate badges, as officers are punished for losing their shield by also losing up to ten days' pay.[19]

Every rank has a different badge design (except "police officer" and "probationary police officer") and, upon change in rank, officers receive a new badge. Lower-ranked police officers are identified by their shield numbers, and tax registry numbers. Lieutenants and above do not have shield numbers and are identified by tax registry numbers. All sworn members of the NYPD have their ID card photos taken against a red background. Civilian employees of the NYPD have their ID card photos taken against a blue background, signifying that they are not commissioned to carry a firearm. All ID cards have an expiration date. Although the First Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Department share the same insignia (four stars), the First Deputy Commissioner outranks the Chief of Department. The Deputy Commissioners Bureau Chiefs/Bureau Chief Chaplains and Chief Surgeon have three stars.

Rank Insignia Badge design Badge color Badge number Uniform
Police Commissioner
With requisite number of stars and rank
Gold, with silver star(s) No White shirt,
dark blue peaked cap,
gold hat badge
First Deputy Commissioner
Chief of Department
Deputy Commissioner (has no operational command; however, has a rank equivalent to a bureau chief)
Bureau Chief &
Bureau Chief Chaplain †
Assistant Chief &
Assistant Chief Chaplain †
Deputy Chief &
Deputy Chief Chaplain †
Chaplain and Surgeon badges differ
Inspector &
Chaplain †
Chaplain and Surgeon badges differ
Gold
Deputy Inspector
Captain
Lieutenant
(shoulder & collar)
Sergeant
(sleeve)
Yes Navy blue shirt,
peaked cap,
gold hat badge
Detective None
Police Officer Silver Yes,
matching hat badge
Navy blue shirt,
peaked cap,
silver hat badge with matching number
Probationary Officer
Recruit Officer Yes Slate grey,
black garrison cap
Cadet None

^ †: Rank that has no police powers

Netherlands

National police corps
Rank First chief commissioner
(Eerste Hoofdcommissaris)
Chief commissioner
(Hoofdcommissaris)
Commissioner
(Commissaris)
Chief inspector
(Hoofdinspecteur)
Inspector
(Inspecteur)
Sergeant
(Brigadier)
Shoulder
Sleeve
Rank Chief agent
(Hoofdagent)
Agent
(Agent)
Police patrol officer
(Surveillant)
Police trainee
(Aspirant)
Non-executive employee
(Niet-Executieve Medewerker)
Shoulder
Sleeve

Royal Marechaussee (military police)

Officers

NATO code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1
Royal Marechaussee[20]
Luitenant-generaal Generaal-majoor Brigade-generaal Kolonel Luitenant-kolonel Majoor Kapitein Eerste-luitenant Tweede-luitenant

NCO/enlisted

NATO code OR-9 OR-8 OR-7 OR-6 OR-5 OR-4 OR-3 OR-2 OR-1
Royal Marechaussee[20]

Adjudant-onderofficier Opperwachtmeester Wachtmeester der 1e klasse Wachtmeester Marechaussee der 1e klasse Marechaussee der 2e klasse Marechaussee der 3e klasse Marechaussee der 4e klasse

United Kingdom


Great Britain Police ranks and insignia
Rank Chief constable Deputy chief constable Assistant chief constable Chief superintendent Superintendent Chief inspector Inspector Sergeant Constable
Epaulette insignia


Metropolitan Police ranks
Rank Commissioner Deputy commissioner Assistant commissioner Deputy assistant commissioner Commander Chief superintendent Superintendent Chief inspector Inspector Sergeant Constable
Epaulette insignia


Star Trek

File:Starfleet Shoulder Patch


Enterprise NX-01 Mission Patch File:Columbia NX-02 Mission patch


  Starfleet Delta   


Starfleet Command Section


ST The Motion Pic


Starfleet Combadge TNG Starfleet Combadge TNG Movies DS9 and VOY

Insígnia of
TNG, DS9, VOY
Provisional Rank Officers of Note
Admiral
Vice Admiral Alynna Nechayev, William Ross, Norah Satie
Rear Admiral
Rear Admiral (lower half)
Commodore
Captain Kathryn Janeway, Jean-Luc Picard, Benjamin Sisko
Commander Beverly Crusher, William Riker, Deanna Troi
Lieutenant Commander Data, Jadzia Dax, Geordi La Forge
Lieutenant Julian Bashir, Worf, Tasha Yar
Lieutenant Junior Grade Nog
Ensign Wesley Crusher

Airline Uniforms

Uniform item Captain First officer Second officer/Flight engineer
Additional crew member
Third officer/
Trainee
Blazer/epaulets
Qualification badge Wings with a star
enclosed in a laurel wreath
Wings with a star Wings Wings


Galactic Empire

Spaceship and Sun of the Galactic Empire


Top Gun

Inter-service awards and decorations of the United States military to show order of General order of precedence of all the awards and decorations.

Template:Ribbon devices

[Category:Award numerals (image set)]

Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (here)

Rank =

  • Midshipman – – Given the actor's age and the date of the first movie, the most likely time for Maverick to be at the academy is 1978-1982.


Ensign Lieutenant (junior grade) Lieutenant Lieutenant Commander Commander Captain
O-1 O-2 O-3 O-4 O-5 O-6
1982 (most likely) 1984 (req'd 2 yr) by 1986 (req'd 2 yr) 1991 (req'd 3 yrs, and 9-11 yrs commissioned sevice) Unknown. Earliest 1994 (req'd 3 yrs, and 15-17 yrs commissioned sevice) by 2020. Earliest 1997 (req'd 3 yrs, and 21–23 yrs commissioned sevice)

Given the 2nd movie, it is unlikely that Maverick made the earliest possible dates shown here, at least from Lt. Cmdr to Cmdr. and on to Capt.

Also, given the Navy retirement requirements, as has been pointed out before, its implausible that Maverick is still in the Navy.

By US Statute, the mandatory retirement for (https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Reserve-Personnel-Mgmt/Officers/Attrition-Retirement/)

Statutory Retirement for Active-Duty Captains and Commanders (non LDO)

References: 10 USC 633 (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section633&num=0&edition=prelim), 10 USC 634, 10 USC 1370

For retirement as a CAPT: - 30 years of active commissioned service (10 USC 634)


Statutory Retirement for Active Duty LDOs (limited duty officers)

References: 10 USC 8372, 10 USC 1370

For retirement as a CAPT: - End of month following the month completing 38 years of active naval service

Captains - in an active status (USNR-R or USNR-S1) who are not on the promotion list to the next higher pay-grade will be transferred to the Retired Reserve, if qualified, or be honorably discharged from the Navy Reserve not later than the first day of the month following the month in which the officer completes 30 years of commissioned service. Captains can request continuation up to 35 years of commissioned service as a Captain. Continuation is dependent on the final adjudication of the request. Continuation is not automatic.

Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 12308, 14509, 14510, 14703 Section 12308: Any person who has qualified for retired pay under chapter 1223 of this title may, with his consent and by order of the Secretary concerned, be retained on active duty, or in service in a reserve component other than that listed in section 12732(b) of this title. A member so retained shall be credited with that service for all purposes.

Section 14509, 14510: Navy Reserve officers must be separated on the last day of the month in which they reach age 62.


Rear Admiral (lower half) Rear Admiral Vice Admiral Admiral
O-7 O-8 O-9 O-10
Unknown Unknown Unknown By 2020

Ribbons



In order of precedence:

Navy "E" Ribbon - One 3⁄16 inch silver letter "E" device denotes first award.
Navy Expeditionary Medal Humanitarian Service Medal Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

Orders and medals usually tell the story of a service person's career.

Version 1

V
Gold star
Gold star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star


Silver Star Medal Legion of Merit Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal with
Strike/Flight numeral 5 and
Valor Device*
Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal Navy E Ribbon Navy Expeditionary Medal
National Defense Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
  • (Gold "V" device for third award (standard device for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps before December 2016))
Version 2, based on public stills from the movie

Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star


1. Silver Star Medal
2. Legion of Merit Medal Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal
3. Air Medal with Strike/Flight numeral 5 Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal,
4 awards
Navy & Marine Corps Achievemment Medal
4. Combat Action Ribbon Joint Meritorious Unit Award Navy E Ribbon, 1st award
Navy Expeditionary Medal (was on Top Gun, missing) ()
5. National Defense Service Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (replaces Navy version from Top Gun?) Southwest Asia Service Medal, 3 awards
6. Afghanistan Campaign Medal, 3 awards Iraq Campaign Medal, 3 awards Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal**
Humanitarian Service Medal (was on Top Gun, missing)
7. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal** Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (also in Top Gun) United Nations Medal
8. Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) US Navy Expert Rifleman Medal US Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal
  • Note 1: **Based on the Order of Precedence of Military Medals/Awards, these 2 should be switched with each other. But, the reference provided on the wiki page for these medals on the order of precedence citing the regulation has it this way.


How will they award Maverick for his latest mission? There are only 2 awards for gallantry above what he already has, either one or both of which the events would seem to qualify him for:

Ribbon/award name[21]
Personal decorations
Awarded for "Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty"

  Medal of Honor

Service cross medals – Awarded for "extraordinary heroism in combat"

  Navy Cross

Tom "Iceman" Kazansky

Ribbons



In order of precedence:

Presidential Unit Citation Meritorious Unit Commendation Navy "E" Ribbon - One 3⁄16 inch silver letter "E" device denotes first award.
Navy Expeditionary Medal Humanitarian Service Medal Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Ensign Lieutenant (junior grade) Lieutenant Lieutenant Commander Commander Captain
O-1 O-2 O-3 O-4 O-5 O-6
Unknown Unknown by 1986 Unknown Unknown Unknown
Rear Admiral (lower half) Rear Admiral Vice Admiral Admiral
O-7 O-8 O-9 O-10
Unknown Unknown Unknown By 2020


Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star


In order of precedence:

Defense Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Flying Cross
Either a Bronze Star Medal or Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal - One 5⁄16 inch silver star device denotes sixth award. Meritorious Service Medal - This is an error / duplicate medal.
Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal - Two 5⁄16 inch star devices (colors unknown / hard to distinguish) denote amount of awards. Joint Service Achievement Medal Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal - One 5⁄16 inch gold star device denotes second award.
Combat Action Ribbon - One 5⁄16 inch gold star device denotes awards in two separate theaters of war. Presidential Unit Citation Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Navy Unit Commendation Sea Service Deployment Ribbon - This is an error in order of precedence as well as a duplicate medal. National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal - Two 3⁄16 inch bronze star devices denote third award. Afghanistan Campaign Medal Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Sea Service Deployment Ribbon - One 5⁄16 inch silver star device denotes sixth award.
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) United Nations Medal


References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Foster, Frank C. (2011). United States Army Medal, Badges and Insignias. Fountain Inn, SC: MOA Press. p. 19. ISBN 978-1-8844-5267-3 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ General Regulations for the Army. 1834. Article 54, Pages 211–213, 224–225. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  3. ^ Adjutant General's Office (13 March 1861). Regulations for the Uniform and Dress of the Army of the United States 1861. Washington: George W. Bowman, Public Printer. pp. 12–13. Archived from the original on 15 February 2008. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  4. ^ Searles, Harry. "General Orders, No. 87 (U.S. War Department)". americanhistorycentral.com. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  5. ^ a b c "How many U.S. Army five-star generals have there been and who were they?". history.army.mil. U.S. Army Center of Military History. 31 January 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  6. ^ Hunter, Thomas (1882). Uniform of the army of the United States. Philadelphia. p. 24. Retrieved 29 November 2022.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  7. ^ Armed Forces Information and Education (1968). Uniforms of Seven Allies (DOD GEN-30). Department of Defense. p. 22. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  8. ^ "U.S. Navy Officer Sleeve Rank Insignia Timeline". uniform-reference.net. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  9. ^ "Captioning Style Guide" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 October 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  10. ^ Aldebol, Lt. Col. Anthony (1999). Army Air Force and United States Air Force Decorations, Medals, Ribbons, Badges and Insignia (2nd ed.). MOA Press. pp. 60–61. ISBN 1-884452-05-1.
  11. ^ Shown with cipher of Elizabeth II
  12. ^ Shown with cipher of Elizabeth II
  13. ^ "Victorian Coat of Arms". Victoria State Government. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  14. ^ "Royal Cypher". College of Arms. 27 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  15. ^ E.C.Talbot-Booth, ed. (1943). Rank and Badges in the Navy, Army, R.A.F and auxiliaries. George Philip and Son Ltd.
  16. ^ Mont Saint Jean, Alexis (February 5, 2015). "Les uniforms pendant le campaign de Cent Jours -- Belgique 1815". Les uniforms pendant le campaign de Cent Jours -- Belgique 1815. Retrieved February 5, 2015. sources http://centjours.mont-saint-jean.com/bibliographie.php and http://centjours.mont-saint-jean.com/internet.php {{cite web}}: External link in |quote= (help)
  17. ^ Mont Saint Jean, Alexis (February 5, 2015). "Les uniforms pendant le campaign de Cent Jours -- Belgique 1815". Les uniforms pendant le campaign de Cent Jours -- Belgique 1815. Retrieved February 5, 2015. sources http://centjours.mont-saint-jean.com/bibliographie.php and http://centjours.mont-saint-jean.com/internet.php {{cite web}}: External link in |quote= (help)
  18. ^ a b c d e The second rank was used by mounted organizations of the Army: cavalry, horse artillery, gendarmerie and trains
  19. ^ Rivera, Ray (30 November 2009). "The Officer Is Real; The Badge May Be an Impostor". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020. [S]ome officers don't wear their badges on patrol...Instead, they wear fakes...[c]alled 'dupes,' these phony badges are often just a trifle smaller than real ones but otherwise completely authentic. Officers use them because losing a real badge can mean paperwork and a heavy penalty, as much as 10 days' pay...Though fake badges violate department policy, they are a quirk deeply embedded in the culture and history of the New York Police Department. Estimates of how many of the city's 35,000 officers use fake badges vary from several thousand to several hundred[,] roughly 25 officers are disciplined each year for using them...'lots of people have dupe shields,' said Eric Sanders, a lawyer and former police officer who now represents officers in disciplinary actions...Years ago...officers referred to a fake badge as a Pottsy, after the Jay Irving comic strip about a New York City police officer. They later took on the name dupes, for duplicates.
  20. ^ a b "De rangonderscheidingstekens van de krijgsmacht" (PDF) (in Dutch). Ministry of Defence (Netherlands). 19 December 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  21. ^ http://www.homeofheroes.com/medals/1_precedence.html Archived 16 February 2008 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 24 February 2008.


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