In the Army hierarchy, commissioned officer ranks are structured into three tiers: company grade, field grade and general.
Company grade officers, designated in the ranks of O-1 to O-3, form the initial tier. Field grade officers, encompassing pay grades O-4 to O-6, make up the middle level of leadership. General officers are categorized in the pay grades O-7 and above.
Commissioned officers, the highest of the Army ranks, wield presidential commissions and undergo Senate confirmation for their respective ranks.
Army Officer Ranks and Their Insignia
Second Lieutenant (2LT) (O-1)
Addressed as “lieutenant” or “second lieutenant.” Typically the entry-level rank for most commissioned officers. Leads platoon-size elements consisting of the platoon sergeant and two or more squads (16-44 soldiers).
First Lieutenant (1LT) (O-2)
Addressed as “lieutenant.” A seasoned lieutenant with 18-24 months 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 (110-140 personnel).
Captain (CPT) (O-3)
Addressed as “captain.” Commands and controls company-sized units (62-190 soldiers), together with a principal noncommissioned officer (NCO) assistant. Instructs skills at service schools and Army combat training centers and is often a staff officer at the battalion level.
Major (MAJ) (O-4)
Addressed as “major.” Serves as primary staff officer for brigade and task force command regarding personnel and logistical and operational missions.
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (O-5)
Addressed as “lieutenant colonel” or “colonel.” Typically commands battalion-sized units (300-1,000 soldiers), with a command sergeant major (CSM) as principal NCO assistant. May be selected for brigade and task force executive officer.
Colonel (COL) (O-6)
Addressed as “colonel.” Typically commands brigade-sized units (3,000-5,000 soldiers), with a CSM as principal NCO assistant. Also found as the chief of divisional-level staff agencies.
Interested in Joining the Military?
We can put you in touch with recruiters from the different military branches. Learn about the benefits of serving your country, paying for school, military career paths, and more: sign up now and hear from a recruiter near you.
Army Officer Ranks: Generals
Brigadier General (BG) (O-7)
​Addressed as “general.” Serves as deputy commander to the commanding general for Army divisions. Assists in overseeing the staff’s planning and coordination of a mission.
Major General (MG) (O-8)
Addressed as “general.” Typically commands division-sized units (10,000-15,000 soldiers).
Lieutenant General (LTG) (O-9)
Addressed as “general.” Typically commands corps-sized units (20,000-45,000 soldiers).
General (GEN) (O-10)
Addressed as “general.” The senior level of commissioned officer typically has more than 30 years of experience and service. Commands all operations that fall within their geographical area. The chief of staff of the Army is a four-star general.
General of the Army (GOA)
This is used only in time of war when the commanding officer must be of equal or higher rank than those commanding armies from other nations. The last officers to hold this rank served during and immediately after World War II.
Interested in Joining the Military?
We can put you in touch with recruiters from the different military branches. Learn about the benefits of serving your country, paying for school, military career paths, and more: sign up now and hear from a recruiter near you.
Read the full article here