military rank
Soldier's official position
Military rank is a position in the hierarchy of armed forces, indicating authority and responsibility.
Ranks typically progress from enlisted personnel through non-commissioned officers to commissioned officers: He rose from private to the rank of colonel.
Rank determines who gives orders and who follows them, with insignia displaying one's position in the chain of command.
Widespread, not specialized
- colonelSenior military officer
- majorOf chief importance
- captainOne who commands
- lieutenantJunior commissioned officer
sergeant · corporal · private · admiral · commander · ensign · marshal · brigadier
Formal authority hierarchy
- structureArrangement of interconnected parts
- subordinationLower position in hierarchy
- seniorityRank from length of service
- echelonsLevels within a hierarchy
stratification · pecking order · precedence · authority · discipline · commissioned · non-commissioned · enlisted
Parallel linear markings
- chevronsV-shaped rank markings
- starsLuminous celestial bodies
- barsRods, taverns, or measures
- eaglesLarge predatory birds
oak leaves · anchors · epaulettes · pips · patches · badges · shoulder boards · crown
Voluntary entry into service
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- dutyRequired moral task
- armyOrganized land-based military
- navyMaritime military force
air force · marines · coast guard · infantry · artillery · cavalry · logistics · intelligence
Courage in danger
- medalMetal honor token
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- gallantryCourage, especially in combat
decoration · recognition · prestige · dignity · ribbon · citation · meritorious · Purple Heart
general
Widespread, not specialized
lieutenant · sergeant · corporal · private · admiral · commander · ensign · marshal · brigadier · lieutenant colonel
chain of command
Formal authority hierarchy
- structureArrangement of interconnected parts
- subordinationLower position in hierarchy
- seniorityRank from length of service
echelons · stratification · pecking order · precedence · authority · discipline · commissioned · non-commissioned · enlisted · promotion
stripes
Parallel linear markings
eagles · oak leaves · anchors · epaulettes · pips · patches · badges · shoulder boards · crown · crossed swords
enlistment
Voluntary entry into service
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- dutyRequired moral task
- armyOrganized land-based military
navy · air force · marines · coast guard · infantry · artillery · cavalry · logistics · intelligence · special forces
valor
Courage in danger
- medalMetal honor token
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
- commendationFormal expression of approval
gallantry · decoration · recognition · prestige · dignity · ribbon · citation · meritorious · Purple Heart · Victoria Cross
- Military Affairsdefense secretary, War Department, defense strategy, congressional oversight, commander in chief
- hierarchiestier, tiers, level, levels, rankings
- military lawcourt-martial, court martial, judge advocate, JAG, uniform code
- degreeshigh school diploma, bachelor's degree, GED, master's degree, BS
- hierarchyauthority, command, tiered, reporting, ladder
- Luxury Termsluxury, premium, top-tier, deluxe, elite
military ranksocial status
Rank in society
peer recognition · street cred · reputation · flat hierarchy
rank, military, ranks, ranking, ranked, militant, militia, militancy, rankness