Army Rank List In Order

The army rank list is a hierarchical structure that defines the order of seniority and authority within an army. Understanding the ranks and their corresponding roles is essential for maintaining discipline, order, and effective command. Here is a comprehensive list of army ranks in order, from the lowest to the highest:
Enlisted Ranks

Enlisted ranks are the backbone of the army, comprising the majority of personnel. These ranks are divided into several categories, each with its own set of responsibilities and requirements.
Junior Enlisted Ranks
The junior enlisted ranks are the entry-level positions in the army. They are typically held by new recruits or soldiers with limited experience.
- Private (PVT) - The lowest rank in the army, typically held by new recruits.
- Private Second Class (PV2) - A junior enlisted rank that requires a minimum of 6 months of service.
- Private First Class (PFC) - A rank that requires a minimum of 1 year of service and completion of a leadership course.
Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Ranks
NCOs are experienced soldiers who have demonstrated leadership potential and are responsible for supervising junior enlisted personnel.
- Corporal (CPL) - A junior NCO rank that requires a minimum of 2 years of service and completion of a leadership course.
- Sergeant (SGT) - A mid-level NCO rank that requires a minimum of 3 years of service and completion of an advanced leadership course.
- Staff Sergeant (SSG) - A senior NCO rank that requires a minimum of 5 years of service and completion of a senior leadership course.
- Sergeant First Class (SFC) - A senior NCO rank that requires a minimum of 7 years of service and completion of a master leadership course.
Senior Enlisted Ranks
Senior enlisted ranks are the highest levels of enlisted leadership, responsible for advising officers and leading large units.
- Master Sergeant (MSG) - A senior enlisted rank that requires a minimum of 10 years of service and completion of a senior leadership course.
- First Sergeant (1SG) - A senior enlisted rank that requires a minimum of 12 years of service and completion of a senior leadership course.
- Sergeant Major (SGM) - The highest enlisted rank in the army, typically held by experienced soldiers with 15-20 years of service.
- Command Sergeant Major (CSM) - A senior enlisted rank that requires a minimum of 15 years of service and completion of a senior leadership course.
Warrant Officer Ranks

Warrant officers are technical experts who have demonstrated exceptional proficiency in their field. They are responsible for providing guidance and support to units and commanders.
- Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) - The lowest warrant officer rank, typically held by technical experts with 2-5 years of experience.
- Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) - A mid-level warrant officer rank that requires a minimum of 5 years of experience and completion of an advanced technical course.
- Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) - A senior warrant officer rank that requires a minimum of 10 years of experience and completion of a senior technical course.
- Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) - A senior warrant officer rank that requires a minimum of 15 years of experience and completion of a master technical course.
- Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) - The highest warrant officer rank, typically held by experienced technical experts with 20-25 years of service.
Officer Ranks
Officer ranks are the leadership positions in the army, responsible for commanding units and making strategic decisions.
- Second Lieutenant (2LT) - The lowest officer rank, typically held by new officers with a bachelor’s degree and completion of officer training.
- First Lieutenant (1LT) - A junior officer rank that requires a minimum of 2 years of service and completion of a leadership course.
- Captain (CPT) - A mid-level officer rank that requires a minimum of 5 years of service and completion of an advanced leadership course.
- Major (MAJ) - A senior officer rank that requires a minimum of 10 years of service and completion of a senior leadership course.
- Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) - A senior officer rank that requires a minimum of 15 years of service and completion of a senior leadership course.
- Colonel (COL) - A senior officer rank that requires a minimum of 20 years of service and completion of a master leadership course.
General Officer Ranks
General officer ranks are the highest levels of leadership in the army, responsible for commanding large units and developing strategic plans.
- Brigadier General (BG) - A one-star general officer rank that requires a minimum of 20 years of service and completion of a senior leadership course.
- Major General (MG) - A two-star general officer rank that requires a minimum of 25 years of service and completion of a master leadership course.
- Lieutenant General (LTG) - A three-star general officer rank that requires a minimum of 30 years of service and completion of a senior leadership course.
- General (GEN) - The highest general officer rank, typically held by experienced officers with 35-40 years of service.
Key Points
- The army rank list is a hierarchical structure that defines the order of seniority and authority.
- Enlisted ranks are the backbone of the army, comprising the majority of personnel.
- Warrant officers are technical experts who provide guidance and support to units and commanders.
- Officer ranks are the leadership positions in the army, responsible for commanding units and making strategic decisions.
- General officer ranks are the highest levels of leadership in the army, responsible for commanding large units and developing strategic plans.
What is the lowest rank in the army?
+The lowest rank in the army is Private (PVT), typically held by new recruits.
What is the highest rank in the army?
+The highest rank in the army is General (GEN), typically held by experienced officers with 35-40 years of service.
What is the difference between enlisted and officer ranks?
+Enlisted ranks are the backbone of the army, comprising the majority of personnel, while officer ranks are the leadership positions in the army, responsible for commanding units and making strategic decisions.
Rank Category | Rank | Minimum Service Requirement |
---|---|---|
Junior Enlisted | Private (PVT) | 0 years |
Junior Enlisted | Private Second Class (PV2) | 6 months |
Junior Enlisted | Private First Class (PFC) | 1 year |
Non-Commissioned Officer | Corporal (CPL) | 2 years |
Non-Commissioned Officer | Sergeant (SGT) | 3 years |
Non-Commissioned Officer | Staff Sergeant (SSG) | 5 years |
Warrant Officer | Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) | 2-5 years |
Officer | Second Lieutenant (2LT) | 0 years (commissioned) |
Officer | First Lieutenant (1LT) | 2 years |
General Officer | Brigadier General (BG) | 20 years |

Meta Description: The army rank list is a hierarchical structure that defines the order of seniority and authority within an army. Learn about the different ranks, from Private to General, and their corresponding responsibilities and requirements. (149 characters)