The US Army is a highly organised military force with a clear rank structure. 

But what are the US Army ranks?

Understanding this structure helps explain the responsibilities and duties at each level. 

The US Army ranks range from enlisted personnel to high-ranking generals. 

Each of the US Army ranks represent a different level of responsibility, leadership, and expertise.

History of the US Army

The history of the U.S. Army dates back to June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress established it to fight against British forces during the American Revolutionary War. 

General George Washington was appointed as the first Commander-in-Chief, leading the Continental Army to victory and securing American independence with the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

After the Revolutionary War, the Army was disbanded, leaving only a small force to guard the western frontier. 

However, the need for a standing army became evident during subsequent conflicts, such as the War of 1812, which underscored the importance of a well-prepared military force.

The U.S. Army played a critical role in various conflicts throughout the 19th century, including the Mexican-American War, which expanded U.S. territory, and the Civil War, which preserved the Union. 

The Army continued to evolve, establishing the West Point Military Academy in 1802 to train officers and adopting new tactics and technologies.

In the 20th century, the U.S. Army was involved in both World Wars, significantly contributing to the Allied victories. 

Post-World War II, the Army became a central force in the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, and modern conflicts in the Middle East.

Today, the U.S. Army remains a vital part of the nation’s defence, with a rich history of service and sacrifice. 

It has grown into one of the world’s most powerful and technologically advanced military forces, playing a crucial role in maintaining global stability and security.

US Army Ranks in Order (Low to High)

Enlisted Ranks

The enlisted US Army ranks form the backbone of the military. 

The enlisted US Army ranks begin with Private, the entry-level position, and progress through various levels of responsibility and leadership. 

As soldiers advance, they gain experience and take on more duties, moving from junior enlisted ranks like Private First Class and Specialist to leadership roles like Sergeant and Staff Sergeant. 

The highest enlisted ranks, such as Sergeant Major, involve significant leadership, mentorship, and administrative responsibilities. 

Each of the enlisted US Army ranks play a crucial role in the Army’s operations, ensuring discipline, training, and mission success.

Private

The rank of Private is the entry-level rank in the U.S. Army. 

New recruits typically hold this rank during basic training. 

As Privates, soldiers learn the fundamental skills needed to function in the Army. 

The focus is on discipline, physical fitness, and basic military knowledge. 

Privates have no insignia on their uniforms and are often referred to as ‘recruits’ or ‘trainees.’

Private First Class

Private First Class (PFC) is one step above Private and indicates that a soldier has completed basic training and advanced individual training (AIT). 

PFCs take on more responsibilities and are usually assigned to a specific unit. 

They continue to develop their skills and knowledge, preparing for future promotions.

Specialist

Specialists focus on their technical skills and knowledge within their specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). 

They hold the same pay grade as Corporals but do not have the leadership responsibilities that come with the rank of Corporal. 

Specialists typically work under the supervision of Sergeants or other higher-ranking officers.

Corporal 

Corporals are the first non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in the Army. 

They have the same pay grade as Specialists but have leadership responsibilities. 

Corporals are often in charge of small teams or squads, where they lead by example and enforce Army standards. 

This rank is a significant step in a soldier’s career, as it marks the transition from junior enlisted ranks to leadership roles.

Sergeant

Sergeants play a critical role in the Army’s day-to-day operations. 

They are responsible for leading squads of soldiers, ensuring discipline, and overseeing their soldiers’ training and welfare. 

Sergeants are the backbone of the Army, bridging the gap between junior enlisted soldiers and higher-ranking NCOs and officers.

Staff Sergeant

Staff Sergeants are senior NCOs who typically oversee a squad or section within a platoon. 

They are responsible for mentoring and training Sergeants and other junior NCOs. 

In addition to their leadership roles, Staff Sergeants also carry out more complex tasks and missions. 

They must maintain a high level of professionalism and set a positive example for their subordinates.

Sergeant First Class

Sergeant First Class (SFC) is a key leadership rank in the Army. 

SFCs are usually in charge of a platoon or act as a senior NCO within a company. 

They are responsible for the training, welfare, and discipline of the soldiers under their command. 

SFCs also advise commissioned officers on matters related to the soldiers and the mission.

Master Sergeant

Master Sergeants are senior NCOs who serve as key leaders in battalions, brigades, and higher-level units. 

They focus on the operational aspects of their unit and ensure that missions are carried out effectively. 

Master Sergeants are experienced leaders who provide guidance and support to junior NCOs and officers.

First Sergeant

First Sergeants are the senior NCOs in a company, battery, or troop. 

They are responsible for the overall welfare, discipline, and training of the soldiers in their unit. 

First Sergeants work closely with the company commander and serve as a key advisor. 

Sergeant Major

Sergeant Majors are senior NCOs who serve at the battalion level or higher. 

They provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to other NCOs and officers. 

Sergeant Majors are responsible for maintaining high standards of discipline and performance within their units. 

They play a critical role in the Army’s leadership structure and are highly respected for their experience and knowledge.

Command Sergeant Major

Command Sergeant Majors are the senior enlisted advisors to commanders at the battalion level and above. 

They hold a special leadership position and are responsible for the welfare, discipline, and training of all enlisted soldiers in their command. 

Command Sergeant Majors are considered the eyes and ears of the commander and play a crucial role in ensuring the unit’s success.

Sergeant Major of the Army

The Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) is the highest-ranking enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army. 

The SMA serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army and represents the interests of enlisted soldiers at the highest levels of the Army’s leadership. 

The SMA provides leadership and guidance on all matters related to enlisted personnel and is a key advocate for the welfare and professional development of soldiers.

US Army Warrant Officer Ranks

The Warrant Officer US Army ranks are specialised positions for technical experts. 

Warrant Officers possess deep expertise in their specific fields, such as aviation, intelligence, or engineering, and provide valuable leadership within their areas of specialisation. 

They bridge the gap between enlisted personnel and commissioned officers, focusing on training, advising, and ensuring the effectiveness of their units. 

As they progress through the US Army ranks, their responsibilities grow, often involving high-level technical leadership and complex problem-solving within the Army.

Warrant Officer 1

Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) is the entry-level US Army ranks for warrant officers. 

WO1s are technical experts in their specific fields, such as aviation, intelligence, or maintenance. 

They serve as subject matter experts and provide valuable advice and support to both enlisted soldiers and commissioned officers. 

WO1s are highly specialised and are selected based on their technical expertise and leadership potential.

Chief Warrant Officer 2

Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) is the next step in the warrant officer ranks. 

CW2s have more experience and responsibility than WO1s and continue to develop their technical skills and leadership abilities. 

They often serve as advisors to higher-ranking officers and are responsible for managing complex tasks and missions within their specialty. 

CW2s are expected to mentor and train junior warrant officers and enlisted soldiers.

Chief Warrant Officer 3

Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) is a mid-level rank for warrant officers. CW3s are highly experienced and are often responsible for leading teams or managing large-scale operations within their specialty. 

They provide technical expertise and advice to senior officers and are involved in planning and executing complex missions. 

CW3s are also responsible for mentoring and developing junior warrant officers and enlisted personnel.

Chief Warrant Officer 4

Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) is a senior rank for warrant officers. CW4s are considered experts in their field and are often responsible for overseeing entire departments or sections within their unit. 

They provide strategic advice and support to senior officers and are involved in making critical decisions that impact the success of missions. 

CW4s are also responsible for the professional development of junior warrant officers and enlisted soldiers.

Chief Warrant Officer 5

Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) is the highest rank in the warrant officer corps. 

CW5s are master-level technical experts who provide leadership and guidance at the highest levels of the Army. 

They are often responsible for developing and implementing policies and strategies within their specialty. 

CW5s work closely with senior officers and are involved in making decisions that have a significant impact on the Army’s overall mission. 

They are highly respected for their expertise and leadership.

US Army Officer Ranks

The officer US Army ranks represent leadership positions responsible for planning, directing, and executing military operations. 

Starting from Second Lieutenant, officers progress through US Army ranks like Captain and Major, taking on increasing levels of command and responsibility. 

General officer ranks, including Brigadier General up to General, oversee divisions, corps, and the entire Army. 

Officers are responsible for strategic decision-making, mentoring soldiers, and ensuring the success of their missions, playing a critical role in the Army’s structure and effectiveness.

Second Lieutenant

Second Lieutenant (2LT) is the entry-level rank for commissioned officers in the U.S. Army. 

2LTs typically serve as platoon leaders, responsible for leading and managing a platoon of soldiers. 

They are responsible for training, discipline, and the overall welfare of their soldiers. 2LTs also work closely with senior NCOs and learn the fundamentals of leadership and command.

First Lieutenant

First Lieutenant (1LT) is the next in US Army ranks for officers and typically follows 18 to 24 months of service as a Second Lieutenant. 

1LTs have more experience and responsibility than 2LTs and may serve as executive officers or staff officers within a company or battalion. 

They are involved in planning and executing missions and play a key role in the leadership and management of their units.

Captain

Captain (CPT) is a significant leadership rank in the U.S. Army. Captains typically serve as company commanders, responsible for leading and managing a company of 100 to 200 soldiers. 

They are responsible for the training, discipline, and welfare of their soldiers and play a crucial role in executing the unit’s mission. 

Captains also serve as staff officers at the battalion level and above, where they are involved in planning and coordinating missions.

Major

Major (MAJ) is a field-grade officer rank in the U.S. Army. 

Majors typically serve as battalion executive officers or staff officers at the brigade level and above. 

They are responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing missions and play a key role in the leadership and management of their units. 

Majors also serve as advisors to senior officers and are involved in making critical decisions that impact the success of missions.

Lieutenant Colonel

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) is a senior field-grade officer rank in the U.S. Army. 

LTCs typically serve as battalion commanders, responsible for leading and managing a battalion of 300 to 1,000 soldiers. 

They are responsible for the overall success of the battalion’s mission and play a crucial role in the leadership and management of their units. 

LTCs also serve as staff officers at the brigade level and above, where they are involved in planning and coordinating large-scale operations.

Colonel

Colonel (COL) is a senior officer rank in the U.S. Army. 

Colonels typically serve as brigade commanders, responsible for leading and managing a brigade of 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers. 

They are responsible for the overall success of the brigade’s mission and play a key role in the leadership and management of their units. 

Colonels also serve as senior staff officers at the division level and above, where they are involved in planning and executing large-scale operations.

Brigadier General

Brigadier General (BG) is the first general officer rank in the U.S. Army. 

Brigadier Generals typically serve as division deputy commanders or as commanders of smaller units such as a brigade combat team. 

They are responsible for the overall success of the unit’s mission and play a key role in the leadership and management of their units. 

Brigadier Generals also serve as senior staff officers at the corps level and above, where they are involved in planning and executing large-scale operations.

Major General

Major General (MG) is a senior general officer rank in the U.S. Army. 

Major Generals typically serve as division commanders, responsible for leading and managing a division of 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers. 

They are responsible for the overall success of the division’s mission and play a crucial role in the leadership and management of their units. 

Major Generals also serve as senior staff officers at the corps level and above, where they are involved in planning and executing large-scale operations.

Lieutenant General

Lieutenant General (LTG) is a senior general officer rank in the U.S. Army. 

Lieutenant Generals typically serve as corps commanders, responsible for leading and managing a corps of 20,000 to 45,000 soldiers. 

They are responsible for the overall success of the corps’ mission and play a key role in the leadership and management of their units. 

Lieutenant Generals also serve as senior staff officers at the Army level, where they are involved in planning and executing large-scale operations.

General

General (GEN) is the highest general officer rank in the U.S. Army. 

Generals typically serve as Army commanders, responsible for leading and managing an entire Army of 80,000 to 100,000 soldiers. 

They are responsible for the overall success of the Army’s mission and play a crucial role in the leadership and management of their units. 

Generals also serve as senior advisors to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense, where they are involved in making critical decisions that impact the success of the U.S. military.

General of the Army

General of the Army (GA) is a five-star general officer rank in the U.S. Army. 

This rank is reserved for wartime use and has been held by only five officers in history. 

The General of the Army is responsible for leading and managing the entire U.S. Army during a time of war and plays a crucial role in the overall success of the U.S. military. 

This rank is rarely used and is considered one of the highest honours in the U.S. military.

How Does Promotion Work in the US Army?

Promotion in the U.S. Army is based on a combination of time in service, performance, leadership skills, and meeting specific requirements for each rank. 

Enlisted Soldiers

For enlisted soldiers, promotion from lower ranks, such as Private to Specialist, typically depends on time in service and time in grade. 

As soldiers move to higher ranks, such as Sergeant and above, promotions become more competitive and require leadership abilities, demonstrated performance, and passing promotion boards.

Warrant Officers

Warrant officers, who specialise in technical expertise, also follow a structured promotion path. 

They must demonstrate proficiency in their field and meet time-in-grade requirements to advance to higher warrant officer ranks.

Officers

For officers, promotion begins at Second Lieutenant, with progression to higher ranks like Captain and Major based on time in service, leadership skills, and professional development. 

Officers must also complete mandatory training and education.

Promotion to senior ranks, such as Sergeant Major, Lieutenant Colonel, or General, is even more competitive. 

These promotions require exceptional leadership, extensive experience, and recommendations from superior officers. 

Promotion boards at these levels review candidates’ records, performance evaluations, and achievements to determine their eligibility for advancement.

How do you Join the US Army?

To join the US Army, individuals must meet certain requirements. 

They need to be U.S. citizens or legal residents, between 17 and 34 years old, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. 

Prospective recruits must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and a medical examination. 

They also need to complete basic training, which includes physical conditioning, military skills, and Army values. 

Enlistment involves meeting with a recruiter, completing paperwork, and committing to the terms of service. 

Once enlisted, recruits undergo further training specific to their chosen MOS.

Conclusion

That was the US Army ranks from lowest to highest.

The US Army’s rank structure is crucial to its operation and effectiveness. 

From the entry-level Private to the highest rank of General of the Army, each rank has distinct responsibilities and duties. 

The structured hierarchy ensures clear leadership and accountability, helping the Army maintain discipline and operational readiness. 

Understanding these ranks provides insight into the Army’s organisation and the roles each member plays in achieving mission success. 

Whether enlisted, warrant officer, or commissioned officer, each rank contributes to the Army’s strength and effectiveness, reflecting dedication, skill, and leadership.