ABOUT THE ARMY
Ranks
In the Army, your rank not only indicates your pay grade, but also the amount of responsibility you hold. Corporals, for example, may be responsible for a small team of Soldiers, while a Major General could hold command of anywhere between 10,000-15,000 Soldiers. Learn about the ranks of each Soldier type by clicking on the tabs below.
While the amount of time spent in each rank is based on averages, you can often accelerate the promotion process by taking advantage of additional training and schooling opportunities.
Second Lieutenant (2LT)
FIRST LIEUTENANT (1LT)
Officers generally reach the rank of First Lieutenant after 18 to 24 months of service. Soldiers at this rank may lead more specialized weapons platoons and indirect fire computation centers.
CAPTAIN (CPT)
The captain commands and controls company-sized units (62 to 190 Soldiers). He or she may also instruct at service schools and combat training centers, or serve as a StaffOfficer at the battalion level.
MAJOR (MAJ)
The Major serves as the primary Staff Officer for brigade and task force command and manages personnel, logistical and operational missions.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL (LTC)
The Lieutenant Colonel typically commands battalion-sized units (300 to 1,000 Soldiers), with a Command Sergeant Major as an NCO assistant. He or she may also be selected for brigade and task force Executive Officer.
Most Officers enter the Army as a Second Lieutenant. They lead platoon-size units consisting of a platoon Sergeant and two or more squads (16 to 44 Soldiers).
ABOUT THE ARMY