Enlisted Rank

Commissioned Officer Rank
 
E1 None

PRIVATE (PVT)
Lowest rank: a trainee who’s starting Basic Combat Training (BCT).
 

 O1

SECOND LIEUTENANT (2LT)
 Typically the entry-level rank for most Commissioned Officers. Leads platoon-size elements consisting of the platoon SGT and two or more squads (16 to 44 Soldiers).
 
E2

PRIVATE (PV2)
Primary role is to carry out orders issued to them to the best of his/her ability.
 

 O2 FIRST LIEUTENANT (1LT)
A seasoned lieutenant with 18 to 24 months 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 to 140 personnel).
 
E3

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS (PFC)
PV2s are promoted to this level after one year—or earlier by request of supervisor. Individual can begin BCT at this level with experience or prior military training. Carries out orders issued to them to the best of his/her ability.
 

 O3 CAPTAIN (CPT)
 Commands and controls company-sized units (62 to 190 Soldiers), together with a principal NCO assistant. Instructs skills at service schools and combat training centers and is often a Staff Officer at the battalion level.
 
E4

CORPORAL (CPL)
The base of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks, CPLs serve as team leader of the smallest Army units. Like SGTs, they are responsible for individual training, personal appearance and cleanliness of Soldiers.
 

 O4 MAJOR (MAJ)
Serves as primary Staff Officer for brigade and task force command regarding personnel, logistical and operational missions.
E4

SPECIALIST (SPC)
Can manage other enlisted Soldiers of lower rank. Has served a minimum of two years and attended a specific training class to earn this promotion. People enlisting with a four year college degree can enter BCT as a Specialist.
 

 O5 LIEUTENANT COLONEL (LTC)
 Typically commands battalion-sized units (300 to 1,000 Soldiers), with a CSM as principal NCO assistant. May also be selected for brigade and task force Executive Officer.
 
E5

SERGEANT (SGT)
 Typically commands a squad (9 to 10 Soldiers). Considered to have the greatest impact on Soldiers because SGTs oversee them in their daily tasks. In short, SGTs set an example and the standard for Privates to look up to, and live up to.
 

 O6 COLONEL (COL)
 Typically commands brigade-sized units (3,000 to 5,000 Soldiers), with a CSM as principal NCO assistant. Also found as the chief of divisional-level staff agencies.
 
E6

STAFF SERGEANT (SSG)
Also commands a squad (9 to 10 Soldiers). Often has one or more SGTs under their leadership. Responsible for developing, maintaining and utilizing the full range of his Soldiers' potential.
 

 O7 BRIGADIER GENERAL (BG)
Serves as Deputy Commander to the commanding general for Army divisions. Assists in overseeing the staff's planning and coordination of a mission.
 
E7

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS (SFC)
Key assistant and advisor to the platoon leader. Generally has 15 to 18 years of Army experience and puts it to use by making quick, accurate decisions in the best interests of the Soldiers and the country.
 

 O8 MAJOR GENERAL (MG)
 Typically commands division-sized units (10,000 to 15,000 Soldiers).
 
E8

MASTER SERGEANT (MSG)
 Principal NCO at the battalion level, and often higher. Not charged with all the leadership responsibilities of a 1SG, but expected to dispatch leadership and other duties with the same professionalism.
 

 O9 LIEUTENANT GENERAL (LTG)
 Typically commands corps-sized units (20,000 to 45,000 Soldiers).
 
E8

FIRST SERGEANT (1SG)
 Principal NCO and life-blood of the company: the provider, disciplinarian and wise counselor. Instructs other SGTs, advises the Commander and helps train all enlisted Soldiers. Assists Officers at the company level (62 to 190 Soldiers).
 

 O10 GENERAL (GEN)
The senior level of Commissioned Officer typically has over 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.
 
E9

SERGEANT MAJOR (SGM)
SGMs experience and abilities are equal to that of the CSM, but the sphere of influence regarding leadership is generally limited to those directly under his charge. Assists Officers at the battalion level (300 to 1,000 Soldiers).
 

      
E9

COMMAND SGT MAJOR (CSM)
 Functioning without supervision, a CSM’s counsel is expected to be calm, settled and accurate—with unflagging enthusiasm. Supplies recommendations to the commander and staff, and carries out policies and standards on the performance, training, appearance and conduct of enlisted personnel. Assists Officers at the brigade level (3,000 to 5,000 Soldiers).