The US Military has multiple branches all with their own set of ranks for enlisted members and officers. Below each branch’s ranks are listed from lowest to highest.
U.S. Army
The Army is one of the oldest branches of the U.S. military, dating back to 1775. This branch has gone on to see significant combat action in most American wars including the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the War of 1812, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama and the Gulf War. The United States Army was also involved in the War in Afghanistan and the Invasion of Iraq.
Enlisted Ranks in the U.S. Army are as follows, in order from lowest to highest:
- Private
- Private 2
- Private First Class
- Specialist
- Corporal
- Sergeant
- Staff Sergeant
- Sergeant First Class
- Master Sergeant
- First Sergeant
- Sergeant Major
- Command Sergeant Major
- Sergeant Major of the Army
Officer Ranks are also listed in order from lowest to highest:
- Warrant officer
- Chief Warrant officer 2
- Chief Warrant officer 3
- Chief Warrant officer 4
- Chief Warrant officer 5
- Second Lieutenant
- First Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier General
- Lieutenant General
- General
- General of the Army (Reserved for Wartime)
U.S. Marine Corps
The U.S. Marine Corps also dates back to 1775. United States Marines operate as part of the United States Navy. This branch specializes in sea-borne infantry. The U.S. Marine Corps has participated in all major conflicts since the organization of the United States of America.
Enlisted Ranks in the U.S. Marine Corps are as follows, in order from lowest to highest:
- Private
- Private First Class
- Lance Corporal
- Corporal
- Sergeant
- Staff Sergeant
- Gunnery Sergeant
- Master Sergeant
- First Sergeant
- Master Gunnery Sergeant
- Sergeant Major
- Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
Officer Ranks are also listed in order from lowest to highest:
- Warrant officer
- Chief Warrant officer 2
- Chief Warrant officer 3
- Chief Warrant officer 4
- Chief Warrant officer 5
- Second Lieutenant
- First Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier General
- Major General
- Lieutenant General
- General
U.S. Air Force
The United States Air force was established in 1947, just two years after World War II. However, this branch really got its start in 1907, when it operated under the United States Army as the United States Army Air force. American airmen in the Army Air force served in World Wars I and II. The U.S. Air force as a separate entity has seen combat actions since the Korean War.
Enlisted Ranks in the U.S. Air force are as follows, in order from lowest to highest:
- Airman Basic
- Airman
- Airman First Class
- Senior Airman
- Staff Sergeant
- Technical Sergeant
- Master Sergeant
- Senior Master Sergeant
- Chief Master Sergeant
- Command Chief Master Sergeant
- Chief Master Sergeant of the Air force
Officer Ranks are also listing in order from lowest to highest:
- Second Lieutenant
- First Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier General
- Major General
- Lieutenant General
- General Air force Chief of Staff
- General of the Air force (Reserved for Wartime)
U.S. Navy
The United States Navy came into existence during the Revolutionary War. The current U.S. Navy is the largest sea-borne fighting force in the world. The U.S. Navy has taken part in every major U.S. conflict since its establishment. The Navy was especially valuable during the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Gulf War. Naval participation was also utilized in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Enlisted Ranks in the U.S. Navy are as follows, in order from lowest to highest:
- Seaman Recruit
- Seaman Apprentice
- Seaman
- Petty Officer 3rd Class
- Petty Officer 2nd Class
- Petty Officer 1st Class
- Chief Petty officer
- Senior Chief Petty officer
- Master Chief Petty officer
- Fleet/Command Master Chief Petty officer
- Master Chief Petty officer of the Navy
Officer Ranks are also listed in order from lowest to highest:
- Chief Warrant officer 2
- Chief Warrant officer 3
- Chief Warrant officer 4
- Chief Warrant officer 5
- Ensign
- Lieutenant Junior Grade
- Lieutenant
- Lieutenant Commander
- Commander
- Captain
- Rear Admiral (lower half)
- Rear Admiral (upper half)
- Vice Admiral
- Admiral Chief of Naval Operation/Commandant of the Coast Guard
- Fleet Admiral
U.S. Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard was instituted in 1790. The Coast Guard has always been charged with policing American waters, primarily to curtail smuggling efforts and enforce maritime laws. In times of peace, the Coast Guard operates under the President of the United States. In times of war, the Coast Guard falls under United States Navy management.
Enlisted Ranks in the U.S. Coast Guard are as follows:
- Seaman Recruit
- Seaman Apprentice
- Fireman Apprentice
- Airman Apprentice
- Seaman
- Fireman
- Airman
- Petty Officer 3rd Class
- Petty Officer 2nd Class
- Petty Officer 1st Class
- Chief Petty officer
- Senior Chief Petty officer
- Master Chief Petty officer
- Command Master Chief Petty officer
- Master Chief Petty officer of the Coast Guard
Officer Ranks are also listed in order of lowest to highest:
- Chief Warrant officer 2
- Chief Warrant officer 3
- Chief Warrant officer 4
- Chief Warrant officer 5
- Ensign
- Lieutenant Junior Grade
- Lieutenant
- Lieutenant Commander
- Commander
- Captain
- Rear Admiral (lower half)
- Rear Admiral (upper half)
- Vice Admiral
- Admiral Chief of Naval Operation/Commandant of the Coast Guard