The senior level of commisioned officer typically has over 20 to 30 years of experience and service.
Lieutenant-General (LGen)
Typically commands division-sized units (20,000 - 40,000 soldiers).
Major-General (MGen)
Typically commands division-sized units (10,000 - 16,000 soldiers).
Brigadier-General (BGen)
Serves as deputy commander to the commanding general for army divisions. Assists in overseeing the staff's planning and coordination of a mission.
Colonel (Col)
Typically commands brigae-sized units (1,500 - 3,200 soldiers), with a command sergeant major as the principal NCO assistant.
Typically the chief of divisional-level staff agencies.
Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol)
Typically commands battalion-sized units (300 - 1,000 soldiers), with a command sergeant major as the principal NCO assistant.
May also be selected for brigade and task force Executive Officer.
Major (Maj)
Serves as the primary staff officer for brigade and task force command regarding personnel, logistical and operational missions.
Captain
Commands and controls company-sized units (60 - 200 soldiers), together with a principal NCO assistant.
Instructs skills at service schools, combat training centers and is often a staff officer at the battalion level (300 - 1,000 soldiers).
Lieutenant (Lt)
A seasoned lieutenant with 18 to 24 months of service.
Leads more specialized weapons platoons and indirect fire computation centers.
Often selected to be the executive officer of a company-sized unit.
Second Lieutenant (2Lt)
Typically the entry-level rank for most commissioned officers
Leads platoon-size elements with a platoon sergeant and two or more squads (16 - 44 soldiers)
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO)
Master-level technical and tactical experts that support brigade, division, corps, echelons above corps, and major command operations.
Provide leader development, mentorship, advice, and counsel to warrant officers and branch officers.
Warrant Officer (WO)
Appointed by warrant from the secrretary of the army.
Technically and tactically focused officers who perform the primary duties of technical leader, trainer, operator, manager, maintainer, sustainer, and advisor.
Sergeant (Sgt)
Typically leads a team or section.
First line leaders who have the most direct impact on soldiers.
Oversee soldiers in their daily tasks.
Specialist (Spcl)
Can manage enlisted soldiers of lower rank.
Those enlisting with a four year college degree can enter basic combat training as a specialist.
Abbreviated SPC
Eligible for promotion to sergeant after 11 months time in rank and 47 months time in service.
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Corporal (Cpl)
Base of the noncommissioned officer ranks and abbreviated CPL
Serve as team leader of the smallest army units
Responsible for individual training, personal appearance and cleanliness of soldiers.
Private (Pte)
Second most junior rank in the Army, and the first at which a soldier wears rank insignia.
Abbreviated PV2.
Eligible for promotion to private first class after 4 months time in rank and 12 months time in service
Private Recruit (Pte (Recruit))
A trainee starting Basic Combat Training.
The most junior rank in the Army.
Abbreviated PV1.
Eligible for promotion to private E-2 (PV2) after six-months time in service.
Primary role is to carry out orders issued to them.