Rankings
Military Ranks
Five Star General | Four Star General | Three Star General | Major General | Brigadier General | Colonel | Lieutenant Colonel | Major | Captain | First Lieutenant | Second Lieutenant | Sergeant Major of the Army | Command Sergeant | Sergeant Major | Master Sergeant | Sergeant First Class | Staff Sergeant | Sergeant | Corporal | Private First Class | Private
The Five Star General rank was first created on December 14, 1944. Only four Army Generals have held this position.
George C. Marshal
Douglas MacArthur
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Omar N. Bradley
Four Star General
Only officers who show great leadership and loyalty become four-star generals.
Three Star General
An officer in the Army, Air Force, or Marines who is above the rank of Major is a Three Star General.
Major General
Commands a division which is 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers.
Brigadier General
Commands a brigade within a division.
Colonel
Usually commands a regiment within a division.
Lieutenant Colonel
Usually commands a battalion made up of 300 to 1,000 soldiers. A battalion is within a regiment.
Major
Serves as a staff officer to a regiment or division commander.
Captain
A captain usually commands a company with a battalion.
First Lieutenant
May command platoons or companies.
Second Lieutenant
Lowest ranking commissioned officer.
Sergeant Major of the Army
Highest rank for a soldier.
Command Sergeant
Carries out standards, performances, training, and conduct to soldiers.
Sergeant Major
The key enlisted member of a battalion.
Master Sergeant
The lead non-commissioned officer at the battalion and sometimes higher levels.
Sergeant First Class
Most candidates have at least 15 years experience. Referred to as Senior NCO’s or Non-Commissioned Officers.
Staff Sergeant
Has more time and experience in the Army than the Sergeant.
Sergeant
Non Commissioned Officer above a Corporal.
Corporal
Lowest non-commissioned officer, often commands a squad.
Private First Class
Grade above private.
Private
lowest rank of enlisted men.
Source: Band of Brothers Field Guide, 2002 Home Box Office.