13 US Army Ranks in Order (2025)

Understanding the US Army Rank Structure

The US Army is one of the largest and most respected military forces in the world, with a rich history and a complex rank structure. The Army’s rank system is designed to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each soldier, from the lowest enlisted ranks to the highest officer ranks. In this article, we’ll explore the 13 US Army ranks in order, from lowest to highest.

Enlisted Ranks (E-1 to E-9)

The enlisted ranks are the backbone of the US Army, making up the majority of the force. These ranks are divided into three categories: junior enlisted, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and senior NCOs.

Junior Enlisted Ranks (E-1 to E-3)

• Private (E-1): The lowest enlisted rank in the Army, typically held by new recruits.
• Private Second Class (E-2): A higher rank than Private, typically held by soldiers who have completed basic training.
• Private First Class (E-3): A higher rank than Private Second Class, typically held by soldiers who have gained experience and demonstrated leadership potential.

Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Ranks (E-4 to E-6)

• Corporal (E-4): The first NCO rank, typically held by soldiers who have demonstrated leadership potential and completed specialized training.
• Sergeant (E-5): A higher rank than Corporal, typically held by soldiers who have gained experience and demonstrated leadership skills.
• Staff Sergeant (E-6): A higher rank than Sergeant, typically held by soldiers who have gained significant experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.

Senior NCO Ranks (E-7 to E-9)

• Sergeant First Class (E-7): A higher rank than Staff Sergeant, typically held by soldiers who have gained significant experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.
• Master Sergeant (E-8): A higher rank than Sergeant First Class, typically held by soldiers who have gained extensive experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.
• Sergeant Major (E-9): The highest enlisted rank in the Army, typically held by soldiers who have gained extensive experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.

Warrant Officer Ranks (W-1 to W-5)

Warrant officers are technical experts in their field, holding specialized ranks that are separate from the enlisted and officer ranks.

• Warrant Officer 1 (W-1): The lowest warrant officer rank, typically held by soldiers who have completed specialized training and demonstrated expertise in their field.
• Chief Warrant Officer 2 (W-2): A higher rank than Warrant Officer 1, typically held by soldiers who have gained experience and demonstrated exceptional expertise in their field.
• Chief Warrant Officer 3 (W-3): A higher rank than Chief Warrant Officer 2, typically held by soldiers who have gained significant experience and demonstrated exceptional expertise in their field.
• Chief Warrant Officer 4 (W-4): A higher rank than Chief Warrant Officer 3, typically held by soldiers who have gained extensive experience and demonstrated exceptional expertise in their field.
• Chief Warrant Officer 5 (W-5): The highest warrant officer rank, typically held by soldiers who have gained extensive experience and demonstrated exceptional expertise in their field.

Officer Ranks (O-1 to O-10)

The officer ranks are divided into three categories: company-grade officers, field-grade officers, and general officers.

Company-Grade Officer Ranks (O-1 to O-3)

• Second Lieutenant (O-1): The lowest officer rank, typically held by new officers who have completed officer training.
• First Lieutenant (O-2): A higher rank than Second Lieutenant, typically held by officers who have gained experience and demonstrated leadership potential.
• Captain (O-3): A higher rank than First Lieutenant, typically held by officers who have gained significant experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.

Field-Grade Officer Ranks (O-4 to O-6)

• Major (O-4): A higher rank than Captain, typically held by officers who have gained extensive experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.
• Lieutenant Colonel (O-5): A higher rank than Major, typically held by officers who have gained significant experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.
• Colonel (O-6): A higher rank than Lieutenant Colonel, typically held by officers who have gained extensive experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.

General Officer Ranks (O-7 to O-10)

• Brigadier General (O-7): The lowest general officer rank, typically held by officers who have gained extensive experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.
• Major General (O-8): A higher rank than Brigadier General, typically held by officers who have gained significant experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.
• Lieutenant General (O-9): A higher rank than Major General, typically held by officers who have gained extensive experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.
• General (O-10): The highest rank in the Army, typically held by officers who have gained extensive experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.

👮 Note: The ranks listed above are the standard ranks used in the US Army, but there may be variations depending on the specific unit or branch.

In conclusion, the US Army rank structure is designed to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each soldier, from the lowest enlisted ranks to the highest officer ranks. Understanding the ranks and their responsibilities is essential for any soldier, and can help to promote a sense of pride and professionalism within the Army.