Once you decide to join the Army, your success depends only on your desire and commitment to become a better Soldier. Below are the various Army ranks — for Enlisted Soldiers as well as Warrant Officers and Officers. While the amount of time spent in each rank is based on averages, you can often accelerate the promotion process by taking advantage of additional training and schooling opportunities.
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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).
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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).
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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.
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MAJOR (MAJ)
Serves as primary Staff Officer for brigade and task force command regarding personnel, logistical and operational missions.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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MAJOR GENERAL (MG)
Typically commands division-sized units (10,000 to 15,000 Soldiers).
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LIEUTENANT GENERAL (LTG)
Typically commands corps-sized units (20,000 to 45,000 Soldiers).
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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.
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GENERAL OF THE ARMY (GOA)
This is only used in time of War where the Commanding Officer must be equal or of higher rank than those commanding armies from other nations. The last officers to hold this rank served during and immediately following WWII.
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