MCJROTC

"Every Marine, from the very beginning of their time in the Corps, holds a rank with an associated pay grade and set of responsibilities and education requirements. Making up a force that is always on the advance, Marines are expected to do all that is necessary to rise in rank with time and experience." - US Marines

officer ranks

General - A four-star general, the most senior officer rank, a General is nominated by the President and must also be confirmed for duty by the Senate.

Lieutenant General - A three-star general, a Lieutenant General is nominated by the President and must also be confirmed for duty by the Senate.

Major General - A two-star general, a Major General is nominated by the President and must also be confirmed for duty by the Senate.

Brigadier General - A one-star general, a Brigadier General is nominated by the President and must also be confirmed for duty by the Senate.

Colonel - Serves as a Regimental Commander, Brigade Executive Officer or Division Staff Member.

Lieutenant Colonel - A key decision-maker; may serve as a Battalion Commander.

Major - Typically serves in roles including Battalion Executive Officer, weapons Company Commanders, or Regimental or Brigade Staff Members.

Captain - Responsible for leading entire companies of Marines, serving as Company Commander, leading tactical operations with the support of Junior Commissioned Officers and Senior Enlisted Non-Commissioned Officers.

First Lieutenant - Leads in a similar way as Second Lieutenant but with increased responsibility immediately upon promotion.

Second Lieutenant - Leads at the Platoon or Company level and looks to their Senior Officers for guidance and the intent.

Warrant officer ranks

Chief Warrant Officer 5 - Warrant Officer Marines are officer-level technical specialists in their respective fields, providing leadership, training, and extensive knowledge to the Marines in their MOS. The advance to this rank, the Secretary of the Navy approves a warrant for a Sergeant of Staff NCO to be appointed a Warrant Officer. These Marines become Commissioned Officers when achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 - ^

Chief Warrant Officer 3 - ^

Chief Warrant Officer 2 - ^

Warrant Officer 1 - ^

Enlisted ranks

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps - The Senior Enlisted Marine of the entire Corps, personally selected by the Commandant.

Sergeant Major - Serves as the principal Enlisted Advisor for a Senior Marine Commander, making high level strategic decisions that impact the entire Marine Corps.

Master Gunnery Sergeant - Provides technical leadership as specialists in their specific MOS.

First Sergeant - Serves as the Senior Enlisted Marine in the company, assisting in their unit's discipline, administration, morale, and Marine welfare matters.

Master Sergeant - Provides technical leadership as specialists in their specific MOS.

Gunnery Sergeant - Serves as their unit's operations chief, working with superior officers on training, operations, and tactical advising.

Staff Sergeant - Responsible for the proficiency, training, and administration of Marines in their charge.

Sergeant - Marine NCOs have faced a number of physical and mental challengers and are considered experienced Marines. Beginning at the rank of Sergeant, Marine NCOs can seek the opportunity to serve as Drill Instructors in charge of a recruit training platoon.

Corporal - ^

Lance Corporal - These Marines are new to the Corps and are focused on developing and growing as an individual while honing their skills and core values.

Private First Class - ^

Private - ^