Officer ranks are managers, responsible for planning missions, giving orders, and assigning different tasks for operations. While the number of soldiers in Officer Ranks is relatively smaller, they play an important role in organizing enlisted soldiers, operating federal government equipment such as aircraft, ships, and armored vehicles, and providing professional services for medical, legal, and more.
Company-grade officers hold the most junior roles among commissioned officers in the U.S. Army. They handle troops, ranging from platoon to company level. Under company grade commissioned officers are second lieutenants, first lieutenants, and captains.
Second Lieutenants (2LT) are the most junior rank for commissioned officers. While they’re often considered entry-level, they lead a platoon of 16-44 soldiers and a platoon sergeant as the second in command. The pay grade of 2LTs is O-1.
First Lieutenant (1LT), also referred to as a senior lieutenant, has been in service for 18-24 months. On top of leading specialized weapons platoons, they head indirect fire computation centers. 1LT may also lead a company of up to 140 members. The pay grade of 1LT is O-2.
Captains (CPT) serve as unit commanders for a company composed of 3-5 platoons or 60-200 soldiers. They work with principal NCOs, leading skills instruction at Army combat training centers. CPTs are also often chosen as staff officers of a battalion. The pay grade of CPTs is O-3.
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Field grade officers, also called mid-grade officers, play a huge leadership role in the U.S. Army. They comprise 36% of the Office Ranks and hold considerable responsibilities, such as advisors, instructors, and leaders of most military operations.
Majors (MAJ) serve as the task force commander and staff officer at a brigade-level unit composed of 1,500-3,000 soldiers. They play a key role in the Army’s personnel, logistical, and operational missions. The pay grade of MAJs is O-4.
Lieutenant Colonels (LTC) oversee battalion-level units of 300-1,000 soldiers. They work closely with command sergeant majors as the principal NCO assistants for combat arms, combat support, and combat service support. The pay grade of LTCs is O-5.
Colonels (COL) are responsible for brigade-level operations, composed of 3 or more battalions or 1,500-3,200 soldiers. They are usually selected as chiefs for divisional-level staff agencies. COLs have a unique rank insignia, reflecting an eagle. The pay grade of COLs is O-6.
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General Commissioned Officers
General officers have the most military powers in the United States Army. They operate on a star rank structure— the higher number of stars, the higher the rank. Under general officers are brigadier general, major general, lieutenant colonel, general, and General of the Army.
Brigadier General (BG) serves as a deputy commander of a major general. Together, they oversee division-level units composed of 3-4 brigades or 16,000 soldiers. BGs are responsible for planning and coordinating personnel in a division. The pay grade of BGs is O-7.
Major Generals (MG) have a two-star rank insignia, showing their lead command at division-level units of 10,000-16,000 soldiers. They perform tactical operations for sustained battles and engagements of the U.S. Army. The pay grade of MGs is O-8.
Lieutenant Generals (LTG) lead one of the biggest units in the U.S. Army. They lead corps, comprising 2-5 divisions or 20,000-40,000 soldiers. LTGs are responsible for command, control, and logistical support, often assisted by a CSM. The pay grade of LTGs is O-9.
Generals (GEN) have the most seniority among general commissioned officers. They command field army, army group, and army region, composed of up to 1 million personnel. The rank insignia of GEN is made up of four stars, with a pay grade of O-10.
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