The British Army ranks system is a structured hierarchy used to organize personnel, define responsibilities, and establish a chain of command. It is broadly divided into Other Ranks (ORs) and Officers, each with distinct roles, abbreviations, and forms of address.
Other Ranks (Non-Commissioned Ranks)
Private (Pte)
- Description: The entry-level rank for most soldiers, a Private performs basic duties as a member of a unit, under the supervision of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs). In some regiments, such as the Guards, alternative terms like Guardsman (Gdsm) are used, while the Royal Artillery uses Gunner (Gnr).
- Abbreviation: Pte (or specific titles as applicable).
- Address: Typically by surname, e.g., “Private Smith.” Regimental variations may also apply.
Lance Corporal (LCpl)
- Description: The first rank of leadership, Lance Corporals supervise small teams, often of 4 soldiers. They are typically in charge of tasks like managing equipment and ensuring discipline.
- Abbreviation: LCpl.
- Address: By rank and surname, e.g., “Lance Corporal Jones.”
Corporal (Cpl)
- Description: Corporals are junior NCOs who often serve as section commanders, responsible for leading groups of soldiers in combat or other tasks. In some specialized roles, such as clerks or mechanics, Corporals oversee technical teams.
- Abbreviation: Cpl.
- Address: By rank and surname, e.g., “Corporal Taylor.”
Sergeant (Sgt)
- Description: A senior NCO, Sergeants are often platoon-level leaders or instructors, responsible for training and maintaining discipline among troops. They frequently act as second-in-command to a Warrant Officer in their unit.
- Abbreviation: Sgt.
- Address: By rank and surname, e.g., “Sergeant Brown.”
Staff Sergeant (SSgt) / Colour Sergeant (CSgt)
- Description: This rank is equivalent but varies by unit. Staff Sergeants are typically found in technical or administrative roles, while Colour Sergeants serve in infantry regiments and are responsible for ceremonial duties and administration.
- Abbreviation: SSgt or CSgt.
- Address: By rank and surname, e.g., “Staff Sergeant Green” or “Colour Sergeant White.”
Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2)
- Description: WO2s are senior NCOs who act as deputy commanders or leaders in specialist roles within companies, batteries, or squadrons. They hold significant authority and expertise.
- Abbreviation: WO2.
- Address: “Mr./Ms.” or “Sir/Ma’am,” or by appointment title (e.g., “Company Sergeant Major”).
Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1)
- Description: The highest rank for NCOs, WO1s are senior advisors to commanding officers. Appointments include Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) and other high-level posts.
- Abbreviation: WO1.
- Address: “Mr./Ms.” or “Sir/Ma’am,” or by specific appointment (e.g., “Regimental Sergeant Major”).
Commissioned Officer Ranks
Second Lieutenant (2Lt)
- Description: The entry-level rank for commissioned officers, Second Lieutenants typically serve as platoon commanders, responsible for leading up to 30 soldiers.
- Abbreviation: 2Lt.
- Address: “Lieutenant” (the “Second” is rarely used in verbal address).
Lieutenant (Lt)
- Description: A more experienced junior officer, Lieutenants continue to serve as platoon commanders or in other leadership roles.
- Abbreviation: Lt.
- Address: “Lieutenant” followed by surname.
Captain (Capt)
- Description: Captains command companies, batteries, or squadrons, or serve as staff officers at the regimental or battalion level. They are critical in planning and operational roles.
- Abbreviation: Capt.
- Address: “Captain” and surname.
Major (Maj)
- Description: A senior officer rank, Majors typically serve as company commanders or as key staff officers at the battalion or brigade level.
- Abbreviation: Maj.
- Address: “Major” and surname.
Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)
- Description: Lt Cols command battalions or regiments and are responsible for strategic planning and operational execution within their units.
- Abbreviation: Lt Col.
- Address: “Colonel” and surname.
Colonel (Col)
- Description: Colonels often serve in senior staff or advisory roles at brigade and divisional levels, overseeing multiple battalions or managing high-level operational matters.
- Abbreviation: Col.
- Address: “Colonel” and surname.
Brigadier (Brig)
- Description: Brigadiers are the lowest general officer rank, commanding brigades or serving in senior staff roles.
- Abbreviation: Brig.
- Address: “Brigadier” and surname.
General Officer Ranks
Major General (Maj Gen)
- Description: Commands divisions or serves in senior staff roles. Responsible for overseeing large-scale military operations or managing significant departmental functions.
- Abbreviation: Maj Gen.
- Address: “General” and surname.
Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)
- Description: Typically commands corps or holds high-level administrative or operational posts in the British Army.
- Abbreviation: Lt Gen.
- Address: “General” and surname.
General (Gen)
- Description: Commands an army or serves as a senior advisor in the highest levels of the military structure.
- Abbreviation: Gen.
- Address: “General” and surname.
Field Marshal (FM)
- Description: The highest rank in the British Army, awarded only in exceptional circumstances, usually in wartime. Field Marshals are ceremonial figures with unparalleled authority.
- Abbreviation: FM.
- Address: “Field Marshal” and surname.
