Commissioned officers are authorized to use deadly force to carry out the lawful orders of their government, either directly or through orders to non-commissioned officers or soldiers.

Having officers is one requirement for combatant status under the laws of war.

Table of contents

1 Commissioned Officer Ranks 2 US Commissioned Officer Ranks 2.1 Army / Air Force / Marine Corps 2.2 Navy / Coast Guard 3 See also 4 External links 4.3 Official sites 5 References

Commissioned Officer Ranks

• Lieutenant
• Captain
• Major
• Colonel
• General
• Field Marshall

• 2nd Lieutenant
• 1st Lieutenant
• Captain
• Major
• Lieutenant Colonel
• Colonel
• Brigadier General
• Major General
• Lieutenant General
• General
• General of the Army or General of the Air Force
  • on war time only
  • exclusive Army and Air Force rank

• Ensign
• Lieutenant, Junior Grade
  • or simply 'j.g'
• Lieutenant
• Lieutenant Commander
• Commander
• Captain
• Rear Admiral (Lower Half)
• Rear Admiral (Upper Half)
• Vice Admiral
• Admiral
• Fleet Admiral
  • on war time only
  • exclusive Navy rank

• Comparative military ranks

Official sites

• U.S. DoD Officer Rank Insignia