Enlisted Rank: E-1 Private
Salary: $1,917.60 / month
A Private in the U.S. Army holds the entry-level position. Picture a brand-new recruit stepping into Basic Combat Training, which everyone casually calls "Basic." At this stage, their main focus is to learn the ropes, follow instructions, and carry out their assigned soldier tasks. It comes with minimal responsibilities as they absorb all the essential training.
Now, let's talk about Privates with the rank of E-1. These newcomers don't sport any badges indicating their position on their uniforms. As soon as they sign up for the Army, they're granted this initial rank and swiftly head off to basic training. This training is where their journey begins – a journey that starts without insignias but with lots of enthusiasm and the determination to learn and grow.
Full-time soldiers benefits include zero out-of-pocket cost for health insurance coverage.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
E-2 Private Second Class
Salary: $2,149.20 / month
Imagine taking a step forward from the starting point of a Private in the United States Army. This next rank, "PV2," stands just above the initial Private position. These soldiers are more experienced, with a single chevron on their uniform to set them apart from recruits. It's like moving up a rung on the ladder, showing they're growing and learning in their role.
Among all the soldiers in the active Army, those holding the E-2 rank of Private are the foundational building blocks. They're responsible for themselves and have a specific duty to perform, which they carry out to the best of their abilities. Following orders from their superiors is a vital part of their role as they continue to develop their skills and contribute to the team.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
E-3 Private First Class
Salary: $2,259.90 - $2,547.60 / month
Meet the Private First Class, the top-tier Private in the Army. These folks are known as experts in personal responsibility, tackling every task and order with their utmost effort. They're the team's backbone, leading by example and setting high standards.
Whether someone is just stepping into basic training or has military experience, they can jump in at the Private First Class rank. These soldiers are the heart of the U.S. Army, making up the most prominent group within the ranks. Throughout this position, they become pros at their duties, getting ready to level up and take on leadership roles, guiding and overseeing fellow soldiers in their journey.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
E-4 Specialist
Salary: $2,503.50 - $3,039.30 / month
When you're a soldier in the Army and reach the rank of Specialist, you step into a role that comes with leadership duties. Specialists guide a small group of lower-ranking soldiers, often including privates from different classes.
Officially, a specialist's job is to ensure the soldiers they oversee are experts at their specific tasks. Specialists are experts, too, knowing all about every soldier's unique skills and responsibilities. This expertise is why they're called specialists. This rank is quite common in the Army and is earned after at least two years of service and consistently showing excellent performance in their duties.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
E-4 Corporal
Salary: $2,503.50 - $3,039.30 / month
In the Army, soldiers who hold the rank of Corporal belong to the first level among Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs). These NCOs have essential tasks, like taking care of soldiers' training, performance, appearance, and overall well-being.
Corporals are like team leaders. Even though this role is often given to Specialists because that rank is more common than Corporal, officially, the Corporals are responsible. This leadership duty is special because NCOs are meant to lead soldiers. Corporals lead a small group of soldiers, usually two to five, directly in charge of everything related to their military lives. Plus, they're there to support their soldiers in their personal lives, making sure everything is okay and helping out whenever problems arise.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
E-5 Sergeant
Salary: $2,730.30 - $3,874.80 / month
Meet the Sergeant, a vital member of the United States Army. These soldiers with the rank of Sergeant step up as squad leaders, leading groups of about eight to fourteen soldiers.
Sometimes, Sergeants might find themselves in charge of smaller teams when there's a surplus of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) who hold the rank of Sergeant or higher. According to the Army's organization plan, Sergeants are supposed to be team leaders, with Staff Sergeants having the role of squad leaders. However, because of the number of Sergeants in the Army and how promotions work, it's more common for Sergeants to be squad leaders instead of team leaders.
Sergeants have essential responsibilities, including caring for their assigned soldiers' everyday needs, training, gear, appearance, and fitness. They're also there to support their soldiers in their personal lives, ensuring everything is going well or assisting them in resolving problems that might arise.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
E-6 Staff Sergeant
Salary: $2,980.50 - $4,616.40 / month
Introducing the Staff Sergeant, a significant non-commissioned officer (NCO) in the United States Army. These capable leaders typically take charge of a squad of around 9 to 10 soldiers.
In exceptional cases, a Staff Sergeant might find themselves leading a more extensive group like a platoon, which includes two to four squads comprising anywhere from 16 to 50 soldiers. Staff Sergeants often have one or more Sergeants working alongside them within their leadership role. They assess their subordinates' performance through regular Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Reports.
With their extensive experience, Staff Sergeants are relied upon to guide and effectively lead soldiers and newly promoted NCOs. Alongside frontline NCOs, soldiers become Staff Sergeants for roles that provide support at the headquarters level, known as "Staff NCOs."
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
E-7 Sergeant First Class
Salary: $3,445.80 - $6,193.50 / month
The Sergeant First Class (SFC) is the initial senior non-commissioned officer rank, placed seventh among enlisted ranks (E-7) in the U.S. Army. They usually serve as platoon sergeants in companies or take up roles as battalion operations noncommissioned officers at the battalion level.
In combat arms, they lead groups ranging from 18 soldiers and four tanks to 40 soldiers in rifle platoons. Their responsibilities include: Training and mentoring lieutenants, Handling tactical logistics, Coordinating casualty evacuations, Serving as a senior tactical advisor to platoon leaders.
They might even step into the role of platoon leader if no suitable officer is available. While addressed as "sergeant" in most cases, they might be referred to as "smoke" in cannon artillery units or informally as "platoon daddy." As the first senior non-commissioned officer, they enjoy several benefits and recognition, including immunity to demotion through standard non-judicial punishment.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
E-8 Master Sergeant
Salary:$ 4,957.20 - $7,069.80 / month
A Master Sergeant (MSG) in the United States Army is the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer (NCO) at the battalion level or higher.
They share the same pay grade as First Sergeants but usually have fewer direct leadership responsibilities. Promotion to the rank of First Sergeant is based on a competitive point system. An NCO must have at least eight years of Time in Service (TIS) to be eligible for promotion to the higher rank of First Sergeant.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
E-8 First Sergeant
Salary: $4,957.20 - $7,069.80 / month
An esteemed role within the United States Army, a First Sergeant holds the position of a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO). Operating in the same grade of E-8 as Master Sergeants, those who attain this level usually possess a minimum of 15 years of Army experience, often exceeding this threshold with years of dedicated service.
Soldiers who reach the rank of First Sergeant serve as the senior NCO in a company-sized unit encompassing approximately 150 soldiers. They stand out as the epitome of tactical and technical competence, having gained extensive experience as NCOs within companies. Positioned as the ultimate authority at the company level, they not only enforce standards and discipline but also serve as the ultimate reference on all aspects of soldiering, ranging from tactics and techniques to procedures and the life of a United States Army member. Their influence is profound, as soldiers under their guidance hold them in high regard. Even officers collaborating with them at the company level acknowledge them as experts and often the ultimate authority on Army matters, despite officers technically holding higher ranks.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
E-9 Sergeant Major
Salary: $6,055.50 - $9,402.30 / month
Sergeants Majors are distinguished non-commissioned officers (NCOs) within the United States Army and hold the highest rank among enlisted soldiers across the military hierarchy.
Soldiers who attain the rank of Sergeant Major are strategically placed at the battalion level or beyond, fulfilling crucial staff roles. In these positions, they contribute extensively by participating in the planning, allocation of resources, and execution of unit missions. Their wealth of experience and expertise garnered throughout their careers allows them to offer invaluable insights and guidance, enhancing the efficiency of future operations. Boasting at least eighteen years of service in the Army and often exceeding that benchmark, their proficiency and skill set, encompassing both technical and tactical aspects, stand on par with their fellow Sergeants Major.
While they don't hold direct leadership positions—occupied by Command Sergeants Major, NCOs of the same rank but with distinct responsibilities—Sergeants Major maintain authority over those in staff roles underneath them. Even though others oversee leadership decisions, these seasoned individuals are frequently sought for advice and assistance, solidifying their pivotal role in the hierarchy.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
E-9 Command Sergeant Major
Salary: $6,055.50 - $9,402.30 / month
Within the United States Army, Command Sergeants Major stand as distinguished non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Like Sergeants Major, they hold the highest rank among enlisted soldiers, sharing the same grade while undertaking distinct duties and responsibilities.
In the military hierarchy, Command Sergeants Major assume leadership roles from the battalion level to encompass units at various echelons, including brigades, divisions, corps, combatant commands, forces, and commands. This chain of leadership culminates at the highest level of the Army with the esteemed position of the Sergeant Major of the Army. Within their units, they hold the respectable title of the most senior NCO and serve as the ultimate authority on enforcing standards and discipline. Their sphere of influence extends to all facets of military life that soldiers encounter.
Operating alongside unit commanders at the battalion level and beyond, Command Sergeants Major contribute invaluable insights and advice. Their collaboration with these officers is instrumental in shaping unit training and preparedness decisions as they strive to accomplish assigned missions. These exceptional individuals epitomize the pinnacle of achievement among enlisted soldiers in the United States Army.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
E-9 Sergeant Major of the Army
Salary: $6,055.50 - $9,402.30 / month
The Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) holds the most esteemed position among enlisted soldiers in the entirety of the United States Army. This position is singular, maintained by one enlisted soldier at a time, and carries the utmost prestige and honor among all ranks, titles, and roles within the enlisted ranks.
The SMA stands at the Chief of Staff of the Army's (CSA) side, the highest-ranking and most senior general officer in the Army. This role entails being both a trusted advisor to the CSA and the ultimate authority on standards and discipline for all soldiers in the Army, whether enlisted or officers. Furthermore, the SMA addresses any or all issues concerning the Army's enrolled members at the highest echelon. Although the CSA determines the specific duties and responsibilities, certain aspects, such as those mentioned, have become standard for all SMAs. In addition to these responsibilities, SMAs carry out orders and tasks assigned to them by their respective CSA. Ultimately, they play a crucial role in ensuring senior officers, particularly the CSA, understand how policies and actions at the Army level impact soldiers in active units.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
Warrant Officer Rank: W-1 Warrant Officer 1
Salary: $3,555.00 - $6,143.40 / month
Warrant Officers are exceptionally skilled and proficient soldiers within the U.S. Army, specializing in distinct fields that demand technical and tactical expertise.
Beginning their journey as Warrant Officer 1 (WO1), these individuals retain their status as technical and tactical experts even at this initial rank. WO1s hold the responsibilities from the team level, encompassing teams of 7 to 25 soldiers (varying based on the team type), all the way up to the battalion level, which comprises around 800 soldiers.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
W-2 Chief Warrant Officer 2
Salary: $4,050.30 - $6,760.20 / month
Moving up the Warrant Officer ranks from WO1, we reach Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2). These individuals possess heightened experience and mastery as tactical and technical specialists within their designated military disciplines.
Just like WO1s, CW2s hold roles from the team to the battalion level. However, the number of CW2s is generally fewer than that of WO1s, and these warrant officers are accountable to CW2s. Among the Warrant Officer ranks, CW2s are particularly prevalent, fulfilling positions at the unit levels—ranging from teams to battalions—which are abundant in the Army. CW2s distinguish themselves for their elevated technical and tactical competence, surpassing even non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Their expertise and experience assist NCOs in effectively executing their duties, contributing to the unit's successful accomplishment of its mission.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
W-3 Chief Warrant Officer 3
Salary: $4,577.70 - $8,029.50 / month
Ascending from the CW2 rank, we encounter Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3). These individuals are highly seasoned tactical and technical specialists, regarded by their fellow military members as advanced experts in their specific military disciplines.
CW3s are vested with the capacity to operate effectively across a broad spectrum, from the team level comprising 7 to 25 soldiers to the expansive brigade level, which encompasses around 5000 soldiers. Their substantial experience and craft expertise enable them to support operations within and between these levels directly. Owing to the depth of their knowledge and the level at which they operate, CW3s occupy a relatively less common rank within the Army's hierarchy.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
W-4 Chief Warrant Officer 4
Salary: $5,012.40 - $9,336.30 / month
Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) stands as a higher echelon within the Warrant Officer ranks, embodying unparalleled tactical and technical expertise that exceeds even the capabilities of CW3s. These accomplished individuals are renowned for their leadership acumen. They are often considered the foremost authorities in their specialized domains within their units, spanning from battalion to division.
Operating at levels ranging from battalion to brigade, division to corps, and occasionally beyond, CW4s are exceptional assets within the Army due to their rare combination of technical proficiency and leadership prowess. With mastery rivaled solely by their fellow CW4s and the scarcely awarded CW5 rank holders, CW4s assume multifaceted roles, serving as technical authorities, system managers, sustainment specialists, and integrators within their respective units. As their experience deepens, CW4s are poised to take on the intricate task of harmonizing operations across Army branches ("combined" operations) and even coordinating endeavors across different military units ("joint" operations).
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
W-5 Chief Warrant Officer 5
Salary: $8,912.10 - $11,662.50 / month
The most exceptional and seldom-seen rank in the United States Army is Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5). Soldiers earn this prestigious rank and title by exhibiting unparalleled mastery of their chosen military branch's technical and tactical dimensions. Beyond this, CW5s show potent leadership skills, a keen understanding of combined and joint operations, and a demonstrated propensity for innovation.
CW5s are heralded as unparalleled leaders within the Warrant Officer Corps, standing out as the foremost experts in their chosen craft within their units. Their ranks encompass those operating at unit levels spanning from brigades to forces command. Their duties mirror those of CW4s, encompassing roles as technical authorities, leaders, systems managers, sustainment specialists, integrators of systems and units, advisors, and maintainers. In addition to their operational responsibilities, CW5s advise senior leaders within the Army. Their insights are sought-after for optimizing the Army's internal functioning and role within the broader United States military power spectrum.
Although their contributions often remain unsung and their recognition is infrequent in the public eye, CW5s play an indispensable role in the present functioning of the Army and its adaptability to an evolving world and an uncertain future.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
Officer Rank: O-1 Second Lieutenant
Salary: $3,637.20 - $4,576.80 / month
An officer in the United States Army, a Second Lieutenant holds a significant role within the ranks. Officers of this rank assume the leadership as commanders of a platoon-sized element comprising 15 to 50 soldiers or as staff officers. During their tenure as Second Lieutenants, they experience both types of positions. Commanding a platoon, known formally as a platoon leader, holds greater prestige and is a requisite for officers progressing to the next rank. This role typically lasts 12 to 24 months, leading to promotion to First Lieutenant. Before taking on the command of a platoon, Second Lieutenants engage in staff officer duties to prepare for the responsibilities of leading a platoon.
While in the pivotal role of a platoon leader, Second Lieutenants oversee a team of five senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs): a platoon sergeant (E-6 or E-7) and four squad leaders (E-5 or E-6). Below these NCOs, a variable number of junior NCOs (E-4 or E-5) assume other leadership roles. The remaining composition of the platoon primarily consists of soldiers (ranging from E-1 to E-4). A platoon leader's responsibilities encompass planning and supervising unit training, guiding its execution, and leading the unit through adept utilization of orders and disciplined initiative. The NCOs carry out these tasks under the platoon leader's guidance, establishing a collaborative synergy that defines the role of a Second Lieutenant in this context.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
O-2 First Lieutenant
Salary: $4,190.70 - $5,799.30 / month
A First Lieutenant holds a commissioned officer position within the United States Army. Similar to second lieutenants, officers who attain this rank assume roles as leaders of a platoon-sized unit comprising 15 to 50 soldiers or as staff officers. Every first lieutenant carries one of these positions during their tenure at this rank.
Commanding a platoon, officially termed a platoon leader, represents the sole role required of a lieutenant to advance to the subsequent rank. This role is both prestigious and fundamental, as it's the purpose for which the Army commissions lieutenants first and second. Depending on their past roles as second lieutenants, first lieutenants will serve varying durations as both platoon leaders and staff officers. Unlike the second lieutenant rank, staff officer responsibilities for first lieutenants typically follow their command of a platoon. This arrangement allows officers the time needed to prepare for the pursuit of the captain's next rank.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
O-3 Captain
Salary: $4,849.80 - $7,890.60 / month
Captains hold commissioned officer ranks in the U.S. Army, secured through appointments by the Secretary of the Army. Their primary role centers on commanding company-sized units, typically comprising 150 soldiers. In addition, they can undertake staff positions or pursue professional development to equip them for more significant responsibilities in the future. Such developmental initiatives occur after fulfilling their primary duty as company commanders.
As the highest authority within company-sized units, captains assume ultimate accountability for every facet of their unit's operations, from company matters to individual involvement. The U.S. Army formally designates captains to be responsible for every action and inaction of their company. They serve as legal enforcers of standards and discipline, with support from the First Sergeant. Beyond this, they also play a crucial role in training their unit members, ensuring consistent preparedness for mission execution. Moreover, captains exercise financial authority at the company level to secure the necessary resources for successful mission fulfillment. Captains can also undertake roles as staff officers in larger units like battalions or brigades, contributing to resource allocation, planning, and unit functioning. Alongside these responsibilities, captains can dedicate time to professional development, which could involve pursuing advanced degrees or participating in Army-specific courses aimed at grooming them for elevated roles as officers with heightened responsibilities.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
O-4 Major
Salary: $5,516.40 - $9,210.30 / month
Majors are commissioned officers within the U.S. Army, securing their commissions upon appointment by the Secretary of the Army. Their core responsibility lies in serving as staff officers for battalion or brigade-sized units, encompassing approximately 800 or 5000 soldiers, respectively. Alongside this role, majors may allocate a portion of their tenure to attending graduate school or professional-development programs, all facilitated by the Army in exchange for extended service. This initiative aims to cultivate officers equipped for heightened responsibilities in the future.
Primarily, majors commonly assume positions as operations officers (S-3) or executive officers (X.O.) within battalions or brigades. They take these roles due to their comprehensive experience as platoon leaders and staff officers during their lieutenant and captain tenures. This diverse experience equips majors with profound insights into the requirements of platoons and companies, along with a strategic grasp of how battalions and brigades can effectively address these needs and contribute to mission success.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
O-5 Lieutenant Colonel
Salary: $6,393.30 - $10,861.80 / month
Lieutenant Colonels, ranked as O-5 commissioned officers, play a significant role within the United States Army. Their commission is granted upon appointment by the Secretary of the Army, emphasizing their role as seasoned officers.
The principal duty of Lieutenant Colonels centers on leading battalion-sized units, typically consisting of around 800 soldiers. In addition to battalion command, they can also assume brigade-level or higher staff roles, contributing to unit planning, resourcing, and overall functionality. As battalion commanders, Lieutenant Colonels hold ultimate authority over all battalion activities, shouldering responsibility for actions and omissions. These officers receive support from a Command Sergeant Major (E-9), who offers guidance and assistance in pursuing effective battalion command and mission accomplishment. Similar to Majors, Lieutenant Colonels belong to the category of field-grade officers, which distinguishes them from company-grade officers like lieutenants and captains. Rather than directly participating in soldier operations, Lieutenant Colonels oversee the coordination of all units within their battalions, ensuring collective efforts harmonize to achieve mission objectives.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
O-6 Colonel
Salary: $7,669.20 - $13,576.50 / month
Colonels, classified as O-6 commissioned officers, occupy vital roles within the United States Army. Their commission is granted through appointment by the Secretary of the Army, solidifying their position as seasoned leaders.
Primarily, Colonels assume the pivotal role of commanding brigade-sized units, which typically encompass around 5000 soldiers. Beyond this role, individuals holding the rank of Colonel can serve as staff officers or lead smaller teams within specialized branches like law or medicine. Irrespective of their command's size, Colonels wields the ultimate authority over their units, assuming responsibility for every aspect of their unit's actions or inactions. As the highest-ranking officers in the field-grade category, Colonels hold a prestigious and respected position. Earning the Colonel requires exceptional qualifications and is a highly esteemed achievement, awarded only to the most proficient officers.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
O-7 Brigadier General
Salary: $10,113.00 - $15,110.10 / month
Brigadier Generals hold a significant role as commissioned officers within the United States Army, achieving their commission through appointment by the President of the United States upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the Army. Serving at the O-7 grade, they fulfill an essential function in the military hierarchy.
Unlike specific branch officers, Brigadier Generals, also referred to as general officers, stand as distinguished experts in leadership, technical knowledge, and tactics, contributing to the broader scope of the Army. This overall focus marks a departure from the field-grade officer ranks, emphasizing their role as leaders capable of overseeing multifaceted organizations. The title of general officer underscores their versatile leadership, distinguishing them from branch-specific officers. Primarily, Brigadier Generals assume the role of deputy commanders within brigade or division-sized units, encompassing approximately 5000 or 14000 soldiers, respectively. This position places them under the guidance of Major Generals, allowing them to learn the responsibilities and duties associated with a general officer.
Securing a general officer position is even more challenging than the already highly esteemed Colonel ranks, highlighting the extensive experience, expertise, and leadership aptitude emblematic of these positions.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
O-8 Major General
Salary: $12,170.70 - $17,545.80 / month
Major Generals play a crucial role as commissioned officers within the United States Army, receiving their commission through appointment by the President of the United States upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the Army. As O-8 grade officers, their significance lies in their leadership of divisions.
Serving as division commander overseeing approximately 14000 soldiers is a remarkable honor intertwined with immense responsibility. This elevated role includes commanding and leading the posts where these divisions are stationed, further amplifying the duties assigned to officers in such esteemed positions. As officers attain the rank of Major General, they garner increased experience as general officers, following their service as Brigadier Generals, positioning them to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with their rank confidently.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
O-9 Lieutenant General
Salary: $17,201.40 - $17,675.10 / month
Lieutenant Generals (LTGs) are esteemed commissioned officers in the United States Army, granted their commission through appointment by the President of the United States based on the recommendation of the Secretary of the Army. As O-9 grade officers, their role is pivotal in high-level command structures.
Lieutenant Generals mainly assume positions as commanders of significant commands, including combatant powers, or as prominent staff officers at higher echelons within the Army, such as TRADOC or forces command. These accomplished officers can also serve in specialized roles, exemplified by positions like the United States Military Academy Superintendent at West Point. Appointment to the rank of Lieutenant General is associated with specific job requirements outlined in regulations (MTO&E), reflecting the highly distinguished nature of their roles. The tenure of the Lieutenant General rank depends on the duration of the associated position, and officers may revert to their previous general officer rank, often Major General, though sometimes Brigadier General. In select instances, officers advance to full General (O-10). Frequently, LTG culminates their careers in the positions that warranted their rank, contributing to the perception of the LTG rank and its accompanying roles as terminal appointments.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
O-10 General
Salary: $17,675.10 / month
A General, a distinguished commissioned officer in the United States Army, attains their commission through appointment by the President of the United States, based on endorsements from both the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Army. This esteemed rank, marked by four stars worn on the uniform, designates the highest echelon of military leadership and responsibility within the O-10 grade.
Generals, holding the rank of General and set apart from other general officer grades, serve as commanders of utmost authority and distinction. The title "four-star" is frequently employed to succinctly denote their status, characterized by the four stars emblematic of their rank. The rank of General is the pinnacle of military achievement for an officer, as the title of General of the Army is reserved for instances of total warfare, as witnessed in World War II. Generals command vital posts such as TRADOC or Forces Command within the Army's highest echelons. Furthermore, they can ascend to roles as consequential as the Chief of Staff of the Army or participation in the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In terms of expertise, technical acumen, tactical proficiency, and leadership prowess, the other Army personnel, apart from Command Sergeants Major, are the same the experience and capabilities of Generals.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
O-10 General of the Army
Salary: $17,675.10 / month
As of 2023, Throughout the history of the United States Army, only nine individuals have been granted the esteemed distinction of holding the rank of General of the Army.
This elevated rank, marked by its exclusivity, is reserved for those who exhibit exceptional qualifications in leadership, tactical prowess, and technical proficiency across their military careers. Its conferment is made during wartime necessity, responding to the need to safeguard the nation's interests. General of the Army designates the highest echelon of military command, signifying that its occupants stand unparalleled in authority within the Army's hierarchy. With control over all Army units, these individuals orchestrate the strategic deployment of forces to fulfill the paramount mission of safeguarding the nation's ideals and protecting its Constitution by vanquishing adversaries.
Benefits: Comprehensive Family Coverage (Free Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage for full-time service), VA Home Loans ($0 down low interest rate, no mortgage insurance loans), Tuition Assistance Programs (Training Programs, College Tuition, Certifications, etc.), 30 Day Paid Vacation (Plus national holidays, weekends and sick days).
Conclusion
The U.S. Army is the largest branch of service, with a greater variety of units than the other services. Each team has a different organization and purpose, providing the combatant commander with an array of higher headquarters trained and equipped to apply land power. The theater Army, corps, and division work together to provide the necessary command and control for land operations.
With a comprehensive understanding of the ranks, qualifications, and responsibilities within the U.S. military, it becomes evident that every position plays a crucial role in the success and effectiveness of the armed forces. From the enlisted soldiers who carry out orders on the ground to the high-ranking officers who provide strategic leadership, each individual contributes to the collective strength of the military. Through their dedication, skills, and commitment, they ensure the safety and security of the nation.