The British Army is a formidable military force with a long and rich history. With its impressive track record, it is important to understand the different ranks that make up the Army and their respective responsibilities. The ranks within the British Army are structured in a hierarchical manner, with each rank serving a specific purpose and playing a unique role in the overall functioning of the UK Army hierarchy.
The British Army consists of a diverse range of personnel, each with their own unique roles and responsibilities. These job roles in the UK military are defined by a series of ranks, ranging from the entry-level Private to the highest-ranking Field Marshal.
Soldier Ranks
Soldier ranks are the titles or grades given to soldiers, usually based on their seniority or length of service. Ranks in armies vary greatly, but typically reflect the hierarchy of the organisation.
A soldier’s rank is used to determine his or her level of authority and responsibility within the army.
The ranking system helps ensure that orders are executed and that resources are used effectively. In this section, we will explore the different types of soldier ranks and the roles and responsibilities associated with each rank.
Private
In the British Army, a private (Pte) is considered to be of the same rank as OR-1 and OR-2 on the NATO scale. Despite being the lowest rank, privates wear no insignia. Some regiments and corps in the British Armed Forces have adopted alternative titles for the rank of private.
Distinctive equivalents for private include:
- Airtrooper (AirTpr): Army Air Corps
- Bugler (Bgr): buglers in The Rifles and formerly also in other Rifle regiments
- Craftsman (Cfn): Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (women as well as men use this rank)
- Drummer (Dmr): drummers in infantry regiments
- Fusilier (Fus): Fusilier regiments
- Gunner (Gnr): Royal Artillery
- Guardsman (Gdsm): Foot Guards
- Highlander (Hldr): The Highlanders
- Kingsman (Kgn): Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment
- Musician (Musn): military bands (formerly if a military band had a Bandmaster, they would be known as Bandsman (Bdsm))
- Piper (Ppr): bagpipers in Scottish and Irish regiments
- Ranger (Rgr): Royal Irish Regiment (also previously Royal Irish Rangers)
- Rifleman (Rfn): Rifle regiments
- Sapper (Spr): Royal Engineers
- Signaller (Sig): Royal Corps of Signals (formerly called signalman)
- Trooper (Tpr): cavalry (Household Cavalry, Royal Armoured Corps, Special Air Service and Honourable Artillery Company)
- Trumpeter (Tptr): trumpeters in the Household Cavalry (and formerly in all cavalry regiments)
The rank of private is equivalent to the rank of able seaman in the Royal Navy, aircraftman, leading aircraftman and senior aircraftman in the Royal Air Force, and marine or bandsman in the Royal Marines. In the Boys’ Brigade, the rank of private is used when a boy moves from the junior section to the company section.
The term private originated from the medieval term “private soldiers”, referring to individuals who were either hired, conscripted, or mustered into service by a feudal nobleman commanding a battle group of an army, contrasting with mercenary soldiers. In modern times, soldiers with the rank of private can be conscripts or professional soldiers.
Lance Corporal
A Lance Corporal is a military rank that is typically the lowest non-commissioned officer (NCO) and equivalent to NATO Rank Grade OR-3. A Lance Corporal may be promoted after Initial Trade Training or after about 4 years of service as a Private. This rank is used by many armed forces worldwide, as well as by some police forces and other uniformed organisations.
Lance Corporals are responsible for supervising a small team of soldiers, usually numbering no more than four, known as a section. They also have opportunities to specialise and undergo specialised military training. In the British Army and Royal Marines, the Lance Corporal (LCpl) is the lowest ranking non-commissioned officer, and is placed between a Private and a Corporal. The badge of rank is represented by a single chevron worn on both sleeves or on an epaulette on the front of the uniform.
In the infantry, a Lance Corporal often serves as the second-in-command of a section and the commander of its delta fire team. This rank is also commonly held by specialists such as clerks, drivers, signallers, machine-gunners, and mortarmen. In the Intelligence Corps and Royal Military Police, all other ranks are promoted to Lance Corporal upon completion of their training.
Corporal
Corporal is a military or uniformed rank that typically falls between the ranks of lance-corporal and sergeant.
The rank of Corporal is used by the British Army, Royal Marines, and Royal Air Force, with different duties and responsibilities for each branch.
In the standard infantry role, a Corporal commands a section, with a lance-corporal as second-in-command. In the Royal Armoured Corps, a Corporal commands an individual tank.
The Household Cavalry and Foot Guards have different ranking systems where the ranks progress directly from lance-corporal to lance-sergeant.
The Royal Artillery has the rank of bombardier, while the Royal Navy has the equivalent rank of leading hand or leading rate.
The Army Cadet Force, Combined Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, and the Sea Cadet Corps all have the rank of Corporal, reflecting the structure of their parent service.
Corporal is the lowest NCO rank in the Royal Air Force, while in other branches it is considered the “backbone” of the organisation.
Sergeant
Sergeant (Sgt) is a non-commissioned officer rank in the British Army, ranked above Corporal and below Staff Sergeant. The rank is given a NATO code of OR-5 or OR-6. The insignia for a sergeant is three downward pointing chevrons.
In the British Army, sergeants are responsible for leading a section, which is a unit consisting of around 8-10 soldiers. They provide guidance and supervision to their subordinates, while also helping to plan and execute operations. They also assist in the training and development of new soldiers, and play a key role in maintaining discipline and morale within their section.
Sergeants may also hold additional responsibilities such as acting as a platoon sergeant or being appointed as a company quartermaster sergeant. They are typically seen as the first step towards higher non-commissioned officer ranks and are often considered to be the backbone of the British Army.
While sergeants in the British Army are usually addressed as “Sergeant” or “Sarge”, they can also be addressed by their appointment or its abbreviation, such as “Q” for a company quartermaster sergeant.
Staff Sergeant
A Staff Sergeant in the British Army is a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank. It is considered a mid-level management role, with responsibilities that include managing a unit of about 120 soldiers and potentially commanding a platoon or troop.
The rank is equivalent to a Flight Sergeant in the Royal Air Force, a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy, and a Colour Sergeant in the Royal Marines.
The rank insignia consists of the monarch’s crown above three downward pointing chevrons.
Staff Sergeants may also hold other appointments within the army, such as Company Quartermaster Sergeant, and they are known by that title if held. They are referred to and addressed as “Staff Sergeant” or “Staff” and never simply as “Sergeant”.
In some cavalry regiments, they may be addressed as “Sergeant Major”.
Subordinates typically address them as “Sir”.
Warrant Officer Class 2
Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) is a non-commissioned rank in the British Armed Forces and part of the highest group of non-commissioned ranks. WO2s hold the King’s or Queen’s Warrant, which is signed by the Secretary of State for Defence. They are senior management roles, responsible for the training, welfare, and discipline of a unit of up to 120 soldiers. WO2s act as advisers to the Major in command and may also be selected for a commission as an Officer.
WO2s wear a crown on their lower sleeve, surrounded by a wreath for quartermaster sergeants and all WO2s in the Royal Army Medical Corps and formerly in the 9th/12th Royal Lancers. The rank below WO2 is staff sergeant (or colour sergeant).
Warrant officers, including WO2s, are not saluted because they do not hold the King’s Commission, but they are addressed as “Sir” or “Ma’am” by subordinates. Commissioned officers may address warrant officers either by their appointment (e.g. QMSI, RSM, or Sergeant Major) or as “Mister”, “Mrs”, or “Ms”, followed by their last name (e.g. “Mr. Smith”).
Although warrant officers, including WO2s, are often referred to with non-commissioned officers (NCOs), they are not NCOs, but members of a separate group. However, all warrant officers, including WO2s, have been promoted from NCO rank.
Warrant Officer Class 1
Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) is the most senior non-commissioned rank in the British Army.
This rank is typically reached after 18 years of outstanding service. WO1s hold a King’s (or Queen’s) warrant, which is signed by the Secretary of State for Defence.
The warrant officers serve as the senior advisers to the Commanding Officer of their unit, with responsibilities for the leadership, discipline and welfare of up to 650 officers and soldiers and equipment.
WO1s wear a royal coat of arms on their lower sleeve and the insignia for those holding the most senior appointment of Conductor is the coat of arms surrounded by a wreath.
Most warrant officers have an appointment and are referred to by their appointment rather than rank. Appointments held by WO1s include:
- Academy Sergeant Major (AcSM)
- Army Sergeant Major
- Artificer Sergeant Major (ASM)
- Bandmaster (BM)
- Band Sergeant Major (BSM)
- Clerk of Works
- Conductor (Cdr)
- Drum Major
- Foreman of Signals (Information Systems) (FofS IS)
- Foreman of Signals (FofS)
- Garrison Sergeant Major (GSM)
- Master Gunner 1st Class
- Master Gunner 2nd Class
- Pipe Major
- Regimental Corporal Major (RCM)
- Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM)
- Regimental Sergeant Major Instructor (RSMI)
- Senior Drum Major
- Sergeant Major Instructor (SMI)
- Staff Sergeant Major (SSM)
- Yeoman of Signals (YofS)
- Yeoman of Signals (Electronic Warfare) (YofS (EW))
Officer Ranks
The British Army has a hierarchical structure with several distinct officer ranks.
The main difference between a soldier and an officer is their level of responsibility and leadership within the military.
Soldiers make up the majority of the armed forces and perform a range of tasks, from combat duties to support roles.
Officers, on the other hand, are responsible for leading soldiers and making strategic decisions. They typically receive more training, education, and support than soldiers, and hold higher ranks within the military hierarchy.
Officer Cadet
The rank of Officer Cadet is held by military cadets during their training to become commissioned officers in the United Kingdom.
This rank is used by trainee officers at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, the Royal Air Force College at RAF Cranwell, and students in the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS).
Officer Cadets are referred to as “Mr. Smith” or “Miss Smith,” and do not hold the King’s commission, so they are not saluted.
They can also be members of University Royal Naval Units, University Officer Training Corps, and University Air Squadrons, but these are not trainee officers and most do not choose a career in the military.
In the Army, Officer Cadets hold the rank during their training in the Regular Commissioning Course at Sandhurst or the Army Reserve Commissioning Course.
The rank is also held by members of the University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC), an army reserve unit for university students, and they receive payment for their duties.
The rank insignia for Officer Cadets in the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst includes an Austrian knot above one or two bars, and in the University Officers’ Training Corps, it includes zero to three horizontal bars on the rank slide.
Second Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant is a junior officer rank in the British Army and Royal Marines. It is the first rank held on commissioning from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and is usually held for 1 to 2 years. During this time, officers complete special to arms training relevant to their Corps. Once training is complete, second lieutenants are responsible for leading up to 30 soldiers in a platoon or troop, both in training and on operations.
The rank of second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1877 to replace the short-lived rank of sub-lieutenant, and it was already being used in the Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Fusilier, and Rifle regiments. Initially, the rank bore no distinct insignia. However, in 1902, a single Bath star was introduced and the number of stars for the ranks of lieutenant and captain were increased to two and three, respectively.
After completing their commissioning course at RMA Sandhurst, new British Army officers are normally commissioned as second lieutenants and continue with specific training with their units. Progression to the rank of lieutenant usually occurs after about a year. In the British armed forces, second lieutenant is not used as a form of address. Instead, a second lieutenant named, for example, Smith, is addressed and referred to as Mr Smith. The only exception is the use of alternative titles, such as ensign (Foot Guards) and cornet (in the Blues and Royals and Queen’s Royal Hussars).
The rank of second lieutenant plays an important role in the British armed forces, marking the start of an officer’s career and providing an introduction to leading soldiers in both training and operational environments.
Lieutenant
The rank of Lieutenant is a crucial step in the career of a military officer. It is typically held for 2 to 3 years and offers a significant increase in responsibilities compared to the rank of Second Lieutenant. As a Lieutenant, officers are in charge of leading a platoon or troop of approximately 30 soldiers.
The title of Lieutenant is used in the British Army and Royal Marines, and it has a NATO ranking code of OF-1. It is considered the senior subaltern rank and is equivalent to the rank of Flying Officer in the Royal Air Force. The British Army and Royal Navy used to have different ranking systems, with the Army rank being considered junior to the Navy’s rank of Lieutenant. However, they are now considered to be of equivalent status.
In the 21st-century British Army, Lieutenants have the opportunity to gain specialised skills outside of their unit and take on increased responsibilities. The rank is usually held for up to three years, providing officers with the experience and knowledge needed to progress to the next level of their military careers.
When addressing a Lieutenant, the rank is not used as a form of address. Instead, a Lieutenant named Smith would be addressed as Mr. Smith. This is in line with the tradition of addressing the lowest rank of Gentlemen as “Master” or “Mistress.”
The rank insignia for a Lieutenant has gone through several changes throughout the years. From 1856 to 1880, the rank insignia was a single crown worn on the collar. In 1881, the insignia was changed to a single pip on the shoulder, and in 1902 a second pip was added, which has remained the badge of rank to this day.
During World War I, some officers started wearing jackets similar to the soldiers, with the rank badges on the shoulder to avoid becoming a target for snipers. This practice was officially sanctioned in 1917 and became permanent in 1920 when the cuff badges were abolished.
The rank of Lieutenant is a critical step in the career of a military officer, offering increased responsibilities, specialised skills, and valuable experience. The rank is a significant milestone in the journey towards a successful military career and is held with pride and distinction by those who earn it.
Captain
The rank of Captain holds a unique and significant place in the military hierarchy. Typically held for a period of 5 to 10 years, Captains serve as junior officers in the British Army and Royal Marines, ranking above lieutenant and below major with a NATO ranking code of OF-2. In the 21st century, Captains are often appointed as second-in-command of a company or equivalent-sized unit of up to 120 soldiers, playing a critical role in the planning and decision-making process.
Captains hold a range of responsibilities, including tactical responsibility for operations on the ground, equipment maintenance, logistic support, and personnel. The rank of Captain in the Royal Navy is considerably more senior, equivalent to the rank of Colonel in the Army/RM, and should not be confused with its RAF equivalent, a flight lieutenant.
A Brief History of the Rank of Captain
The rank of Captain has a rich and interesting history. A rank of Second Captain existed in the Ordnance at the time of the Battle of Waterloo, and from 1918 to 1919, the Royal Air Force maintained the junior officer rank of Captain with an insignia based on the two bands of a naval lieutenant with the addition of an eagle and crown. This rank was eventually succeeded by the rank of flight lieutenant.
Badges of rank for Captains were introduced in 1855, worn on shoulder epaulettes. After the Crimean War, a new rank system was introduced, with a Captain’s rank insignia displayed on the collar, featuring a crown and a pip (which is now the rank insignia for a lieutenant-colonel). In 1880, the insignia was moved back to the shoulder boards for all officers in full dress, with Captains then having two stars. The 1902 change gave Captains three stars, which continues to be used today.
During World War I, some officers took to wearing similar jackets to the men, with rank badges on the shoulder, as the cuff badges made them conspicuous to snipers. This practice was eventually given official sanction in 1917 as an alternative, made permanent in 1920 when the cuff badges were abolished.
The role of the Captain is essential to the smooth running and effective operation of a military unit, making them a vital part of the military leadership team.
Major
Major is a military rank that is widely used in both the British Army and Royal Marines. The rank is above captain and below lieutenant colonel, and its insignia is a crown. In the Royal Navy, the equivalent rank is lieutenant commander, while in the Royal Air Force it is squadron leader.
The history of the major rank dates back to the Napoleonic wars when an infantry battalion typically had two majors, referred to as the senior major and junior major. The senior major served as second-in-command and often commanded detachments of two or more companies. This tradition of the second-in-command being a major continues to this day.
During World War I, the rank of major was maintained in the Royal Air Force, but it was later replaced by the rank of squadron leader. In the 21st century, British Army officers typically attain the rank of major after around 8 to 10 years of commissioned service. The typical role of a major is to command a sub-unit of up to 120 officers and soldiers and be responsible for their training, welfare, and administration.
Today, majors play a crucial role in commanding sub-units and are responsible for the training, welfare, and administration of their personnel.
Lieutenant Colonel
In the British Army and Royal Marines, the rank of lieutenant colonel (Lt Col) is a highly respected position of leadership and responsibility. Holding a higher rank than a major and lower than a colonel, the Lt Col typically commands a unit of up to 650 soldiers, with four or five sub-units under their control. As the Commanding Officer, the Lt Col is responsible for the overall operational effectiveness of their unit, including military capability, welfare, and discipline.
The rank insignia for a lieutenant colonel features a crown above a four-pointed “Bath” star, often referred to as a “pip”. The current crown is the Crown of St Edward. In many Commonwealth countries, the same rank insignia is used with the state emblem replacing the crown. The equivalent rank in the Royal Navy is commander, and in the Royal Air Force and many Commonwealth air forces it is wing commander.
In the modern British Armed Forces, the role of the lieutenant colonel as the established commander of a regiment or battalion is highly valued. Additionally, certain regiments in the British Army have honorary appointments such as Regimental Lieutenant Colonel and Deputy Regimental Lieutenant Colonel. These are similar in nature to the Colonel of the Regiment but with less rank.
Throughout history, the insignia for the rank of lieutenant colonel has evolved and changed, reflecting the times and changing symbols of the monarchy. From shoulder rank insignia in the 1810s to sleeve cuff rank insignia in the 1900s, the history of the rank is an interesting aspect to explore.
Colonel
Colonel is a rank in the British Army and Royal Marines, ranking below brigadier and above lieutenant colonel. The rank is symbolised by two diamond-shaped pips and a crown, and is equivalent to captain in the Royal Navy and group captain in the Royal Air Force. The rank of colonel was popularised by Spanish tercios in the 16th and 17th centuries, with the word deriving from the Middle French word “coronel.”
The use of the rank of colonel pre-dates the establishment of the United Kingdom, with the regiments of the New Model Army being commanded by colonels in the mid-17th century. Historically, the British Army was organised around regiments, with each regiment being raised, uniformed, and equipped by the crown or a nobleman. However, by the end of the 17th century, the colonel of a regiment was often a titled person who had been given royal permission to raise the regiment for service and command it in battle, with the day-to-day command of the regiment being left to a lieutenant colonel or major.
By the end of the 19th century, the reorganisation of the British Army through the Cardwell and Childers Reforms established the rank of colonel as a professional rank with senior administrative responsibilities in a regiment or brigade. The British Army also has two ceremonial titles for colonels: “colonel-in-chief” and “colonel of the regiment.” The former is usually held by a member of the Royal Family who acts as a patron to a unit, while the latter refers to the ceremonial duties associated with being the head of a regiment.
Brigadier (aka 1 star)
The British Army recognises the rank of Brigadier, also known as 1 star, as a Field Officer rank. It is a senior rank, with a NATO rank code of OF-6, that is equivalent to the rank of commodore in the Royal Navy and air commodore in the Royal Air Force. In other NATO countries, it corresponds to the rank of brigadier general.
The rank insignia for a Brigadier features a St Edward’s Crown over three pips, also known as “Bath” stars. Historically, the rank of Brigadier-General was a temporary appointment conferred on colonels or lieutenant-colonels for the duration of a specific command. The appointment was abolished in 1921 and replaced by the appointments of colonel-commandant and colonel on the staff, both of which were not well received and eventually replaced by the rank of Brigadier in 1928.
Brigadier is considered the highest field officer rank, as opposed to Brigadier-General which was the lowest general officer rank. However, both ranks are considered equal. Historically, the rank of Brigadier was a junior officer rank in the Troops of Horse Guards and corresponded to the French rank of a corporal in the cavalry. Today, Brigadier remains the lowest officer rank in the Royal Company of Archers.
The rank of Brigadier plays a vital role in the British Army, commanding a brigade or serving as a director of operational capability groups. It is a senior rank, equivalent to the ranks of commodore and air commodore, and is considered the highest field officer rank.
Major General (aka 2 star)
Major General is a highly respected rank in the British Army and the Royal Marines. It is considered a “two-star” rank and the equivalent of a rear admiral in the Royal Navy or an air vice-marshal in the Royal Air Force. The rank of Major General is held by the Commandant General of the Royal Marines and is also the customary rank for the appointment of division commander in the British Army.
The rank insignia of a Major General is the star of the Order of the Bath, over a crossed sword and baton, which reflects their high level of authority and responsibility. The rank is senior to a Brigadier but subordinate to a lieutenant general, and is OF-7 on the NATO rank scale.
Major Generals not only command formations of division size, but they also hold senior staff appointments in the Ministry of Defence and other headquarters. For example, the Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is a Major General. In the past, the heads of each branch of service in the British Army, such as the Royal Armoured Corps, the Royal Artillery, and the Corps of Infantry, were Major Generals.
In writing, when used as a title, both words of the rank are capitalised, and the rank may be hyphenated or non-hyphenated. However, when used as common nouns, they are written in lowercase.
The role of a Major General in the British military is to provide leadership, guidance, and support to soldiers, as well as to oversee and coordinate the activities of their division. Their expertise and experience make them invaluable assets to the military and their contributions to the defence of their country are greatly appreciated.
Lieutenant General (aka 3 star)
Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) is a senior rank in the British Army and Royal Marines. It is the equivalent of a three-star rank, and some British lieutenant generals wear three-star insignia while on multinational operations. The rank is higher than Major General but lower than General and has a NATO rank code of OF-8, which is equivalent to a Vice-Admiral in the Royal Navy and an Air Marshal in the Royal Air Force and air forces of many Commonwealth countries.
The rank insignia for Lieutenant General in the Army and Royal Marines is a crown over a crossed sabre and baton. Before 1953, the Tudor Crown was used, while after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the St Edward’s Crown has been depicted.
In the British Army, Lieutenant General is the rank held by the officer in command of an entire battlefield corps. Examples of this include the General Officer Commanding NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and the historical commands of I Corps and II Corps.
Additionally, there are three Lieutenant General appointments within the British Army’s Headquarters. These are the Commander Field Army, the Commander Home Command, and the Chief of Materiel (Land) in Defence Equipment and Support, who is also double-hatted as the Quartermaster-General to the Forces. These appointments demonstrate the versatility and importance of the Lieutenant General rank, as they hold very senior staff appointments in the Ministry of Defence and other headquarters, both in the UK and overseas.
General (aka 4 star)
General, also known as a 4-star rank, is the highest rank attainable by serving officers in the British Army. Generals hold the most senior appointments, such as Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of the General Staff, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and Commander in Chief Land Forces. This rank can also be held by Royal Marines officers in tri-service posts, such as General Sir Gordon Messenger who was the former Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff.
General ranks above Lieutenant General and, in the Army, is subordinate to the rank of Field Marshal, which is now only awarded as an honorary rank. The rank of General has a NATO rank code of OF-9 and is equivalent to a Full Admiral in the Royal Navy or an Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force.
The insignia for a General is a crossed sword and baton. Lieutenant Generals have a crown instead of a pip, Major Generals have a pip over the emblem, and full Generals have both a pip and a crown. The insignia for Field Marshals consists of crossed batons within a wreath, surmounted by a crown.
Officers holding the ranks of Lieutenant General and Major General may also be considered as Generals.
Field Marshal
Field Marshal is the highest rank in the British Army, which has been in existence since 1736. This rank holds a five-star rating with NATO code OF-10, which is equivalent to an Admiral of the Fleet in the Royal Navy or a Marshal of the Royal Air Force in the Royal Air Force (RAF). The insignia of a Field Marshal includes two crossed batons surrounded by yellow leaves below St. Edward’s Crown.
In the past, Field Marshals were officers for life, but since the end of World War II, it has become standard practice to appoint the Chief of the Imperial General Staff (later renamed Chief of the General Staff) to the rank on their last day in the post. Also, army officers occupying the post of Chief of Defence Staff, the professional head of all the British Armed Forces, were usually promoted to the rank upon their appointment.
At the time of writing, a total of 141 men have held the rank of Field Marshal, with the majority of them being members of the British Army or the colonial Indian Army. Some members of the British Royal Family, including Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and Charles III, have also been promoted to this rank. Three British monarchs – George V, Edward VIII, and George VI – assumed the rank upon their accessions to the throne.
In 1995, a report commissioned by the Ministry of Defence recommended the abolition of the five-star ranks, but the recommendation was not implemented in full. The practice of promoting service chiefs to five-star ranks was stopped, and the ranks are now reserved for special circumstances. Sir Peter Inge was the last active officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal in 1994.
In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II promoted Prince Charles to the five-star ranks in all three services, in recognition of his support as the head of the British Armed Forces. At the same time, Sir Charles Guthrie was promoted to the honorary rank of Field Marshal. In 2014, former Chief of Defence Staff Lord Walker of Aldringham was also promoted to the honorary rank of Field Marshal.
The rank of Field Marshal is not used in the Royal Marines, but the insignia is used on the uniform of the Captain General, who is the ceremonial head of the corps. The uniform and baton of a Field Marshal are displayed in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum in Edinburgh Castle. The rank insignia of a Field Marshal consists of two crossed batons in a wreath of laurel leaves, with a crown above. In other countries that have been influenced by the British, an adapted version of the insignia is used for Field Marshals, with the crown being replaced by an alternative emblem. On appointment, Field Marshals are awarded a gold-tipped baton that they may carry on formal occasions.
Summary
In this article, we explored the different ranks within the British Army and the unique roles and responsibilities associated with each one. From the entry-level Private to the highest-ranking Field Marshal, the UK Army hierarchy is structured in a hierarchical manner, with each rank serving a specific purpose.
Understanding the British Army rank structure is crucial for anyone who is considering joining the military, or for those who are currently serving. This knowledge helps soldiers to understand their place within the organisation, as well as their responsibilities, and to work towards advancing through the ranks. It also provides an understanding of the chain of command and the role of each individual in the military hierarchy, which is essential for the effective functioning of the Army.