Introduction
Understanding British Army ranks is essential for any militaria collector. Whether you’re trying to identify insignia on a tunic, research a medal recipient, or simply understand the military hierarchy, this guide covers every rank from the lowest to the highest.
Enlisted Ranks
Private (Pte)
The most junior rank in the British Army. No rank insignia is worn. Different regiments use different titles: Trooper (cavalry), Gunner (Royal Artillery), Sapper (Royal Engineers), Fusilier, Guardsman, Rifleman, and Kingsman are all equivalent to Private.
Lance Corporal (LCpl)
The first promotion, marked by a single chevron (inverted V) on the upper arm. Lance Corporals typically command a fire team of 4 soldiers. In many regiments this is an appointed rank rather than a substantive promotion.
Corporal (Cpl)
Identified by two chevrons. Corporals typically command a section of 8-10 soldiers. This is a substantive rank — once promoted to Corporal, a soldier keeps the rank.
Sergeant (Sgt)
Three chevrons. Sergeants are the backbone of the army, commanding platoon-sized elements and advising junior officers. A Sergeant in the infantry typically has 10+ years of experience.
Staff Sergeant / Colour Sergeant (SSgt / CSgt)
Three chevrons with a crown above. Staff Sergeants are senior NCOs responsible for logistical and administrative functions within their company or equivalent unit. In infantry regiments, this rank is called Colour Sergeant.
Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2)
Identified by a crown worn on the lower sleeve. WO2s hold important positions such as Company Sergeant Major (CSM). They’re senior to all NCOs and hold their rank by Royal Warrant rather than commission.
Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1)
The most senior enlisted rank, identified by the Royal Coat of Arms on the lower sleeve. WO1s serve as Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) — the senior enlisted soldier in a battalion. An RSM is a formidable figure, responsible for discipline and standards across the unit.
Officer Ranks
Officer Cadet
Officers in training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. They wear a white band behind the cap badge.
Second Lieutenant (2Lt)
The most junior commissioned officer rank, marked by a single pip (Bath star) on each shoulder. Second Lieutenants typically command a platoon of 25-30 soldiers.
Lieutenant (Lt)
Two pips. Lieutenants continue to command platoons and may take on additional responsibilities within the company. Promotion from 2Lt to Lt is virtually automatic after about 2 years.
Captain (Capt)
Three pips. Captains serve as company second-in-command or in specialist staff roles. This is often the rank at which officers decide whether to pursue a career to senior rank or leave the army.
Major (Maj)
A single crown. Majors command companies (120+ soldiers) or serve in senior staff appointments. This is a key leadership rank.
Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)
A crown and one pip. Lieutenant Colonels command battalions (650+ soldiers). This is typically the highest rank a regimental officer can expect to reach.
Colonel (Col)
A crown and two pips. Colonel is primarily a staff rank. Many colonels serve in brigade or divisional headquarters, or as military attachés.
Brigadier (Brig)
A crown and three pips. Brigadiers command brigades (approximately 5,000 soldiers). This is the first of the general officer ranks in practical terms, though technically Brigadier is not a general rank in the British system.
Major General (Maj Gen)
A crossed sword and baton with a pip. Major Generals command divisions or serve as senior staff officers at the strategic level.
Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)
A crossed sword and baton with a crown and pip. Lieutenant Generals command corps-sized formations.
General (Gen)
A crossed sword and baton with a crown and one pip arranged differently. Generals hold the most senior active command appointments.
Field Marshal (FM)
A crossed baton within a wreath, surmounted by a crown. The most senior rank in the British Army. Field Marshal is now ceremonial — the last operational Field Marshals served in WW2. The Duke of Edinburgh was the last person to hold the rank.
Identifying Rank Insignia for Collectors
Rank badges are highly collectable. Here’s what to look for:
- Material — Cloth rank chevrons were embroidered in various colours depending on regiment and era. Brass pips and crowns are found on officers’ shoulder boards
- Era — WW1 and WW2 rank insignia differ from modern versions. Wartime economy produced simplified designs
- Regiment — Some regiments used distinctive rank insignia. Guards regiments, for example, use different spacing and style for their chevrons
Browse our insignia collection for rank badges, shoulder titles, and formation signs from all eras of British military history.