Reliving The Life Of A Civil Soldier

Recognizing The Rank Of Officers

Recognizing and remembering rank can be difficult even to veterans, but it is sometimes nessesary to know who is the highest in command or who is next in command over your regiment's officers.

There are two categories of officers, noncommissioned and commissioned officers.

Noncommissioned (NCO'S):

NCO's are never addressed as 'sir' and are never saluted. Save that for Commissioned officers with their useless swords.

Corporal: A corporal has two chevrons or stripes on his sleeve.

Sergeant: A sergeant has three chevrons or stripes on his sleeve

First Sergeant: A first sergeant has three chevrons and a diamond over the top chevron.

Ordnance Sergeant: A ordnance sergeant has three chevrons and a star over the top chevron. The ordnance sergeant is in charge of ammunition and weapons. He works with the Ordnance Department in Washington D.C. to supply the troops.

Quartermaster Sergeant: A quartermaster sergeant has three chevrons and three stripes over the top chevron. The quartermaster sergeant is in charge of supplying the troops with uniforms and leather gear.

Sergeant Major: A sergeant major has three chevrons and three curved stripes over the top chevron.

Commissioned Officers:

Commissioned officers are always addressed as 'sir' and you should always salute these officers. If your hands are free then salute with your right hand with your palm facing out. If you are carrying your rifle then come to shoulder arms and place your left arm arcoss your chest with your palm facing down.

Second Lieutenant: A second lieutenant has a rectangular box on his shoulder which is usually a goldish yellow color.

First Lieutenant: A first lieutenant has a rectangular box with a rectangle inside the box near the front.

Captain: A captain has a rectangular box with two rectangles inside the box near the front.

Major: A major has two oak leaves on either end of his rectangular box on his shoulder.

Colonel: A colonel has a eagle in the middle of his rectangular box. A colonel is usually in charge of a regiment.

Major General: A major general has two stars inside a rectangular box.

Lieutenant General: A lieutenant general has three stars inside a rectangular box.