Canada's Army Ranks Explained

[@PremierHistory]

Perhaps you or a family member has served or is serving in the Canadian Army. If so, which rank do you think is the backbone of the Army? Welcome back! If you are new here make sure to hit subscribe to expand your knowledge on Military History and join the growing Premier History Community!

[@Lord_icelynn]

Only 5 likes and no comment wow I'm disappointed

[@psychotron911]

cpl

[@thecheesecakeman]

The one thing I love about Canadian military ranks are that we don't use stars for our Generals like many countries do. We use Maple Leafs. That's worth it in itself. Classic.

[@lawrencetierney4053]

How things are done in the Canadian Military 1. Generals think up their illustrious plans who then Task it to; 2. The Col and LCols to Staff the Papers, who then; 3. Pass it to the Maj and Capt to do the spell checking; who then 4. Send the Lt out to get Coffee, while he tries to avoid the Sgt Maj; they then pass the Paperwork to the 5. CWO and MWOs who read the Tasking Papers, Laugh and rewrite the papers so people understand and then; 6. Pass it to the WO and Sgts who complain that they dont have enough Manpower or Equipment to Carry out the Tasking (And they Don't); who then Pass it to the 7. MCpl and Cpls who read it laugh, tear up the orders and do the job the was it should have been done in the first place. 8. The Privates are sent out to get coffee, while trying to avoid the Sgt Maj. Warrant Officer Retired 38 years Service

[@LanielPhoto]

As an old CFR and 37 years of service (Pte to Major), I just have to ask.... were you ever in operational units ? I always found most (from Cpl to Col) doing what they had to do and doing it well. Applies to both subordinates and superiors.

[@CogenMan3]

You just gave me a great laugh.

[@Lolita2006-rd9kj]

My Grandfather was a Captain. What would his duties have been? He was born in 1906, I’m not sure what years he served. I’d love to know more (haven’t had much luck online).

[@LanielPhoto]

@@Lolita2006-rd9kj - Rank has little to do with what he did. It depended a lot more on his classification/trade. And check with the Canadian Archives. They should have a some records of his service, where he was and what he did.

[@mrcrowley109]

MCpl (ret) here. 100% accurate, in every single corps.

[@aceman67]

Compared to the US military, Canadian ranks are simple AF

[@cheeselover2285]

A lot more simple, we don’t have separate ranks for different duties, we only have one sergeant rank lmao

[@AkkadianHookah]

wait until you get to the canadian navy ranks haha

[@cheeselover2285]

@@AkkadianHookah hehe… master seamen

[@inanimatt]

What I always found odd about the U.S. army’s ranks is that they completely did away with corporals and made ever NCO a Sgt. in Canada we had the opposite issue; everyone is a Corporal (a pay raise rank equivalent to a Specialist). The ranks were very different before 1968: some were deleted like Lance Corporal and Staff Sgt, while other were severely downgraded like Sgt which went from a platoon NCO to a section leader.

[@travsudz4544]

@@cheeselover2285 They changed all junior NCM navy ranks to Sailor 3rd, 2nd, and first class. Ex Sailor First Class (S1) or Sailor Second Class (S2). The leadership rank remains closer to the original, now "Master Sailor". Guess they finally had enough with the seaman jokes *shrug.

[@JayM409]

Good video, but a couple of errors. Warrant Officers do not lead companies. They can lead platoons, but normally are the second in command and Platoon WOs. MWOs can hold the appointment of Company Sgt Major. They are responsible for the dress, deportment, and discipline of the men in their company. Also, Warrant Officers are not NCOs. Non-commissioned members are divided between Privates, NCOs, and Warrant Officers.

[@silverdart333]

Anyone who has been in the Canadian Army knows the Master Corporals run the army. And no I’m not a Jack lol

[@artwerks]

agreed by another mcpl!

[@eltonjohnson1724]

I found that out when I commanded some CANSOF soldiers in Afghanistan. Two things I noticed about CANSOF soldiers, they were the most fit soldiers I have ever seen, they smoked our guys (American soldiers) in PT (physical training), and, they were the most liberal soldiers I have ever met (they make our liberals here in the US seem like conservatives!).

[@mrgreenelander4952]

MCpls Sgt. and the Warrant Officers. The Commissioned Officers? lol

[@Montyfiable]

Not quite, Pte(R) is given to soldiers on enlistment, they are then promoted to Pte(B) upon completion on BMQ. The rank of Pte(T) is given once a soldier is trade qualified AND has served 30 months. A MCpl is a section 2 I/C, Sgt is a section commander, Wo is a platoon 2 I/C, MWO is a company Sergeant Major, CWO is a Regimental Sergeant Major(of a battalion).

[@sleeque6809]

Thought the CAF got rid of “Commander” titles for NCMs. I think Sergeants are considered Section IC, and MCpl 2IC. But considering the algorithm, shouldn’t an officer be IC and the Sgt be 2IC? The CAF is all over the place right now

[@Montyfiable]

@@sleeque6809 the smallest element an officer is ic of is a platoon, with a wo as 2ic. That is why the sgt is an IC.

[@seahbryan6687]

Great video as always! Could you do Singapore Army ranks too?

[@MaeNeb]

Yuck 🤢

[@douglasbeveridge1861]

during my tenure with the CAF , I attained the rank of Mcpl, with which I will concur is the backbone of the forces. as a Mcpl I was trained 2 levels up and for a brief amount of time was employed in the billet of Troop Warrant of an armoured recce troop but generaly served as the junior patrol leader in the troop. As a Mcpl you could be given tasks and responsibilities of a higher rank, and yet still be low enough to be on the execution of said task thus making sure it was completed

[@TheCrankJOinkie]

Next should be on Singapore's ranks

[@MaeNeb]

Ewww no

[@paulwilliams2024]

It’s all about the Master corporals

[@TrueNorthPoliticalPulse]

I'll bite. IT's been some years since I've delft with anything in the CAF... But since when do Warrant Officers (as a rule) hold CSM positions to put them "in command of a company". Also, since when are there "1st Lieutenants"?

[@haggis525]

The ranks are correct but the responsibilities of many of the ranks is not as explained in the video. Oh well.

[@aceman67]

Was going to say this. My father was a Master Corporal, and his responsibilities were far more extensive than what was outlined in this video.

[@normplatt7549]

Salute!

[@leopardknowledge.1430]

Hey Premier great video as always, but I just want to know why was it re-uploaded?

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks Leo! Just identified an error so corrected and re-uploaded it for accuracy

[@leopardknowledge.1430]

@@PremierHistory thank you for making sure your Videos are accurate

[@cheeselover2285]

@@PremierHistorywhat was the error?

[@jowa9708]

So much of this data is wrong. It sounds more like a comparison with the British army. From the bottom to the the top: cpl are *not* put in charge of anything. The first rank with responsibility is Mcpl. Sgt take care of a section, WO of a platoon, and MWO of the company. CWO are the highest NCOs in a Bn/ Regt. Ocdt *are* called "sir". 2LTs don't command anything, unless there are special circumstances. LTs command platoons, while CAPT don't usually command companies. And it takes about 5 years to get from OCDT to CAPT in the Forces. MJRs command companies and CAPT are usually 2ICs or Battle Captains. As for LCOLs and COL, meh, more or less accurate. BGENs usually command divisions, and there *NO* corps (as operational formations) in the Forces. There are *no* general-rank officers with 40 years of experience. Max is 39 years (and that's assuming you get in at 17). MGENs are usually admin positions at NDHQ. LGENs and VADMs are *service* CoS (Army, Navy, RCAF). As for the GEN, she's the the Chief of the Defence Staff, a political position, for all intents and purposes. Next time, talk to a Canadian soldier to get you facts straight before posting. Cheers.

[@liltroll69]

Sgt is the back bone and I know because just being a cadet and being a sgt was insane 😮 Bro I had to build my own shelter in the rain and snow

[@James-zg2nl]

Wow… there are so many errors just 2/3 in there is just too much to bother mentioning in a comment. Very inaccurate!

[@mrgreenelander4952]

Actually, Private Trained should be transferred back to being a Lance Corporal. Kind of a bridging point between Corporal, and Sgt. We need more variations in rank like the US. Kind of a grading system, before you finally reach the top of the Sgt. pile

[@Username-z2d]

corporals do not lead sections lol, theyre the same as private/corporals; sergeants are the section commanders and mcpl is 2ic

[@tangfox]

There is no rank of "1st Lieutenant" in the Canadian Army. It is"Lieutenant."

[@normplatt7549]

MAKING FUN OF MY LISP SOLDIER!!

[@itsunworldly]

Can you explain how Senior Appointments fit into all of this? I see that those ranks are listed on the website but I can't find any info on them.

[@inanimatt]

Senior appointments are typically filled by Chief Warrant Officers, like Brigade Sgt Major or the Army Sgt Major. The rank CWO I believe is in brackets underneath on the website.

[@matthewharvey7427]

Almost everything about this is wrong

[@normanwells2755]

Agree. The duties of different ranks are wrong for sure. But the truth wouldn't get any more clicks.

[@matthewharvey7427]

@Rockwell Rhodes few years ago. The symbols aren't wrong, just the roles. Officers are pips and crowns now

[@matthewharvey7427]

@Rockwell Rhodes *we changed the insignia a few years ago

[@mb-bl5yt]

How do we upvote this MORE?

[@Canadian-Asian-dude]

I have a teacher who served for 3 years, left as Sergeant. Could anyone explain to me how this works? He served in the LdSH(RC) regiment.

[@keithiverson6687]

In 3 years, he would have maybe been eligible for advance promotion to corporal. I smell heaps of bs on getting Sgt in 3 years, it’s mathematically impossible, you need 3 years in rank before entering the promotion zone for the next. Rarely do you see someone get there before 10 years.

[@Canadian-Asian-dude]

@@keithiverson6687 I'm not entirely sure if he was in for 3 in total or if he served in war for 3 years. Iirc, he mentioned that he served in the Bosnian war (I think that was the one), which google says lasted for 3 years. I think I may have misunderstood him serving 3 years in war for him serving 3 years in the forces.

[@fischy_boy_]

Cpl is the backbone of the army

[@Ghillie714]

Captains. 7-12 years experience. Chaplains and Doctors when they enlist. I know it’s an older video.

[@viradouroniteroi]

In my humble opinion the Sergeant is the backbone of any army! If the sh.. hits the fan in the field they lead by example…. no need for gold fish as we call them …

[@LanielPhoto]

Army ranks - the Warrant Officer and Major have exactly the same symbol. The Air Force and Navy at least got it right.

[@JamesWilson-sg7im]

The Master Corporal position is not a so much a rank but an appointment from the Coy. Commander, stating that among all the corporals, this corporal is senior. If they were to be demoted they would return to the rank of private. It is the worst job in the military as they have to endure leadership without any benefits or privileges that officers and Snr. NCO's are provided.

[@Montyfiable]

No, I know they say it is an appointment but it is treated like all other promotions with regards to meriting and what not.

[@JamesWilson-sg7im]

Thank you for you input. But I stated what I did as I have been a MCpl twice in my military career in the Canadian Armed Forces that spans approx. 30yrs. And no I was not demoted, I quit and rejoined and redid my Basic Training ( Gawd, never again) :) @@Montyfiable

[@aaroncourchene4384]

I have heard that the Canadian armed forces are the most general heavy military in NATO 🤨!

[@thecheesecakeman]

but Canada only ever has 1 General or Admiral (Chief of Defense Staff). Maybe we have lots of the lower General ranks...... I always thought the USA had tons of Generals (4 star).....

[@superflyt5638]

We have 81 Brigadier Generals! Its Crazy for the size of our force.

[@Gravja]

When u see a group of corporals.... its a "conspiracy of corporals".

[@travsudz4544]

You put in Officer Cadet and not Private Recruit. Also a very very vague description of roles and responsibilities for ranks. Would take an hour to properly cover it. Good try though.

[@travsudz4544]

Also you can absolutely refer to a officer cadet as Sir or Ma'am. it's not required at all but could 100% be given as a sign of respect from a NCM/NCO. True they don't hold a commission but they are still future leaders.

[@travsudz4544]

ALSO there is only one four star (leaf) general in Canada at ANY TIME. the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) is typically the only one who holds a 4 star general rank. The CDS can be and has been from any of the 3 CAF elements (Earth, Water and Air). Crap, I mean Army, Navy and Air Force.

[@justinfx4]

I don't think you were correct about a single rank in this video...

[@joeydepalmer4457]

1 stripe is a private and not a corporal? and 2 stripes is not a leading corporal and 2 stripes and a leaf is not a senior corporal, and finally a2 stripes with a leaf over the stripes not a master corporal?

[@ksmith4712]

One Chevron has different titles depending on the type of unit, for instance, in the artillery they are called Bombardier, in armored units Troopers, in the Engineers I think they are called Sappers.

[@thebloxconductor1870]

Do the American Military Police

[@jaymac8496]

What’s a Leftenant lol

[@Eat.It.From.The.Back74]

Commonwealth pronunciation, Technically the correct pronunciation too!

[@normplatt7549]

Lieutenant with a American accent!

[@briancorrigan3199]

RIP MICHEAL VAGININI

[@TheNightlessFall]

Someone can tell me why the CAF get rig off the Lance Corporal rank?

[@superdrew8564]

The Canadian army had lance corporals, the Canadian Armed Forces never had it. We don’t have separate branches here.

[@inanimatt]

They restructured the rank system during the Unification scheme in 1968. Part of this was deleting the ranks of Lance Corporal and Staff Sgt from the army.

[@inanimatt]

@@travsudz4544 Not quite, a lance Corporal was a Jr NCO who typically served as a section 2ic, the modern rank of private trained has the same insignia but none of the responsibilities. Part of unification involved a degrading of NCM ranks, a Sgt for instance before Unification was a platoon NCO, but became a section leader afterwards ( a position previously held by Corporals). Corporals themselves were destroyed as a rank due to the government trying to promote retention and allowing everyone to become a Corporal after 4 years service. Corporal became a giveaway rank and created a power vacuum leading to creation of Master Corporal which in terms of responsibilities equates a Lance Corporal in the pre unification army.

[@superdrew8564]

@@travsudz4544 a lance corporal had more responsibility than a private trained. They might use the same symbol but they are not at all equal.

[@sleeque6809]

@@superdrew8564someone finally said it lmao

[@redskycinema24566]

Wow Canadian army ranks are inspired by mini militia or visa versa 😂😂