Explaining the US Army officer ranks

[@m2kofks]

For ROTC you can be contractually obligated when you start ROTC. This is in line with scholarship benefits, IE someone that is receiving a 4 year scholarship for ROTC will be contractually obligated to the Army. If they are eliminated from the program for any reason other than an unforeseen medical disqualification, they will have the choice of paying the government back there money or enlist and serve out their obligation. Also its, the United States Military Academy at West Point. Generally for promotions all 2LT will make 1LT unless they have negative administrative action against them. Promotion rate is like 99% over the last few years. 1LT to Captain is also fairly high, I'm not sure of the exact numbers, but I believe its over 90%. CPT to Maj is about 50% however, and that trend continues up to nominative positions. IE you can expect that only about half of those officers promoted to Maj will be promoted to LTC, and so on for LTC to COL. Also every officer will spend time on staff at each phase of their career. Almost all 2LT will start on staff once they get to their first unit, they will generally spend a few months as a assistant S3, making power points or working as a battle captain, I was a battle captain for 4 months before I got my platoon. Generally once a 2LT gets their platoon they will spend 12-18 months in position, most will see their promotion to 1LT happen in this time. After platoon time a good officer will either be selected to serve as a Company XO, which is a bit more than assistant to the commander, They are second in command of the Company. I had to assume command of my company multiple times serving as an XO. XOs will run just about everything that happens behind the scenes, all logistics are the XOs baby, it drives some men to insanity. Alternatively an officer could be chosen to lead a specialty platoon, these are platoons that work directly as battalion or brigade level assets, and that officer answers to a LTC or COL respectively. The highest aspiration for a 1LT should be to serve as either an HHC XO which will only happen after they have been a successful line company XO or specialty platoon leader, or as a Primary staff member, which is a captains position. Junior Captains are captains that have not been to their assigned branch specific career course. For me its the Maneuver Captains Career Course at FT Benning GA, which is where all Armor and Infantry officer go. Captains waiting for orders to attend school will generally be assigned to assistant staff positions, much like they were when they were 2LTs. Though some that were already serving as primary staff will likely retain that position until the PCS. Senior Captains are divided into two groups, pre-command and post-command. Pre-command are officers that have completed their career course and are waiting for the chance to command. They will fill primary staff positions at the battalion level, and assistant positions at other echelons above battalion. Once they assume command, they will command a company for approximately 12-18 months, the better officers will be selected for a second command, likely a HHC. After command, captains are considered post-command, and they will move onto what the Army calls broadening assignments. This is super diverse and includes everything from ROTC/West Point instructor, to Training Center Observer Coach Trainers, and some even go to grad school. This is the extent of my in depth knowledge as this is as far as I've gotten in my career. If anyone has questions about the details of Maj/LTC/Col life I can try to elaborate, but I haven't actually lived that yet.

[@asusasus5277]

Brendan M awesome dude. Good luck with your promotions!

[@antrodaze910]

I thought it was after 2 years they are obligated.

[@m2kofks]

Antro Daze it's more complicated than that, but if you take the governments money you enter into a contract with the government. Like I said, it doesn't mean you have to serve if you change your mind or fail out of school, but it's an option if you don't want to pay back the money you've been given.

[@antrodaze910]

Brendan M ohh yeah yeah yeah, gotcha. Thanks.

[@ricks.1092]

Brendan, you did an excellent job in explaining the process. One of my childhood friends/next door neighbor did ROTC at GW University in D.C. We still keep in touch to this day. My friend (Steven S) said he did ROTC so he wouldn't have any debt upon graduating. Over the years he ended up loving the Army, who sent him to get his Master's Degree in Logistics. Well, we're both 54 years old. And Steve S. is a Major General (2 Stars). More than likely he'll want to become a full General and get those 4 Stars. All of us never thought he would get to this level. Not due to lack of any intelligence. We didn't realize how much he enjoyed being in the Army. Steve S. could easily retire his commission and get his pension. And proceed to a career in the private sector at ANY large corporation as a VP of Logistics....Since his entire career in the Military has been in Logistics. Logistics is an important aspect or dept. in any organization. I thank Steve and YOU for your service. Best of Luck in your Endeavors. Respectfully, Rick S., M.D.

[@americanoutdoorsman_1133]

I got commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army in 1997 through ROTC in Field Artillery. Retired in 2018 as a LT Colonel 21 years! Enjoyed it no regrets!!!

[@nikitakuznetsov8446]

Damn you only had one more rank to become a General! You should have stayed until you became a General.

[@nordy4981]

Nikita Kuznetsov No he still needed to become a Colonel, then a Brigadier General so two ranks away.

[@basicbodybuilding]

Nikita Kuznetsov becoming a general is not as easy as being a good leader and waiting for time in grade and get promoted. At that point you need to be selected by the senate and recommend by the president. Usually generals come from rich family who has influence in high office positions, and usually already know a general

[@nathandrake5941]

How many years more you need to wait for a full bird Colonel?

[@spideysenses4275]

Nikita Kuznetsov I’m in the navy and I’ve worked with Captains (O-6) who’ve been a captain for 20 years! Sometimes they simply don’t want to be a Admiral because it’s so political

[@economath8164]

There's a 6-star rank: General of the Armies of the United States. It was given to John Pershing around the end of WWI. However, 50 years later when Congress realized that this meant Pershing outranked George Washington, they posthumously promoted Washington to the rank.

[@antares4s]

Not entirely correct. While Washington was promoted in1976 no official star rating was ever assigned. The only person to hold the actual rank and 6 star insignia was Pershing

[@mtsflorida]

Until WWI A LTG or a Gen was considered the highest rank. The British had the rank of Captain General that was considered the highest rank. It wasn't until the late 70's that from the 6 Five Star Generals that they considered Washington the highest ranking General in the Revolution and upgraded his rank. Of the other six were Pershing, Marshal, Eisenhower, MacArthur, Bradley. Arnold was the only 5 Star in both the Army & Air Force.

[@buckeyeinblack]

Douglass McArthur was also presented by Congress that ranking (4 brass stars too). He never wore it however and kept the four stars which he had worn since the end of WWII.

[@rehtracam]

J.D. Montgomery someone done there research. Good job.

[@economath8164]

Yeah, your comment has done exactly that. lulz

[@justinoconnor3086]

My great uncle was a Colonel in the army who I believed served in Vietnam, he was a paratrooper for the Washington Guard I believe and was offered the rank of Brigadier General, but he declined and then retired. Also, he was a green beret. Sadly, he had nightmares and though not diagnosed, I think PTSD. He never married for fear of scaring his wife.

[@Markyroson]

Sloth Galaxy I am not a doctor, but that does sound like some form of PTSD.

[@ScotchTapeMafia]

My grandad was a colonel in WW2 and vietnam. Maybe they know each other

[@brentallen876]

@Samuel Sweetmann good story!

[@danielclaudio7553]

He should have taken that star ⭐️

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I read of a popular 🇨🇦 actor who's father was a WW2 combat veteran. He said his mother heard the dad screaming every night for 2yr after the war ended.

[@commanderstarstrider7176]

As a fellow California Vet, happy vets day. I was SGT E-5 31 F. Ft bliss texas 1998-2002

[@christopherchaos]

Nice!!!! Happy veterans day to you too!!

[@wespike6746]

Great video, as an Adjutant General (Human Resources) officer, I️ feel like I️ can add some details. Promotions for officers are “up or out” 1LT and CPT are a little different but if the HRC board passes you up for promotion twice, you are done. Now this is a very basic explanation of the promotion system for officers, the full version would take a lot longer to explain. Here’s an interesting fact, an officer’s rank/commission is actually protected by law, US Code Title 10, so promotions are taken extremely seriously. Now while a promotion to 1LT is automatic (unless the battalion commander blocks it), the approval authority for a promotion to 1LT and CPT is the Secretary of Defense. Promotions to Major all the way to Major General must be approved by the Senate. LTG and GEN must be appointed by the President. This is why you don’t see hardly any officer demotions, those same people that approved that rank would have to take it away, it’s just easier to separate that officer from the Army then it is to get that demotion in front of the SECDEF or Senate. Also just wanted to add that a lot of young officers like 2LTs and 1LTs are serving as primary staff officers nowadays (at least in the Army).

[@christopherchaos]

Nice. Very interesting info. Thank you for watching the video and adding some extra expert input!!!

[@wespike6746]

Daniel Walicke Technically you’re right but enlisted have larger zones in which to get promoted and according to RCPs (Retention Control Points), for example an E5 can have 14 years Time in Service before being involuntarily separated. As an officer you have basically two chances (years) to get promoted, if not you are kicked out. So yes enlisted promotions are “up or out” but not to nearly the same extent.

[@user-vx2fw7qe1n]

HOLY FUCK A REAL SOLDIER

[@robertmcgee141]

Wes Pike I’m a veteran, nco. Have a general dislike for officers. Spoiled, undeserving collage pukes. Especially the staff types. Should choose officers from NCO ranks.

[@jackbagley640]

Some historians blame Eisenhower's boss for much of those years, Douglas MacArthur, for his long service as a major - MacArthur valued Eisenhower's skills and didn't want to lose him. A promotion would have taken Ike away from MacArthur. But prior to World War II, there were numerous instances of officers being kept in the same grade for a long time. MacArthur's father, Arthur MacArthur, was a captain for over 20 years.

[@wyvernquill2796]

You forgot the most important rank the "Third Lieutenant"

[@jake9854]

cadet?

[@wyvernquill2796]

@@jake9854 No when 3rd and 4th year west point cadets go on maneuvers with the military they are given a temporary rank of Third Lieutenant. Also If SHTF and they wanted to send the 3rd and 4th year West Point cadets into the military immediately, the best seniors would become 2nd Lt the rest 3rd Lt for a while

[@MajorOoda782]

Happy veterans day , thank you for your service

[@bwakel310]

I almost joined the army through ROTC program. The college I was going to attend got rid of their partnership with the nearby private college that ran the ROTC program. Oh well.

[@christopherchaos]

That sucks. Could still aim for the OCS option.

[@bwakel310]

I remember more...The bus that transported the cadets to the private college was cancelled. Cadets needed to get there on their own and I had no transportation. (I took a bus from a local parking lot to get to school). Looking back at it now, it was probably a good thing I didn't join. I am horrible under pressure just like David Schwimmer in Band of Brothers. THANK YOU FOR YOU SERVICE!

[@bwakel310]

Christopher Chaos This was 12 years ago. I'm past the chance of joining.

[@janshegers7667]

What is the age limit? 12 years, if that was at college, you can't be that old?

[@shadow13kill]

Happy early Veterans Day Sarge. Thank you for your service

[@hvyrotation]

shadow13kill h

[@mingusboodle]

I've known some E7s and E8s who got direct commissions. Not sure how common that is, but those are butter bars I wouldn't mess with.

[@christopherchaos]

It can happen if they already have a 4 year degree but would likely still have to got through OCS.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

Back in my Navy days, E7's, 8's, and 9's could get direct commissions as Limited Duty Officers (LDO's). Unlike line officers, who could be assigned to just about any duty, LDO's stayed within the field they came from.

[@steelwarrior105]

In the air force e7-e8 can go to a 6 week version of OTS instead of the traditional 9.5 week that civilians go through and are then promoted to captain or major depending on time in. In the navy LDOs, (nuke engineers, JAG, doctors, etc.) go through ODS, OCS lite, for 6 weeks. For both in the navy, LDO and line, they go through the full duration but civilians and prior are kept seperate until the last phase of training because things like basic seamanship, firefighting, etc. is limited or omitted in the prior enlisted curticulum, this holds for marines and navy I believe since they use the same OCS, marines do OCS no matter profession I believe. Coast Guard is fifteen weeks and I believe is similar to navy with the full term yet seperate deal though they could be like air force idk. I'm pretty sure on this but I'm happy to be corrected by someone mire up to date.

[@mikethemechanic7395]

I met 3 guys who were officers with direct commissions. The last of it what I saw was in the early 90s. All Vietnam vets. The first one I met was in his early 50s. I could not figure out why he was a captain at his age.

[@philliberatore4265]

A veey interesting series. Thank you. Please consider going a talk on the divisions.. what is a platoon, brigade, etc.

[@christopherchaos]

Phil Liberatore that’s a good idea. Thank you for that. I’ll work on that for a future video.

[@jacobrawleigh6410]

When I was in high school I had the honor of attending a speech by a Brigadier General at my high school. If I remember correctly he was the first flag officer from our area since world war 2 so when he got promoted it was a big deal. His name escapes me unfortunately but the lessons he taught me about leadership I will never forget.

[@Robertfisherfake]

In the United States Military officer ranks are broken into three grades for the Navy and Coast Guard it is: Junior Grade, Mid Grade, and Flag Grade. The Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force it is: Company Grade Field Grade and General Grade. So the General having to be from the Army Air Force Marines or space force was a General Grade Officer if he was a flag grade officer the equivalent rank for the navy or coast guard would be rear admiral lower half.

[@KISW1]

I’m a navy vet. In my adolescent years I was in the Boy Scouts and made eagle. That got me E-2 out of bootcamp 😊

[@careym3901]

Just wanted to say thank you for your service Christopher!

[@hwogjr]

Hey, Chris excellent post. I'm also a U.S. Army Vet. of three years active duty E-4 at the time of my ETS in 1980. Before my enlistment, I completed eight years of JNROTC. One of the ways of going to OCS for me was at the age of eighteen before that regulation changed to age 19 that you mention. Also, affectionately known as Boy Officer. As for myself, and a former squad leader of my command, as members of my 12 man trick drill team. After we enlisted in basic training, a nine-week program. In less then 4-weeks we both received appointments to OCS form your Co's. For our outstanding knowledge of military science. For me, the appointment was not part of my plain. Also to note, Generals have the authority to appoint soldiers to OCS as I also personally found out about two years later.

[@adriennetappen3782]

Assistant to the Commander It’s like Dwight Schrute

[@virginiadude8518]

Hard to believe that I was a 2LT thirty years ago - after being enlisted in the reserves a few years prior. Love all three of your "rank" videos.

[@nickschallick5259]

What rank are you?

[@paddypoolfc3579]

Fantastic video this. I've often wondered how the rankings worked. I've watched all your vids. Great job. Highly informative. Keep up the good work. Greetings from Ireland. 👍🏻🇨🇮

[@BMcCosmic]

Thats a cort d'fore flag

[@DanielRamirez-li6zc]

Your 3prt series is totally interesting..GOOD JOB Mr, Chaos..

[@darknessdescends9230]

I recommend doing a video on the various training sessions of the Army, leaning towards infantry. I haven't recieved much BCT training or MOS training knowledge.

[@christopherchaos]

I do have a general understanding of what to expect each week at basic training video planed soon. I have one or two other videos that I want to do first and then that one will be next.

[@plasmanarwhal]

Great video! To show how big of a deal it is to reach the rank of brigadier general (1 star) and every star rank after that, you need to be nominated by the president AND approved by congress!

[@ajramirez77]

AROTC class of 2020. I'm hoping I branch armor!

[@christopherchaos]

Nice!! Good luck to you!!

[@buiduy4885]

arthur ramirez same but I got 2021 lololol

[@HummelHamster]

Class of 2020! Best of luck to you, brother!

[@Schaneification]

X- Armor Sergeant TC listen to your Sergeants . They know your men, lean on them when your a butter bar :=)

[@Tilon83]

I was an 19A Platoon Leader! You'll love it!

[@firemedic397]

For those interested, while there are 3 and 4 star generals filling specific jobs, the highest PERMANENT rank is that of Major General (2 stars). Higher than that, one must fill a three or four star position in order to maintain the rank, else they revert to two stars.

[@chickenman417]

I'm in ROTC right now and going to basic camp this summer. If you're thinking officer route, I recommend OCS instead of ROTC. I study computer engineering so i have no life and ROTC just makes it harder. I would rather earn my degree, then do OCS. Or do national guard in college then complete your degree then OCS. I personally think it's better so you can focus on your degree

[@kencammenga4442]

So you didn't get an ROTC scholarship? An ROTC scholarship would certainly be a reason for ROTC vs OCS, wouldn't it?

[@billinpraha]

Like watching SGT Chaos as compared to many other people producing clips on the military he is very accurate and genuine. (I am a 9 year RA VET) Back in my day you could still be an officer with a 2 two year degree if you were in combat arms BUT you could not go past CAPT. But the USA is always evolving and changing requirements as all us Vets know.

[@Three_Sevens]

I never understood what the ranks were...good job..subbed

[@silverhorder1969]

I believe the highest rank any enlisted soldier was ever field commissioned to was the rank of Major. After 1st LT & Captain. Audie Murphy was his name. He was said to be the most decorated soldier ever. I do not know if he is still the most decorated soldier though. Thank you for your service! Happy Veterans Day!

[@christopherchaos]

From what i know Audie Murphy is still a bad ass. lol.

[@silverhorder1969]

I saw an old picture of him online where he was wearing captain bars. However it was the only one I saw. Most show him as a Lt.

[@johna1150]

He died in 1975

[@silverhorder1969]

Yes he did. Plane crash i think?

[@5peciesunkn0wn]

I'm pretty darn sure he still is because there hasn't been a war as far reaching as WWII since.

[@Paddydhistorian]

When I was in the Air Force in the beginning of the 70's, we had a program called "Operation Bootstrap." As the name implies, enlisted could earn an Associate's Degree through the Community College of the Air Force. If they were accepted, they would then be promoted to Staff Sergeant and given 2 years to earn a Bachelor's Degree. Then they would be sent to OCS after which they would be commissioned a 2nd Lt. Did or does the Army have a comparable program?

[@rjeanette9189]

I got mine by doing something similar. I attended what is now called STA-21 which is an enlisted route to a commissioning program.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

In the 1990s they had "Green To Gold" 👨🏻‍✈️ program. Enlisteds E-4s could remain on active duty & attend a "HBC" 🏛 or University. This meant a black college 📚 not just any university, school where the enlisted soldier applied. I'm not sure if by 2010s 2020s the DA or Army continues Green To Gold. CNO of the US Navy, Adm Boorda ⚓ had a officer development plan that allowed lower enlisteds to get 4 year college degrees 📜 while still active duty. They were then required to serve 4yr or 6yr(Reserves) if I recall. Boorda, was a rare "Mustang" 🐴 who rose from E-1 enlisted to 4 star Adm, CNO of the US Navy.

[@DarkAnimeAngel2006]

Thanks for serving and making these videos!

[@tonys7675]

An XO is not “an assistant to the commander;” he or she is the second in command of the company.

[@mardiffv.8775]

Or battalion, or brigade, or division.

[@sheriff0017]

"Assistant Commander" "Assistant to the Commander"

[@leonardholland9604]

Thanks for the information on US ranks being a Brit l often found your rank system confusing, not anymore. Nice videos

[@christopherchaos]

Thanks!!!

[@Madridy1996]

There's actually a six stars General rank. Only George Washington was promoted to in 1976

[@jonathanbaron-crangle5093]

& Pershing

[@eduardopipinel]

Great video, man! Not too long, not too technical, just the right measure. Make a video about the units division, please!

[@superman1081]

When I was in, the only Officers that really got the promotions were the Westpoint Grads.

[@NaturalStateDepths]

Happy veteran's day. Thank you for your service and content.

[@racpa5]

I believe that a 6 Star tank was considered for the Invasion of Japan at the end of WW II.

[@CrackerJack787]

I am in JROTC, which is Junior ROTC for those who don't know. I am an LET 1 and in company Bravo. I love this stuff and I'd like to thank you for helping people understand the US Army. Also, thank you for serving this BEAUTIFUL country of our's.

[@ryanhincy1824]

Which Branch of Jrotc are you in? And are you enlisting in that branch or a different one?

[@CrackerJack787]

@@ryanhincy1824 Army and I'm not sure if I am yet or not but I'm thinking about it.

[@jollthebro]

Hey how’d that turn out for you? You went through all 4 years and now a first year in ROTC?

[@mrkoolaidman5975]

Remember this acronym (Be My Little General) B, Brigadier General = ⭐ M, Major General =⭐⭐ L, Lieutenant General =⭐⭐⭐ G, General =⭐⭐⭐⭐ General of the Armies = ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@thehaxor3945]

Wrong, General of the Army ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ General of the Armies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@SampoPaalanen]

@@thehaxor3945 Considering that 6 star rank is exclusive to a man who died in the late 18th century (1797 to be exact) and no other person ever can have the same rank, it's can be considered irrelevant as you'll never meet a 6 star flag officer, while meeting a 5 star flag officer while rare is not impossible.

[@dreamsteal4773]

Mr kool Aid Man wrong buddy boi.

[@TOPulse]

Mr kool Aid Man dude it’s genaral of the army or marine or navy but general of the armies is 6 stars and the only 6 star general was geared Washington

[@jonathanbaron-crangle5093]

@@SampoPaalanen Blackjack Pershing was a General of the Armies for a period of time (1919-48

[@ariswitty99]

Found this channel today and watched the enlisted and warrant officer videos but couldn't find the officer one. Went to dinner and came back and here it is.

[@tomtonkyro7209]

Fastest officer promotion: George A. Custer, West Point 1861. Second Lieutenant 1861, Captain 1862, Brigadier General 1863, Major General 1865.

[@Bloodhound264]

Well his promotion history is weird as hell, a mix of regular promotions, brevet promotions, and volunteer service position appointments. He actually left the military as a Lieutenant Colonel, although his highest rank achieved by any means was Major General. This practice was far more common back then. I don't even know if brevet promotions are authorized anymore. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Armstrong_Custer#Dates_of_rank

[@tomtonkyro7209]

chris nunez Nope. Custer was an officer in the Regular Army. His promotions during the Civil War, however, were either brevets (while hostilities lasted only) or as an officer of volunteers, i.e. state-raised troops. There was no National Guard at that time; the present day NG are basically fully trained reservists under state control unless put into active status by the federal government. This concept didn't exist in the US in the 19th century. All they had were regulars and the state militia, which was essentially every able-bodied man capable of firing a musket. The volunteers were the civilian soldiers who made up 99% of the armies North and South. To lead them, regular officers were promoted high and quick, but when the war was over and the Vols vanished so did their rank...so Custer, who commanded a cavalry division in 1865 as a brevet Major General of Volunteers, was in charge of a single regiment on the Little Bighorn in 1876, and was KIA as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Regular Army.

[@SantomPh]

He was officially a Lt Colonel but was given brevet ranks up to Major General: a cheap way to promote someone without actually paying more. Brevets are actually no longer used.

[@Ben.....]

If you survived the battles, the Civil War was a great time to advance quickly: many leaders died on the field or were shown to be incompetant. Grant's military career is a great example.

[@scott27288]

George A. Custer, West Point 1861. Second Lieutenant 1861, Captain 1862, Brigadier General 1863, Major General 1865, Overconfident Corpse 1876

[@CelticsOperative]

I'm confused on warrant officers, and SMA / COmmand Sergeant Major / Sergeant major. | I'm glad you talked about officer Candidate School

[@WoogieKamikaze]

Thank you for your service and wonderful video! I do have a question, graduation (from high school) is in May and I would like to enter the military (Army?) as an officer if possible. I do enjoy working hands on with vehicles and due to that, would like to study mechanics/diesel mechanics. Would it be possible to take officer training at the same time as college or starting 2 years after beginning to get my degree? Would I instead need to enter simply as enlisted? I'm not sure if it helps, but my ASVAB score is a 73 with a current 3.5 GPA. Any and all replies are appreciated!

[@christopherchaos]

If you want to physically work on vehicles then you should go enlisted. Some college will allow you to come in as an E3 or E4. If you want to come in as an officer then look into an ROTC program at your college. But as an officer you would not be physically working on the trucks.

[@WoogieKamikaze]

Thank you! I appreciate the help, as I'm from a small town in Nebraska and don't have many resources at my disposal.

[@SantomPh]

Perhaps some time in a school that trains mechanics and similar vocations would help- colleges with automotive tech diplomas etc would help. They are shorter than degrees and will really help when you enlist and try for motor pool occupations. The danger of enlisting first is that you have no backup and may be pointed in a different direction (infantry, etc)

[@classof93e]

I am new to your KZbin channel and love learning about the US Army. I read some of the comments also, therefore, requesting on what is a platoon, division, corp, etc. I did subscribe and really enjoy this channel and information, keep it up. Lastly, thank you for your service!

[@christopherchaos]

Thank you. I’ll be working on a video with that info soon.

[@zintiskakulis5343]

I love your vids! I too plan on enlisting in the US Army and hopefully going through OCS. My question is - do you need to get a 4 year bachelors degree in a field that will benefit the army to go through OCS or can it be something along the lines of filmmaking?

[@christopherchaos]

You can reallly just get a degree in what ever from the way I’ve seen it. I knew a guy that was an LT working with fuel and transportation and had a degree in hotel management. But it’s always a good idea to talk to a recruiter about more specifics.

[@chuckcelemin6789]

It should be noted that the highest "permanent" rank in the US Army is major/2-star general. Unlike the other ranks the ranks of 3 and 4-star general are not conferred upon individuals, but rather come attached to a specific posting/command. You're not Army Chief of Staff because you're a 4-star general; you're a 4-star general because you're Army Chief of Staff. Once the officer leaves that senior post he/she does not retain the post's rank, but instead their next rank is determined by their next posting. It is thus possible for a 3-star or even 4-star general to revert back to a 2-star general if their next posting doesn't carry with it the higher rank. This is not technically a demotion since the officer's permanent or individual rank had continued to be major general. Those cases are rare though (MacArthur being a notable exception) because it's common practice to retire once that senior posting ends, being allowed to do so at the higher rank and pay grade.

[@doctorgumballjlo4718]

Hello there veterans im about a couple of months from graduating high school and im I want to join the armed forces but idk what branch (im not the smartest but nor the dumbest).

[@christopherchaos]

A lot of the time it comes down to what you want to do. Decide what type of career field you would like to do and then see what branch seems to offer the best training to do that.

[@ajramirez77]

Go Army!

[@robertmorris4516]

Doctorgumball Jlo If you wish to see the world. I would try the navy. I enjoyed it very much. I just wish I would have stayed in longer. I retired as a E -5 which is a second class petty officer.

[@patrickskaggs6034]

Doctorgumball Jlo join the army you get promoted pretty fast and their is lots of good bases to go to

[@rupertwinslow8638]

Become an 11b man!! I wouldn't steer you wrong

[@ryanwiggins4919]

Great info! Minor correction. I enlisted in the Army Reserve with a degree as a specialist, made it to the NCO ranks then direct commissioned without having to go to OCS, hence the title "direct" commission. However the components are not really authorizing them anymore. Thanks for putting this info out to the public!

[@kylewhalen3925]

Technically there is a six star general: general of the armies. The last and only general to have so far is General John pershing

[@keithbox1684]

Wasn't George Washington a 6 star General?

[@kylewhalen3925]

Well yes but he was only elected that in the 50s or 60s. Pershing was the first to earn it but they voted Washington should have the rank as well.

[@Luckingsworth]

This is incorrect. Even if we agree Perhsing was a six-star (he was not) then Washington would be a seven-star. Washington is ALWAYS the highest above everyone else.

[@kylewhalen3925]

First off he was a six star and second off Washington was above Pershing because he was the first president of America, So yeah.

[@Kaileen511]

Happy veterans day. thank you for your service. Also, this series was the best, hope you do more series on other topics about the army.

[@christopherchaos]

Thank you!!! I willl be. I’ve gotten some request for info on different things in the Army and will be working on them. Thanks for watching.

[@devilsorchard1449]

I'm a major lieutenant colonel officer admiral captain 6 star general of the Army.

[@rjeanette9189]

Take your meds little one and drift off to la la land General. Remember, do NOT deviate from your meds.

[@huntinggeckos7065]

Devil's Orchard ooooo stolen valor

[@John-doe955]

I get the feeling he is joking, I’m not sure what could possibly give me with feeling.

[@polishpat95]

@jcpr724 lol you're full of shit. there is no such thing as a 22 year old colonel LOL.... and colonels don't ask those stupid questions "is that a high rank?" (I'm retarded).... LOL. DUMBASS

[@ethan-sf3bj]

Thank you for your service, admiral, colonel, Lieutenant General.

[@freakguitargod]

Thanks for the video, I've learned a lot! Keep up the good work and thank you for your service.

[@thetruth-qf9hl]

Video starts at 6:15

[@_LetsGoMe_]

Left the army as an E-4, currently I’m working towards my four year degree so I can come back and be an officer. Honestly it’s pretty convoluted to become an officer. There lots of variables you have to look at, but if you really wanted to be an officer the easiest way would probably be going in with a medical, law, or ministry degree.

[@erlangenemutya9221]

You didn't mention general MacArthur who is also 5 star general during world war 2

[@ThatGingerGuy51]

He didn’t mention any 5 stars aside from the first and last. Like you can’t forget about Eisenhower, Marshall, and Arnold from WW2, as well as Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan from the Civil War

[@mr.wilson4360]

Currently in the ROTC program. AIT is now a week longer. Our instructor said this is for the purpose of having more time on the range.

[@timnaf123]

Dude don't dumb it down, i want more details.

[@stephenjensen4734]

Another extremely uncommon way to commission into the US Army would be ECP, or Early Commissioning Program. It's only offered at four Jr. Military Colleges in the country: Valley Forge Military Academy and College Georgia Military College Marion Military Institute New Mexico Military Institute ECP is an accelerated two year long program where you attend one of the four colleges above and work towards earning your Associates degree. While there you will technically be a MS3 and MS4 (Junior and Senior) while in your Freshman and Sophomore year. At the end of your Sophomore year you while be commissioned as a 2LT into either the Nation Guard or the Army Reserves. For the next two years you attend any College/University of your choice in the country as long as it has an Army ROTC course or an affiliate. (IE: It's a small college but works with a larger University for an ROTC program) It needs to have an AROTC program so you can check in with the instructors to ensure you're on track to graduate within three years. ECP requires you to complete your Bachelor's Degree within 36 months of earning your commission, if you fail to hit that time limit, you lose your commission. The advantages of ECP would be: Guaranteed a Commission after two years (The only other place you are guaranteed a commission from the start would be West Point) Time in rank Full Ride Scholarship at both Colleges 2LT pay while in College Not many people know about ECP so it is easy to get into A Monthly Stipend straight into your pocket every month. ($450 a month your first year, $500 your second year) When you complete the Bachelor's Degree, you've already been in for two years so you are automatically promoted to 1LT The Disadvantages of ECP would be: It's very intense and requires your full attention If you take the Full Ride Scholarship you must serve 8 years instead of the usual 4 (the Army puts so much money into you so they want more years of service) Aside from that, ECP doesn't have many disadvantages, and to me more years of service isn't that bad. I say that because if you want to go through ECP, you want to be a career officer, or at least be in for a few years. While in between your first and second year the jr. military colleges offer special courses you can attend. (IE: Airborne, Air Assult, CULP) I think the biggest advantage would be that last one. ECP gives you time in rank and you get promoted faster in the beginning. Say you and your friend both want to go into the Army, you go through ECP while he goes to a regular University through ROTC. At the end of his second year he is still a Cadet and is just now getting the hang of things. You're already a commissioned 2LT. At the end of your forth year he is just now commissioning as a 2LT. You've been a 2LT for two years and you're being promoted to 1LT. So it takes the same amount of time but you are a full pay grade higher and you get paid to go to college. In short, for those that know they want to go into the Army as an officer, I highly suggest looking into ECP as a potential course of action.

[@MisterTutor2010]

I once knew a flag officer who was the very model of a Modern Major General :)

[@HeIsAnAli]

Had he information vegetable, animal, and mineral?

[@MisterTutor2010]

@@HeIsAnAli yes and he also understands equations, both simple and quadratical :)

[@MrRed-tf7bv]

My cousin enlisted in 1981, 40 years ago, he served 21, years(1981-2002) and retired a Master sergeant, he was offered to be a warrant officer but declined

[@cav1stlt922]

Did you forget VMI for commission?

[@rkelsey3341]

VMI commissions officers through their ROTC programs, just like all other 4 year colleges and universities.

[@Matracokura]

Great video, subscribed. The only strange thing was, it came up as recommended while watching ambulance drivers...

[@christopherchaos]

how funny.

[@AurumAquila]

Love your vids and First!

[@christopherchaos]

Thank you!!! Your awesome!!

[@AurumAquila]

Oh and thank you for your service as well sir! Hooah!

[@ultimatefinesse2768]

The video I have been waiting for! Thanks!

[@allamasadi7970]

Happy veteran's day, I am from England.

[@AthamAldecua]

Good explanation! Thank you for your service!

[@christopherchaos]

Thank you!!!

[@DiscountSeanConnery]

I think Colin Powell exemplifies a good soldier and a great leader, I believe he should have been promoted to a five star.

[@forreal2398]

Full Bird Colonel Can be a Post commander. I was stationed at Ft. Greely Alaska once and my dad was stationed there twice and there has never been anything above a Lt. Colonel or full bird running the post.

[@bigbabysld]

2nd lieutenant = BUTTER BAR

[@90vit]

All 3 videos are informative. I really enjoyed them all.

[@christopherchaos]

Thanks!!!

[@w.d.zonkers7181]

General Washington and Black Jack (john) Pershing were six star generals. The only two.

[@LavitosExodius]

I was about to say this haha Washington was a Six Star.

[@y0urs03pic]

6 star generals is/were the Commander in Chief.. soo in modern day technically our presidents are 6 stars Generals.. Don't you think?

[@LavitosExodius]

No because John Pershing was never the Commander in Chief. Though he did hold the figurative 6 star rank.

[@tonywarshani5039]

Actually they were not "6" star generals. They were promoted to the rank "General of the Armies" which the insignia is 4 stars but they are gold. John Pershing was awarded this rank first and being that when he received this rank the 5 star General rank was not a thing, That rank does however out rank the 5 star and George Washington was given that rank the General of the Armies some time in the 1970s or 1980s. But the rank is not 6 stars it's 4 gold stars.

[@LavitosExodius]

That would be incorrect also as that was never actually recognized and to this day it's still not recognized as and insignia. In any case the rank does actually outrank a 5 star rank even if no official insignia actually exists.

[@richardaronoff4144]

LTC (ret) MSC. As an enlisted soldier you must sit for the Officer Candidate Test (OCT) to determine your qualifications. As you probably already have your 4yr college degree, the test is not that difficult. Unless you are receiving a direct commission such as a medical or legal professional, you will be commissioned into a particular branch. The three combat arms “sponsor” their own OCS. Infantry at Ft Bennning, Armor at Ft Knox, and Artillery at Ft Sill. All the other branches are fed by those OCS schools. You apply to that branch and upon acceptance, you go to the “home” of that branch for officer basic instruction in that branch. As an example, Signal Corp is Ft Meade, Medical (non-professional and professional) is Ft Sam Houston, Adjutant General Corp is Ft Jackson. To be promoted from Cpt to Maj, you need to attend your branch advanced course. At this time you should be starting a College Masters Degree if not already completed it. This will make you eligible to teach at West Point. To make LTC, complete 50% of Command & General Staff (C&GS). For Col, complete C&GS. To be promoted to General, you need to attend any of the services War Colleges, Army, Navy or Air Force. You are then screened by promotion board of general officers of your branch. A list of promotable officers is then sent to Secretary of the Army and the Joint Chiefs to review before sending it to the president.

[@AcceptableAsGenerallyDecent]

I shook a general's hand once. she was very... short

[@Mike-lh4wn]

Beyond being managers or staff, they could also be specialists like a dentist, doctor, lawyer (judge advocate), etc.

[@mikeoxsmal8022]

What are the military ranks of dogs in the us army

[@christopherchaos]

They have the same rank insignias but the dog is always one rank above it’s handler.

[@scoe5908]

All are of the rank 'Good Boy/Girl'.

[@GBoldry]

That's actually not always true. I'm an MP Officer that has had the pleasure of working with K-9 handlers and they informed me that they actually view the dogs as pieces of equipment. I don't know the details as to how that works, but I'd assume that they would fall under class 7 of supply (high end items). I'm not sure if this only applies to 31Ks but it could differ now that K-9 handlers have their own specific MOS which is a fairly recent change. The dogs may have had their own rank in the past to ensure that handlers did not mistreat their dogs (as they would outrank their handler as you stated), but at least for the dogs utilized by 31Ks, they do not have their own rank.

[@drops2cents260]

> What are the military ranks of dogs in the us army There are four NCO ranks (Woof, Arf, Growl and Bark) and one officer rank: Whine. :-)

[@IanRM]

The highest canine rank is, General Dog's Body

[@Skibidislicersenjoyer74]

My grandfather was a LT. Col in the Air Force he sadly passed a few years ago.

[@Kodeuk]

I'm gonna join the Navy seal when I grow up

[@123er231]

How old are you?

[@Kodeuk]

Mitsurugi Meiya I'm 14 bro

[@EvanHBogle]

oRuqx/Shinobi Ninja good luck, practice you swimming!

[@Kodeuk]

Evan Bogle I know 2 martial arts and I already know how to swim bro

[@blehnya0w0]

oRuqx/Shinobi Ninja if youre spending time watching anime, I wouldn't bother trying

[@tonylaird6391]

You may be in error regarding General Washington. I heard that by law he is to outrank all others. Therefore that would make him either the most senior five star or a six star.

[@Luca-lc7gm]

My friend's grandfather was the marshal of the royal air force (equivalent to general of the army) and her father was an air marshal (equivalent to a major general).

[@kuchmatt807]

For doctors (I'm a veterinarian), we don't go to OCS. We receive direct commission as an O-3 and attend the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) at Fort Sam Houston. For health professionals, everything is done through the Army Medical Department (AMEDD).

[@calebmills5365]

The JROTC Commander at my High School is (R) Lieutenant Colonel Brian Maijala.

[@carsongrover9924]

There’s 5 ways to commissioning in the Army: ROTC, Westpoint, Green-To-Gold, Direct Commission (for a very few careers) and OCS

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

To my limited knowledge a few combat arms, SF, 11B NCOs got direct commissions: Captain, O-3 Major O-4. 1 Delta SFOD-1 guy did that in 2000s OEF. He was a Ranger & went into CAG/Delta. After his time, he was commissioned & served in a 11B slot.

[@kevinhanegan8900]

Great video. Things I didn't know but always wondered about. Can you please do a video on the sizes of things like platoons, unit, division, company..... And maybe who runs them or how they work in the heirechy of the army. Thanks

[@christopherchaos]

I’ve gotten that request a few times now so I think I’ll work on that for a video soon then. Thanks!!!

[@IanRM]

Kevin, in the mean time . . UK A section is anything up to 10 men commanded by a Cpl. A Platoon (normally around 30) is commanded by a Sgt and Lt, Company (around 200 men/women) Commanded by a Major and Sgt Mag class 2. A regiment/Battalion commanded by a Lt Col and Sgt Mag class 1 (1/2 class opposite in the US). A Brigade commanded by a Brigadier General and Division by a Maj General. Army by a General with a Lt General. In addiution, some of these ranks are Staff Officer who do not technically command troops but have administrative or technical roles.

[@Anthony.462]

In the Irish army there is only one way of getting commission, you have to 15 month cadetship and then if you pass that you graduate as a 2nd lieutenant . Then you have to do a year in your unit. After that year you get a scholarship to a college where you go for 3/4 years , whilst doing military duties on weekends and in between semesters. Once graduated you become a 1st lieutenant.

[@ee222]

really enjoyed the series and thank you for your service to keep america free! got one question. how does a CW5 compare with a lieutenant, more specifically a 2nd lieutenant? or is the answer to this more of needing another video in order to fully explain it?

[@christopherchaos]

they really have different roles. A CW5 would have more authority than a 2LT but they both do very different jobs.

[@christopherchaos]

Also that CW5 has most likely been in the Army for about 20 years while that 2LT has maybe been in the Army for 2 years.

[@ee222]

thanks for the quick replies. so, when you wrote that "...a CW5 [has] more authority than a 2LT..." are you implying that a CW5 out-ranks a 2LT? IOW, does a CW5 give orders to a 2LT and/or does a 2LT have to salute a CW5?

[@christopherchaos]

Technically the 2LT out ranks the CW5 but they would not be working together but the 2LT would not be ordering around a CW5 just like a LT our ranks a Sergeant Major but would not be giving them orders. It is kinda confusing. Oh and the CW5 would be saluting the LT.

[@stevencano6705]

I respectfully submit this comment and I'd start by saying that this is an informative video that is very important to me and my 1 question I do ask is , why would any stellar General be given a silver rank rather than the gold General stars given instead. Again this comment is only an inquiry instead of an obligated command to answer . Just an accurate observation and not a negative conveyance. Thank you so much for showing US this very informative video about all Army Officer Ranks and thank you for your service. Company Carry on

[@mardiffv.8775]

Most army ranks are silver, because in the early 1800's ranks were worn on golden shoulder boards/ epaulets. So the silver rank had the best contrast with the gold. Up to 1917 the second lieutenant had no rank at all. There was a proposal to give a 2nd lt. one bar, 1st lt. 2 bars and captain 3 bars. But that was dismissed, because it was war, ww1. So the Army made the silver bar of 1 st lt. gold for the 2nd lt. During the 1850's the same happend to the rank of major. First the major had no rank, but could be identified by the shoulder board. And after the shoulder boards were dropped during of before the civil war, majors got the golden lt. colonels leaf.

[@WrongwayF16]

The one thing I was wondering was what does it take to go from a O-1 (Butter Bar) to O-2? Plus, I had an Lt as the CO when I was in back in the second half of the 70's. Funny story about ROTC. I was stationed at Ft. Riley, KS and some of the universities within a specific area had their Advanced Training. We were sitting outside on the steps of the Commo shop and a female was marching other females and they were singing cadence. The leader as they marched by called out for them to sound off like they got a pair. We rolled laughing so hard.

[@ranginrobert5455]

Thanks for your service brother. Much respect

[@bryantchester3196]

Quite informative, greatly enjoyable, ty for the breakdown

[@brianfuller5868]

By 1865, 1700 of 1978 Union Generals were Brevet Brigadier or Major Generals. George Armstrong Custer was a wartime Brevet Major General who reverted to Captain and then was appointed to Lt Colonel.

[@jeffnaslund]

My uncle Bob (Col. Robert E. Neimes, MD) was a full-bird colonel. His last job was commander of Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio

[@garethbertram4303]

Watched 3 of your videos really big thumbs up very interesting.

[@christopherchaos]

Thanks!!!

[@tyronekim3506]

Thanks for the info. You've said a lot and I've not digested as much as I wanted. Could you put up a rank hierarchy tree or command structure in the future?

[@christopherchaos]

I have a video that has a basic break down of the rank structure that kinda show what you are looking for.

[@knightguard3892]

I just want to thank you all for your service. Hooah from a former non contracted cadet and current Auxiliarist.

[@KingTheInferno]

Well looks like i got my work cut out for me. Thank you this was very informative

[@CAROLUSPRIMA]

I may be mistaken but I am under the impression that Washington was a Lt Gen. A bill in Congress that would have given him a fourth star failed amid fears that this would conflict with civilian authority of the military and the rank of General of the Army(ies) was nonexistent at the time. This rank was held by Grant, Sherman and Sheridan (and perhaps by Nelson Miles) but then dropped until the 5 Stars beginning in WWII and ending with Bradley in 1950 as you pointed out. Okay I looked it up. GW was promoted to General of the “Armies” in 1976; apparently we don’t like for Father George to be outranked😊 Thank you for your channel. And for your service.

[@kynes333]

So... a really close friend of mine (we met in college) came up the ROTC way. MP was his specialty because he assisted cops and sheriffs in the area. He ended up at Ft Sill designing Top Secret quality areas; then later into internal investigations (ie monitoring contractors performance). I'm going to massacre this but I believe he was a Captain-Major or Major-Captain... Where does this fall? He was in Croatia under Clinton, Iraq, and etc. In Iraq, he was riding in the command vehicle in the center of the column and the whole column took an IED. He told me that he was the only one who made it out with all his eyes and limbs. And it was due to his purchasing his own armor, etc. Just trying to figure out what he was. He has since passed and I miss him. Was the best guy in the world and would give the shirt off his back for anyone especially those under his command.

[@oldsgtjoe]

We had a family member who was a MD, went into Army as O-3 from day 1 this back in the 1980s

[@rjeanette9189]

Depending on your medical specialty, one can enter the US Army with the rank of Major.

[@lindarob4132]

Thank you for your service. There is a rank after 5 stars called GENERAL OF THE ARMIES. Only 2 hold that rank, John Joseph Pershing and George Washington (posthumous). Cogress decided that no officer should be superior to GW so on 1976, they passed an act into law making his date of rank before JJP. Patton was on the board but Congress never took up the cause in the 1970s. He deserve his fifth star. Thank you again for you service.