US Military (All Branches) OFFICER RANKS Explained - What is an Officer?

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

We teach Security, Elite Performance & Fitness / Military Preparation. Learn more about our Courses and Books at lifeisaspecialoperation.com/ Thanks for Watching.

[@D5f10dgh]

US military: let's name our officer levels same across all branches so it's easy to understand and the hierarchy is clear for everyone. Navy: nah, I don't feel like it

[@kanalkucker14]

Navy: Fuck the other branches, we have some ships to stear xxDD

[@Mortlupo]

It comes from the fact that USAF came out of the US Army and Marines were originally referred in Continental documents as Naval Infantry and was most likely also drawn from the Continental Army. In part it's also because the British "Marines" used the same ranks as their Army did.

[@OptimusWombat]

It's tradition. Most other navies do the same thing, it's not just the USN.

[@colbalt95]

@@kanalkucker14 Army has more boats than the Navy

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

J_Dougg But do the Army have ships though? 🤔

[@javierheng5426]

US Military : How much do you want your rank names to stand out? Navy : Yes

[@ethangregg702]

I want my rank on the bigger ☝️ now better

[@johnharris6655]

"If you have a question ask an Officer. An Officer will always answer your question. If you want the right answer to your question ask your NCO." Something my Aunt, a retired Navy Nurse and Commander, once said to the Corpsmen she was training.

[@jhamezsky]

"We salute the rank not the man." - Major Winters.

[@vuvuvu6291]

We look upon the book cover always

[@normalguy5208]

So this mean that I have to give all my life to become a general ?

[@RWong-wn3pv]

It’s a good thing, it’s a bad thing. Sometimes it could be a good/bad thing or a bad/good thing.

[@theoverlord1925]

If the rank is earned, that’s fine; if it’s a rank because of connections, politics , or other trivial reasons then it’s not fine.That causes major issues throughout the armed forces . Rank has to be earned, the hard way, the proper way.

[@whatever9042]

And hopefully one day the officer will earn his title and be saluted for who he is.

[@garywinters4636]

Just a "FYI", the US Coast Guard also uses the same rank structure as the Navy. Thank you.

[@MexicaN7455]

Notice how the title said of All Military branches. That doesn’t include the life guards 😂

[@markhorton3994]

@@MexicaN7455 The Coast Guard is military entitled to all responsibilities and privileges such as dying for their country and being buried in a national cemetery with military honors. The Coast Guard comes under fire from smugglers on occasion and regularly faces the possibility.

[@dperry19661]

@@markhorton3994 Yet they are DOT, not DoD. The military doesn't enforce fish and game laws or navigating while intoxicated laws or any of the other LAW ENFORCEMENT duties a policing agency like the USCG does. Coasties are cops.

[@markhorton3994]

@@dperry19661 The U.S. Coast Guard is considered military. Normally the Coast Guard operates as part of the Department of Homeland Security but during war time the President can attach any and all Coast Guard assets to the Navy. The Coast Guard actively patrols our waters and faces vessels better armed than they are.

[@eliduttman315]

@@dperry19661 In times of armed conflict, the Coast Guard serves under the Secretary of the Navy. Currently, the Coast Guard serves under the Secretary of Homeland Security. Before DHS was created, the Coast Guard served under the Secretary of Transportation. Even earlier, the Coast Guard was a Treasury Dept. agency. Remember, the Coast Guard comes out of the Revenue Cutter Service. Federal Law gives the Coast Guard both military and law enforcement responsibilities.

[@carlodino]

Information delivered clear, concise and straightforward. A real serviceman.

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Thanks, Carlo

[@MrNakmuayjoe]

I concur. I just subscribed and I'm already very impressed with the way his videos convey information effectively and efficiently. Well done.

[@kk-qu1zc]

ur a noob

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

Seen 13 December 2019 Thank you for your service. 🇺🇸 Retired USN Chaplin's Corp. WW2 Age 98. Still going, one day at a time. You do the same. Thank you

[@vince11harris]

Mr. Hahn Much respect sir thank you for your service 💪🏾

[@amihan99]

Where were you posted in ww2?

[@retarded8122]

God Damn

[@kars372]

@@hciuahwuiwa 😂

[@Ty-vj4wg]

@@kars372 How is that funny?

[@bigmanjohnson6711]

Something i learned as a kid about the General's ranking. Its easy to remember. Brigadier G (1 star)= (B)e Major G (2 star) = (M)y Lieutenant G (3 star)= (L)ittle General (4 star) = (G)eneral

[@woodsman9427]

learn this in jrotc

[@CaptainBardiel]

It's called a Mnemonic

[@luarsenutna4889]

Hehehe, I love it.

[@baselnasrallah479]

Jermaine Johnson or you can memorize it, it’s 4 words :)

[@charliedee9276]

It was taught to me in Air Force basic as Be My Little Girl.

[@camryndaggs5442]

In bootcamp, we had to memorize all ranks enlisted and officer, of all branches. At first, it was difficult to memorize what order the Generals went in, so our MTI's taught us "Be My Little General" (BMLG) 1. Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General, and (4 star) General. Hope this helps anyone wanting to know!

[@movieclipz4494]

He was smart👌🏽

[@axa.axa.]

​@@movieclipz4494 ? Rather, you got to be pretty stupid not to be able to strait out memorize 20 positions.

[@Joe_Narbaiz]

Since you referred to MTIs, you were probably in the Air Force. Just wondering why you referred to basic military training as bootcamp. 😮

[@camryndaggs5442]

@@Joe_Narbaiz I am still in the AF, yes lol. And honestly I’ve always referred BMT as bootcamp because it’s a universal term. When I’m telling a story to my friends back home or friends in other branches, they don’t know what “BMT” is so I just use bootcamp to cut to the point😂

[@Joe_Narbaiz]

@@camryndaggs5442 Do you remember the acronym HMNAWGSF to learn the various organizational structures within the Air Force? Did you know that MOS in the Army was the same as AFSC in the Air Force? Some terms are just unique to each service. 🤔😉😂

[@Zoomie932]

What did the smartest Lieutenant in the Army say? "Show me how to to that, Sarge."

[@Zoomie932]

@Randy Baumery you are right, Randy. He was an ex enlisted Marine. The other smart lieutenant that wasn't ex-marine said "Oh fuck!! What do we do now? Sarge.

[@Zoomie932]

@Randy Baumery I was in USAF Radar Operations. I had crossed trained from Parachute Rigger. The best officers I dealt with were pilots. 🙄 My Senior Director Technician position in Radar Ops had me training the new L-teez for the Senior Director position. My favorite SD was a 1st Looey who made Captain who was a Marine Jungle Fighter that used his GI bill to get an AF Commission.

[@Zoomie932]

@Randy Baumery I ran into a 19yo A1C while TDY in Sigonella Sicily who loved Hahn especially when the local high school girls got summer jobs doing the the landscaping, aka Weeds N Seeds.

[@Zoomie932]

@Randy Baumery This was 1977. We can assume they were still doing that in 1982. At RAF Alconbury they had the "Corby Commandos". Every Fri and Sat Night a busload of young ladies got dropped off, from Corby, at the front gate. They had been doing that since 1943. I know that because I got drunk with one of their Mums.

[@denisdegamon8224]

Not all lieutenants are clueless. Typically, the ones with troop experience work closely with their platoon sargents and take the time to earn the respect of their troopers, making for better officers.

[@KidsToysPlayChannel]

When did the USN rename the rank of Commodore, and why? Navies are usually all about tradition.

[@jkdm7653]

Somewhere in the late 80s or early 90s, I believe. The gag line was, "When is an admiral not an admiral?...when he's a commodore". It's the Navy's own fault...for years the term "Commodore" went to what ever officer in a group underway was senior to the other ships COs. Commodore meant "Senior Captain" since the earliest days of the Navy. Brilliant...like "Lower Half"...lower half of what? No Navy 2-star is referred to publicly as RA Upper Half!

[@slippyTT]

The Commodore Rank was renamed Rear Admiral Lower Half because Commodores were not given the respect they deserved from other armed forces. By changing it, they hoped they would be recognized as proper Admirals. Nowdays, senior Captains who are placed in charge of more than one ship are generally informally referred to as Commodores.

[@lokiloki19]

@USA#1 !! That's just not true

[@mr.m1garand254]

That name always sounded badass

[@ricardoblikman2676]

Would you prefer to be a Rear Admiral Lower Half?????

[@americanoutdoorsman_1133]

Retired LTC US Army 13ALPHA Field Artillery 1997-2017! My best time was when I was a Captain as Battery Commander loved the assignment, staff and crew under my command!!!

[@the34beast64]

Proud to say my grandpa retired as a Colonel from the Air Force! He was a Vet of the Korean and Vietnam war. Colonel Donell Montoya!

[@frankdenardo8684]

My girlfriend is a retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel. She served in Afghanistan 🇦🇫 and Iraq 🇮🇶 during the war on terrorism. Afghanistan was Operation Enduring Hope, and Iraq was Operation Iraqi Freedom. I'm so glad that I am living with her.

[@davidlanham99]

I just made General of the Space Force (GSF), I got my fifth silver saturn so you all better watch it!

[@hangfried9429]

GSF uses Navy rank, so you really had 5 seaman in Uranus.

[@alexanderbrown2717]

David Lanham pogchamp

[@kevanhornsby1070]

But all anybody sees is Uranus. Task Force Guy - over n out

[@kennethberger3300]

@@hangfried9429 lol

[@alswann2702]

You're demoted to Uranus.

[@richarda.d.9745]

Thank you for the rundown. If you do one of these again in the future, it would be good to know WHAT they command & the general responsibilities of the different ranks vs the basic hierarchy.

[@geofffleming12]

Thank you for this, Colonel. I'm a civilian working with a defense contractor and would like to be respectful of rank at every level of service. I've had a fairly good understanding of the progression of both enlisted and commissioned rank for a while, but recognizing insignia swiftly enough to show that respect has been tricky. Maybe you could make us some flash cards, sir.

[@davidshepard3708]

O3 was the most fun. I knew the business and, as a prior enlisted, felt finally useful. The Captain's Mafia was the most fun. O4 was good fun as well.

[@genesiswan4018]

Great stuff. Maybe you could add, 2 Star are the highest permanent rank, with 3 stars and above are appointment based. They allow you to retire at the highest appointment rank upon successful completion of the tour, otherwise you will be reverted back to 2 stars upon retirement

[@kennethcaine3402]

I can't understand why there should be even one dislike of this straight forward video it is very well done, the subject was well written and educational. Thanks for sharing this information.

[@drn13355]

Maybe someone from the Coast Guard was pissed.

[@_DB.COOPER]

I served in the Border Patrol for 30 years. Our rank was based on the Marine Corps. rank. I retired as a Lt. Col known in the Marine ranks and called a Watch Commander in the Patrol ranks. GS-14. Thanks for explaining all this.

[@cscam56]

Excellent summary. And like all summaries, there are nuances to issues like promotion and longevity at the ranks. I enlisted in the Coast Guard (sadly missing from your list of Services) and was promoted in due course to an E-6, Petty Officer First Class. In my day, the CG selected around 12 enlisted persons a year (each had to be at least an E-5 with at least 4 years of active service) to attend OCS. I will never know how I was selected but I was. As an officer I served in a variety of posts from operational command to staff/support work. In the CG, we typically go from an operational job to a shore/staff job and then back to operations (an afloat assignment, a Sector or Group assignment [being in charge of several multi-mission stations and patrol craft, or some similar operational support command]). I was lucky enough to get two command jobs. Unfortunately, with too few command opportunities available, even in my small service, most don't get the chance for a command. I retired as an O-6, Captain, after 36 years of active service. Very proud to be one of the 45,000 men and women who get to serve in an organization that never has a dull day.

[@danielfronc4304]

Thanks for the clarification. My dad served 35 years as a civilian mechanical engineer, (entered service when he volunteered for a service, as a serviceman post Pearl Harbor). They said no....We need more engineers than grunts. He ended up designing warships and offensive and defensive weaponry. Retired in '75 after 35 years in as deputy director, Naval Sea Systems Command, Bureau of Weapons, as high as a civilian could go. His last project was the then troublesome Aegis system, it drew too much electricity and the ship would drop its' load when it was turned on. When he gave them a months notice of retirement they asked for an extra 2 weeks to train up 2 Admirals to assume his duties. Not bad for a first born Polish-American. Anyway, I could never get the ranks and insignias straight and military history is a hobby of mine as you might imagine. Thanks for clearing up a many decades old confusion and thank you for your service.

[@JAG312]

During WW2, my father rose to the Naval rank of Captain. If you knew my father, you'd be surprised that he advanced so far. I guess advancement was a lot easier in WW2.

[@nutyyyy]

It was much quicker during the war due to experience gained and the high numbers of casualties. It wasn't that uncommon to have NCOs commissioned on the battlefield as junior officers.

[@sukhoi47100]

I’ve never came across a video this straightforward and direct with its information. Perfect!

[@thomasrandolph4581]

I know right, and I spent 6 years in the USMC lol.

[@robertreep448]

Just saw your video (5/30/20) on military commissioned officers ranking system. I am very proud to inform you that my oldest son is CPT. in the US ARMY stationed (at present) at Ft. Bragg.

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

What do you think is the best Officer Rank?

[@joedaddy4714]

Colonel

[@MrMustacheMan405]

General of the armies 6 star

[@Michael.131]

Life is a Special Operation do you think joining SF as an officer is harder, in terms of social standards, given how most people think of members of the SF have come from broken homes and have had a hard earily life?

[@iantorres8253]

I think commander sounds the coolest lol

[@chair2930]

Cwo5

[@Holret]

Navy, please get with the program.

[@thehonestloaf3575]

Holret fuckin' squids

[@runakovacs4759]

No. Navy wants to retain its ability to confuse marines. Some of my (current/former) navy buds tell grand tales of poor PFCs thinking petty officers are commissioned :P.

[@tidefanyankee2428]

As a PO3 (E-4) I got saluted by an Army E-8 on Ft Bragg because he didn't know what my rank was.....I returned the salute and told him to "carry on". I just didn't have the heart to tell him........LOL!!! Holret, We (the Navy) ARE the program son......

[@stevencarrier2466]

NEGATIVE!

[@Aimless6]

to Army Captains: Sir, where did you put your ship? to COMSUBPAC: Commander? That is almost the same as a Major, isn't it?

[@MrMattlopez32]

Army O7 -O9 BGN - Brig. Gen MGN - Maj. Gen LTG - Lt. Gen

[@knightguard3892]

Thank you for your service sir. Hooah from a former non contracted cadet 91-92 and current Auxiliarist CG Auxiliary.

[@robertgoss4842]

Right on the button about the rank of captain. It was by far the most satisfying time of my Army career. That, and I worked with some of the finest NCO's in the world. They saved my bacon more than once.

[@josephstraley6325]

"Don't call me sir-I work for a living."

[@josephstraley6325]

MidgetDylan I know what it is but that phrase has been embedded by scornful sergeants-not a tv series.

[@absolutelynot4845]

Try Air Force culture on for size. We call EVERYONE sir/ma’am, including from upper rank addressing down. It’s not mandatory, but it’s common culture practice. I can’t stand it so I address by rank.

[@gendoikari8350]

SGT DORNAN. WHATEVER

[@Dmulagotraxks]

Infinite Warfare

[@mackb4084]

Wack

[@maineoutdoorsman677]

Anyone that’s a E or O has my respect an gratitude for protecting us an our country.god bless our past an present service members 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@therealnaenae2012]

Army air force marines: Okay, so well name all of them the same. Where is the navy? Navy: Screw you guys, im going home!

[@aerofpv2109]

You tactically edited this episode with precision. Thank you for serving Sir.

[@IRONHEAD12701]

Thanks for your service Colonel. I did 4 years in the Marines and had the time of my life. From Paris island, they sent me to Pearl Harbor, Guam, Philippines, Okinawa, Japan, the government trained me and gave me a tour of the South Pacific that’ll make millionaires jealous.

[@KhoaNguyen.08]

Thank you for your service, Sir. Great channel. Clear. Concise. Aesthetically pleasing visuals. Awesome content.

[@the_hero7801]

"my general observation is that any flag officers who put up their flag are generally tools" had me rolling on the floor

[@thomasrandolph4581]

Right lol. He just said what ALL of us have thought while saluting a car, while standing in the rain haha (Sgt. USMC)

[@HolySoliDeoGloria]

Nice video. The "company grade-field grade" distinction does not apply to the Navy. In the Navy, O-1 through O-4 are considered "junior officers" and O-5 and O-6 are considered "senior officers." As for generals and admirals being concerned about their flags: The presence or absence of the flag (on a building, for example) indicates the presence or absence of the general or flag officer. This is useful information to the many people who work for or are otherwise affected by the flag officer. So, concern for flag protocol does not necessarily indicate that the officer is a tool. Also, good job showing that the official abbreviations for the ranks are different for ALL the services-very few people know this and use them properly, especially when referring to other services' personnel.

[@ffggddss]

Ditto on the star-flags. I think he was talking about Genls & Admls who carry the thing around with them everywhere - to meetings and all. That's pretty 'toolish.' Fred

[@gregowens6165]

Thanks. I also retired as a LTC, USAR. I agree, that Captain was the most fun rank. As an old COL once put it, "Captain is the best damn rank because you're still at the eye poking level." My most memorable time was serving as the CO of Company C, 2nd BN, 185th Armor Regt.

[@raymondpeterson5748]

Thanks. Army vet here. I could not figure out why the Navy officer's insignia looked the same, but had a different rank. Thank you for your service.

[@phillipnagle9651]

A naval rank we often hear but no long exists is Commodore, which was the a one star rank.

[@thebusterdog6358]

Because it's a temporary assignment. But it is not a one star rank. It is a gray area between Captain and Rear Admiral.

[@marklouttit1165]

The Busterdog the rank of Commodore has existed as a permanent rank in the USN at various times. Prior to the Civil War it was the highest USN rank. During WW2 it was a temporary 07 rank when the Navy had to expand the number of flag officers and it was briefly revived during the Reagan years. You are correct that in the USN today it’s a command duty position and not a rank

[@donaldcake1]

It is still used in commonwealth navies

[@logansorenssen]

You hear the term "full-bird Captain" in the USN and USCG, too, to distinguish them from both USA/USAF/USMC Captains, and to distinguish them from the commanding officers of ships. COs of ships are addressed as "Captain" and informally known as "the Captain", even if their actual rank is something else (usually Commander - the COs of DDGs, FFGs and SSNs are generally O-5, while the COs of CGs, LHDs, SSBNs and CVNs are usually O-6).

[@valdencorr2861]

Just imagine how incredible capable you have to be to make it to general or admiral. WOW. No wonder we have the best armed forces on the planet.

[@dougmontgomery1868]

I am a member of a Toastmasters club in Torrance, California. For a few years there was a member who was a medical officer in the Navy--a psychologist. She reached the rank of lieutenant commander. A remarkable person any way you look at it.

[@chawkx707]

Just in case no one has said it. You are effin MAN. Thanks for ur service in the military and doing vids

[@popsi50]

I retired from the North Carolina Army National Guard, with the rank of SSg. Proud of that. I started life of service as a draftee. Bragg, Gordon, Germany, Viet Nam. Full Army life. I SALUTE YOU SIR!

[@venoxidegaming1432]

When I was a kid I've always wanted to serve in the Navy. My grandparents had their war stories, but they never told me what they achieved. Later I learned that my father's biological dad was a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy and my father's step-dad dad was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army. Both of them have passed on, but I want to make them proud with my future career. I take the ASVAB in 2 weeks.

[@willisix2554]

GOOD LUCK! .........WHAT HAPPEND? HOW DID YOU DO?

[@venoxidegaming1432]

Willi six I scored an 87. Got a nuc contract and shipping as soon as the clearance is good.

[@willisix2554]

@@venoxidegaming1432 Alright! Good for you, keep your head up, listen and learn, thanks for stepping up! USAF VETERAN

[@venoxidegaming1432]

@@willisix2554 Hello again! Thought I would give an update. I made it through most of the pipeline, but had to get rerated do to some medical obstacles that hindered my academic performance. Got missile technician and currently waiting for my orders to come in. Thank you for your words of encouragement because it was quite difficult in the schoolhouse lol.

[@willisix2554]

@@venoxidegaming1432 Thank You for letting me know! I glad you are doing well! Missile Tech? That sounds awesome

[@MikeC_BE_2870]

It was a childhood dream of mine to join the armed forces of my country. Mainly because both my parents where in the army, but sadly, I failed the medical exam. :(

[@christianr7685]

Mike Chavepeyer If you don’t mind me asking, what was it that caused you to fail in your med exam. I’m asking because if I have whatever you may have I’ll need to think of other careers

[@Dovahkiin069Nighfury]

Royalist Broski Do swimming and take up swimming classes. Also, avoid asthma triggers. And regularly do detoxifying regiments to cleanse your body. And you'll be in shape in no time. I know that it works because it had for me. I was a severe asthmatic since i was a kid and even in my teenage years. And those things that i mentioned helped me a lot. And now, i'm a trainee under Philippine Army AFP Reserve command and was able to pass my medical tests. (Will be applying for Call to Active duty after my training.) And haven't had any attacks ever since i took up swimming and the things i've said. (Been doing PT well during the course of our training, even better than the others. IMHO) It will workout well in the end. no harm in trying and if being in the uniformed service is your passion, then go for it! Try again and try harder! Goodluck.

[@fredericguignabaudet5679]

As for me I joined the french navy, and after a year of service I was fired by the psychologist :(

[@Dovahkiin069Nighfury]

@@fredericguignabaudet5679 I'm so sorry to hear that. That must've felt really bad being kicked out of your job just like that.

[@fredericguignabaudet5679]

@@Dovahkiin069Nighfury Thanks mate. The worst part is that I got treated like a dog, they stripped me from my rank and I wasn't allowed to have a fork and a knife to eat. Sometimes these guys go really far

[@djt-raz7970]

Thank you for your service, Lieutenant Colonel.

[@dennismarvin9143]

I enjoy your presentation... always good to refresh my memory... My father retired as a Major in the US Army.. He left college and enlisted in the Navy in 1941 after Pearl Harbor ... after the war he left the military for a year but chose to go back in the Army. ( I was born in Jacksonville Florida while dad was stationed there ) While on his first ( our ) overseas duty we were stationed in Frankfort Germany he was part of the ASA specialty.. One day as a E7 he reported to duty when he was told by his CO ... "Marvin you are out of uniform" .. to which dad was taken back.. he was a NEVER out of uniform... His CO told dad to report to work tomorrow as a Second lieutenant.. Thus began dad's military life as an officer.. At the time his promotion was a field grade promotion also called a Mustang.. We were always proud of our dads military career. I severed as well.. but the term Military Brat was my proudest rank.. All who served know the most difficult job in a military life was the Military Wife.. Mom could pack and unpack a house hold belonging like no other and never complained . We had two tours in Germany one in Turkey and a number of posts in the US.. Proud to be a military family ... End of duty..

[@ThomasWMay]

Thank you for this. My problem was dealing with the Navy ranks. I also wanted to know what a "Gunny" was. Side note, my uncle was a commander with the 101st. I'm just a retired Air Force Lt.Col. I was forced to retire when I turned 60. Also, I agree with you, if I could I'd do it all over again, put my name at the top of the list. My total service time was 40yrs, 8 months and 3 days.

[@henryschmidt485]

A gunny is only in the Marine Corps and is a Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) or E-7 this guy also has a video on all enlisted ranks that you could check out if you wanted a better explanation/ comparison Edit: just realized the original comment was 4yo lol, well incase your still wondering.

[@organicoregano]

Can you please do a warrant officer video?

[@alexdosani6236]

Organic Oregano I agree.

[@christiankane5802]

3rded

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

In the next 2 weeks....

[@charlespreble4849]

Warrant Officers are also Commissioned Officers. In the Army there are two types of Warrant Officers, Technical and those who fly. There are some commands that only Warrant Officers can obtain; the Army Band and Counter Intelligence Groups. I am a retired CW2 915A

[@stevedaly730]

Pretty straight forward, there are only 4 grades. All warrant officers. One thru ,4. Four being a chief Warrant officer.

[@francel0198]

Thank you for your services, Sir

[@rkaye4370]

We had a Marine Colonel married to a Navy Commander as neighbors. He was up for General we knew, but don't think he made it. They were so much fun to be around. He flew everything the Marines had he said but I don't think that included helicopters. My granpa was an enlisted combat Marine in Viet Nam. He seemed affected and rarely talked about it with us. TY for serving and protecting our country. We know you all are very good people.

[@semperfisig]

Well constructed! I knew the information, but it's always nice to see how people present it.

[@sparkyd782]

Completely agree with “TOOL” statement! Mine had us salute in theater! “Sniper check! Sir” lol

[@christianparente4276]

Thanks for your service and for making this video. I was always interested what the ranking were

[@VishalRaoOnYouTube]

Concise and information packed, thanks!

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

My Pleasure

[@MichaelJohnson-kx3ln]

Thank you for your service sir, much respect too you & l will always remember our warriors, past& present....HOOWAHH! Cadet Captain, Michael D Johnson, JROTC Southeast Sr. High...armed drill squad, color guard, honor guard & rifle team. Army rotc that is.1986-89.

[@ShonKinsley]

During the joint operation with USN, one of the officers explained what their ranks are represented; the US ranks system is often considered a "tree" 1. Since NCO conducting a basic but fundamental duties, so their ranks are from a tree's root. (It looks like a root though) 2. Junior officers(from 2Lt to Capt aka Ensign to Lt in Navy): it connect roots(NCOs) to branches(senior officers), so it is a trunk of the tree 3. Senior officer(Maj and L.Col): blooming branches 4. Colonel(captain in Navy): finally an eagle(colonel) jumps from the branch to the sky becoming stars(generals) It sounds very poetry.

[@wherecar54]

First, your stuff is excellent. The ideal officer rank is Major or light Colonel.

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Thanks

[@Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire]

Do you mean Lieutenant Colonel?

[@wherecar54]

thesexybadger we used to call them that when I was in. Yes.

[@Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire]

@@wherecar54 ahhh got confused. Assumed autocorrect had struck again

[@reidparker1848]

nah. Once you leave the field, you're a politician, not a soldier.

[@hectorhinojos1164]

Thank you for your service!

[@DameonOnorato]

Is it possible to delay Promotions without getting kicked out as an officer to stay at 0-3 for more years than 10 if you want more field time?

[@itperdition]

It used to be you could do a full 20+ as commander (O5) or higher. But there were time restrictions on lower ranks. If you hadn't made O2-O4 by a certain time, you were kicked out.

[@itperdition]

@@SwedishBroManDude Not really, it is a way to weed out the non performers. Remember, officers usually change "jobs" every 2 years, so they will go from command to command working for different bosses. So, there is literally no chance of one senior commander keeping a junior officer down. Some people are just non-performers and there is nothing wrong with that, except they chose the wrong line of work to be in. They are discovered pretty early and if bad evaluations don't get them kicked out, than not having the skill or motivation (drive) to advance will.

[@bloodybones63]

@@itperdition Or reached the highest level of their competency.

[@niveditamuthamani219]

Thank You for your service and to all who have served.

[@CharlieBourgeois_]

I grew up in Ft. Leavenworth where my dad taught at CGSC. I’d walk with him and stop at one of the three ponds they had nearby and I’d fish the entire day until he came by after work and we’d walk home. By this time he was 25 years plus and was contemplating going on to teach at the Army War College but later found out he retired so us kids could finally finish at a school we’d been at for more than two years. One year the ponds froze over and I walked out on them but was swiftly taken home in an MP car for my foolish mistake. He was a quiet man. I learned by his actions; what it took to be a great man.

[@shocktrooperdiary1354]

My uncle is a Major, but he’s getting promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2 weeks.

[@nickschallick5259]

Congratulations

[@nickschallick5259]

Did he get promoted yet?

[@shocktrooperdiary1354]

@@nickschallick5259 Yep, he got promoted yesterday.

[@miacisewski6945]

@@shocktrooperdiary1354 Congrats to your uncle!

[@mwduck]

Big career step

[@GeoHvl]

I had never heard of an ADMIRAL LOWER HALF when I was in the one-star was Commodore.

[@danielyeshe]

The Royal Navy still has Commodores. My guess, and it is just a guess, is that the US wanted all flag grades to have Admiral in the name. Although they could have had Commodor Admiral. Weirdly in the UK we just have Brigadier rather than Brigadier General - it did used to be that way thought.

[@frogray7929]

@@danielyeshe I read that the USN tried it out, but by that point it was already common give captains in charge of multiple ships, such as a destroyer squadron, the title of commodore. This made the rank of Commodore Admiral confusion since some captains had the title of commodore, but weren't commodore admirals.

[@robertwynn9131]

@@frogray7929 ...then why do Commanders in command of a ship still hold the title of Captain?

[@bvnseven]

@@robertwynn9131 , if I understand you correctly, any Officer that commands a navy vessel is called "Captain" regardless of rank.

[@mwduck]

@@robertwynn9131 Tradition

[@jamesvannelli8399]

Hello Life is a Special Operation, I am going to be starting my first year of Army ROTC in a few days. As someone who has accomplished everything I want to do in the Army, do you have any advice as to how I can set myself up to eventually become a Special Forces Officer like yourself?

[@itoakihiro1868]

James Vannelli you need be mentally strong and physically... Literally only toughest will survived the course

[@jamesvannelli8399]

Bone Crusher Thank you for the reply, I understand the physical and mental tenacity required to complete the course, but I was more wondering how to get myself on the right track to attend sfas and the q course respectively as an officer.

[@itoakihiro1868]

James Vannelli many factors affected example back ground clearance health extc it's very hard to get into actually

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

James, Good luck with school. Have fun. I recommend doing hard things..... this makes you stronger and more confident. Join a team. Get into great shape. Learn as much as you can. And consider learning a language or two (Not sure what your major is). You have 4 years of school and 3 years in the regular army ahead of you before you can go to selection......so enjoy the journey to get there. Keep us posted.

[@LtThompsonCS]

^To add to that, in terms of physical rigors - you should sign up for Ranger Challenge and compete to get on the team. But in general for ROTC, have fun with it. Learn as much as you can, volunteer for stuff. Very important: don't burn bridges with people in ROTC ... you are pretty much guaranteed to run into your peers in the future: at BOLC, CCC, ILE, etc. The Army's a big place and small place at the same time.

[@lillianelkins8001]

Thank u, I appreciate what u all do and what u have done for our country. Thank u and God bless

[@mikevonkleist6767]

I salute you, sir for serving our country. Thank you.

[@qed985]

Why is a less valuable metal (silver - 1st Lt) used for a higher grade than the more valuable metal below it (gold -- 2nd Lt) (?)

[@Gint._]

QED 2LT is actually a Bronze bar that’s why it’s less valuable

[@ffggddss]

Same goes for the O-4 & O-5 ranks - Major and Lt.Col. - same design in different-colored metals. Long ago, it was the other way around. The yellow metal does, at least, represent gold; whether it was sometimes actual gold, idk. But all the metal officer isignia were reversed between silver and gold, way back, when the U.S. went off the gold standard. Fred

[@Gint._]

ffggddss Interesting didn’t know that

[@javierpowell4705]

Symbolically, Gold is a soft metal, Silver is significantly harder, so it can be seen as going from soft to hard through experience

[@ffggddss]

@@javierpowell4705 Yeah, I don't think that had anything to do with the original choice, but it's a good way to remember it. Fred

[@TheJoeyboots]

Damn you produce fantastic product. Always detailed, accurate and perfectly edited.

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

I'm trying Joe Moe. Thanks.

[@TheJoeyboots]

No you don't try ,you do. From my limited experience you are dead on track. You complement the Special Operations Forces and describe service, with clarity. Those who decide to accept the challenge are well informed,. Across the Military Community good job!

[@Underwaystudios]

@@LifeisaSpecialOperation Not trying hard enough...you left out the USCG and dissed every member of the service. Coasties come under the same exact UCMJ as all branches and also not only go to war but, lead the Navy and Marines into it. Without the CG the Navy couldn't find a foreign port or even their way home. Men like Douglas Monroe would make you look pathetic. You probably don't know who he is because he was a Coastie. The CG is in the Persian Gulf right now and CG aircraft flew many missions in the gulf war over the oil fields as well as on the ground. Do some research Col. and know this sir....There are FIVE branches of the Military with a 6th (Space Force) on the way.

[@iantorres8253]

How many years were you in the army? (If it isn’t classified)

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

20 years 8 days

[@pistonce02]

Did you spend all your time in SF?

[@Riloo]

Life is a Special Operation how many minutes?

[@radius337]

Riloo lol

[@brohemia6575]

10523520 minutes

[@georgemitchell9222]

thank you for your service sir my father was an E6 in the Airforce and my Step Father was a Seaman 2nd Class during W.W.2

[@rav-ft2wh]

A little acronym we use in Cadets [Canada] is Brigadier General [B]ig Major General [M]en Lieutenant General [L]ove General [G]irls

[@eh2826]

You forgot the 6 star General of the Armies, I mean it was only held by George Washington and John J. Pershing and probably wont be awarded again, but it is still a valid rank. There is also the Navy equivalent Admiral of the Navy.

[@djbeezy]

It's not a valid rank. It is no longer authorized. President Washington never held the 6 star rank. He was promoted looooong after he died as an honor to everything he did to build this country.

[@djbeezy]

@Cliff YablonskiI know there was never a six star rank worn. But it is an authorized rank only for President Washington. Just so that no man will ever outrank him.

[@blue_diamond_gem]

My uncle was a 6 Star General during the Panama invasion so it does exist.

[@Fremen2]

Don't forget about Admiral Dewey who holds the rank of Admiral of the Navy which is considered to be above that of Fleet Admiral.

[@Fremen2]

@Cliff Yablonski Thanks for the list. Do you know why Bradley wasn't given his 5th star until 1950?

[@cepaasch]

Title says "All Branches", does it not??? I think you missed one.

[@nastaro_5789]

Chris Paasch if you are talking about the coast guard they ARE NOT APART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

[@cepaasch]

@@nastaro_5789 "US Military (All branches). What am I missing? It doesn't say DOD All branches. I am well aware the Coast Guard it's not DOD, that doesn't make it NOT military!!! They have been considered military since 1915. Look up chapter 14 of the US Codes.

[@sharonb3939]

@@cepaasch I mean navy and Coast Guard ranks are safe

[@JuanJDuenas]

so you're telling me a chicken vendor is higher ranked than the guy who defeated the Red Skull and helped end WWII?

[@stephenrodgers5672]

Southern (geographically - not confederate) veterans are by custom called Colonel regardless of rank during service. Some states, such as Kentucky and Tennessee have official proclamations from the governor declaring you to be a Colonel.

[@tdrewman]

If your a doctor and you join the military, depending on your years of experience, your rank can start at Major (04). I have seen some start at Lt Colonel (05).

[@dixcico5052]

What? No

[@ryancollyer2046]

@@dixcico5052 Yes. What he said is true.

[@andronikostheophilos]

Yes, during the WOT I saw an older Physician, that had never served in the military, commissioned as a reserve LTC and later promoted to COL.

[@clydewilson1141]

I loved being a CWO4 in the Navy. CWO4 (Designator 744X - Cryptology), USN, Ret, 73-95

[@robertwynn9131]

As detailed as this video is, I'm slightly disappointed that it didn't include the sleeve ranks on navy/coast guard dress uniforms. If somebody watched this to learn the ranks and came across a navy captain in dress blues, they'd be highly confused.

[@johnirby8847]

I was a naval aviator....NO ONE on a boat is ever confused about what a CAPT looks like! Even Marine naval aviators with Capt rank still have 2 silver bars....

[@robertwynn9131]

@@johnirby8847 The fact that you're so confused about what I was actually talking about has me questioning if you are or ever were a "naval aviator". Your responce was not only irrelevant to the statement at hand but also ill-informed...which shouldn't be the case if you actually wore the uniform in question. Let alone, even watched this video.

[@johnirby8847]

@@robertwynn9131 yeah....because sleeves are the only way to tell if someone is a CAPT...🤣🤣

[@robertwynn9131]

@@johnirby8847 If you read my comment again, you'll see that I'm referring to someone who either isn't in the military or brand new to it. Hypothetically, if all of their knowledge about ranks is based off of this video, then they won't know what any officer looks like in dress blues. Literally nothing in this video talks about dress blues or service dress whites...which have 0 bars, oak leaves, eagles, or stars. If you were in like you claimed, you would know that officer ranks in the navy and coast guard are gold banded stripes on the bottom of each sleeve.

[@boogerboss3982]

You forgot the Coast Gaurd, but a great video.

[@darenjones8766]

Mw2 taught me the ranks💪😂

[@mjnmjn2958]

ိတ္အရမ္းေမာတယ္ေဟ့ ဒီဘဝမွာ ဘယ္လိုေဆြမ်ိဳး သူငယ္ခ်င္း အုပ္ခ်ဳပ္ေရးမူး ႏိုင္ငံအစိုးရနဲ႔ ေတြ႔ေနရတယ္လို႔

[@RETUSAF1995]

My son is a AF Capt, just went over 16 years! Enlisted as a AB.

[@PhntmShdw98]

Great video! Interesting to note, those that direct commission, i.e. medical, jag, and chaplain officers, commission as O-3s instead of O-1s. I. Hoping to commission into the Navy as a medical officer in the future, and I hope to attain the rank of captain.

[@itoakihiro1868]

I miss my military life.. it's been 6 month since I left the force but I miss the moment the most

[@MrSottobanco]

Why didn't you stay in?

[@itoakihiro1868]

MrSottobanco I move to another country due to my dual citizenships :( maybe will join this country army.

[@mamonsinelcurioso1743]

@@itoakihiro1868 so what happened bro?

[@Lupinthe3rd.]

People may wonder why a Lt General out ranks a Major General Well here is the Answer It goes back to the English Civil War and the time of Oliver Cromwell the rank Major General was known as Sergeant Major General by the early 1700's the name for the rank was confusing and was dropped in favor of Major General. Since America is a Former British colony and we had a British military rank system that is why we have a major General and a Lt General. in our rank system

[@gpgpgpgp1000]

Lieutenant basically means "assistant." Lieutenants are the direct subordinates to Captains. Lieutenant Colonels are the direct subordinates to a Colonel. So, the Lieutenant Generals would be the direct subordinates to Generals. Makes sense to me.

[@JohnCLewis-xk4nx]

Why no support for the Coast Guard? Semper Paratus, Always Ready!

[@mwduck]

They are frequently omitted from such discussions, likely because they serve primarily as part of DHS instead of DoD.

[@ericajournaljg1334]

Thank you for the helpful information, as well as your service, sir. I am hopefully enlisting in the army national guard this semester, and will attend the ROTC program at my university to become an officer. This information was super helpful

[@MasonSeibel]

Navy has Junior Officers (O-1 through O-4) Senior Officers (O-5 through O-6) and Flag Officers (O-7 through O-11)

[@Atombender]

Technically there can be a General of the Marine Corps (5 Stars), it's just that no one has ever been promoted to it.

[@dixcico5052]

I mean, commandant in a sense, is a 5 star general

[@OptimusWombat]

Isn't that because the USMC used to be subordinate to the USN? So you wouldn't have a Marine 5-star because that was already occupied bya Navy 5-star?

[@eden8770]

I'm pretty sure the 5 Star Fleet Admiral leads DON as a whole (Marines and Navy)

[@anthonyschwartz6114]

Also.... No, there can not “technically” be a General of the Marine Corps. The reason no one has been promoted to “it” is because the rank does not exist. That’s not to say Congress could not create it at some point in the future, but it is very unlikely considering the rank is only utilized to insure US commanders are equal to or senior to allied commanders during time of war. There would be no need for us to create and subsequently promote so many senior officers as it would defeat the purpose of the rank placing sole command authority with one commander for operational purposes.

[@Atombender]

@@anthonyschwartz6114 WW3 is coming, whether you like it or not.

[@bobbygoodwin3529]

I believe that General Washington was the one,and only six star general we've ever had awe

[@evilfrenzy4888]

Your right lol

[@JockcoZ]

We have 2 actually. Washington was posthumously promoted to the 6 Star rank like 200 years after the war so that No one would outrank him. The highest rank in his time was Lt. General

[@randomguy1928]

General George Washington was promoted to general of the armies in 1970 or 1979 as we have another general of the armies also known as John J pershing.

[@ace0918]

Coast Guard and Navy are Identical! Wish you would have put up the navy insignia as shown on their sleeve gold bars.

[@dinushajayaratna5116]

Thank you very much sir. Actually it was great opportunity as young officer to know the system of ranks in USA in a glimpse.

[@gega9979]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing and thanks for your service.

[@tyronemarcucci6991]

US Coast Guard is the same as the US Navy ranks.

[@hangfried9429]

I always wondered why the gold bar is a lower rank than silver, seems that gold would be higher.

[@CrowBag]

Hangfried I always saw it as a bronze/gold opposed to solid gold. But yeah it makes no damn sense.

[@freshdose1]

its bronze

[@nicm.5338]

I know cg ranks are the same as navy, but they should at least be acknowledged

[@mississippirebel1409]

Why would they be acknowledged? The Coast Guard isn't part of the DOD, it falls under Homeland Security.

[@Mastealth]

Fun fact, except in war time where it’s transferred over to the DOD, it’s mostly for continuity of command, the only two times it’s occurred is WW1 and WW2. I believe one of the reasons is because the Coast Guard is the only branch that has law enforcement duties actually legislated into their duties, obviously you’d want to seperate military and law enforcement.

[@Underwaystudios]

@@mississippirebel1409 and...? your point is? Have you ever heard of the UCMJ? The CG is a military service!

[@davedennis6042]

Thanks to all for your service.