British Army Ranks in Order

The modern British Army has many ranks. For someone unfamiliar with each of them, the order they progress in can be quite confusing. In this video we look at a simple guide to the British Army Ranks in order.
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[@PremierHistory]

Have you or anyone you know ever served in the British Army? Or what rank do you believe to be the most important for the Army? Welcome back! If you are new here make sure to hit subscribe to expand your knowledge on Military History and join the growing Premier History Community!

[@derekandaphroditemartig6527]

I think it's the field marshal. Me I'm American so I'm going to be a general in the marine corps

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks Derek

[@derekandaphroditemartig6527]

@@PremierHistory no problem

[@S-North]

Lieutenant Colonel , and all ranks below. These are the ranks that are formally on the ground doing the fighting in Combat Arms.

[@PremierHistory]

Nice one S North

[@gordonlawrence1448]

There are two ranks essential to the British Army. Sergeants and Captains. Sergeants to get between the officers and the men for the sake of the sanity of both, and Captains to get between the Sergeants and the paperwork so they can actually get on with sergeanting.

[@ilovesmysangsomsangsom3500]

Sergeanting? Great made up word there…….🤣🤣🤣

[@ilovesmysangsomsangsom3500]

@@madisntit6547 And here’s me being ex Infantryeeing 🤣🤣🤣

[@Grogritark]

I'm joining the army soon as a junior officer. Selection board soon. Hoping to make Captain as a career goal, I feel like it will be a responsible role that I will excel at!

[@ilovesmysangsomsangsom3500]

@@Grogritark British Army? You don’t join as a Junior Officer, you’ll be an Officer Cadet trained by SNCOs i.e. Staff/Colour Sergeants & Warrant Officers.

[@danielclark6638]

Correct

[@APCSW19]

Private, the soldiers without whom nothing would be possible.

[@simposayerman]

Yes a private Soldier, especially those ones that end up on a voluntary or administrative discharge , only to discover he’s won the lottery or Euro millions and ends up with more money than a General in the British Army . It sounds Hypothetical but it actually has happened lol !

[@MegaJohny56]

all ranks are important

[@steelers6titles]

Believe Omar Bradley, our last five-star to date (1950), felt so.

[@elrjames7799]

@@steelers6titles Bradley, by all accounts, is worthy of respect in that area: juxtapose with Patton.

[@jazjac17]

Cpl, without whom privates would do nothing and everything would be impossible.

[@mactheoperator0920]

My corporal was a absolute legend I’ll never forget him back in 2006 he was under corporal Bryan Budd in Afghanistan the day Bryan Earned the Victoria Cross my corporal went to collect the body with the others upon finding him my corporal took him into the fireman’s carry and fought off 15 Taliban firing a gpmg for the hip one handed with the other keeping Budds Body balancing on his back he stood there suppressing a charging enemy force whilst the rest of his section tactically retired he was offered the VC but turned it down and requested that it was given posthumously to Budd which it eventually was

[@harry9392]

A very brave man and a hero

[@andrewjackson2011]

seriously he fierd a gpmg whilest carrying a guy firemans lift style, heard to belive i hope this is true becouse im looking it up right now.

[@ronalddavidleindecker3358]

He didn't do it for the medal anyway.

[@mactheoperator0920]

@@ronalddavidleindecker3358 I know that

[@ronalddavidleindecker3358]

@@mactheoperator0920 Didn't say you didn't. Relax...I served in Iraq.

[@dannydoughboy120]

Old U.S. Army Vet here" Much respect to the British Army throughout all wars, and today!

[@jonmcay9659]

A friend of mine who was one of 12 children from a poor family as we all were In the 1950s,he went to an inner city secondary school in Liverpool and left in 1958 with no qualifications .After leaving school he worked as a butcher,at aged 18 he joined the army into what was then known as the catering corp.Over the next few years he kept getting promoted he ended up with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel he also got an MBE he was also the commanding officer of a large supply base in Germany.It was amazing to think that a boy from his background could achieve this .The sad thing was that when he died in 2012 , there was not a mention of him in the local press especially the Liverpool Echo ,His story should have been national news on

[@andymoore9977]

That is a very special story. The details need to be researched and published. Such an inspiration to us all.

[@jonmcay9659]

@@andymoore9977 thanks Andy like I said the local paper would not do anything ,his name was LT Colonel John Kenwright MBE , for a boy of my generation and education ,his achievement was truly outstanding .

[@roberthamilton5600]

Less We Forget! We Will Remember Them!

[@paulanthony5274]

If you can't achieve an MBE if you're from a poor background then that lessons the MBE or any other one OBE,CBE. what he did was great but I'd tell them to shove it. You also make it out like people from "an upper class" are better than us,you don't actually mean that but you imply it. So if someone doesn't get an MBE because of there poor life? Think about it? Where's your pride pal

[@jonmcay9659]

I'm proud of his achievements !

[@bossogg6915]

My Grandad was a Bombardier in the Royal Artillery, he served under US General Mark Clarke in Tunisia during operation Torch, he was in Sicily, Salerno, Cassino and finally finished the war in North Italy. My Great Uncle was a BSM in the Royal Artillery in an Anti Tank Regiment (Achilles equipped circa 1944/45) He started WW2 in The Territorials and was part of the BEF rescued from Dunkirk. On returning to England he was promoted to Sergeant. He was on Sword beach on 6th June '44, was at Falaise and in September '44 was with 10th Guards Armoured Div for the push on Arnhem. In December '44 he killed a Panther tank with a PIAT and was recommended for the VC he didn't receive this but did receive the MM. He passed away from lung cancer 10 years ago. My 2x Great Grandfather served in the Middlesex Regiment with his brothers from '14 to '18 he was at Ypres (Wipers as he called it) and was buried alive and also gassed with Mustard gas.

[@Finglesham]

Our forefathers just got on with it. Incredible. My father was a L/bdr in 13th Royal Horse Artillery and landed one week after D Day and fought all the way to Hamburg/Fensburg.11th Armoured Division under Maj/Gen Pip Roberts. Fascinating, we are lucky generation.

[@hollowpeace2005]

Thanks to your grand father for fighting with the brothers of my country 🇹🇳❤️

[@mrpants2247]

That's a wonderful story, mind telling me what the MM is please.

[@PremierHistory]

Amazing stories Bossogg69! Thank you so much for sharing with everyone

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

@ The coolest story is that your great grandfather was in the army and fought in France as part of the Kings Own Regiment. The coolest story is that he served his country gallantly, Even if he did not live to see the end of the war. Many lives were lost, but the family history is still *YOURS* and you should be proud and honour his bravery on every occasion possible so that your family and future families will remember who he was and what he did.

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

As an infantry officer, I would say all are important beginning with privates; but the backbone and sinew of every army are the senior non-commissioned ranks - especially the sergeants, staff sergeants, and colour sergeants. Greetings to Britain from Greece! 🇬🇧🇬🇷

[@rokibhassanrasel3236]

Thanks a lot sir that you are realized the importance of OR. I'm a corporal of Bangladesh Air Force. In my country, non commissioned are treat like dog. No values no respect for them. This is the only reason i'm leaving military.

[@mattsheldon9732]

Good video. Only noticeable error is with the Lance corporal, they would not command a section. They will command a fire team and be a section 2ic.

[@shannon7002]

Two stripes in the Royal Artillery is not a Corporal. Two stripes is a Bombardier, I held that rank in England/Korea.

[@sebastiansmith41]

Not all guards reg have rank of lance corporal. Also what happened to the Booties???

[@steelers6titles]

In the U.S., lance corporal is a Marine Corps--only rank.

[@pierevojzola9737]

You are wrong, a lance jack can command a section! I was promotion to L/Cpl. and appointed to Section Commander in 9 Pln. C Coy. 3 Para, when we were stationed in the Persian Gulf in the sixties. There are always exception as no unit is ever up to full strength. In my Company I twice served under American Company Commanders, one was from the American Airborne and the other from the American Rangers on secondment to the British Army. Made for interesting views of man-management! Cheers mate. Harera

[@akiyl7479]

Some may be wondering why is a Lieutenant General more senior than a Major General…..well, years ago a Major General was know as a Sergeant Major General but as time progressed the Sgt was taken off.

[@etherealhawk]

Interesting! Thanks

[@hermenw.huiskamp8555]

And to add to that General, was formerly Captain General. The word Lieutenant originally had a meaning of substitute/deputy (literally 'place holder'). So a Lieutenant General is in fact the 'Deputy Captain General' and not a Lieutenant in elevated general staff status.

[@filipinorutherford7818]

I thought it had something to do in older times Lieutenant Generals was in charge of Cavalry and Major Generals where in charge of infantry. Cavalry was believed to be the senior military arm over infantry so they are made superior.

[@mxbx307]

There's a similar hangover in the police, where they take the uniformed ranks and just stick the word "Detective" in front if you're CID. "Inspector" and "Detective Inspector" aren't the same thing.

[@marktierney2986]

Lieutenant General is short for Lieutenant Colonel General thus one rank above Major General.

[@frankdayton731]

British Army Lance Corporals lead fire teams not sections. They might be 2ic of a section, but they don't permanently lead one.

[@petrhoward]

Depends apon the corps. When someone thinks they know everything, it just aint so.

[@comradehellfire2095]

@@petrhoward exactly nobody knows everything, unless its so simple that they can

[@bluecasanova372]

@@petrhoward In what Corps does a LCpl lead a section ?

[@philb2085]

In my day, 4 guys was a "brick" and 2 bricks = a section.

[@bluecasanova372]

@@philb2085 You from the UK mate ?

[@philipfoster7269]

I heard recently that we pronounce lieutenant 'LEFTENANT' because in French it is shorthand for 'tenancy in leiu of command' and in English 'left with the tenancy of command'. Its a job title. I hope its true.

[@phillipecook3227]

Your comment was well timed because for the first time ever I was genuinely intrigued about the word "Lieutenant" as I watched the video, trying to break it down and guessing at its derivation - I got as far as"place" and " holding" Your explanation clarifies it. This in turn got me thinking that for a people who often express a deep seated French hostility the Brits have incorporated a lot of French words into their everyday language - especially the language of power and things military. Think Lieutenant, Bayonet, Bombardier, Captain, Sheriff, Judge, Parliament, Royal .....

[@davidturner8205]

This is the British army not U.S.

[@davidwave6902]

You are correct about the etymology of lieutenant from the French but your idea about the British pronunciation is fanciful. Lieu is Old French was often written as 'luef' so it is likely that the transition into English meant that 'luef' tenant began to coexist with the original French until it became standard. In the Royal Navy the preferred way was always L'tenant, but this had virtually died out by the end of World War II.

[@paulworgan6599]

@@phillipecook3227 probably because of the Norman Invasion in 1066 .

[@thearmouredpenguin7148]

One of my really great hates is when I hear UK television presenters and news reporters pronounce it loo-tenant.

[@russcattell955i]

My wife served for 18 years, she came out at SSGT. She had started her W.O. course when she opted for redundancy & to have our son. She ran her comms depot in Cyprus. She was also a part of every conflict from The Falklands to the 1st Gulf war, well away from the fighting but performing a vital role. She is no heroine but she got her job done. I'm proud of her service !

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks for sharing her story Russ!

[@evanjuniorfluffy]

Heroine? On the start of the last two sentences

[@jeffyt4872]

@@evanjuniorfluffy a woman who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal

[@darthjarjar6894]

@@evanjuniorfluffy Female version of the word hero

[@LA-ep2nr]

She was absolutely essential. In all likelihood, Without clear, concise and accurate comms, the mission would fail.

[@simongreer6179]

Warrent officers actually hold many different jobs such as communication, and specialized training managers, or regimental sergeant major, and company sergeant major.

[@mxbx307]

And Warrant Officer is the very top non-commissioned rank. You can't just get promoted from WO1 to 2Lt except if you go through proper officer training. To be honest most WOs are already a good age and paid quite well by the time they get that far, hence probably don't want to be actual officers.

[@johnsalt1157]

@@mxbx307 A WO1 taking a commission would normally be commissioned as a captain or major.

[@alanrowley9540]

*warrant

[@themodernwarfarehistorian825]

Video very nicely done, no useless info and no annoying music P E R F E C T I O N

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@terawattz]

i agree a very informative video without silly adds interupting

[@alexmartyniuk1863]

As a serving Major, having started as a Sapper (OR in the Royal Engineers), I conclude that no one rank is more or less important than the other IMO. We all hold rank/roles which require teamwork and like most good organizations, are not greater than the sum of its parts.

[@andymoore9977]

Thanks Alex, your observations are great and make me feel very humble.

[@florinivan6907]

Yeah but in the history books you're usually guaranteed a mention if you make general/admiral. Otherwise a private usually gets mentioned if they do something unusual say receive a noteworthy medal. So from the POV of historians(lets be honest militaries by default are heavily dependent on history no military anywhere anytime can survive without a very strong sense of history) not everyone is the same. When historians write the books generals are usually mentioned and at the end of the day that's all that matters. Once you're dead your memory fades unless you stick out somehow. Almost all roman legionnaires are forgotten today nobody cares about them anymore but odds are good a name like Scipio might still make someone today say 'wasn't he in charge during that battle?'.

[@enragedares5992]

Cmon boss, having started as a sapper and got commission you should know as we all do, the NAAFI staff are the most important 👌 😆

[@charleskamboyi9344]

Highbrid.... Am a LIEUTENANT in the Zambia army.. Africa

[@KakuiKujira]

Once in (Australian) school cadets, we were given a talk by a senior officer. He pointed out something very interesting to me: He said that corporal was the rank with the hardest job because he/she had the largest number of individuals to be directly responsible for with no intermediates between them. The largest spread of command, in other words.

[@christopherwood9009]

4 men is a FIRETEAM, not a section. Sections normally patrol in 8-12 and are lead by a CORPORAL Edit: Corrections. Warrant Officer 2 ("Class" is not in the rank name) Note - Usually as CSM (Company Sergeant Major), advises Company Commander (OC, Captain or typically Major). Warrant Officer 1 ("Class" is not in the rank name) Note: Usually as Regimental Sergeant Major. Notes: 1) Captain May be a Company Commander (OC - "Officer Commanding")

[@nisse0786]

We have the same in the swedish army

[@ozdavemcgee2079]

Same in Australian Army, which is hardly surprising. But, if shortages, its not unusual to see a lance jack in charge of a section. That in itself doesnt mean he will be promoted. Often the case. But often its a feel you out mate, yeah nah not ready yet stay as lance

[@christopherwood9009]

@@ozdavemcgee2079 that's y they're 2ic. They assume command as ic if the ic is down or absent Also, everything's virtually the same in the Australian and British armies right?

[@rob7290]

I was going to say the same.

[@wattlebough]

@@christopherwood9009 Rank order and rank insignia in the Australian Regular Army is identical to the British, which makes sense considering the history.

[@terrycharleslewis7565]

The most important rank is Sergeant-they're the ones who actually run the British Army. My grandfather was a Company Sergeant Major, great vid, regards Terry.

[@bennydavies9805]

I would say full screws ( corporals ) are the back bone and a the best rank in the British army. They have so much responsibility. When Sgts don’t do a lot unless they are in the ground tbh. CPL’s are one of 4 commanders on a regiment so they have to be up there

[@pathart8854]

I think the ones actually running the show are the general's . The rest are cannon fodder and will do what they are told to do .

[@lLynne.Garner]

I think all the info you gave extremely helpful and certainly helps to understand the workings of the army. Thankyou for taking the trouble to give this information. Please carry on giving us information like this, it’s fascinating.

[@georgerobartes2008]

Colour Sergeant , a rank created by Wellington in the Peninsula War as my GT x 5 Stephen Palmer of the Northamptonshire's was the first soldier to be awarded that rank for , not surprisingly , defending the regimental colours in battle , without fear and being wounded on numerous occasions , and maintaining the moral of the regiment and led the attack on the Redoubt at Badajoz . He wound up in Chelsea Hospital after being severely wounded in 1813 .

[@SantomPh]

Colours were also used as recruiters, as they frequently earned their rank through wartime wounds.

[@russbillington6291]

Thanks for sharing George, nice bit of history there..

[@janetrickwood2484]

My Granddad was an Australian soldier (same structure) from 1925-1950. He started as a private and ended up a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a WO 2 and a WO 1, which was considered (at the time) as the apogee of a ranker soldier's potential (and a career dead-end). His dad had been a ranker in the Boer War - only a private in the City of London Regiment; in 1914 he joined the AIF and finished the war as a brevet Major. My Great Uncle was a sergeant in the 2/30 Battalion. He was instrumental in the ambush of the Japanese by that battalion in Malaya and his exploits as a POW in Changi and on the Burma railroad tell me that it is sergeants who are the critical members of military formations.

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks for sharing your families service history Janet, a lot of brave men there!

[@lucasbottorff8641]

Great video, very informational! Could you do one on the Royal Air Force Ranks just like this?

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks Lucas glad you enjoyed it, certainly a video that could be done!

[@StealthyDrake12]

@@PremierHistory I agree with him! And also what u read sounds a lot like what is in the army website

[@Penfold101]

As a serving member of Her Majesty’s Royal Air Force, please don’t. The video will be hours long, and even some us don’t understand it all…

[@garthfaragher8683]

My son is currently serving in the Royal irish regiment and is a ranger. I personally think privates/rangers//troopers or whatever their particular description is are the most important, in my mind because they are the ones who carry out a lot of the work and are pretty much the first ones in to a scrap... But that's just my personal opinion. Great channel, keep up the good work

[@terrystephens1102]

Many thanks for an informative presentation. 😃👌👏👏

[@Ash-oz1lf]

Excellent work! Please produce more.

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks Ashraf, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@malteseowl]

Just the skeleton of truth without any falsehoods. How about "Corporal of Horse" ? "Bombardier" ? "Lance Sergeant" ? "Drum Major" ? Why are some "sergeants" and other "serjeants" ? What is a "brevet rank" ? How about acting/unpaid acting/ substantive ranks ? So much to go at, and only scratched the surface.

[@bridgetown45]

Remember an incident in one of the Guards units where a L/Sergeant gave an order to a REME Corporal to remove his headdress in the NAAFI. The Corporal complied but was advised by his REME mates that the L/Sgt held the same ranks as him. So back on went the headdress and when the L/Sgt challenged the Corporal a while later, the Corporal gave him some lip, which had him annoyed, and charged the Corporal. When the Charge sheet got to the CSM, he called the L/Sgt and advised him to apologize to the Corporal as the Corporal was much senior to him. A REME Corporal who had done 6-months of service in this said unit was usually given the local rank of Lance Sergeant. Sometimes rank designations could be very confusing. Not included in the rank structure in the video is the use of the spelling S-E-R-J-E-A-N-T to describe the rank equivalent of Sargeant in the Light Infantry, now the Rifles.

[@jamespeters2859]

Awesome video, informative and to the point.

[@driftydegree5624]

My Second Great Grand Uncle served the Union Defense Force on behalf of the British Armed Forces. He fought and survived both wars. He was promoted to Captain of Transport Logistics in WW2. He was Awarded 8 British War Medals and one South African one.

[@jpc7118]

Thank you for the different ranks, I was searching about to know them :) There are many ranks in french army too, here to help you to find the equivalence between them : Rank soldiers : 2°classe, 1ère class, Caporal, Caporal Chef - NCO : Sergent (Maréchal des Logis), Sergent-Chef (Maréchal des Logis-Chef), Adjudant, Adjudant-Chef, Major - Officiers : Lieutenant, Capitaine, Commandant (Chef de Bataillon, Chef d'Escadron), Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel - Officiers Généraux : Général de Brigade (2 * ), Général de Division (3 * ), Général de Corps d'Armée (4 * ), Général d'Armée (5 * ), Maréchal de France (7 * - it's a distinction only given for exceptional given service for the country - Last Maréchaux de France : Général Leclerc (with an heteroclite little army pushed a superior german-italian force from Chad to southern Lybia, then took Paris and Berchtesgaden with the 2nd french armoured division), De Lattre de Tassigny (with 1st french army, broke the last major german offensive (Nordwind, retake of Strasburg) then he is the first to pass the Rhine river (on dingies) before other allies found the Remagen bridge and took the black forest), Général Juin (took the mounte belvedere obliging Germans to leave Monte Cassino to avoid encirclement, and arrived first in Rome 1944) :)

[@jameshorsfall7306]

In South Africa Cadet Officers were ranked lower than Private and thus had to follow all commands given to them. This was to teach them that no matter their rank, all soldiers could give good advice and they should be able to communicate with all ranks.

[@peetduplessis7401]

In South Africa there are CO's. Candidate Officers. It is a position, thus it it still a troop (not "ranked" lower).

[@kyawzaya3862]

Thanks for your information , Sir ,.

[@hkschubert9938]

Nice overview thank you.

[@roymartin500]

Good job. Every rank is important for a professional Army to be effective so I can't choose just one.

[@kolinmartz]

Damn. And I thought promotions in the USMC was slow.

[@Dissoci8Music]

For good reason, promotions should never been given out just for merit alone... Spending 3 or 4 years as a trooper/private, soaking up all the info and leadership from those above you for that time sets us up for being pretty switched on Nco's, even the Lance corporals are extremely capable of taking on larger responsibilities should they need to. (then again, I've met some shit Lance corporals in my time) but that's a very rare case from what I've seen

[@Rob-on5tz]

Some JNCO's who show potential can be fast tracked through the ranks. It's not uncommon for a Lance Bombardier to achieve WO2 status in a a shorter time span. Within the Royal Artillery you can go from Sergeant to WO2 in as little as three years. We have a course known as GCC Gunnery Careers Course which takes the best seniors of multiple Regiments within the Royal Artillery and overseas Artillery and they all attend the GCC at Larkhill the training establishment. so in essence a Sergeant can be promoted to Staff Sergeant attend the course and come off as A WO2 in one year.

[@callin141]

We have been told that everyone knows the role of 2 ranks above them and thats why it takes so long to promote as they want you to be able to go into it without guidance

[@jamesmcatrhur6725]

Same here

[@luakabsalam1816]

A concise explanation. Liked, shared and subscribed.

[@shibleeahmed8633]

Good job...describing the ranks. Very informative!

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks Shiblee, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@MerxMa7V]

2nd Lt is actually called Rupert or Mr doesntknowhowtomapread Sir.

[@porno6361]

Also called a one pip wonder

[@43sunray]

I bet the british army privates are better in reading a map than a rupert. 😅😂

[@MerxMa7V]

@@porno6361 Subaltern maaate.

[@MerxMa7V]

@@43sunray Yes but you give the 20 year old Winston Churchill wannabe a pat on the back for being a good Officer & trying.

[@steelers6titles]

@@MerxMa7V Much later, the P. M. insisted on going along for the Normandy Invasion. Ike said no, but Churchill persisted--he was an Admiralty lord, etc., and Eisenhower had no authority over him. After a phone call from George VI, he backed off, as a loyal subject of the Crown. I don't know if Roosevelt was involved as well; the two were good friends.

[@BanjoLuke1]

My paternal grandfather (born 1892) volunteered in 1914 and was released (still a private in the Civil Service Rifles) in November 1917 after 3 years of service, much of it in Flanders. He married and them immediately re-enlisted on the Sappers, reaching the dizzying height of Second Corporal. I had never heard of this rank and for good reason. I believe only the RE used it in the British Army and stopped doing so in the early 1920s. My dear grandfather was patriotic and brave, but virulently anti-establishment. It makes me chuckle that he was in uniform for four years and came out a second corporal.

[@matikramer9648]

Thank you Short and informative

[@richardmoscrop]

I was a Drummer 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment Corp of Drums Drummer 🥁 now 74 year old Veteran all ranks are important thank you

[@Yusf.Q8]

5:42 In my head : I am the very model of a modern major general

[@andymoore9977]

And we all know how he got to that exalted rank!

[@elrjames7799]

In post War periods (in a shrunken British Army), companies were led by Majors, rather than Captains. Companies formed battalions led by a Lt Colonel (but during War often by Majors 'acting up' and so addressed Colonel' as a courtesy). Battalions together constituted brigades (always led by a Brigadier). The regiment (more than a battalion but less than a brigade) seems to be an anomaly in that it was almost always led by a full Colonel who, in the 'modern' British Army, appears to play no part in the combatant unit command structure.

[@elrjames7799]

@@johnnichol9412 Yes: very interesting: any idea the explanation for that?

[@elrjames7799]

@@johnnichol9412 Although why two senior officers of equal rank should command and be second in command of a military unit is still puzzling.

[@elrjames7799]

@@johnnichol9412 Over availability?

[@elrjames7799]

@@johnnichol9412 Would that be over or under availability?

[@elrjames7799]

@@johnnichol9412 Intelligent convincing answer, so the secondary argument is not only superfluous, but logically erroneous (ad hominem) and unsound (RNVR service, not Territorial).

[@saw1898]

Very interesting, thanks.

[@qweqwe2947]

thank you for this video sir.

[@ukp42]

You forgot Queen Elizabeth II As Sovereign and head of state, Queen Elizabeth II is Head of the Armed Forces and their Commander-in-Chief.

[@MajesticDemonLord]

To be fair though, it's pretty tricky to get promoted to that position...

[@AmberPanda]

@@MajesticDemonLord LOL very true, your comment made me laugh.

[@georgerobartes2008]

Last year was the first time she failed her basic fitness test !

[@samjewellery3336]

As commander in chief,whats the queens rank ???.

[@cameronduff9820]

@@samjewellery3336 she has the rank of ceremonial colonel-in-chief, but interestingly also the rank of subaltern (army lieutenant) from her active service in WWII

[@keithnaylor1981]

Very interesting. I think the hardest task in the Army may be just remembering who everyone is!

[@rossbrown6029]

If you don't know, call everyone staff or sir. Got me through my training and selection, instead of trying to remember the pips and insignia.

[@dave1234aust]

If in doubt just call them "mate". They will delicately explain to you the error you've made so you won't make it again. Always remember the person with the pace stick is gathering firewood and offering to hold his stick so he has both hands free to collect more will endear you to him and he will always remember your name

[@louisavondart9178]

..The ones with the lowest rank above Private are the ones who do the most yelling. They get quieter until they get to WO.1. and they get noisy again. Officers normally get someone else to do their yelling for them. So you need to watch out for the quiet ones......

[@Royaldeath-trooper]

Thank you for the video

[@driftydegree5624]

My 5th Great Grandfather was in the 13th Foot Regiment at Winchester and was later sent at the age of 18 to South Africa and became a Trooper in the Cape Mounted Rifles Regiment from 1858 to 1864.

[@kartikshandilya4251]

In indian army private called sepahi ,lance corporal called naik, corporal called naik ,sergeant called havaldar ,staff sergeant called Naib subadar ,warrent officer 2 called subadar, warrent officer 1 called subadar major, then all the officer rank are same in all of the world

[@kartikshandilya4251]

Actually Lance corporal is lance naik

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks Kartik!

[@Dubtenor]

Most important rank= sergeant

[@PremierHistory]

Nice Joe

[@harun5358]

I'd argue Corporals are the backbone of the British Army

[@jaqhodgson5477]

But you don’t want to piss a CO off

[@Swatmat]

an, full screw makes the army move, sgt just passes on info

[@john.powell645]

@@harun5358 I was just about to say corporals where haha

[@alzur4234]

Oh, you did as I suggested, 38k views, well done!

[@ciscoduncan1490]

Thank you for the video.

[@PremierHistory]

Glad you enjoyed it Cisco, much appreciated

[@Bob-Horse]

I once saw a UN list showing military ranks in Army, Navy and Air Force terms, with their equivalent ranks in the civilian service, makes interesting and surprising comparisons.

[@tacfoley4443]

If you want to see how much power a civil servant has over anybody in the Armed Forces, watch the result when a 'clerical officer' tells a soldier to make him a cup of tea.

[@Gandalf606]

I always thought it odd that a Lieutenant General is a higher rank than a Major General. You'd think that logically, it'd be the other way around. My father initially served in the Royal Artillery but was recruited to the Intelligence Corps, and he got involved in some interesting assignments.

[@modavies8401]

The rank of Major General was originally called Sergeant Major General. A Sgt obviously being junior to a Lieutenant. Thus the odd seeming current rank structure. Mo Davies (Sgt. royal Signals, retired).

[@kodiakmkv]

​@@modavies8401thanks for that now it makes sense👍🏻

[@cwftft4273]

Good to see my Old Platoon being used in the backing video!

[@pz3j]

Interesting question posed at the end. All ranks are important when performed well, but to my mind the corporal is the backbone, especially in a combat un it. It is their initiative and skill that will make the difference. It's very important to remember that ALL ranks are important. Each link in a chain is important and any one can spell disaster for many. The video is quite nicely done. Thank you gentlemen.

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks pz3j, very good points

[@komododragon6663]

Hey cheers for that rank just below the Second Lieutenant. Thank you.

[@johnblack6134]

Officer cadets wear a white tab or used to.

[@robertmcqueen289]

Firstly, PH, very interesting video. A few things though. 1. The rank of Brigadier is in most cases a 'Senior Field Officers" rank. But, they are a general. They are a one star ⭐ general. This dates back to when the rank was 'Brigadier-General', before the name change, and one star increase by order of HIM Queen Victoria. A little historical content. 2. Field Marshal is in peace time 'an honourable rank'. Normally reserved for ceremonial duties at the cenotaph. For example, HRH Duke of Kent, laying a wreath, representing the HAC, wearing the rank of Field Marshal. Or, lf laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknown warrior. The same rules applies. Field Marshal is a 'War' rank. And is the nominated senior general, in a group of generals. 3. Major General (2 star ⭐⭐), and Lt General (3 star ⭐⭐⭐) are in the correct order. Originally Major General was Sergeant-Major general, and Lt General was Lt Col General. There rank hasn't changed, but the name shortened. Go away Sergeant, go away Colonel. So if by chance you note, that in a museum, some portrait of an old commanding officer only shows a 'Crown' on their shoulders. That is correct, for its time, before 1900. 4. There is more than one Warrant Officer class one in most battalions. The others could well be WO1 ASM (REME), WO1 Bandmaster, or possibly both. The RSM (referred to as GOD), is the one that shouts. Sorry, give loud vocal encouragible instructions, and is by nature the greatest equality expert of all time. Although in the household division we have a GSM (Garrison Sergeant Major). Gods call them GOD. Hope that the above helps. Would love to see a video about the 'Trades', within the British army. It would be interesting to view. Once again. Great video. Keep up the good work.

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks for the feedback Robert, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@johnsalt1157]

No, brigadiers in the British Army are not general officers. One-stars they may be, and rank equally with foreign one-star generals, but brigadier-generals were abolished in 1928.

[@devashisdas5024]

@@johnsalt1157 it is interesting to know that the UK had abolished Brigadier General rank when the British Empire was still a thing but its former colonies (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka etc.) in Indian subcontinent do not follow the same path & continues to keep the rank intact.

[@dustybinns1351]

Hiya, my father served in the RAOC. He came from the ranks and reached Lt co. In the RAOC at that time after reaching WO1 there was an extra rank called a Conductor, apparantly not many NCOs got it. Good vid, keep it up.

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks for sharing Dusty, glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevethewomble]

@@PremierHistory conductor is not really a higher rank but more importantly an appointment, one highly converted and highly respected

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks for clarifying Steve!

[@enragedares5992]

@@PremierHistory most WO1 conductors are the head representatives of trades within the army, for example one for suppliers one for drivers etc as there are many trades within the British army for which the ultimate subject matter experts are in fact enlisted soldiers and not officers. Hence the title conductor as they are the conductor of that trade branch in the army... just thought I'd throw out more info :)

[@LeeEngle]

We had two Warrant Officer Liaisons from 13 Signal Regt to Field Station Augsburg. They really enjoyed the assignment as Warrant Officers in the US Army (like me) are officers, instead of enlisted

[@jojopanganiban8625]

Hello Premier History It was very informative.. May 1 request you do feature on the following topics 1) how the ranks name originated and came about. Example 1 : Sargent came from what language, and was first officially used when? Example 2 : why is there a 2nd and 1dt Luietenant? 2) how ranks are distinguish in terms of uniform designs? Like in the British and other European countries uniform during the Napoleonic War? Thank you And I have subscribed

[@PremierHistory]

Glad you enjoyed the video Jojo, lots of good ideas there thanks!

[@steveholmes11]

Hi Jojo: The various titles of rank can be googled for their origins. Most come from Spanish, French or German - based on the most powerful armoes of their era. 1st and 2nd Lieutenant reflect the 2nd Lieutenant being just out of training, and expectd to progres to 1st Lieutenant in a year or two without a massive increase in responsibility. Other armies have similar concepts like "Junior Sergeant". One seeming aberration in the titles is Major General being Junior to Lieutenant General when everybody knows that a Major is way senior to Leiutenant. The original title was Sergeant Major General (now shortened to Major General) - and was the 3rd senior officer in armies back in the days of pikes and matchlock muskets.

[@ghfdt368]

My great grandfather was a SGT Major in ww2 serving with the chindits.British and commonwealth commandos fighting in the jungles of burma.He was a quartermaster and responsible for weapons and ammo being functional and having enough ammo and supplies to fight. Junior officers and senior soldiers are the backbone of the millitary since they are the important decision makers on the ground during operations which if mishandled or blundered can ruin a whole campaign or objective. In addition they have a direct responsibility to wealfare of men and equiptment in the field and out of it and need to have this constant presence and responsibility. If morale is low, men are not prepared, officers are making stupid mistakes or equiptment isn't up to par then the whole unit is a liability.

[@samjewellery3336]

Great video.tnx.

[@davidcampbell3722]

Real interesting video awesome 🖒🖒

[@1150Mikes]

In the guards regiments lance corporal has 2 chevrons and the next rank after that is lance sergeant The household cavalry do not use wording sergeant in their rank structure most regiments have different traditions when it comes to rank

[@johnblack6134]

A lance sergeant has 3 white chevrons. A sergeant has 3 gold cheverons. Complicated isn't it?

[@1150Mikes]

@@johnblack6134 for some people it could be

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

Allegedly because Queen Victoria once mistakenly referred to a particular corporal as a ‘sergeant’. Because the monarch cannot be wrong the Brigade of Guards instantly introduced the rank of ‘Lance Sergeant’ which is equivalent to corporal.

[@1150Mikes]

@@bob_the_bomb4508 but has the same privileges as a sergeant and is called sergeant

[@jonathanwaugh5216]

Very good

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks Johnathan

[@hersityrie6168]

very good and very important

[@TheConscientiousView]

Excellent presentation. There are some great variations on the naming of ranks dependent on regiment. Notably cavalry; Household Cavalry (Life Guards and Blues and Royals) who do not use the word sergeant, only corporal. The lowest NCO rank uses two chevrons and not one as is the typical insignia. Queens Royal Hussars (Queens Own and Royal Irish) 2nd Lieutenants are referred to as Coronets. REME Warrant Officer 1st Class are known as Artificer Sergeant Major (ASM not RSM), whilst Captains are referred to as EME. Of course, the actual ranks remain the same. Would make an interesting, but possibly lengthy follow up video.

[@michyitsreal]

In ww2 my grandad was a sergeant regimental major.

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks for sharing Red Right Hand

[@tonyb1223]

I take it you mean Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM for short). This is not a rank but an appointment, similar to CSM/SSM (Company and Squadron Sergeant Major).

[@The_Greedy_Orphan]

My grandad was a major in the Royal Artillery, I think the Gloucesters (would have to check) he was responsible as a forward observer, took some prisoners during market garden, and in the same operation was wounded when German artillery counter fired. When he was put into the field ambulance the medic asked if he minded sharing it with a German soldier and he replied "just bung him in". He was set to be deployed in Burma after he recovered having been sent to India, but then the A bombs went off and the war ended. I'm not sure if everything I stated is factually correct (trying to remember the one time he actually spoke of his time served and don't have any military records to base this off). After that he became a headteacher for one of Britain's first comprehensive schools and was awarded a CBE for his services as a headteacher.

[@douglasherron7534]

@@The_Greedy_Orphan You're Grandad sounds like a great person. If he was in the Royal Artillery he may have been attached to the Gloucesters (who were an infantry regiment) as what is called a FOO (Forward Observation Officer). The role of the FOO is to co-ordinate artillery support for the unit he is attached to. So you had it pretty much right.

[@The_Greedy_Orphan]

@@douglasherron7534 unfortunately he passed in 2017, but lived to the ripe age of 103. He led a good life, never drunk or smoke but loved a spicy curry from his time spent in India, I'm not entirely sure if he was with the Gloucesters, but was royal artillery which was attached to regiments. His father was with the wocesters but died in the somme, we took him to his father's gravestone there in the 2000's. So he was raised alone by his mum, I do regret not recording some sort of memoir for him as I felt like his was a tale that should've been told, but then we were never really a family overall that talked much about our past.

[@TheLegoblockstudios]

A Royal Navy one would be great!

[@blackmamba3427]

Awesome video

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks Black Mamba

[@ritzviews4113]

👍👍 nice job. Could you please make a video on the exact meaning of regiment?

[@medic7698]

Quite good however you missed out a lot. For example the different roles of Colour Sergeants, Warrant Officers Class One and Two.

[@jasonyates9552]

He also missed rsm on top of a lot more

[@poruatokin]

My grandfather went to France in 1915 as a Private in the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment. By 1917 he had been promoted through three ranks to Sergeant. Sad and different times where boys became men very fast.

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks for sharing his story Paul

[@Mayaman67]

Too fast.

[@mickjohnsaxblack]

I think the most impressive rank is not just one, it’s the pairing of a newly trained keen thrusting lieutenant paired with an experienced older sergeant. I was impressed with the work that my son and his sergeant (who had an MC) did in Afghanistan

[@boris8787]

Reminds me of the rank of Field Marshall - as seen on MONTY in the World War Two town of Chillingbourne.

[@xx3868]

Actually the English system for me was the easiest and simplest to remember. Try the German NCO ranks and sub ranks and mess. That will take some memorising. German ranks, Tanks. Language are all both brilliant and complex and difficult. Try their Grammar rules and variations!. Lots of fun there.....

[@RagingRudy]

This is pretty interesting I was in the US Army made SGT in 4 years Staff sergeant in 7 years. We worked off promotion points which you obtained from physical fitness tests, marksmanship scores, awards, education, as well as promotion board. For example when I made Sgt I was a Artillery Forward Observer and that job was short of people so the promotion points were like 450 so expert marksman, and max out your Physical Fitness test and no bad counselings and you were good to go. I always wondered of British soldiers recieved housing allowance and things such as we did. Like we would get base pay like 2021 an SGT with 4 years makes $2978 a month and if you live off post you get BAH which is basic allowance for housing which is not taxed and is based off location so like Washington DC is like $900 extra a month most 0laces are $600 or more a month extra pay. British soldiers are cool as hell same with Aussies I met a bunch fellas in Iraq 2008 and 2009. SGT are team leaders and staff sergeant are squad leaders while sergeant first class are platoon sergeants for us.

[@GOSTDatingandLifestyle]

Appreciate that - interesting

[@Ju1ian10001]

No basic housing allowence as far as i know, but they are given married quarters if they are married or are billited if single, both of which you pay a very small amount for out of your yearly wages, if you are single and eat in the cookhouse (cantene) then this free of charg.

[@hull294]

@@Ju1ian10001Where the hell did you get that information ?....You pay for your bed space .....You pay for your food....the only time you don't pay is on an exercise or active service. You pay for a married pad & all of those things are automatically deducted as a real chunk of change from your woefully inadequate wages.

[@Kakashi-Hatake-1Eye]

Interesting video.

[@voicecommunities4810]

Thank you for the British Army ranks. Can you kindly do videos for the British ranks for Navy and Marines and Air force?

[@stephenphillip5656]

WO1 (Regimental Sargent Major) is *GOD* to lower ranks & junior officers (as well as some middle-rank officers!). As adviser to the OC, & although technically outranked by a 2nd Lieutenant, the RSM's word is LAW & the following was told to me by my ex-Army friend: RSM to newly-promoted 2nd Lieutenant: "You call me "Sir" & I call you "Sir". The difference is, you mean it *& I DON'T."*

[@walterbar3118]

Very much appreciated. Would you be so kind, and do the royal air force?

[@PremierHistory]

Glad you enjoyed it Walter, certainly a future video!

[@enragedares5992]

Need a bar code scanner to do RAF 😆 officer ranks issued via self checkout hahahah

[@mikewellwood1412]

I wondered what had happened to "Sergeant Major", but according to Wikipedia, in the British army at least, SM is an "appointment", and not a rank: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_major Quote: "In the British Army and Royal Marines, company/battery/squadron sergeant major is an appointment for a WO2 and regimental sergeant major is a WO1 appointment."

[@patgeorge1]

When I joined the Army as an apprentice boy soldier in 1963 ( I was 15) the apprentice school was staffed by officers and other ranks from many different units. I called a three stripes sergeant and got a rollicking as he was from the household cavalry. Some corporals were Bomedieers. Warrant officers wore officer type hard and costs with no tank markings, we saluted them to be on the safe side, and got another rollicking. All very confusing when you are only 15.

[@Stephen8601]

L/Bombardier/Corporal hardest rank to achieve, and the easiest to lose.

[@paulritchie5868]

Tell me about it.😁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💂‍♀️

[@mufc20timesbitches36]

Good for a “ get outta jail free card though! “ lololol. 😂😂😂😂😂 got bust four times back to Lance jack! Made colour in the end. ENDEX.

[@adamwilliams434]

**Laughs In RMP**

[@jimspink2922]

Would agree with that. Took several years to make L/Cpl in Australian Engineers as a Reservist and told was very easy to loose. Brother in law was in Vietnam and got promoted to L/Cpl was in the base canteen celebrating. Walking back to his lines needed to have toilet break was urinating on lamp pole got caught by Unit Sgt Major up on charge next day back to sapper

[@kingfishr2436]

Love to see a marine or navy one. Great video though

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks Britishlad, great ideas and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@charltonmarvinmorley769]

Wow. That's awesome. In the Bahamas, those ranks refer to the Royal Bahamas police force from corporal sergeant inspector Chief inspector assistant superintendent of police right on up to commissioner. I guess that's why we're still a bit British in the Bahamas. Awesomeness 💯💯💯

[@steelers6titles]

Whenever I hear "sapper" I always think of "Danger UXB".

[@robertstorey7476]

i always thought private was a very odd term for a soldier because the one thing you'll never get at that level is any privacy.

[@richardweil8813]

Very well presented, and the similarities and differences from the U.S. land services are interesting. The US Marine Corps, which has a lance corporal rank and promotion to W.O. from sergeant, seems the closest, though there are more sergeant ranks as well as private first class. The Army, which makes use of both the PFC and specialist ranks, as well as more sergeant levels, and gives warrants to helicopter pilots and some other experts, is a bit different. The officer grades are very close though a brigadier (general) is a flag rank.

[@SantomPh]

The reason a British Brig is not considered a general rank is because a brigade commander tends to be in charge of a base, encampment or structure and is not usually involved in wider strategic planning. Brig is also considered the apex of a typical commission's career as everything beyond that is appointment only. 🚁pilots in the Army can either be commissioned officers or NCOs as low as Lance Corporal , at least before completing the course . What differs between UK and US army pilots is that UK pilots can even be commissioned and further promoted even without an officer background

[@RevoIutionary]

My uncle served in the army for quite some time, he joined as a Royal Marine Commando and worked his way up to a Regimental sergeant major. My grandfather speculates he was in the SAS but he never admitted it. That man was the toughest feller I have ever met, a real man's man.

[@KakuiKujira]

Aren't the Marines a separate service to the Army?

[@RevoIutionary]

@@KakuiKujira Can't say, I've never served but I know he was in one or both the special forces as well as eventually reaching the rank of RSM. I saw him in uniform once at his mother's funeral.

[@gordonmcmillan5556]

My late father rose to Cpl in the Royal Signals, served 1943-47 he used to reckon Cpl had the hardest time. Unlike a Sgt he didn’t get to deal with a Rupert, but also was expected to make decisions and carry the can.

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks for sharing Gordon

[@johnarrow3354]

If you lose any rank level then everything falls apart. If this was not so then the rank would be unnecessary and disappear.

[@harun5358]

The most fearsome warriors in the British Army are Signallers from the Royal Corps of Signals. Just one Signaller equates to seven Royals Marines in terms of fitness and skills in the field.

[@charliewillis6231]

😃😃😃😃😅😅😅

[@charliewillis6231]

One RAMC private equates to 42 signallers 😂😂😂

[@harun5358]

@@charliewillis6231 What a load of bollocks!

[@grahamgriffiths7405]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Jonslau]

Time to put these in my notes

[@righteousindignation]

It also depends on the regiment. For example. Privates are also known as Fusilier, sapper, kingsman guardsman, rifleman & Ranger. Corporals also known as bombardier in artillery regiments. Staff sergeants in infantry regiments are called colour sergeants

[@AtheistOrphan]

As indeed mentioned near the very beginning of the video.

[@jackduncan4228]

My grandfather was a captain in the SBS then towards the end of his service became a major.

[@ianward7140]

Massive respect and gratitude to every soldier in the British armed forces 👊🤝👏🙏

[@Kysushanz]

I was a Major, Infantry Coy Comd - my WOII was my most important man - experienced, calm and knew exactly what I was going to do. My right hand man.