The UK Army is one of the most prestigious and respected military forces in the world, with a long history of bravery, honor, and sacrifice. The Army's rank structure is designed to reflect the different levels of responsibility, expertise, and leadership within the organization. In this article, we will explore the various ranks within the UK Army, from the lowest to the highest, and examine the roles, responsibilities, and requirements for each.
Key Points
- The UK Army has a total of 13 ranks, ranging from Private to Field Marshal
- Each rank has its own unique responsibilities, requirements, and privileges
- The rank structure is designed to reflect the different levels of leadership, expertise, and responsibility within the Army
- Officer ranks are divided into three main categories: Junior Officers, Field Officers, and Senior Officers
- Other ranks are divided into two main categories: Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (JNCOs)
Other Ranks

Other ranks refer to the non-commissioned officers and junior non-commissioned officers within the UK Army. These ranks are responsible for leading and managing teams of soldiers, as well as providing technical expertise and support. The other ranks within the UK Army are:
Private (Pte)
The Private is the lowest rank within the UK Army, and is typically held by new recruits. Privates are responsible for carrying out basic military duties, such as guarding, sentry duties, and participating in training exercises.
Lance Corporal (L/Cpl)
The Lance Corporal is the next rank up from Private, and is responsible for leading small teams of soldiers. Lance Corporals are typically responsible for supervising and mentoring junior soldiers, as well as carrying out more complex military duties.
Corporal (Cpl)
The Corporal is a junior non-commissioned officer rank, and is responsible for leading larger teams of soldiers. Corporals are typically responsible for managing and supervising teams of soldiers, as well as providing technical expertise and support.
Sergeant (Sgt)
The Sergeant is a non-commissioned officer rank, and is responsible for leading and managing teams of soldiers. Sergeants are typically responsible for supervising and mentoring junior non-commissioned officers, as well as carrying out more complex military duties.
Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
The Staff Sergeant is a senior non-commissioned officer rank, and is responsible for leading and managing large teams of soldiers. Staff Sergeants are typically responsible for providing technical expertise and support, as well as supervising and mentoring junior non-commissioned officers.
Officer Ranks

Officer ranks refer to the commissioned officers within the UK Army, who are responsible for leading and commanding teams of soldiers. The officer ranks within the UK Army are:
Second Lieutenant (2Lt)
The Second Lieutenant is the lowest officer rank within the UK Army, and is typically held by new officers. Second Lieutenants are responsible for leading small teams of soldiers, as well as carrying out basic military duties.
Lieutenant (Lt)
The Lieutenant is the next rank up from Second Lieutenant, and is responsible for leading larger teams of soldiers. Lieutenants are typically responsible for supervising and mentoring junior officers, as well as carrying out more complex military duties.
Captain (Capt)
The Captain is a field officer rank, and is responsible for leading and managing large teams of soldiers. Captains are typically responsible for providing technical expertise and support, as well as supervising and mentoring junior officers.
Major (Maj)
The Major is a senior field officer rank, and is responsible for leading and managing large teams of soldiers. Majors are typically responsible for providing technical expertise and support, as well as supervising and mentoring junior officers.
Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)
The Lieutenant Colonel is a senior officer rank, and is responsible for leading and commanding large teams of soldiers. Lieutenant Colonels are typically responsible for providing technical expertise and support, as well as supervising and mentoring junior officers.
Colonel (Col)
The Colonel is a senior officer rank, and is responsible for leading and commanding large teams of soldiers. Colonels are typically responsible for providing technical expertise and support, as well as supervising and mentoring junior officers.
Brigadier (Brig)
The Brigadier is a senior officer rank, and is responsible for leading and commanding large teams of soldiers. Brigadiers are typically responsible for providing technical expertise and support, as well as supervising and mentoring junior officers.
Major General (Maj Gen)
The Major General is a senior officer rank, and is responsible for leading and commanding large teams of soldiers. Major Generals are typically responsible for providing technical expertise and support, as well as supervising and mentoring junior officers.
Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)
The Lieutenant General is a senior officer rank, and is responsible for leading and commanding large teams of soldiers. Lieutenant Generals are typically responsible for providing technical expertise and support, as well as supervising and mentoring junior officers.
General (Gen)
The General is the highest officer rank within the UK Army, and is responsible for leading and commanding the entire Army. Generals are typically responsible for providing technical expertise and support, as well as supervising and mentoring junior officers.
Field Marshal (FM)
The Field Marshal is the highest rank within the UK Army, and is typically awarded to senior officers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and bravery. Field Marshals are responsible for providing technical expertise and support, as well as supervising and mentoring junior officers.
Rank | Responsibilities |
---|---|
Private | Carrying out basic military duties, such as guarding and sentry duties |
Lance Corporal | Leading small teams of soldiers, supervising and mentoring junior soldiers |
Corporal | Leading larger teams of soldiers, managing and supervising teams of soldiers |
Sergeant | Leading and managing teams of soldiers, supervising and mentoring junior non-commissioned officers |
Staff Sergeant | Leading and managing large teams of soldiers, providing technical expertise and support |
Second Lieutenant | Leading small teams of soldiers, carrying out basic military duties |
Lieutenant | Leading larger teams of soldiers, supervising and mentoring junior officers |
Captain | Leading and managing large teams of soldiers, providing technical expertise and support |
Major | Leading and managing large teams of soldiers, providing technical expertise and support |
Lieutenant Colonel | Leading and commanding large teams of soldiers, providing technical expertise and support |
Colonel | Leading and commanding large teams of soldiers, providing technical expertise and support |
Brigadier | Leading and commanding large teams of soldiers, providing technical expertise and support |
Major General | Leading and commanding large teams of soldiers, providing technical expertise and support |
Lieutenant General | Leading and commanding large teams of soldiers, providing technical expertise and support |
General | Leading and commanding the entire Army, providing technical expertise and support |
Field Marshal | Providing technical expertise and support, supervising and mentoring junior officers |

What is the lowest rank in the UK Army?
+The lowest rank in the UK Army is Private (Pte).
What is the highest rank in the UK Army?
+The highest rank in the UK Army is Field Marshal (FM).
What are the responsibilities of a Captain in the UK Army?
+A Captain in the UK Army is responsible for leading and managing large teams of soldiers, as well as providing technical expertise and support.
What is the difference between a Lieutenant and a Captain in the UK Army?
+A Lieutenant is responsible for leading smaller teams of soldiers, while a Captain is responsible for leading and managing larger teams of soldiers.
What are the requirements for becoming a General in the UK Army?
+To become a General in the UK Army, an individual must have a minimum of 30 years of service, as well as extensive experience in leadership and command roles.