@@PremierHistory I don’t actually know he’s never told me but his story of why he wasn’t promoted is he had too much of a big mouth to be a major and he probably made some higher up officer mad that’s all I know about his time In the army
I did 75 full days of service back in MW2, proudly went through all these ranks multiple times. Those were great days and I have many stories to tell my children about the lobbies, and how brutal they could be at times. Thankfully I still have my health, thank you to all the other veterans for their service during those early golden years of 2007-2016
When I was in the Army, we were taught an easy way to identify generals by using a simple phrase. It was "Be my little general". The first letter of each word stands for Brigadier, Major, Lieutenant, and General.
@@garystill1308 It makes sense when your realize that they follow the same ordering as the four ranks below General. Captain - Brigadier General Major - Major General Lieutenant Colonel - Lieutenant General Colonel - General
My dad retired from the army as a CW3 . His area of technical expertise was in maintenance support.he was very much like a “big brother” or “wisened uncle” type toward his troops.I’ve seen them direct a great deal of respect and regard towards him because Dad (though acted in a supervisory capacity) treated them just like any other and with the same respect he would want to be treated with. Example... in 1992 he had a half dozen or so young men and a young lady in his unit that were spending what was probably their first ever Christmas away from home. He invited them to have Christmas dinner with us.
I aspire to be someone like your dad, I'm currently at 19 years, 18+ years enlisted and highest NCO rank was SSG, this year I went Warrant and now hold the appointed rank of WO1.
@@maverick300 this was funny, but I think he meant he's currently 19 years In active duty. Not that he's 19 years old . Regardless thank you for your service bravest 12 year old I've ever had the pleasure to encounter.
My grandpa served in the army the highest rank he earned was the brigadier general, soon he retired and honored by the jordanian army, he had a lot of medals and even a weapon as a gift for serving his country, god bless him.
My oldest brother made Master Sargent in the Army (Armory)before he lost his life overseas. Thanks for the video, I already knew the order of the ranks but still watched because of the memories of my brother.
Yeah, they could have explained that better. The rank was created so that key US officers wouldn't be outranked by Commonwealth Field Marshals back in WWII. It's still on the books but hasn't been necessary for ... (counting on fingers) 76 years.
We haven’t declared war on anything. Currently we aren’t fighting a nation, we’re fighting an organization. I think the last time the U.S. officially declared war was in 1941
@@hypershock0762 Actually in 1941 US declared war against Germany, Italy, and Japan. But the last declaration of war were June 4 of 1942 against Bulgaria, Hungary, and Rumania(Romania).
All ranks are the back bone Cause the back bone isn't one piece Its made up of tons of bones working as one Without one bone the whole thing doesn't work
That’s about the truest thing I have heard. I feel like that statement serves true with all of the branches. I’m gonna share that one to my Marine buddies!
That statement is true and profound. May I add that it emphasizes the idea that all insignia of rank are placed on a common uniform. The uniform is more than just a vestment. It in fact represents the idea of teamwork, camaraderie and _uniformity_. Without _all_ members of a military unit there is diminishment.
I served in the US Army during the Vietnam Era, 1966-1968. During that Era, there was a rank that is no longer used in the Army. That rank is Specialist E-5. I achieved Specialist E-5, within 15 months of my service. The Specialist E-5 patch is similar to the Specialist E-4 patch, but with a rocker over the top. During my time at that rank, I was used a few times, as an overnight Sergeant, during guard duty of the ammunition dump, at Fort Polk, La., where I was stationed. Our monthly pay, at that time, for an E-5 with under 2 years service, was $261.00 ($256.00 after taxes).
I'm also a "Vietnam Era" vet ('69-'72) and was also a "Spec 5". In "72, congress cut funding for the war. The Army had to cut troops, and I was given a 6 month "early out" as a 3 year enlistee. The day before I was out, I got extended 90 days because they cut too deep and too fast. Wasn't happy about that, but it's all water under the dam now.
Back when I was in (1970-1972) we had a cook in the mess hall who was a spec.6. I was a spec 5 myself when I got out. Didn't know the rank had been done away with.
@@richardbuse228 I just found a chart showing SP5 & SP6 were discontinued in 1985. It also shows SP7 discontinued in 1978. www.3ad.com/history/at.ease/army.ranks.htm
Yes, the spec ranks were phased out, however, when I was in from 08-16, many people I served with thought they should be brought back. I was in the medical field (combat medic) and saw a lot of people who weren't cut out for leadership roles, the spec ranks would allow for continued progression in career without the concern of putting someone who just isn't a leader into a position of leadership. The issue I saw with the lack of that was that people who were experts in medicine were placed behind desks where they had no clue what to do. In fact, I would still be in if we had spec ranks, I just wanted to be a medic, I could care less about counseling soldiers and all that.
As an NCO in the Air Force, I had occasional dealings with the Army. The only dealings I ever had with warrant officers was dealing with flight operations(begging/borrowing/stealing equipment). The only WO’s I ever knew or met were helicopter Jockeys. Actually a pretty cool (only slightly insane) bunch.
Army CID has lots of warrant officers. Commanders of Army port ops are sometimes warrant officers and the Army has boaties. The skippers of the boats are warrant officers. Saw plenty of them at Fort Eustis, VA and few at Fort Story, VA.
As a US Army veteran myself (MOS 15Y), I would say the backbone of the enlisted ranks is the E5 (Sargent) and the O3 (Captain) for the officer ranks as the holders of these ranks have their leadership functions at the very tip of the spear.
I don't think any single rank is the backbone of the army. They are ALL important. You could say that each rank in the army makes up a joint in the backbone.
I get where you are coming from but if you served, you’d know that E-4 thru E-7 is really what makes the military function. Being told (most of the time) vague guidelines by the few at the top. Then second most important I’d say is captains and sergeant majors, as they are the main middle man (obviously everyone’s technically a middle man, but their position as Company Commander and Company Superintendent are very important) between the top and the “backbone.” I’m in the Air Force btw, but ranks structures are very similar
Sgts are the back bone of the army, they have the exp to deal with the men, generally better combat exp, they don't have as high turn over rate, they are able to better advise the F/LT on how to conduct the mission when on the ground. It is the bridge rank between enlisted and officers. If you want something done you go to the Sgt if you want something authrized you go to the F/LT.
My great grandpa. An MP turned combat specialist during the War in the Pacific in WW2. Was a Sargeant until demoted to Corporal for punching a Lieutenant, of which he blamed for the extreme and preventable loss of a ton of soldiers in his company. Awarded as a war hero and got 2 purple hearts as well.
Your grandfather sounds like my kinda man. I broke an Army captain’s jaw. We were both in civilian clothes and he was a being a drunk jerk towards a lady. Once they caught me, they wanted my tukass. I was busted down to pfc from lance Corporal. The one that came out to get me, was our first sergeant. He was a real class act, hard as nails, not friendly, loved the marines under his guidance and command. We loved him for that.
The backbone of the Army is to have a very specific hierarchy, where everyone has an important role to play, from Private to General. It’s not always easy to see and understand the role of the upper rank such Generals, or even Officers, and it’s not uncommon to have a NCO with way more experience than a brand new LT out of school, and yet, they all have different task to do and NCO couldn’t do it right without Officers and Officers wouldn’t get anything done without NCOs and Specialists. That’s the strength of armed forces, they’re designed to be the most efficient killing machine. And hopefully, a strong Military means we don’t need to deploy and use it.
0:20 "Backbone of Army" Private E-2 ! Did entire year of 1966 in Vietnam - Private upon arrival, Private when I returned and Private upon discharge after three years and one day. Hell yes!
I was amused by the picture of the PFC uniform, with The 4 Armored Division patch...As a teenager in May of 1971, I was the last of that unit...served 14 months, until it was changed to The 1st AD.
@@richardbuse228 Richard (Brother) it was about the same time for me, over at the 1/35 Erlangen...hey, remember George Patton 3rd? We are a forgotten breed. Most of my unit was from California and Michigan, I'm from New Jersey...not many recognize my 4 AD Veteran's Hat around here!!!
Not really they also need requirements such as example if you want become first FGO or Field Grade Officer, you need pass OIT tryouts aka Officer In Training and DI tryouts aka Drill Instructor and for being General is debatable
CW3 here. It's worth noting that WO1s are *appointed* but the CW2 and higher are commissioned, just like the regular officer corps. At the rank of CW3 we transition to field grade. Typically the CW3 is going to be operating at brigade and command level, whereas the WO1 and CW2 are very much involved in company level planning and operations. CW4 is the middle of the senior Warrant officer grades, and the CW5 is the top-most Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army system. The CW5 is a rare bird. Not very many, in either Active, Reserve, or Guard components. My mentor (who was a TAC: Training and Counseling, the Warrant Officer version of a drill instructor at Warrant Officer Candidate School) recently retired at CW5, as the CCWO (Command Chief Warrant officer) of the state of Idaho. I myself am due for the CW4 promotion board next year. Most U.S. Army Warrant Officers are pilots flying helicopters, but the rest of us are indeed technical specialists in a specific area of expertise.
I’m a SPC rn but when I was at AIT at Fort Gordon I was standing towards the front of our formation to go back to the schoolhouse after chow, I saw group of atleast 5 or 6 CW5’s walking back to their building. I can assume I’ll probably never see that again lol
My Mother retired as a CW4 she was the G2X for 101st Airborne division. She was an interrogator at some point too so growing up with her meant secrets or any kind of information was impossible to keep discreet. She served 23 years in the Army and I’m absolutely sure she was going to get CW5 if she stayed just a little longer.
Was Army 73-76 in Germany, M.O.S. 63h20, we had a CW4 in the 122nd Maint. Bn. at the time CW4 was the highest rank for Warrant Officer. CW5 rank was added in 1991.
My eldest cousin Stephen was in the Army for 30 years when he retired. He never talked about what his responsibilities as a sergeant were, but I know he had an important job. When I mention Stephen's rank, some former military members laugh and tell me that 'all sergeants think they have important jobs'. When tell them that Stephen was the Command Sergeant Major at Fort Bragg and also served as the second Honorary Sergeant Major of the Special Forces Regiment, they usually stop laughing...
I was a; Air Force. Medic, Staff Sergeant and ward master in Japan, the Phillipines and Edward's AFB IN CALIFORNIA. WE PATCHED UP, ARMY, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS GRUNTS WHO MANAGED TO GET THEMSELVES, SHOT, BLOWN UP OR PUNJI'D. ONE OF MY ROOMIES IN JAPAN WAS A JARHEAD, THE MARINE ATCO AT YAKOTA AFB. I ENDED UP DOING A LOT OF TRAINING FOR NEWLY ASSIGNED TROOPS FRESH FROM TECH SCHOOL AT SHEPHERD AFB, WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS
Me: After being Born & Raised in it. You'll learn them all pretty fast (6-7 y/o) in order to address your friends/classmates (mostly) Fathers (at the time) properly.
the NCOs and lower COs (below major who overseers combat) are definitely the backbone of our army. these guys get an award most generals and former presidents envy the most - medal of honor.
Well done. Kudos. You should be proud. I also served in the UK, OF-4 (Lt Col) before leaving and moving into the commercial world. However, the training and focus never left. At 55 I still get up at 05:15 and after the gym will always be first in the office. 26 year old's just do not get it..
The rank that catches my eye is the Colonel. Even though, about 15 from my house, there is an Air Force Base, as of now that only high officer that I saw is the Major. Would be nice to see a Colonel does not matter what type of military it is in person.
Majors are typically the highest ranking officers that you would see engaging in combat on the field or from bases instead of from a distance so it makes sense that the highest you would see is a Major.
Not in the Philippines as third world country I saw colonel addressed by vice news during war in marawi siege when your in battlefield fair game with enemy snipers though pay grade of captain in airforce today is something like 2,000 dollars/month well if your still alive in army thats alot police though have it raking profits in salary , dark activities because they have connections in communities they serve.
Specialists are the backbone of the Infantry. Through my enlistment as an infantryman, the Specialists were the ones in charge of fire teams. Most of the men that were in charge of me as Specialists were rough, tough, knowledgeable soldiers that taught me everything I knew. E-4 mafia for life 🤘🏻
Im general of the army in cod ww2. and i think the NCOs are the backbone of the us army becuase of there expertise and experince they keep the troops and officers happy together.
Technically there is one additional officer rank. In 1976 Washington was posthumously promoted to general of the armies (described as 6 stars in some sources).
General of the Army isn't only used during time of war. So far it has only been made during WWII, but the Generals of the Army continued to hold that rank until their deaths. Except Eisenhower who relinquished his rank by retiring so that he could run for President. You also left the General of the Armies rank.
General of the armies is not an actual rank. It is still a 5 star General. And o ly one person has ever actually held that title. Pershing during world War 1.
At 0:40 it says "Specialists are generally put in charge of lower ranked enlisted soldiers and generally have less responsibilities than corporals." Things might have changed, but when I was in the Army (early to mid-80s) a specialist was an E4 that had specialized training and an MOS (i.e. job) in a non-combat field and a corporal was an E4 in a combat field. I was a specialist and a software developer (74F). The Army also used to have E5 and E6 specialists, but those were converted to SGT and SSG around 1985. I've been told than now even soldiers in combat rolls usually get promoted to specialist and not corporal, and they have to go through the Basic Leader Course (BLC) before they can become a corporal. I don't know if that is true, but it is what I've been told.
Well this phrase has rung true with me since my ROTC days 20 years back. 'Take care of your Soldiers and they will take care of you.' Regardless whether you're enlisted or an officer. So a good NCO will absolutely support the lower enlisted, usually giving them direction in their career fields and in life too. Knowing your Soldiers is part of taking care of them. And the NCO's not only do that (again, the good ones) but they'll be the ones making the mission happen. A good officer will enable the NCO's to do their job in the most effective manner.
my step grandfather was a Sergeant Major in the Army Rangers, was an airborne ranger in Vietnam did 2 tours. Retired after 22 years of service. Earl Bryson. He was a hero to me, and one of my biggest influences growing up.
I was actually born the same week my (late) Father made SFC/E-7. He always joked that it was a Very Good Week for him!!! (Retired as an MSG/E-8, 34 yrs service)
Started out as a E-3 after three yrs of JROTC. After reaching E-6 I submitted my packet and went to warrant officer school. After 23yrs retired as a CW3 . Being a warrant officer afforded me the best of both worlds of enlisted and officers. Based on my experience. The Nco’s are and will always be the backbone of the Military. Anyone interested in joining the military I can stress to you enough to do your research. Make sure you do good on your ASVAB. That way you have a lot more mos’ to choose from. Also if you really want to be a Ranger or SF you better have that in your contract. Also make sure you come to basic training prepared and in shape. Train for it before you go. Also military life isn’t for everyone. Make sure you choose a mos that can be used outside the military. Also I’m not going to sugar coat shit. The first 3-4 yrs really suck. A lot of training ,different schools , and the pay sucks. If you make it past that 3-4yr mark and decide to reenlist. I promise you things give better. You will have some rank and time in that rank. Pay gets a little better. Take advantage of the college tuition. When I joined I gave up $100 a month for 12 months. $1200, paid for my 4 yr degree. Didn’t have any student debt and got paid while going to college. Make the most your serve.
I was active duty USAF, but I tried a year in the Wisconsin Army Nat'l Guard. I never really understood what a Spec. 4 was, even though that was my rank. I was amused to see your pictures of USAF uniforms to illustrate officer rank!
USAF rank stripes are still confusing to me. My grandfather was an E-8 or E- 9 in the USAF ,I still don't know LOL as all I see in his pictures from the early 1960's is a dude with a zillion stripes on his arm, LOL and I am ex-Army , LOL, and I can't count the stripes. . He had earlier been a CPO(E-6 E-7 ?) in the Navy in WWII, before he transferred to the AF about 1947-50. Jumped off the USS Lexington as she went down.- Broke his leg landing in a lifeboat. Said "He was lucky because there were sharks in the water", He is long gone now.
Before watching the video, I want to say that I found the Army ranks confusing too. I'm a Marine and I thought they were similar to ours, but it's not, especially E1-E4 and the senior enlisted too.
@@TheHuskers1995 They were 5 Star Generals yes, but the rank of "General of the Armies" is different to the 5 Star rank of "General of the Army" that you're referring to. It's a weird special designation. But I suppose they are essentially the same.
General of the Armies is essentially a 6 star rank though since this has NOT been awarded since the invention of the 5 star rank it is speculation. If we had had to invade Japan MacArthur would have been promoted to it but with their surrender no promotion so still a mystery as to the look of the rank.
@@ryanfoley6901 not yet. As i said IF we had invaded Japan he would have been promoted and thus making official the six star rank. but they surrendered so no promotion so as of now it is still speculation. in the progression of ranks since GotAs is supposed to out rank a GotA it should be 6 stars.
I became a SPC-4 promotable after I came back from Desert Shield/Storm in 91’ and had 2 guys working under me that I supervised, was supposed to go PLDC (primary leadership development course) at Fort Knox Ky then get promoted to SGT E-5 but ended up getting into a serious car accident where I had to retire from the Army.
Cool facts about the army ranks. Technically their is a rank called “Cadet” bellow W1 and above E9 for contracted cadets. CWO2 is also technically the lowest commissioned officer rank.
@@antoniomolina3612 yeah its for officer cadets in college ROTC or west pointers. OCS candidates also fall in the same boat, but they are called candidates.
This is not true. A cadet has no rank or command authority. They are not ranked in the Army. They do not fall between CW2 and E-9 as those are two different Corps within the Army. CW2's are also NOT commissioned, they are Warranted as given in the name Warrant Officer. As a current 21 year enlisted soldier, I would probably know.
@@seanantonucci i agree with the cadet thing as they don’t have any command authority. But CW2 really are commissioned officers. I didn’t think so at first (I’m in the military too) till I looked it up. But apparently CW2 and up are commissioned officers as they are commissioned by the “president” as all normal officers are, which means they (CW2) take the same oath all officers need to take.
@@seanantonucci A WO1 is an officer appointed by warrant with the requisite authority pursuant to assignment level and position given by the Secretary of the Army. CW2s and above are commissioned officers with the requisite authority pursuant to assignment level and position as given by the President of the United States. 24 years enlisted
Thats technically not 6 stars. The rank does exist, it was created before the 5 star (general of the army) rank. The only living person to hold that rank got to pick it’s insignia, and he choose 4 golden stars.
My brother (now 95 ) was in the Royal Air Force 1945, in the Fire Service - he was a corporal for two weeks :-) A Gloster Meteor jet cam in to land with it wheels on fire, the quick action of my brother and others saved the pilot and the plane, my brother was promoted for his actions, until, two weeks later, he was testing his fire truck equipment and a rookie out of sight was looking down a hose when it was switched on, nearly took his head off, my elder brother was held responsible and demoted ...........:-(
I remember a young guy I worked with who was sent to Nam in the field as a lieutenant. His father a long time sergeant said to him, remember this, you're best friend in the world is your sergeant. He said that his Dad was spot on.
Staff Sergeant is the absolute "backbone of the Army" rank. They are low enough to know and influence the most junior enlisted. They are key to mentoring and leading the most first line supervisors (E4s and E5s), but they have enough experience to understand "the bigger picture". They likey really know what is going on in a unit because Soldiers probably still act genuine around them. They can communicate the importance of the mission down and in, and the friction, challenges, and risks to what is being asked of them up the chain.
For those who don't know, there are 7 insignias (that I know of) and they are: Chevron (Upside down v , Rocker (A downwards bowl shaped gold emblem), Five Pointed Star (A star with 5 points), Spreadx Eagle (An eagle with its wings spread holding arrows), Oak leaf (A leaf), Gold/Silver Bar (A simple vertical bar colored gold or silver), and Dark Grey Square (A dark gray square with a rectangle variant). Private would be the rank you first start out in the BCT, which stands for "Basic Combat Training". After passing, you could choose from a variety of commands, like TRADOC, ASOC, etc. Each command has different understanding of the paygrades. E1 - E3 would be addressed as Privates, E4 as Corporal, E5 as Sergeant (Drill Sergeant if you're of lower rank), E6 as Staff Sergeant (Recruiting Sergeant if you're of lower rank), E7 as Sergeant First Class, E8 as First Sergeant (Recruiting Head Sergeant if you're of lower rank), E9B as Command Sergeant Major, E9C as Sergeant Major, O1 as Second Lieutenant, O2 as First Lieutenant, O3 as Captain, O4 as Major, O5 as Lieutenant Colonel, O6 as Colonel, O7 as Brigadier General, O8 as Major General, O9 as Lieutenant General, and O10 as General. E stands for Enlisted and O stands for Officer. O4 - O6 would be considered Field Grade Officers, and O9 - O10 are Headquarters.
Back bone? The Lt, Sgt and the rest of the team bears the grunt most of the time, occasionally the cpt, major and above mostly are pencil pushing desk bound
The backbone of the army would be enlisted ranks since they are the reason why the army is running, and army made of NCOs and Officers would not be an "army"
For the heart of the army I think is the general of armies for the head I think it would be the commandant because he commands everyone but not the general of armys+ for the legs I think command Sergeant majors because they help CO’s for the back bone ust the body E4-E2 because they are the ones under command of sergeants and high ranks so they protect them petty much for the hip W01-W05 because they are like the assistants for Sergeant major of the army and sergeant major I think they are the eyes because they are always watching for the officers same thing
There is no " Commadant" of the Army. And WO1- CW5 don't assist the Sergeants Major. They are technical experts in their fields to guide their commanding officers in the capabilities of their units.
"General: Leaps tall buildings with a single bound. More powerful than a steam engine, faster than a speeding bullet. Gives policy to GOD. Colonel: Leaps short buildings with a single bound. More powerful than a shunting engine. Is just as fast as a speeding bullet. Walks on water (if the sea is calm). Talks with GOD. Lt.-Colonel: Leaps short buildings with a running start in favourable winds. Is almost as powerful as a speeding bullet. Walks on water in indoor swimming pools. Talks with GOD if special request is approved. Major: Barely clears a shed. Loses tug-of-war with a steam engine. Can fire a speeding bullet and swims well. Is occasionally addressed by GOD. Captain: Makes high marks when trying to leap tall buildings. Is run over by trains. Can sometimes handle a gun without inflicting self injury. Dog paddles, talks to animals. Lieutenant: Runs into tall buildings. Recognises trains two out of three times. Is not issued with ammunition. Can stay afloat if properly instructed in the use of a lifejacket. Talks to walls. 2nd Lieutenant: Falls over doorsteps while trying to enter buildings. Says, "Look at Choo Choo." Is NEVER issued with a gun or ammunition. Plays in mud puddles. Mumbles to himself. Sgt. Major: Lifts tall buildings and walks under them. Kicks steam trains off the tracks. Catches speeding bullets in his teeth and eats them. Freezes water with a single glance . . . HE IS GOD!"
This is funny as shit. I loved it.... and I have served for 21 years so far. It's pretty accurate. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 @stuart beatty feel free to leave this GOD fearing country anytime. If you're sick....it's because you don't believe. That's what caused your lymphoma.
My Brother in law did 30 years and retired as a CW5. He was a blackhawk pilot of 25 years of his service. He made E-6 and went to warrant officer school, then flight school. He got a nice 6 figure job flying for EMS right afterward retiring.
Correction on the video: At Basic, the "no rank insignia" of any US military branch is Recruit. Only upon completing Basic is anyone promoted above that, even if it is promised via contract.
I believe recruit is specific to navy, in the army, all soldiers regardless of rank (including those enter as specialist, E4) are referred as privates.
@@hollowedgamer416 : Dont tell me I'm wrong, bro. I have worn the uniform, and I had to know ALL ranks, of all services, from E-1 to O-10. And as far as I remember, _every_ E-1, in any branch, is a Recruit. For the Army, E-2 is Private, as E-2 in the Navy is Seaman Apprentice.
I watched another video about this and they said there's a General Of The Armies with a extra star that fills in the empty space in the middle of the General Of The Army insignia and is also used only during war.
General of the Armies (6 stars) was only ever used once by John Pershing during the first and second world wars. The 5 star General of the Army we know and referenced in the video relates to the modern version of this.
Do they have a bureaucrat rank that actually keeps track of all these symbols and titles or is everyone just assumed to learn this by heart and recognize them in the heat of battle? :')
Have you ever served in the US Army? What Rank did you promote to?
Well my grandpa was in the Canadian army and he was a captain when he retired
Thanks Zero! What years did he serve for the Canadian Army?
@@PremierHistory I don’t actually know he’s never told me but his story of why he wasn’t promoted is he had too much of a big mouth to be a major and he probably made some higher up officer mad that’s all I know about his time In the army
Sounds like a great man Zero, Always the best ones that get held back!
@@PremierHistory yea he is he’s pretty cool
I did 75 full days of service back in MW2, proudly went through all these ranks multiple times. Those were great days and I have many stories to tell my children about the lobbies, and how brutal they could be at times. Thankfully I still have my health, thank you to all the other veterans for their service during those early golden years of 2007-2016
Thank you for your service 🐸🙏
Yoo that's epic! I served too, on private lobbies, I loved Afghan and I always tried to find that perfect sniper spot and drop a flare there!
People are gonna get tilted at this but I laughed hard man. Fellow 10th prestige here
@@mattynek2 stop joking around we are talking about real life not some childish game.
@@friendlyfire2374 it's actually the other way around of what you said
The backbone of the army would probably be the NCOs. They deal with the combat and deal with the officers
NCOs definitely play an integral part 👍🏻
No.shit man
Nah bro. Them specialists!
None of them would be there if there weren’t NCO’s who were DI’s
Nice General
When I was in the Army, we were taught an easy way to identify generals by using a simple phrase. It was "Be my little general". The first letter of each word stands for Brigadier, Major, Lieutenant, and General.
Great tip Farmerjohn!
Never understood why Major General was worse then Lieutenant General rank. Surely should be swapped?
@@garystill1308 Major general was originally sergeant major general,but the name was too long
@@garystill1308 It makes sense when your realize that they follow the same ordering as the four ranks below General.
Captain - Brigadier General
Major - Major General
Lieutenant Colonel - Lieutenant General
Colonel - General
I could never understand why it isn't Lt. & then Major General! It doesn't make sense!
My dad retired from the army as a CW3 . His area of technical expertise was in maintenance support.he was very much like a “big brother” or “wisened uncle” type toward his troops.I’ve seen them direct a great deal of respect and regard towards him because Dad (though acted in a supervisory capacity) treated them just like any other and with the same respect he would want to be treated with.
Example... in 1992 he had a half dozen or so young men and a young lady in his unit that were spending what was probably their first ever Christmas away from home. He invited them to have Christmas dinner with us.
Thanks for sharing his story
I aspire to be someone like your dad, I'm currently at 19 years, 18+ years enlisted and highest NCO rank was SSG, this year I went Warrant and now hold the appointed rank of WO1.
@@atc562002
Yeah bro I'm a 6 star general and I'm 12 years old
@@maverick300 i think he means the amount of time he has served in the army
@@maverick300 this was funny, but I think he meant he's currently 19 years In active duty. Not that he's 19 years old . Regardless thank you for your service bravest 12 year old I've ever had the pleasure to encounter.
My grandpa served in the army the highest rank he earned was the brigadier general, soon he retired and honored by the jordanian army, he had a lot of medals and even a weapon as a gift for serving his country, god bless him.
Thanks for sharing his story Creammando!
@@PremierHistory He was also a field medic
You should be so proud!
@@PremierHistory I am
He's name?
My oldest brother made Master Sargent in the Army (Armory)before he lost his life overseas.
Thanks for the video, I already knew the order of the ranks but still watched because of the memories of my brother.
Well sir your brother is a hero . He gave his life so we can all be free .. sorry for your loss. God bless 🙌 🙏
@@iwin1833 Thank you for your kind comment.
God-bless your brother he made the ultimate sacrifice For the USA
All honors to your brother !
Thank your family for their sacrifice 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Would've been nice to hear about how many soldiers each rank leads/commands and a bit more detailed info on the ranks themselves
Thanks Christian, that would have been a nice touch I agree
@@PremierHistory This was posted on my birthday (:
That’s cool Leat!
@@PremierHistory #FollowUpVideo
@@PremierHistory do you have to go through NCO's to reach officer ranks? or you can start from the warrant officer 1 when you join the army?
"Only used during a time of war"
The United States never seeing a day of peace for as long as I've been alive:
Yeah, they could have explained that better. The rank was created so that key US officers wouldn't be outranked by Commonwealth Field Marshals back in WWII. It's still on the books but hasn't been necessary for ... (counting on fingers) 76 years.
@@MrTmac9k That makes sense, thanks for explaining.
@Dora Arnold I'm not, however 20 years of consistent war is sad.
We haven’t declared war on anything. Currently we aren’t fighting a nation, we’re fighting an organization. I think the last time the U.S. officially declared war was in 1941
@@hypershock0762 Actually in 1941 US declared war against Germany, Italy, and Japan. But the last declaration of war were June 4 of 1942 against Bulgaria, Hungary, and Rumania(Romania).
TIMESTAMPS:
0:12 Private (PVT / E - 1)
0:19 Private (PV2 / E - 2)
0:26 Private First Class (PFC / E - 3)
0:32 Specialist (SPC / E - 4)
0:40 Corporal (CPL / E - 4)
0:49 Sergeant (SGT / E - 5)
0:56 Staff Sergeant (SSG / E - 6)
1:04 Sergeant First Class (SFC / E - 7)
1:12 Master Sergeant (MSG / E - 8)
1:19 First Sergeant (1SG / E - 8)
1:26 Sergeant Major (SGM / E - 9)
1:32 Command Sergeant Major (CSM / E - 9)
1:39 Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA / E - 9)
1:53 Warrant Officer 1 (WO1)
2:03 Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2)
2:09 Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3)
2:13 Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4)
2:17 Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5)
2:26 Second Lieutenant (2LT / O1)
2:33 First Lieutenant (1LT / O2)
2:41 Captain (CPT / O3)
2:46 Major (MAJ / O4)
2:56 Lieutenant Colonel (LTC / O5)
3:03 Colonel (COL / O6)
3:10 Brigadier General (BG / O7)
3:19 Major General (MG / O8)
3:25 Lieutenant General (LG / O9)
3:33 General (GEN / O10)
3:41 General of the Army (GOA / O10)
Bro u saving alot of people's time ..thank you on behalf of the people who wanted just the list
All ranks are the back bone
Cause the back bone isn't one piece
Its made up of tons of bones working as one
Without one bone the whole thing doesn't work
That’s about the truest thing I have heard. I feel like that statement serves true with all of the branches. I’m gonna share that one to my Marine buddies!
@@Nick-et3oo happy to help :)
@@lordseelenfresserdemonking1168 Bisexuals don’t like freedom.
Yeah the tons of E-4 thru E-7 would be the back bone. Everybody can’t be backbone then there would be nothing else for the “rest” of the body lmao
That statement is true and profound. May I add that it emphasizes the idea that all insignia of rank are placed on a common uniform. The uniform is more than just a vestment. It in fact represents the idea of teamwork, camaraderie and _uniformity_. Without _all_ members of a military unit there is diminishment.
I served in the US Army during the Vietnam Era, 1966-1968. During that Era, there was a rank that is no longer used in the Army. That rank is Specialist E-5. I achieved Specialist E-5, within 15 months of my service. The Specialist E-5 patch is similar to the Specialist E-4 patch, but with a rocker over the top. During my time at that rank, I was used a few times, as an overnight Sergeant, during guard duty of the ammunition dump, at Fort Polk, La., where I was stationed. Our monthly pay, at that time, for an E-5 with under 2 years service, was $261.00 ($256.00 after taxes).
Thanks for sharing your story Richard
I'm also a "Vietnam Era" vet ('69-'72) and was also a "Spec 5". In "72, congress cut funding for the war. The Army had to cut troops, and I was given a 6 month "early out" as a 3 year enlistee. The day before I was out, I got extended 90 days because they cut too deep and too fast. Wasn't happy about that, but it's all water under the dam now.
Back when I was in (1970-1972) we had a cook in the mess hall who was a spec.6. I was a spec 5 myself when I got out. Didn't know the rank had been done away with.
@@richardbuse228
I just found a chart showing SP5 & SP6 were discontinued in 1985. It also shows SP7 discontinued in 1978. www.3ad.com/history/at.ease/army.ranks.htm
Yes, the spec ranks were phased out, however, when I was in from 08-16, many people I served with thought they should be brought back. I was in the medical field (combat medic) and saw a lot of people who weren't cut out for leadership roles, the spec ranks would allow for continued progression in career without the concern of putting someone who just isn't a leader into a position of leadership. The issue I saw with the lack of that was that people who were experts in medicine were placed behind desks where they had no clue what to do. In fact, I would still be in if we had spec ranks, I just wanted to be a medic, I could care less about counseling soldiers and all that.
I'm a first Lieutenant (O2) in the Swiss army. Respectful salute to all my brothers of every country, who served in their army for people and land!
I think I may have your pocket knife...
As an NCO in the Air Force, I had occasional dealings with the Army. The only dealings I ever had with warrant officers was dealing with flight operations(begging/borrowing/stealing equipment). The only WO’s I ever knew or met were helicopter Jockeys. Actually a pretty cool (only slightly insane) bunch.
I legit, never met a WO in the Army. We called them "Unicorns" in my unit.
I was in military intelligence; we had non- flight warrant officers
Army CID has lots of warrant officers. Commanders of Army port ops are sometimes warrant officers and the Army has boaties. The skippers of the boats are warrant officers. Saw plenty of them at Fort Eustis, VA and few at Fort Story, VA.
Usually a few around a Missile outfit. In charge of the Warheads and training. Especially back when we still had a lot of 'Those Warheads'?
REMFS deal with REMFS...just kidding. Much ❤
As a US Army veteran myself (MOS 15Y), I would say the backbone of the enlisted ranks is the E5 (Sargent) and the O3 (Captain) for the officer ranks as the holders of these ranks have their leadership functions at the very tip of the spear.
I don't think any single rank is the backbone of the army. They are ALL important. You could say that each rank in the army makes up a joint in the backbone.
Well, except for 2LT fresh out of West Point, lol//
@@mikeylikey6176 lol wtf ahah napoleon would hate that 😂😂
Yeahh mate the chain of command
I get where you are coming from but if you served, you’d know that E-4 thru E-7 is really what makes the military function. Being told (most of the time) vague guidelines by the few at the top. Then second most important I’d say is captains and sergeant majors, as they are the main middle man (obviously everyone’s technically a middle man, but their position as Company Commander and Company Superintendent are very important) between the top and the “backbone.” I’m in the Air Force btw, but ranks structures are very similar
Ok if someone was going to break all the bones in your body except one which bone would you want them to leave alone
Sgts are the back bone of the army, they have the exp to deal with the men, generally better combat exp, they don't have as high turn over rate, they are able to better advise the F/LT on how to conduct the mission when on the ground. It is the bridge rank between enlisted and officers. If you want something done you go to the Sgt if you want something authrized you go to the F/LT.
Thanks Darth
So does that make SFC’s and 1stSGT’s complete badasses?
Yes in our country most of the field instructors in Military Academy are Sergeants. They are the most battle tested in the armies.
Dad retired as a major never realize how much he climbed and could have gone higher. Makes me proud of all he’s done :)
Thanks for sharing Armango, you should be very proud!
I reached higher in call of duty in just one day
@Abood Xx 😂😂😂
My great grandpa. An MP turned combat specialist during the War in the Pacific in WW2. Was a Sargeant until demoted to Corporal for punching a Lieutenant, of which he blamed for the extreme and preventable loss of a ton of soldiers in his company. Awarded as a war hero and got 2 purple hearts as well.
Thanks for sharing his story Joker, you should be proud of his service
*An mp*?
@@redeemer6076 Military police
Wonder what’s like for military police
Your grandfather sounds like my kinda man. I broke an Army captain’s jaw. We were both in civilian clothes and he was a being a drunk jerk towards a lady. Once they caught me, they wanted my tukass. I was busted down to pfc from lance Corporal. The one that came out to get me, was our first sergeant. He was a real class act, hard as nails, not friendly, loved the marines under his guidance and command. We loved him for that.
The backbone of the Army is to have a very specific hierarchy, where everyone has an important role to play, from Private to General. It’s not always easy to see and understand the role of the upper rank such Generals, or even Officers, and it’s not uncommon to have a NCO with way more experience than a brand new LT out of school, and yet, they all have different task to do and NCO couldn’t do it right without Officers and Officers wouldn’t get anything done without NCOs and Specialists. That’s the strength of armed forces, they’re designed to be the most efficient killing machine. And hopefully, a strong Military means we don’t need to deploy and use it.
As they saying goes, it takes a village of NCO's to raise an officer
More confused after this video than I was before.
@@DemocracyFirst2025 in what way?
And then here comes Joe Biden to destroy it all.
If a strong military means we don't have to deploy it the US has been failing since the very beginning
0:20 "Backbone of Army" Private E-2 ! Did entire year of 1966 in Vietnam - Private upon arrival, Private when I returned and Private upon discharge after three years and one day. Hell yes!
I was amused by the picture of the PFC uniform, with The 4 Armored Division patch...As a teenager in May of 1971, I was the last of that unit...served 14 months, until it was changed to The 1st AD.
Thanks for sharing Fred! Lots of history with that Division
9th Signal Brigade here! And I Corps.
PFC used to have an underneath rocker. I am feeling old.
Same here. I was at 1st Bn. 37th Armor in Ansbach, Germany from July 70 to Jan. 72
@@richardbuse228 Richard (Brother) it was about the same time for me, over at the 1/35 Erlangen...hey, remember George Patton 3rd? We are a forgotten breed. Most of my unit was from California and Michigan, I'm from New Jersey...not many recognize my 4 AD Veteran's Hat around here!!!
The backbone of any Army is discipline , if u dont have that u wudnt be there.
Not really they also need requirements such as example if you want become first FGO or Field Grade Officer, you need pass OIT tryouts aka Officer In Training and DI tryouts aka Drill Instructor and for being General is debatable
You gotta admit, that last pin is quite snazzy.
CW3 here. It's worth noting that WO1s are *appointed* but the CW2 and higher are commissioned, just like the regular officer corps. At the rank of CW3 we transition to field grade. Typically the CW3 is going to be operating at brigade and command level, whereas the WO1 and CW2 are very much involved in company level planning and operations. CW4 is the middle of the senior Warrant officer grades, and the CW5 is the top-most Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army system. The CW5 is a rare bird. Not very many, in either Active, Reserve, or Guard components. My mentor (who was a TAC: Training and Counseling, the Warrant Officer version of a drill instructor at Warrant Officer Candidate School) recently retired at CW5, as the CCWO (Command Chief Warrant officer) of the state of Idaho. I myself am due for the CW4 promotion board next year. Most U.S. Army Warrant Officers are pilots flying helicopters, but the rest of us are indeed technical specialists in a specific area of expertise.
Thanks for that insight and information Brad, very helpful for everyone!
I’m a SPC rn but when I was at AIT at Fort Gordon I was standing towards the front of our formation to go back to the schoolhouse after chow, I saw group of atleast 5 or 6 CW5’s walking back to their building. I can assume I’ll probably never see that again lol
My Mother retired as a CW4 she was the G2X for 101st Airborne division. She was an interrogator at some point too so growing up with her meant secrets or any kind of information was impossible to keep discreet. She served 23 years in the Army and I’m absolutely sure she was going to get CW5 if she stayed just a little longer.
Was Army 73-76 in Germany, M.O.S. 63h20, we had a CW4 in the 122nd Maint. Bn. at the time CW4 was the highest rank for Warrant Officer. CW5 rank was added in 1991.
They would tell us his rank(CW4) was equal to a Bird Colonel.
The most dangerous service member in the U.S. Army:
A 2nd Lieutenant in charge of the platoon with a compass and map 😅💀
Was that a reference to band of brothers lol when Capt sobel gets lost..... *HAAYOOOOO SILVER*
Can't spell lost without lt 🤣
Cut the fence!
Absolutely correct, especially a reservist 2nd loooey
Same way in the Marines.
My eldest cousin Stephen was in the Army for 30 years when he retired. He never talked about what his responsibilities as a sergeant were, but I know he had an important job. When I mention Stephen's rank, some former military members laugh and tell me that 'all sergeants think they have important jobs'. When tell them that Stephen was the Command Sergeant Major at Fort Bragg and also served as the second Honorary Sergeant Major of the Special Forces Regiment, they usually stop laughing...
I was a; Air Force. Medic, Staff Sergeant and ward master in Japan, the Phillipines and Edward's AFB IN CALIFORNIA. WE PATCHED UP, ARMY, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS GRUNTS WHO MANAGED TO GET THEMSELVES, SHOT, BLOWN UP OR PUNJI'D. ONE OF MY ROOMIES IN JAPAN WAS A JARHEAD, THE MARINE ATCO AT YAKOTA AFB. I ENDED UP DOING A LOT OF TRAINING FOR NEWLY ASSIGNED TROOPS FRESH FROM TECH SCHOOL AT SHEPHERD AFB, WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS
Teacher: you dont know every rank in the US army
Me:
Me after having played CoD for years on end:
Me: After being Born & Raised in it. You'll learn them all pretty fast (6-7 y/o) in order to address your friends/classmates (mostly) Fathers (at the time) properly.
@@DrOlds7298 i mostly addresse my classmates as snowflakes
@@whiteeagle9769 so.... cod kid eh
the NCOs and lower COs (below major who overseers combat) are definitely the backbone of our army. these guys get an award most generals and former presidents envy the most - medal of honor.
Yuri knows more about the army than me. 😢
I was in the Army for six years and I made E-6 and was proud of of what I did
Well done. Kudos. You should be proud. I also served in the UK, OF-4 (Lt Col) before leaving and moving into the commercial world. However, the training and focus never left. At 55 I still get up at 05:15 and after the gym will always be first in the office. 26 year old's just do not get it..
The real backbone of the army are the friends we made along the way.
Or lost
Power of Friendship bs
When they die
Woah they made the ranks from Call of Duty 4 multiplayer real!
My grandfather was a marine during the Vietnam war. He was deployed in 68 and was wounded in 69. I believe he was promoted to corporal.
Same
The rank that catches my eye is the Colonel. Even though, about 15 from my house, there is an Air Force Base, as of now that only high officer that I saw is the Major. Would be nice to see a Colonel does not matter what type of military it is in person.
It’s a nice looking rank for sure I agree
Majors are typically the highest ranking officers that you would see engaging in combat on the field or from bases instead of from a distance so it makes sense that the highest you would see is a Major.
Not in the Philippines as third world country I saw colonel addressed by vice news during war in marawi siege when your in battlefield fair game with enemy snipers though pay grade of captain in airforce today is something like 2,000 dollars/month well if your still alive in army thats alot police though have it raking profits in salary , dark activities because they have connections in communities they serve.
Specialists are the backbone of the Infantry. Through my enlistment as an infantryman, the Specialists were the ones in charge of fire teams. Most of the men that were in charge of me as Specialists were rough, tough, knowledgeable soldiers that taught me everything I knew. E-4 mafia for life 🤘🏻
11B E-4 mafia for life! Hooah!
This was so cringe holy hell dude 😂
I knew if i scrolled enough i would see the correct answer. ( there were more spec 4's than any other enlisted rank when i served) 12-B
E4, E5, and E7 are the backbone of the army. All other ranks depend heavily on one of these ranks to accomplish even the smallest responsibilities
i love this video cause this video is just straight to the point
Glad you enjoyed the video, it was always meant to be short, simple and easy to understand
Im general of the army in cod ww2. and i think the NCOs are the backbone of the us army becuase of there expertise and experince they keep the troops and officers happy together.
Haha thanks Gamer very nice
Thanks for your information Sir
I love how for Col, and Major General the show the ranks on Air Force Officers
Sgt. Major commands respect at all levels !!!
I would say E5 staff Seargent because, 'they're in contact with a larger number of soldiers."
I did 14 years in the army. Army rank isnt complicated unless you get into Warrant officers. Navy ranks are complicated.
The Backbone of the US Army have always been the NCO E4 CPL- E9 CSM. Coming from a retired E-8 MSG
Nice one Dannie, thanks for that
My great uncle was in US Army during the Korean War he was a PFC and he was awarded the Medal of Honor
Whay was his name?
Technically there is one additional officer rank. In 1976 Washington was posthumously promoted to general of the armies (described as 6 stars in some sources).
Fake rank
My dad, 92, served as a PFC paratrooper with the 187th RCT, 11th Airborne Division in Korea 50-51. He served 21 years, retiring as an E-7.
My grandfather came out of the army as a Colonel. Stationed at Germany during Vietnam and served 20 years.
Had to memorize all of them for JROTC last year
Sgt. Major Dickerson: [pointing to his rank insignia] "What does three up and three down mean to you, airman?"
Adrian Cronauer: "End of an inning?"
😂
Someone has been watching Robin Williams movies
Good Luck!
General of the Army isn't only used during time of war. So far it has only been made during WWII, but the Generals of the Army continued to hold that rank until their deaths. Except Eisenhower who relinquished his rank by retiring so that he could run for President. You also left the General of the Armies rank.
General of the armies is not an actual rank. It is still a 5 star General. And o ly one person has ever actually held that title. Pershing during world War 1.
@@Jnor116 I think there were others who were General of the Army.
I don’t know about all this, but I average 7 kills on warzone. 🤣
😐
Epic, I average 15 in a school zone
@@schizophreniagaming1187 Only 15? Cmon those are rookie numbers
@@ColdSalt99 right, sorry kids these days always wear their bulletproof vests, plus now with this pandemic I can't even update my K/D ratio
In real life you would have 0
Very informative! Not being a militry man I sometimes wondered about order of rank. Thank you pal!
I read it as "army pranks in order"
From worst to funniest
You forgot prestige ranks
At 0:40 it says "Specialists are generally put in charge of lower ranked enlisted soldiers and generally have less responsibilities than corporals." Things might have changed, but when I was in the Army (early to mid-80s) a specialist was an E4 that had specialized training and an MOS (i.e. job) in a non-combat field and a corporal was an E4 in a combat field. I was a specialist and a software developer (74F). The Army also used to have E5 and E6 specialists, but those were converted to SGT and SSG around 1985. I've been told than now even soldiers in combat rolls usually get promoted to specialist and not corporal, and they have to go through the Basic Leader Course (BLC) before they can become a corporal. I don't know if that is true, but it is what I've been told.
The NCO's are always the backbone. (I say this as one of those guys who wears the shiny ranks)
Out there giving the enlisted soldiers the support they need you think Jonathan?
Well this phrase has rung true with me since my ROTC days 20 years back. 'Take care of your Soldiers and they will take care of you.' Regardless whether you're enlisted or an officer. So a good NCO will absolutely support the lower enlisted, usually giving them direction in their career fields and in life too. Knowing your Soldiers is part of taking care of them. And the NCO's not only do that (again, the good ones) but they'll be the ones making the mission happen. A good officer will enable the NCO's to do their job in the most effective manner.
Well said Jonathan! Thanks for sharing and very true!
The backbone of the army is literally in the NCO creed so its the sergeants
Nice Chase, great point!
my step grandfather was a Sergeant Major in the Army Rangers, was an airborne ranger in Vietnam did 2 tours.
Retired after 22 years of service.
Earl Bryson. He was a hero to me, and one of my biggest influences growing up.
Thank you for your service.
My son was just promoted to Sergeant First Class 🥰
You must be so proud!
I was actually born the same week my (late) Father made SFC/E-7. He always joked that it was a Very Good Week for him!!! (Retired as an MSG/E-8, 34 yrs service)
2nd LTs, "technically" outrank enlisted...in reality their outranked by EVERYBODY :P
Haha nice Benjamin
*they're
Dad was is an Army soldier, he's a Lieutenant Colonel rn and is thinking of retiring soon
Thanks Wrath
Sergeants have always been referred to as the backbone of the Army.
There is only one way you can become a general in the US army: you have to have 2 moms!
And it all started in California
I began as an E1 in 1980 and retired in 2004 as an E7. My MOS was being phased out so higher grades were not available.
Now I can understand the importance of some movie characters in war film
Started out as a E-3 after three yrs of JROTC. After reaching E-6 I submitted my packet and went to warrant officer school. After 23yrs retired as a CW3 . Being a warrant officer afforded me the best of both worlds of enlisted and officers. Based on my experience. The Nco’s are and will always be the backbone of the Military. Anyone interested in joining the military I can stress to you enough to do your research. Make sure you do good on your ASVAB. That way you have a lot more mos’ to choose from. Also if you really want to be a Ranger or SF you better have that in your contract. Also make sure you come to basic training prepared and in shape. Train for it before you go. Also military life isn’t for everyone. Make sure you choose a mos that can be used outside the military. Also I’m not going to sugar coat shit. The first 3-4 yrs really suck. A lot of training ,different schools , and the pay sucks. If you make it past that 3-4yr mark and decide to reenlist. I promise you things give better. You will have some rank and time in that rank. Pay gets a little better. Take advantage of the college tuition. When I joined I gave up $100 a month for 12 months. $1200, paid for my 4 yr degree. Didn’t have any student debt and got paid while going to college. Make the most your serve.
I was active duty USAF, but I tried a year in the Wisconsin Army Nat'l Guard. I never really understood what a Spec. 4 was, even though that was my rank. I was amused to see your pictures of USAF uniforms to illustrate officer rank!
USAF rank stripes are still confusing to me. My grandfather was an E-8 or E- 9 in the USAF ,I still don't know LOL as all I see in his pictures from the early 1960's is a dude with a zillion stripes on his arm, LOL and I am ex-Army , LOL, and I can't count the stripes. . He had earlier been a CPO(E-6 E-7 ?) in the Navy in WWII, before he transferred to the AF about 1947-50. Jumped off the USS Lexington as she went down.- Broke his leg landing in a lifeboat. Said "He was lucky because there were sharks in the water", He is long gone now.
Before watching the video, I want to say that I found the Army ranks confusing too. I'm a Marine and I thought they were similar to ours, but it's not, especially E1-E4 and the senior enlisted too.
It definitely can be confusing, so glad the video helped explain it Dillon!
What about the General of the Armies, a rank only two men in US history have gotten, George Washington and John Pershing?
Dwight Eisenhower had5 stars and I thinkOmar Bradleymay have beena 5 star also
@@TheHuskers1995 They were 5 Star Generals yes, but the rank of "General of the Armies" is different to the 5 Star rank of "General of the Army" that you're referring to.
It's a weird special designation. But I suppose they are essentially the same.
General of the Armies is essentially a 6 star rank though since this has NOT been awarded since the invention of the 5 star rank it is speculation. If we had had to invade Japan MacArthur would have been promoted to it but with their surrender no promotion so still a mystery as to the look of the rank.
@@KCKingdomCreateGreatTrekAgain I wasn't aware that 6 star was ever "officially recognized."
@@ryanfoley6901 not yet. As i said IF we had invaded Japan he would have been promoted and thus making official the six star rank. but they surrendered so no promotion so as of now it is still speculation. in the progression of ranks since GotAs is supposed to out rank a GotA it should be 6 stars.
I never actually new the full order. I knew more-or-less about the basics, but never in depth. Good video 🙂
Thanks Dizzy glad you liked it
I became a SPC-4 promotable after I came back from Desert Shield/Storm in 91’ and had 2 guys working under me that I supervised, was supposed to go PLDC (primary leadership development course) at Fort Knox Ky then get promoted to SGT E-5 but ended up getting into a serious car accident where I had to retire from the Army.
Cool facts about the army ranks. Technically their is a rank called “Cadet” bellow W1 and above E9 for contracted cadets. CWO2 is also technically the lowest commissioned officer rank.
I’ve never seen a Cadet before, is that just schooling or what?
@@antoniomolina3612 yeah its for officer cadets in college ROTC or west pointers. OCS candidates also fall in the same boat, but they are called candidates.
This is not true. A cadet has no rank or command authority. They are not ranked in the Army. They do not fall between CW2 and E-9 as those are two different Corps within the Army. CW2's are also NOT commissioned, they are Warranted as given in the name Warrant Officer. As a current 21 year enlisted soldier, I would probably know.
@@seanantonucci i agree with the cadet thing as they don’t have any command authority. But CW2 really are commissioned officers. I didn’t think so at first (I’m in the military too) till I looked it up. But apparently CW2 and up are commissioned officers as they are commissioned by the “president” as all normal officers are, which means they (CW2) take the same oath all officers need to take.
@@seanantonucci A WO1 is an officer appointed by warrant with the requisite authority pursuant to assignment level and position given by the Secretary of the Army. CW2s and above are commissioned officers with the requisite authority pursuant to assignment level and position as given by the President of the United States. 24 years enlisted
My grandpa served in the Korean army in the Vietnamese war, he was a general
Backbone of the Army is the Staff Sergeant.
Nice one Al Fe
The most dangerous thing in the army is a Lieutenant with a compass when you see that your about to get lost
LoL
Private is the backbone.
Because without Private's there would be no other rank.
You forgot the 6 star general himself, George Washington
Thats technically not 6 stars. The rank does exist, it was created before the 5 star (general of the army) rank. The only living person to hold that rank got to pick it’s insignia, and he choose 4 golden stars.
Yeah but the odds of rolling the rare 6 star George Washington in a gacha are pretty slim.
My brother (now 95 ) was in the Royal Air Force 1945, in the Fire Service - he was a corporal for two weeks :-) A Gloster Meteor jet cam in to land with it wheels on fire, the quick action of my brother and others saved the pilot and the plane, my brother was promoted for his actions, until, two weeks later, he was testing his fire truck equipment and a rookie out of sight was looking down a hose when it was switched on, nearly took his head off, my elder brother was held responsible and demoted ...........:-(
Thanks for sharing Henry
I remember a young guy I worked with who was sent to Nam in the field as a lieutenant. His father a long time sergeant said to him, remember this, you're best friend in the world is your sergeant. He said that his Dad was spot on.
My Dad is retired Army with a rank of Captain. He told me that his Sergeants were his go-to men when he needed help with anything.
My father’s friend was a soldier but I never knew his rank.
Ask him
Things like that aren't "protected information." Follow "your normal youtuber" advice.
he doesn’t visit often but I will.
Staff Sergeant is the absolute "backbone of the Army" rank. They are low enough to know and influence the most junior enlisted. They are key to mentoring and leading the most first line supervisors (E4s and E5s), but they have enough experience to understand "the bigger picture". They likey really know what is going on in a unit because Soldiers probably still act genuine around them.
They can communicate the importance of the mission down and in, and the friction, challenges, and risks to what is being asked of them up the chain.
For those who don't know, there are 7 insignias (that I know of) and they are: Chevron (Upside down v , Rocker (A downwards bowl shaped gold emblem), Five Pointed Star (A star with 5 points), Spreadx Eagle (An eagle with its wings spread holding arrows), Oak leaf (A leaf), Gold/Silver Bar (A simple vertical bar colored gold or silver), and Dark Grey Square (A dark gray square with a rectangle variant). Private would be the rank you first start out in the BCT, which stands for "Basic Combat Training". After passing, you could choose from a variety of commands, like TRADOC, ASOC, etc. Each command has different understanding of the paygrades. E1 - E3 would be addressed as Privates, E4 as Corporal, E5 as Sergeant (Drill Sergeant if you're of lower rank), E6 as Staff Sergeant (Recruiting Sergeant if you're of lower rank), E7 as Sergeant First Class, E8 as First Sergeant (Recruiting Head Sergeant if you're of lower rank), E9B as Command Sergeant Major, E9C as Sergeant Major, O1 as Second Lieutenant, O2 as First Lieutenant, O3 as Captain, O4 as Major, O5 as Lieutenant Colonel, O6 as Colonel, O7 as Brigadier General, O8 as Major General, O9 as Lieutenant General, and O10 as General. E stands for Enlisted and O stands for Officer. O4 - O6 would be considered Field Grade Officers, and O9 - O10 are Headquarters.
Back bone? The Lt, Sgt and the rest of the team bears the grunt most of the time, occasionally the cpt, major and above mostly are pencil pushing desk bound
The boots on the ground then Yong
Good work! Thank you for you video.
My friends dad left the army at colonel rank. Ofc, I don't know em cause he's my online friend, but still.
Wow very nice! Obviously had a fairly long career!
The backbone of the army would be enlisted ranks since they are the reason why the army is running, and army made of NCOs and Officers would not be an "army"
Very good point Some Guy, thanks
My thoughts as well
Nice one Terrence
Did 4 years in the Army 1986-1990, was an E-4 Specialist when I got out.
For the heart of the army I think is the general of armies for the head I think it would be the commandant because he commands everyone but not the general of armys+ for the legs I think command Sergeant majors because they help CO’s for the back bone ust the body E4-E2 because they are the ones under command of sergeants and high ranks so they protect them petty much for the hip W01-W05 because they are like the assistants for Sergeant major of the army and sergeant major I think they are the eyes because they are always watching for the officers same thing
Quoted from the Diarrhea Times
Interesting
There is no " Commadant" of the Army. And WO1- CW5 don't assist the Sergeants Major. They are technical experts in their fields to guide their commanding officers in the capabilities of their units.
"General: Leaps tall buildings with a single bound. More powerful than a steam engine, faster than a speeding bullet. Gives policy to GOD.
Colonel: Leaps short buildings with a single bound. More powerful than a shunting engine. Is just as fast as a speeding bullet. Walks on water (if the sea is calm). Talks with GOD.
Lt.-Colonel: Leaps short buildings with a running start in favourable winds. Is almost as powerful as a speeding bullet. Walks on water in indoor swimming pools. Talks with GOD if special request is approved.
Major: Barely clears a shed. Loses tug-of-war with a steam engine. Can fire a speeding bullet and swims well. Is occasionally addressed by GOD.
Captain: Makes high marks when trying to leap tall buildings. Is run over by trains. Can sometimes handle a gun without inflicting self injury. Dog paddles, talks to animals.
Lieutenant: Runs into tall buildings. Recognises trains two out of three times. Is not issued with ammunition. Can stay afloat if properly instructed in the use of a lifejacket. Talks to walls.
2nd Lieutenant: Falls over doorsteps while trying to enter buildings. Says, "Look at Choo Choo." Is NEVER issued with a gun or ammunition. Plays in mud puddles. Mumbles to himself.
Sgt. Major: Lifts tall buildings and walks under them. Kicks steam trains off the tracks. Catches speeding bullets in his teeth and eats them. Freezes water with a single glance . . . HE IS GOD!"
@Dora Arnold Have you misplaced your sense of humour? IT'S A JOKE!!
This is funny as shit. I loved it.... and I have served for 21 years so far. It's pretty accurate. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 @stuart beatty feel free to leave this GOD fearing country anytime. If you're sick....it's because you don't believe. That's what caused your lymphoma.
My Brother in law did 30 years and retired as a CW5. He was a blackhawk pilot of 25 years of his service. He made E-6 and went to warrant officer school, then flight school. He got a nice 6 figure job flying for EMS right afterward retiring.
Correction on the video: At Basic, the "no rank insignia" of any US military branch is Recruit. Only upon completing Basic is anyone promoted above that, even if it is promised via contract.
I believe recruit is specific to navy, in the army, all soldiers regardless of rank (including those enter as specialist, E4) are referred as privates.
Lol your wrong about that my guy
@@hollowedgamer416 : Dont tell me I'm wrong, bro. I have worn the uniform, and I had to know ALL ranks, of all services, from E-1 to O-10.
And as far as I remember, _every_ E-1, in any branch, is a Recruit. For the Army, E-2 is Private, as E-2 in the Navy is Seaman Apprentice.
@@jimchen3762 : Private is E-2 -- and that rank is not recieved until completion of basic.
@@isaiahwelch8066 doubt it. I went through army basic in 2012. Everyone got called privates, even the Specs. Not a “recruit” in sight
I watched another video about this and they said there's a General Of The Armies with a extra star that fills in the empty space in the middle of the General Of The Army insignia and is also used only during war.
General of the Armies (6 stars) was only ever used once by John Pershing during the first and second world wars. The 5 star General of the Army we know and referenced in the video relates to the modern version of this.
Having watched Combat, I would say the sergeant is the backbone of the army. He is the head of the squad, especially in the infantry.
Yes, I knew my dad was a staff sergeant
Very cool!
My uncle was a staff sergeant
me who knows the ranks based on CoD Black ops: where prestige 1 rank?
Did you know that there actually is a 6 star rank called, General of the armies? Pretty cool, huh?
Do they have a bureaucrat rank that actually keeps track of all these symbols and titles or is everyone just assumed to learn this by heart and recognize them in the heat of battle? :')
You learn them by heart. It seems impossible at first but you learn pretty quickly
it’s pretty easy after a couple months