The military profession is a unique vocation of experts who are entrusted to defend the Constitution and the rights and interests of the American people. More than an indication of pay grade, military ranks provide a system of leadership that indicates a service member's level of expertise, responsibility and authority inside that profession. Regardless of rank, every service member has a significant role in the mission of the United States military.

The Enlisted Ranks

The enlisted service members are the backbone of the military profession. They have specific specialties within a military unit, perform specific job functions and have the knowledge that ensures the success of their unit's current mission.

The Warrant Officer Ranks

A warrant officer possesses skills that make them the adaptive technical expert, combat leader, trainer, and advisor. Through progressive levels of expertise in assignments, training, and education, the warrant officer administers, manages, maintains, operates and integrates systems and equipment across the full spectrum of operations.

The Officer Ranks

Commissioned officers are the managers, the problem solvers, the key influencers and the planners who lead enlisted service members in all situations. They plan the missions, give the orders and assign the tasks.