Military ranks determine what privileges and responsibilities a soldier will have. The higher the rank, the more power and responsibility. They are assigned separately to each person, depending on his education, the type of troops in which he serves, the time of service or special merits. In order to be able to understand what rank the employee, just looking at him, use epaulettes.
A bit of history
For the first time, military ranks appeared in Russia in the 16th century, but only in the streltsy army. This continued until the 17th century, when regiments of the new system appeared. In them, many ranks were similar to modern ones, especially among senior and senior officers (majors, colonels, generals).
After the formation of the Russian Empire, in January 1722, Peter I creates a table of ranks. Military ranks in it correspond with the court and civilian with a division into 14 classes. The table was sometimes amended, but always in the ground forces the highest rank remained Field Marshal, and in the naval forces, General Admiral.
The report card existed before the October Revolution. But the titles were still used by the White Army during the Civil War of 1917-1922. In 1935, military ranks were reintroduced into the USSR. Ranks were both new and pre-revolutionary. They reached the most modern look by 1984. And after the collapse of the Soviet Union, most CIS countries retained this rank system with minor changes.
Russian military ranks
In the Russian Federation, military and naval (naval) ranks are divided. To shipboard include employees:
- in the Russian Navy;
- FSB Coast Guard
- naval forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The following are included in the army:
- in the Ministry of Emergencies;
- the armed forces;
- FSB;
- FSO;
- ground troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
- Foreign Intelligence Service;
- other ground forces.
Now let’s dwell in more detail on each land military rank. Ranks in order will go from the lowest to the highest.
Private
The lowest rank in military service. It is assigned to all who begin to undergo military service. On shoulder straps there is nothing but golden letters. And on field epaulets there is nothing at all.
Private soldiers are the backbone of the army. The senior in rank can give them orders, and ordinary soldiers are obliged to fulfill them in a timely manner.
The rank of sailor corresponds to the rank and file.
The position depends on the type of troops and the mission of the unit. A private may be, for example, an ordinary gunner, driver, radio operator, scout, etc.
Corporal
Corporal may give any ordinary. Choose from the most responsible and distinguished soldiers. Usually they hold the positions of senior drivers, senior shooters, etc. In the absence of other commanders, the corporal takes their place.
The corresponding ship rank is the senior sailor.
Their epaulets are almost the same as those of ordinary soldiers. But one thin horizontal strip is added.
The army does not really like the rank of corporal. Most likely due to his posthumous appropriation during the war.
Lance Sergeant
Usually this is the maximum rank that an conscript can receive. To be appropriated, it is necessary to have good relations with superiors and outstanding leadership qualities. Sometimes awarded for excellence as a reward. For example, for winning important competitions.
You can also get a junior sergeant by asking for a title shortly before being retired. Usually no one is opposed if it is good to serve all year.
A contract employee can become a junior sergeant simply by completing special courses.
Junior sergeants are commanders of a squad, combat vehicle, or gun. They must be well aware of the charter, be able to command personnel and know everything about their subordinates. Their immediate superior is the platoon commander.
The corresponding ship rank is the foreman of the 2nd article.
Shoulder straps - 2 horizontal stripes.
Sergeant
After the service life was reduced to a year, it is almost impossible for conscripts to receive the rank of sergeant. The only option is to get the rank of junior sergeant as soon as possible, and by the end of the service for outstanding services, they may be given a sergeant.
The contractor can receive a sergeant after 6 months of service with the rank of junior sergeant. But this does not mean that he is obliged to increase his rank after 6 months. Some serve as junior sergeants for several years.
A sergeant, like a junior sergeant, occupies the position of commander of a squad, gun, or combat vehicle.
The corresponding ship rank is the foreman of the 1st article.
Shoulder straps are 3 horizontal stripes.
Staff Sergeant
To become a senior sergeant, a soldier must serve in the rank of sergeant for at least 6 months.
Senior sergeant is deputy platoon commander. His responsibilities include:
- training of soldiers and sergeants of a platoon;
- maintaining discipline;
- monitoring the cleanliness of the room;
- conducting a morning inspection;
- the appointment of soldiers in orders;
- report to the commander on misconduct, requests, merits and violations of subordinates.
The corresponding ship rank is the chief foreman.
On the shoulder straps of the senior sergeant - one wide horizontal strip. It is a little smaller than the three sergeant stripes.
Foreman
Unlike the sergeant epaulet, the foreman has one large vertical strip.
The foremen are the best senior sergeants who have served for at least 6 months.
The corresponding ship rank is the chief ship foreman.
He is the head of sergeants and soldiers in his unit. Responsible for the safety of property, military service subordinates and their compliance with the charter.
Warrant Officer and Senior Warrant Officer
Starting with the ensign, asterisks are used instead of bands on uniform. The ensign has 2 stars, the senior ensign has 3 stars.
They become ensign after graduating from a special school, bypassing sergeant ranks. Training lasts about three years. If before that the urgent service was completed - 6 months.
The positions they hold are often related to property: heads of warehouses, radio stations, etc. If there are not enough officers, they can fulfill their duties.
The corresponding ship ranks are midshipman and senior midshipman.
Since 2009, there is a project according to which, over time, warrant officers will be replaced by sergeants.
Ensign
On the shoulder straps there is one vertical strip, and on it is a small star.
The corresponding ship rank is junior lieutenant.
This is the first officer rank that exists in the modern army, but is not used.
Lieutenant and senior lieutenant
The rank of lieutenant is assigned to servicemen who graduated from a military school; or those who have higher civic education and underwent additional military training.
You can get a senior lieutenant if you serve well for some time as a lieutenant.
Lieutenants, like senior lieutenants, can hold various positions. But most often these are platoon commanders, deputy company commanders or assistant chiefs of staff.
The corresponding ship ranks are lieutenant and senior lieutenant.
The lieutenant’s shoulder straps are a vertical stripe and two small stars on the sides, the senior lieutenant adds one star to the strip forming a triangle.
Captain
Intermediate rank between junior and senior officer. On the shoulder straps is added another star, forming the shape of the Eiffel Tower.
The captain may hold different positions, depending on the military unit. Usually this is the company commander or the head of some service.
The corresponding ship rank is Lieutenant Captain.
All junior officer military ranks are assigned in order. That is, there is no such captain who was not a lieutenant.
Major
This title opens a group of senior officers. Becoming a major is much more difficult than a senior lieutenant and captain. A soldier must have an excellent reputation and good relations with his superiors.
Usually holds the position of deputy battalion commander or training company commander.
The corresponding ship rank is the captain of the 3rd rank.
Major shoulder straps are two stripes, and between them is one large star.
Lieutenant colonel
This is often the last rank that can be obtained without training at a military academy. But there are exceptions.
May be deputy regiment commander or battalion commander.
The corresponding ship rank is the captain of the 2nd rank.
Shoulder straps are two bands on which two large stars are located.
Colonel
The last rank of senior officers. Now in Russia the rank of colonel is received by order of the Minister of Defense.
Positions held - commander of a military unit, deputy commander of a division.
The corresponding ship rank is captain of the 1st rank.
On the shoulder straps one star is added, forming a triangle. Also, since 2005, colonels and generals in winter wear a special fur hat - a hat.
Major general
To receive the rank of general, you must graduate from the Academy of the General Staff.
Major General is usually the division commander (approximately 15, 000 people).
The corresponding ship rank is Rear Admiral.
The senior officers have no stripes on uniform and a special relief is applied. Stars are no longer attached separately, but are embroidered directly on shoulder straps. Major General has one big star.
Lieutenant general
A lieutenant general may be a district commander or deputy army commander. It can also hold high positions in the Ministry of Defense.
The corresponding ship rank is Vice Admiral.
Shoulder straps - 2 large stars located vertically.
Colonel General
He may be the commander of the district, the commander in chief of a certain type of troops or the commander of the army.
The corresponding ship rank is Admiral.
Shoulder straps - 3 large fabric stars.
Army General
At the moment, the highest military rank in Russia.
An army general may hold the following posts:
- Minister of Defense or his deputy;
- commander of the type of troops;
- front commander;
- Chief of the General Staff;
- other high posts.
The corresponding ship rank is Fleet Admiral.
Shoulder straps - 1 huge star and emblem.
