Intro to Rank Structure in the Uniformed Services

The rank system in the Military and the Emergency services is important and will often show who is responsible at an event or incident.

The British Army states   “The rank system forms the backbone of the Army's structure”.

The armed forces usually have 2 parts to their rank structure, the non-commissioned and commissioned. It is normal for commissioned officers to have been to university prior to joining. This is not always the case though.

The Royal Navy have around 30% of their commissioned officers come from the lower decks.

Although a higher rank will usually show who is in charge there are plenty of environments and incidents were the person in charge will be based on their expertise not their rank. An example of this would be an incident where there is a roadside explosive it would be the bomb disposal officer in charge even if there was a colonel who was present without the skill.

The rank structure in the Armed forces does evolve and although most have stayed the same for a long time some titles and positions do evolve.

In uniform most members of the Armed Forces and Emergency services will wear a badge of rank.

Contact Left sells a wide range of official rank insignia and badges.

In the police Warrant numbers are shown on the epaulettes of Constables and Sergeants however in the military no number is shown on any rank.

The police also have different ranks for several different forces

Printable Ranks within the Police

Although most regiments in the Army have generic ranks some have different names but the same authority this can be seen in the Artillery with a Bombardier being the same rank as a corporal.

In the military some officers will continue to use their rank even after they have retired, to continue using your rank in your title you should have reached the equivalent rank of Major in the army but if you are a retired captain from the cavalry and still work with horses you can continue to use your rank. It is official MoD practice to put 'Retd' after their name however you do not have to.

Posters showing the rank structure  are available in a wide range of sizes and are ideal for anyone joining the services, a member of the services or anyone who has an interest in the services.