Google didn't see to reveal all that much, just lists of ranks... http://homepages.shu.ac.uk/~acsdry/quizes/ranks.htm
Anybody willing to help educate me?
Full Version: British Military Ranks
This is purely for personal interest, but I've no idea what the ranks are in the British Military and what each rank entails (job responsibility, etc). I know they differ between the different services, and I found a nice little table illustrating the levels and the relations between the ranks in different services and between the US and UK, but still doesn't tell me much about them.
Google didn't see to reveal all that much, just lists of ranks... http://homepages.shu.ac.uk/~acsdry/quizes/ranks.htm
Anybody willing to help educate me?
Google didn't see to reveal all that much, just lists of ranks... http://homepages.shu.ac.uk/~acsdry/quizes/ranks.htm
Anybody willing to help educate me?
QUOTE(NickM @ Mar 9 2007, 08:33 PM) 
Thanks, but I'm beginning to think I'm looking for something that doesn't exist. I want something that really tells me what sort of job responsibilties they have, what they do, if they've got men in their command etc. I really am ignorant when it comes to the Military
A person's rank doesn't necessarily indicate their job responsibilities/requirements...
For instance, my last rank held - First Class Petty Officer (E-6) - designated as an IT1 (the IT referring to Information systems Technician and the 1 denoting first class) as being my "specialty". I was in charge of 117 other E-1's thru E-6's and held a lot of responsibility. However, someone holding the same exact rank could be in charge of handing out basketballs at the base gym. Prior to my last assignment (having 117 folks reporting to me), I had 11 people reporting to me. It all depended on where you were assigned and if you held the maturity/qualifications needed for that position.
All in all though, the higher your rank - the more "responsibility" you have.
Care to know the differences between Officers and Enlisted - or do you have a grasp on that?
For instance, my last rank held - First Class Petty Officer (E-6) - designated as an IT1 (the IT referring to Information systems Technician and the 1 denoting first class) as being my "specialty". I was in charge of 117 other E-1's thru E-6's and held a lot of responsibility. However, someone holding the same exact rank could be in charge of handing out basketballs at the base gym. Prior to my last assignment (having 117 folks reporting to me), I had 11 people reporting to me. It all depended on where you were assigned and if you held the maturity/qualifications needed for that position.
All in all though, the higher your rank - the more "responsibility" you have.
Care to know the differences between Officers and Enlisted - or do you have a grasp on that?
That first page you linked to is a bit old, I think. I'm pretty sure the US Marine Corps does have Lance Corporals, and Corporals been phased out in the Army. 'Specialist' is between PFC and Sergeant. And I don't know if it's the same way in the British military but your job description does not necessarily have anything to do with your rank.
Let me see if I can remember the naval ratings from my Cadet Days
Juniors Ratings - Junior Rating, Ordinary Rating, Able Rating, Leading Rating
Senior Ratings (sometimes referred to as NCOs) - Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer, Warrant Officer
COs - Midshipman, Sub Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander, Commander, Captain, Commodore
Flag Officers - Rear-Admiral, Vice-Admiral, Admiral, Admiral of the Fleet
Juniors Ratings - Junior Rating, Ordinary Rating, Able Rating, Leading Rating
Senior Ratings (sometimes referred to as NCOs) - Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer, Warrant Officer
COs - Midshipman, Sub Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander, Commander, Captain, Commodore
Flag Officers - Rear-Admiral, Vice-Admiral, Admiral, Admiral of the Fleet
QUOTE(Watty @ Mar 9 2007, 08:49 PM)
A person's rank doesn't necessarily indicate their job responsibilities/requirements...
For instance, my last rank held - First Class Petty Officer (E-6) - designated as an IT1 (the IT referring to Information systems Technician and the 1 denoting first class) as being my "specialty". I was in charge of 117 other E-1's thru E-6's and held a lot of responsibility. However, someone holding the same exact rank could be in charge of handing out basketballs at the base gym. Prior to my last assignment (having 117 folks reporting to me), I had 11 people reporting to me. It all depended on where you were assigned and if you held the maturity/qualifications needed for that position.
All in all though, the higher your rank - the more "responsibility" you have.
Care to know the differences between Officers and Enlisted - or do you have a grasp on that?
For instance, my last rank held - First Class Petty Officer (E-6) - designated as an IT1 (the IT referring to Information systems Technician and the 1 denoting first class) as being my "specialty". I was in charge of 117 other E-1's thru E-6's and held a lot of responsibility. However, someone holding the same exact rank could be in charge of handing out basketballs at the base gym. Prior to my last assignment (having 117 folks reporting to me), I had 11 people reporting to me. It all depended on where you were assigned and if you held the maturity/qualifications needed for that position.
All in all though, the higher your rank - the more "responsibility" you have.
Care to know the differences between Officers and Enlisted - or do you have a grasp on that?
Thanks Watty, tbh I barely know the difference between Officers & Enlisted Men. If you could explain I'd be grateful!
QUOTE(blush @ Mar 9 2007, 08:56 PM)
That first page you linked to is a bit old, I think. I'm pretty sure the US Marine Corps does have Lance Corporals, and Corporals been phased out in the Army. 'Specialist' is between PFC and Sergeant. And I don't know if it's the same way in the British military but your job description does not necessarily have anything to do with your rank.
It's from the second-rate Uni in Sheffield, so chances are it isn't that reliable anyway :-"
QUOTE(Stephen @ Mar 9 2007, 09:08 PM)
Let me see if I can remember the naval ratings from my Cadet Days
Juniors Ratings - Junior Rating, Ordinary Rating, Able Rating, Leading Rating
Senior Ratings (sometimes referred to as NCOs) - Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer, Warrant Officer
COs - Midshipman, Sub Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander, Commander, Captain, Commodore
Flag Officers - Rear-Admiral, Vice-Admiral, Admiral, Admiral of the Fleet
Juniors Ratings - Junior Rating, Ordinary Rating, Able Rating, Leading Rating
Senior Ratings (sometimes referred to as NCOs) - Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer, Warrant Officer
COs - Midshipman, Sub Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander, Commander, Captain, Commodore
Flag Officers - Rear-Admiral, Vice-Admiral, Admiral, Admiral of the Fleet
Thanks Stephen... it all seems rather complicated
Basically, enlisted people signed up, went to basic training, and just started being in the army (or whatever branch). They start out at the very bottom. They can be officers as well, but they are non-commissioned officers (NCOs).
Officers go to officer training school. When they graduate they are commissioned as officers. In other words they didn't start out as Private, they started as 2nd Lieutenant.
Private (or Seaman, or Airman, whatever) through Sergeant Major is enlisted. 2nd Lieutenant & up is officers. I think. Don't know where those warrant officers fit in, I think they are probably NCOs?
Officers go to officer training school. When they graduate they are commissioned as officers. In other words they didn't start out as Private, they started as 2nd Lieutenant.
Private (or Seaman, or Airman, whatever) through Sergeant Major is enlisted. 2nd Lieutenant & up is officers. I think. Don't know where those warrant officers fit in, I think they are probably NCOs?
In a nutshell, officers are the "college edumacated" folks - appointed by (in the US) Congress to serve in the US military. All officers rank above (in theory) enlisted. Enlisted folks are the folks who generally enlist out of high school.
As for the Warrant Officer - it depends on the branch of service. In the Navy, you must achieve the rank of E-7 (Chief Petty Officer) before applying to become a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO). A CWO is in fact a commissioned officer at that point. As a CWO you are the recognized expert in your particular field. I'm not sure what the qualifications are for Marines, but the Army, you can become a Warrant Officer (WO) once you hit E-5. Any enlisted person in the Navy can apply to become a Limited Duty Officer (LDO) once they become an E-6 (First Class Petty Officer). An LDO is similar to the CWO in that they are normally kept within their respective "area of expertise" and rank above CWO's.
Overall, the rank structure is the same with regard to O (officer) or E (enlisted):
O-1: Ensign, etc
O-2, LTjg, etc
etc, etc, etc... the higher the "number", the higher in rank. Same applies for enlisted... E-1, E-2, etc. up to E-9. So it's not uncommon for a brand new snot nosed, pimply faced O-1 report aboard and instantly be in charge of the experienced, salty dog E-9... but most E-9's will quickly put the O-1 in his/her place - and a smart O-1 will learn to learn from the senior enlisted that work for him.
Officers get a letter of reprimand when they screw up - or get asked to resign their commission. Enlisted people get sent to prison. Go figure.
As for the Warrant Officer - it depends on the branch of service. In the Navy, you must achieve the rank of E-7 (Chief Petty Officer) before applying to become a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO). A CWO is in fact a commissioned officer at that point. As a CWO you are the recognized expert in your particular field. I'm not sure what the qualifications are for Marines, but the Army, you can become a Warrant Officer (WO) once you hit E-5. Any enlisted person in the Navy can apply to become a Limited Duty Officer (LDO) once they become an E-6 (First Class Petty Officer). An LDO is similar to the CWO in that they are normally kept within their respective "area of expertise" and rank above CWO's.
Overall, the rank structure is the same with regard to O (officer) or E (enlisted):
O-1: Ensign, etc
O-2, LTjg, etc
etc, etc, etc... the higher the "number", the higher in rank. Same applies for enlisted... E-1, E-2, etc. up to E-9. So it's not uncommon for a brand new snot nosed, pimply faced O-1 report aboard and instantly be in charge of the experienced, salty dog E-9... but most E-9's will quickly put the O-1 in his/her place - and a smart O-1 will learn to learn from the senior enlisted that work for him.
Officers get a letter of reprimand when they screw up - or get asked to resign their commission. Enlisted people get sent to prison. Go figure.
QUOTE(Watty @ Mar 9 2007, 04:35 PM)
In a nutshell, officers are the "college edumacated" folks - appointed by (in the US) Congress to serve in the US military. All officers rank above (in theory) enlisted. Enlisted folks are the folks who generally enlist out of high school. . . . So it's not uncommon for a brand new snot nosed, pimply faced O-1 report aboard and instantly be in charge of the experienced, salty dog E-9... but most E-9's will quickly put the O-1 in his/her place - and a smart O-1 will learn to learn from the senior enlisted that work for him.
And that is why you see various types of sergeants in movies shouting, "I WORK FOR A LIVING!" when called "Sir."
QUOTE(blush @ Mar 10 2007, 12:08 AM)
Basically, enlisted people signed up, went to basic training, and just started being in the army (or whatever branch). They start out at the very bottom. They can be officers as well, but they are non-commissioned officers (NCOs).
Officers go to officer training school. When they graduate they are commissioned as officers. In other words they didn't start out as Private, they started as 2nd Lieutenant.
Private (or Seaman, or Airman, whatever) through Sergeant Major is enlisted. 2nd Lieutenant & up is officers. I think. Don't know where those warrant officers fit in, I think they are probably NCOs?
Officers go to officer training school. When they graduate they are commissioned as officers. In other words they didn't start out as Private, they started as 2nd Lieutenant.
Private (or Seaman, or Airman, whatever) through Sergeant Major is enlisted. 2nd Lieutenant & up is officers. I think. Don't know where those warrant officers fit in, I think they are probably NCOs?
Thanks Elaine
QUOTE(Watty @ Mar 10 2007, 12:35 AM)
In a nutshell, officers are the "college edumacated" folks - appointed by (in the US) Congress to serve in the US military. All officers rank above (in theory) enlisted. Enlisted folks are the folks who generally enlist out of high school.
As for the Warrant Officer - it depends on the branch of service. In the Navy, you must achieve the rank of E-7 (Chief Petty Officer) before applying to become a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO). A CWO is in fact a commissioned officer at that point. As a CWO you are the recognized expert in your particular field. I'm not sure what the qualifications are for Marines, but the Army, you can become a Warrant Officer (WO) once you hit E-5. Any enlisted person in the Navy can apply to become a Limited Duty Officer (LDO) once they become an E-6 (First Class Petty Officer). An LDO is similar to the CWO in that they are normally kept within their respective "area of expertise" and rank above CWO's.
Overall, the rank structure is the same with regard to O (officer) or E (enlisted):
O-1: Ensign, etc
O-2, LTjg, etc
etc, etc, etc... the higher the "number", the higher in rank. Same applies for enlisted... E-1, E-2, etc. up to E-9. So it's not uncommon for a brand new snot nosed, pimply faced O-1 report aboard and instantly be in charge of the experienced, salty dog E-9... but most E-9's will quickly put the O-1 in his/her place - and a smart O-1 will learn to learn from the senior enlisted that work for him.
Officers get a letter of reprimand when they screw up - or get asked to resign their commission. Enlisted people get sent to prison. Go figure.
As for the Warrant Officer - it depends on the branch of service. In the Navy, you must achieve the rank of E-7 (Chief Petty Officer) before applying to become a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO). A CWO is in fact a commissioned officer at that point. As a CWO you are the recognized expert in your particular field. I'm not sure what the qualifications are for Marines, but the Army, you can become a Warrant Officer (WO) once you hit E-5. Any enlisted person in the Navy can apply to become a Limited Duty Officer (LDO) once they become an E-6 (First Class Petty Officer). An LDO is similar to the CWO in that they are normally kept within their respective "area of expertise" and rank above CWO's.
Overall, the rank structure is the same with regard to O (officer) or E (enlisted):
O-1: Ensign, etc
O-2, LTjg, etc
etc, etc, etc... the higher the "number", the higher in rank. Same applies for enlisted... E-1, E-2, etc. up to E-9. So it's not uncommon for a brand new snot nosed, pimply faced O-1 report aboard and instantly be in charge of the experienced, salty dog E-9... but most E-9's will quickly put the O-1 in his/her place - and a smart O-1 will learn to learn from the senior enlisted that work for him.
Officers get a letter of reprimand when they screw up - or get asked to resign their commission. Enlisted people get sent to prison. Go figure.
Great Watty! Starting to all make sense to me now! The only knowledge I have of military ranks is from reading Tom Clancy novels!
In the British Army you start out as a Trooper or Privat depending on which sort of Regiment e.g Infantry your a Privat Armoured Divisions your a Trooper, the next step up is a Lance Corporal followed by Corporal then Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Sergeant Major for non commisioned Ranks, the responsability that you have in a Rank depends on the Qualifications that you have regarding your chosen Trade and any extra qualifications that you may achieve for example you qualify as a PTI you can then teach people about Physical Training and still be a trooper, before you advance to a higher rank you normally need to take part in a Cadre course where you will be tested and assesed from the Course instructors.
Generally the privat/trooper has the least responsability but is still expected to be able to work on his own or inside the confines of his troop without to much supervision, as a lance corpral the amount of responability is increased you will for example be expected to be able to supervise the troop to an extent when the troop corporal or troop sergeant are not there, the biggest responability belongs to the troop sergeant who generally runs the troop for the troop leader who is normally a 2nd Lieutenant or a Lieutenant, the troop sergeant is aided by the troop corporal in this, when you go to squadron level it works on the same principle, 4 troops and a SQMS troop ( SQMS is often command by a Sergent major or staff sergeant) the Troops all report to the Sqadron sergeant major who in turn answers to the OC of the squadron who is often a Major.
Generally the privat/trooper has the least responsability but is still expected to be able to work on his own or inside the confines of his troop without to much supervision, as a lance corpral the amount of responability is increased you will for example be expected to be able to supervise the troop to an extent when the troop corporal or troop sergeant are not there, the biggest responability belongs to the troop sergeant who generally runs the troop for the troop leader who is normally a 2nd Lieutenant or a Lieutenant, the troop sergeant is aided by the troop corporal in this, when you go to squadron level it works on the same principle, 4 troops and a SQMS troop ( SQMS is often command by a Sergent major or staff sergeant) the Troops all report to the Sqadron sergeant major who in turn answers to the OC of the squadron who is often a Major.
I often hear of a 'leftenant' or something while watching British shows, I know it's like a Lieutenant but I don't see it in your list?
If this doesn't confuse it too much, what about US? Officer, Major, etc? What do they do? Or I'll make a new thread. Whatever. 
(Again, I know not much at all, it's all from reading novels and thinking 'but I don't get that'!)
(Again, I know not much at all, it's all from reading novels and thinking 'but I don't get that'!)
QUOTE(Michael Nelson @ Mar 10 2007, 10:52 PM)
I often hear of a 'leftenant' or something while watching British shows, I know it's like a Lieutenant but I don't see it in your list?
The is the British pronunciation of Lieutenant
QUOTE(Stephen @ Mar 11 2007, 02:23 PM)
The is the British pronunciation of Lieutenant
Please explain how you get LEFT from LIEU? I always thought it was a sub rank of lieutenent
That's just how it is Same in Canada.
Same in Canada.
QUOTE(Michael Nelson @ Mar 12 2007, 01:34 AM)
Please explain how you get LEFT from LIEU? I always thought it was a sub rank of lieutenent
Because spelling usually comes from the sound, and then changes of it's own accord...
QUOTE
In English the word is pronounced /l?f't?n?nt/,[1] except in American English in which it is pronounced /lu't?n?nt/. However, the Royal Navy and other Commonwealth navies traditionally pronounced the word as /l?'t?n?nt/. The American pronunciation was originally the same as the British,[2] but by the end of the 19th century had almost completely been replaced by the current pronunciation.
In Canada and New Zealand /l?f't?n?nt/ is standard for all branches of the Armed Forces and for other usages such as lieutenant governor or Quebec lieutenant. Australia follows the British system, with the Royal Australian Navy officially using the /l?'t?n?nt/ pronunciation.
The English pronunciation was prevalent during the 14th and 15th centuries with the word being variously spelled as lieftenant, lyeftenant or luftenant. It may have originated from a mistaken reading of the 'u' as a 'v' (u and v originally were written as the same letter), with v eventually assimilating in voice to /f/. Something similar happened in Greek, and British education on the Greek classics may have also encouraged the pronunciation. Some sources state that the original French word lieu (i.e. "place", since "lieu tenant" literally means "place holder" in old French) had an alternative form spelt and pronounced lieuf, and that the most common modern form retains the former spelling 'Lieutenant' and the latter pronunciation, 'Leftenant'.
It has also been speculated that it may have come from a fanciful etymology which associated it with the verb 'to leave', as the lieutenant only took up his duties once his superior officer had 'left'.
Another theory comes from the fact that in typical propriety the person or persons standing to the rear-left of a gentleman held power and were typically those directly second to him. The person or persons standing to the rear-right were considered to have no or less standing than those to the rear-left, such as aides, bodyguards, wives, etc., often holding this position for simple facility rather than societal importance. This tradition remains in military parades, with lieutenants standing to the rear-left of the commanding officer (when facing the advance).
In Canada and New Zealand /l?f't?n?nt/ is standard for all branches of the Armed Forces and for other usages such as lieutenant governor or Quebec lieutenant. Australia follows the British system, with the Royal Australian Navy officially using the /l?'t?n?nt/ pronunciation.
The English pronunciation was prevalent during the 14th and 15th centuries with the word being variously spelled as lieftenant, lyeftenant or luftenant. It may have originated from a mistaken reading of the 'u' as a 'v' (u and v originally were written as the same letter), with v eventually assimilating in voice to /f/. Something similar happened in Greek, and British education on the Greek classics may have also encouraged the pronunciation. Some sources state that the original French word lieu (i.e. "place", since "lieu tenant" literally means "place holder" in old French) had an alternative form spelt and pronounced lieuf, and that the most common modern form retains the former spelling 'Lieutenant' and the latter pronunciation, 'Leftenant'.
It has also been speculated that it may have come from a fanciful etymology which associated it with the verb 'to leave', as the lieutenant only took up his duties once his superior officer had 'left'.
Another theory comes from the fact that in typical propriety the person or persons standing to the rear-left of a gentleman held power and were typically those directly second to him. The person or persons standing to the rear-right were considered to have no or less standing than those to the rear-left, such as aides, bodyguards, wives, etc., often holding this position for simple facility rather than societal importance. This tradition remains in military parades, with lieutenants standing to the rear-left of the commanding officer (when facing the advance).
You were the ones who changed how the word was pronounced, not us
Top officer ranks are usually awarded depending on the number of men in your command - because ranks are quite like pay scales.
So small ships are often captained not by a Captain but by a Commander or Lieutenant Commander. The rank is more junior to Captain because the officer has fewer men under his command; he takes on the role of captain but without all the pay.
Similarly because the Royal Marines are smaller than Army command units, they're headed by a Major General rather than a full General.
So small ships are often captained not by a Captain but by a Commander or Lieutenant Commander. The rank is more junior to Captain because the officer has fewer men under his command; he takes on the role of captain but without all the pay.
Similarly because the Royal Marines are smaller than Army command units, they're headed by a Major General rather than a full General.
Okay thanks for that. It helped me understand a lot better.
I'm a "Cadet Sargent". A territorial Rank.
I only know the RAF ranks personally.
http://www.rafcom.co.uk/information/rank.cfm
These days, a Pilot Officer may not necessarily be a pilot, A Squadron Leader may not command a squadron etc etc, it's about seniority in general. The only ranks than differ within the RAF, are between ground crew & aircrew, aircrew have only three NCO (Non-commissioned Officer) ranks for example, those are: Aircrew Sergeant, Aircrew Flight Sergeant & Master Aircrew (Classed as Warrant Officer), Aircrew Sergeant & Flight Sergeant ranks are distinguished with a bird (unsure which type) above their chevrons; commissioned officer ranks remain the same. Ground crew have Airman through to Air Ranks. Also, you do get VR(T) officers; Volunteer Reserve (Training) which usually command Air Training Corps Squadrons.
http://www.rafcom.co.uk/information/rank.cfm
These days, a Pilot Officer may not necessarily be a pilot, A Squadron Leader may not command a squadron etc etc, it's about seniority in general. The only ranks than differ within the RAF, are between ground crew & aircrew, aircrew have only three NCO (Non-commissioned Officer) ranks for example, those are: Aircrew Sergeant, Aircrew Flight Sergeant & Master Aircrew (Classed as Warrant Officer), Aircrew Sergeant & Flight Sergeant ranks are distinguished with a bird (unsure which type) above their chevrons; commissioned officer ranks remain the same. Ground crew have Airman through to Air Ranks. Also, you do get VR(T) officers; Volunteer Reserve (Training) which usually command Air Training Corps Squadrons.
QUOTE(Stephen @ Mar 11 2007, 07:23 PM)
The is the British pronunciation of Lieutenant
lieutenent is pronounced LEFT-tenent in the Royal Air Force
lieutenent is pronounced LIEU-tenent in the British Army same as the American Army
Ben
QUOTE(lank @ Nov 11 2007, 08:19 AM)
lieutenent is pronounced LEFT-tenent in the Royal Air Force
lieutenent is pronounced LIEU-tenent in the British Army same as the American Army
Ben
lieutenent is pronounced LIEU-tenent in the British Army same as the American Army
Ben
I want to research the etymology of that now! Anybody got any idea why it's different for the different services?
QUOTE(DĒn @ Nov 11 2007, 08:07 AM)
I want to research the etymology of that now! Anybody got any idea why it's different for the different services?
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=lieutenant
QUOTE(JustCuz @ Nov 11 2007, 06:56 PM)
Thanks. One our uni servers are back up I'll have to check what it says in the OED too
QUOTE
lieutenent is pronounced LEFT-tenent in the Royal Air Force
lieutenent is pronounced LIEU-tenent in the British Army same as the American Army
Ben
lieutenent is pronounced LIEU-tenent in the British Army same as the American Army
Ben
What crap!
In the British Army it has always been LEF-Tenant because in the old days when a toilet as in todays posh language was and Is LOO so therefore Lootenant was a No No.
There is no difference between the Royal Air Force, Navy, or Army, in the British Military it is pronounced Leftenant in all three services.
The ranks in the British Army are as follows:-
Private
Lance Corporal
Corporal
Sargeant
Colour Sargeant
W0 2
W0 1
RSM
Second Lieutenant (pronounced leftenant)
Lieutenant (pronounced leftenant)
Captain
Major
Lieutenant Colonel
Colonel
Brigadier
Major General
Lieutenant General
General
Field Marshall
Going back in history in the United States a Lieutenant was pronounced as (Leftenant) untill the War of Independance, because of the colonial influence and it was the Southern States who brought in the pronunciation of Lootenant.
As a serving member of the British Army I know the ranks.
Gerry
Indeed, OED via Wikipedia states:
There's loads of random languagey stuff on Wiki (looks cited, too) that you'll probably enjoy, Dan.
QUOTE
In contemporary English, the word is usually pronounced /lɛf'tɛnənt/ in most dialects except American English, where it is pronounced /lu'tɛnənt/.
There's loads of random languagey stuff on Wiki (looks cited, too) that you'll probably enjoy, Dan.
As for the US Marine Corps the Ranks are as follows:
Enlisted
(Non Rate)
E1-Private
E1-rivate First Class
E3-Lance Corporal
(Non-Commissioned Officer)
E4-Corporal
E5-Sergeant
(Staff Non-Commissioned Officer)
E6-Staff Sergeant
E7-Gunnery Sergeant
E8-First Sergeant (Admin type) and Master Sergeant (tech type)
E9-Sergeant Major (Admin) and Master Gunnery Sergeant (tech)
Officer
(Company Grade)
O1-1st Lieutenant
O2-2nd Lieutenant
03-Captian
(Field Grade)
04-Major
O5-Lt Colonel
O6-Colonel
(Flag or General)
O7-Brigadier General (1 Star)
O8-Major General (2 Star)
O9-Lt General (3 Star)
O10-General (4 Star)
Commandant Of The Marine Corps (4 Star)
One other thing to remember is that billet (or job) also has precedence. For instance in my shop we have a corporal as the Platoon Sergeant. Usually this is a Sergeant position, but in this case the Corporal has a higher authority, however the corporal still shows the appropriate respect to the sergeant and vice versa.
Enlisted
(Non Rate)
E1-Private
E1-rivate First Class
E3-Lance Corporal
(Non-Commissioned Officer)
E4-Corporal
E5-Sergeant
(Staff Non-Commissioned Officer)
E6-Staff Sergeant
E7-Gunnery Sergeant
E8-First Sergeant (Admin type) and Master Sergeant (tech type)
E9-Sergeant Major (Admin) and Master Gunnery Sergeant (tech)
Officer
(Company Grade)
O1-1st Lieutenant
O2-2nd Lieutenant
03-Captian
(Field Grade)
04-Major
O5-Lt Colonel
O6-Colonel
(Flag or General)
O7-Brigadier General (1 Star)
O8-Major General (2 Star)
O9-Lt General (3 Star)
O10-General (4 Star)
Commandant Of The Marine Corps (4 Star)
One other thing to remember is that billet (or job) also has precedence. For instance in my shop we have a corporal as the Platoon Sergeant. Usually this is a Sergeant position, but in this case the Corporal has a higher authority, however the corporal still shows the appropriate respect to the sergeant and vice versa.
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