 Military rank is a system of hierarchical relationships in armed forces or certain civil institutions organized along military lines. Ranking systems have been known for centuries; as time continued and military operations became larger and more complex, military ranks increased and ranking systems themselves became more complex. Although the Army includes a wide assortment of equipment—including weaponry, vehicles, electronic and communications technology, and thousands of facilities from small outposts to huge training areas -- it is primarily a social organization. The most basic, most important, and most precious resources of the Army are its soldiers. In carrying out the mission of defending the nation, people in the Army, soldiers, officers and generals must work closely as a well bonded team to execute complex tasks under difficult, dangerous conditions. Success in training and combat requires a common culture, including three critical components: • A system of ranks reflecting a person’s responsibilities and experience • An organizational structure in which people know their responsibilities • Military courtesies, customs, and traditions that serve to bond military professionals together. (from Army Rank, Structure, Duties, and Traditions, 161)  Army Rank Army rank, and military rank in general, binds all military personnel together as a team. In the army, this relationship is called the chain of command. Rank is an official position or grade. It has existed for thousands of years. Army rank identifies who is in charge—whom to look to for orders, guidance, and leadership. Historically, as military structures became larger and more complex, rank and insignia became increasingly important. (from Army Rank, Structure, Duties, and Traditions, 162) We will include comparison table of different military ranks on this page. However, we need to know what is actually is the definition of a rank? Rank (noun) is:
 For example the Luxembourg Army has approximately 450 professional soldiers, about 340 enlisted recruits and 100 civilians (for the total of ~900 members). It is commanded by a General and the Grand Duke is the Commander-in-Chief. There are 22 ranks in the Luxembourg Army including 5 officer ranks, 1 warrant officer rank, 6 sergeants ranks, 4 corporals, 4 soldiers. So, despite having very small number of military personnel, Luxembourg Army is following old traditions and also to match the larger armies (such as Belgium) hierarchy of ranks. Even in the smallest (and oldest) regular army in the world - the Pontifical Swiss Guard of Vatican City with only 130 members, there are still 10 ranks: 5 officers' ranks, 2 sergeants', 2 corporals' and 1 soldier. On the other hand in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China there are only 20 ranks - from a Private to a Grand Marshal. By the way the rank of Grand Marshal was not used since 1995. We strongly believe that creating additional number of military ranks, especially for soldiers, corporals and sergeants gives army members higher chance of been promoted sooner than later and thus it creates higher rate of job satisfaction among personnel, enhances morale and creates more opportunities to grow and develop for the staff members. |
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