American Army and Navy Ranks (World War I, 1914–1918)

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the United States Army and Navy during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with abbreviations in the traditional period style. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal WWI-era form has been retained.

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United States Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The United States entered the First World War with a rank system that reflected established Anglo-American traditions, reinforced by legislation from the late 19th century. The Army recognized General of the Armies as a dignity above the four-star General, followed by Lieutenant General, Major General, and Brigadier General. Field and company officers followed the standard hierarchy from Colonel through Second Lieutenant. The enlisted scale extended from Sergeant Major and First Sergeant down through Corporal, Private First Class, and Private. The U.S. Navy paralleled this system, recognizing Admiral of the Navy as the highest naval dignity, followed by Admiral, Vice Admiral, and Rear Admiral. Commissioned officers extended from Captain to Ensign, with warrant officers and petty officers providing vital technical leadership. Enlisted sailors progressed from Seaman Recruit to Seaman, structured by three grades of petty officer. This system emphasized clarity and reflected the United States’ rapid transition from a modest peacetime force to a mass wartime establishment.

Army Ranks

Army Enlisted

Navy Ranks

Navy Enlisted

Note: Abbreviations follow traditional U.S. usage, capitalized with periods (e.g., Gen., Maj., Capt.).