Bulgarian Army Ranks (World War I, 1914–1918)

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the Bulgarian Army during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with period abbreviations and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained .

Bulgarian Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The Bulgarian Army entered the First World War with a rank structure modeled closely on Russian Imperial practice, reinforced by German influence. General officers included General ot pekhotata (Infantry), General ot kavaleriyata (Cavalry), and General ot artilleriyata (Artillery), supported by General-leytenant and General-mayor. Field and company officers descended through Polkovnik, Podpolkovnik, Maior, Kapitan, and the cavalry-specific Rotmistr. Junior grades included Poruchik and Podporuchik, with Ofitserski Kandidat representing cadets or officer candidates. The enlisted hierarchy placed Feldfebel at the top as the senior NCO, followed by Podofitser and Kandidat-podofitser. The cavalry used Vakhmistr as an additional senior NCO grade, while Efreitor and Rednik covered privates. This system underscored Bulgaria’s integration of Russian-derived nomenclature with adaptations suited to its national military culture.

Officer Ranks

NCO & Enlisted Ranks