Greek Army and Navy Ranks

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

"Click here to download Greek Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

Greek Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The Greek Army in the First World War reflected a hybrid of Byzantine-inspired terminology and continental European influence, while the Navy retained traditional Mediterranean titles. General officers included Strategos, Antistrategos, Hypostrategos, and Taxiarchos, with the latter approximating a brigadier general. Field and company officers ranged from Syntagmatarchos (colonel) down to Anthypolochagos (second lieutenant), with Evelpis designating cadets. Enlisted grades consisted of Epilochias (master sergeant), Lochias (sergeant), Dekaneas (corporal), and Stratiotis (private). The Navy paralleled other European services with Nauarchos (admiral), Antinauarchos (vice admiral), and Hyponauarchos (rear admiral), supported by Ploiarchos, Antiploiarchos, and junior officer grades down to Dokimos (midshipman). Naval enlisted ranks included Keleustis and Hypokelustis as petty officer equivalents, with Nautis serving as the common seaman. Aviation did not exist as a distinct branch; air personnel held Army or Navy ranks. This dual system highlights Greece’s blend of ancient heritage with contemporary European military models.

Army — Officer Ranks

Army — NCO & Enlisted Ranks

Navy — Officer Ranks

Navy — NCO & Enlisted Ranks

Notes

• Aviation was not a distinct branch during WWI; aviators carried Army or Navy ranks.
• Diopos is strictly a naval NCO rank, not Army.
• Equivalences are approximate, based on command level and function.