The Top Brass

Brigadier generals serve as assistant division commanders or senior staff officers at high-level commands. They may oversee logistics, training or operations at a corps level or above. Promotion to this rank involves selection by a board of senior officers, nomination by the president and confirmation by the Senate.

Colonels often command brigades, They may also serve in high-level staff positions within divisions, corps, Army commands or the Pentagon. They're expected to understand strategic objectives and lead with long-range planning in mind. Their roles are central to Army readiness and modernization efforts.

Lieutenant colonels typically command battalions, They are also found in senior staff roles, helping develop policies, manage resources and support brigade-level operations. This is a major leadership and managerial rank that combines tactical experience with operational planning.

Majors are staff officers at the battalion, brigade or division level. They specialize in planning, intelligence, operations or logistics. In some units, majors may command specialized companies or serve as executive officers to higher commanders.

Majors help coordinate large-scale operations and support decision-making across a range of missions.

Captains commonly serve as company commanders, They are responsible for training, welfare and operational readiness of their units. Captains also serve in staff roles at battalion or brigade level, helping coordinate operations, planning or logistics.

This is a critical leadership rank where officers develop the experience needed for advancement to field grade.

First lieutenants usually lead platoons or serve as executive officers (XOs) of a company-sized unit. Their duties expand to include logistics, planning and staff support to commanders.

Typically the entry-level rank for most commissioned officers. Second lieutenants wear a single gold bar and usually serve as platoon leaders,They work closely with a platoon sergeant and are responsible for training, readiness and daily operations at the small-unit level.

CW5s are the most senior warrant officers in the Army. They serve at the strategic level, advising senior leaders and shaping Army-wide policy and direction within their area of expertise. Promotion to CW5 is highly selective and reflects a career of excellence and service.

CW4s are highly experienced officers with broad technical knowledge. They serve in key staff and advisory roles at the brigade and division level. CW4s often influence policy, training and doctrine in their specialty.

CW3s are senior warrant officers who serve at battalion or brigade levels. They are regarded as advanced technical experts and play a critical role in planning, decision-making and mentoring within their field.