Understanding military records requires knowing what the abbreviations actually mean. Service files, draft cards, pension records, headstones, and even newspaper notices frequently use shortened rank titles. This quick reference guide lists common military rank abbreviations and their full meanings to help you interpret records accurately and avoid misidentifying service level or status.
Army / General (most commonly seen)
Abbreviation
Rank
Pvt
Private
PFC
Private First Class
Cpl
Corporal
Sgt
Sergeant
SSG / S/Sgt
Staff Sergeant
1SG / 1st Sgt
First Sergeant
MSG
Master Sergeant
2LT / 2nd Lt
Second Lieutenant
1LT / 1st Lt
First Lieutenant
CPT / Capt
Captain
MAJ / Maj
Major
LTC / Lt Col
Lieutenant Colonel
COL / Col
Colonel
BG / Brig Gen
Brigadier General
MG / Maj Gen
Major General
LTG / Lt Gen
Lieutenant General
GEN
General
Navy / Coast Guard (common)
Abbreviation
Rank
Seaman / SN
Seaman
PO / PO1/PO2/PO3
Petty Officer (1st/2nd/3rd class)
CPO
Chief Petty Officer
SCPO
Senior Chief Petty Officer
MCPO
Master Chief Petty Officer
ENS
Ensign
LTJG
Lieutenant (Junior Grade)
LT
Lieutenant
LCDR
Lieutenant Commander
CDR
Commander
CAPT
Captain
RDML
Rear Admiral (Lower Half)
RADM
Rear Admiral
VADM
Vice Admiral
ADM
Admiral
Marines / Air Force
Abbreviation
Rank
LCpl
Lance Corporal
GySgt
Gunnery Sergeant
2dLt / 2nd Lt
Second Lieutenant
1stLt
First Lieutenant
SSgt
Staff Sergeant
TSgt
Technical Sergeant (Air Force)
MSgt
Master Sergeant
Capt
Captain
Maj
Major
Lt Col
Lieutenant Colonel
Col
Colonel
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