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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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