Should all branches of service adopt one standard rank insignia?

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 06:59:48 -0400

Putting tradition and nostalgia aside for this question and looking at the increase in joint environments, would it be less confusing and more efficient if the services agreed on a standard insignia on duty and dress uniforms?

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jul 10 at 2014 7:39 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 07:39:02 -0400

All due respect Major, but no. When you move into a joint environment (of US services) you can quickly get it right, along with how to properly address-out of respect, other SMs. Quite frankly, everyone should be able to recognize the rank insignia of the other services and if they cannot, they should learn. We no longer work only amongst our own kind.

That being said, trying to learn some of our allies is daunting-but necessary in the joint environment.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 10 at 2014 7:39 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 07:39:47 -0400

Sir, first of all, I'm not sure I am capable of putting tradition and nostalgia aside. Secondly, it would take away our ability to make fun of the Air Force for putting their stripes on upside down and we would have to find something else to complain about with the Navy since we all (other than Navy and Marines) are completely confused by their rank/ratings.
Other than that, changing the insignia wouldn't be a terrible idea for recognition purposes; but that would be the only purpose it served and I think it would create massive 'butt hurt' throughout the branches.
And besides, what if the powers that be decide to use the NAVY structure.. then we would ALL be doomed! :)

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 7:44 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 07:44:09 -0400

When I was a captain and had to do business with Navy, I'd try to do it over the phone. Funny how when you say "Captain Dews" to a sailor you get a much quicker response than saying the same to Army/Marine/Air Force.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 8:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 08:46:30 -0400

standard insignia? I don't think so. I standard uniform for the same reasons? Yes. Why we got away from the BDUs is completely baffling to me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 10:27 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 10:27:00 -0400

Maybe we should leave the rank alone. Just make an effort to learn the insignia you are working with, it makes you look more professional, you learn something else and it would be cheaper too. If the powers to be decided that we should do this, one of their family members or a company they hold stocks in would get a multi-billion dollar contract to conduct "studies" on which rank insignia we should use.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 11:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 11:26:40 -0400

As long as we don't use the Air Force 50 million stripes thing with 3 different first sergeants or the navy with their rating thing I would be fine with it

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jul 10 at 2014 2:04 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 14:04:50 -0400

And ruin the fun for all the chiefs getting saluted coming out of sick bay?

In my opinion each branch of the service is unique. Uniforms, missions, training, each one has their own unique style, insignia is no different.

When we trained in different countries we received briefings on the customs and courtesies of their military. Perhaps, teaching each service, especially those in joint commands or exercises, the rank insignia of the other services would be much more cost effective than standardizing all branches.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 3:10 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 15:10:13 -0400

Standard insignia would be difficult with the current alignment of ranks/rates through the services. Example, is an E-4 a Cpl or a specialist? Is an E-8 a 1st Sgt or a MSgt and is that temporary or Permanent rank? There is enough disparity between the services in how they maintain their rank structure that until there is a common advancement tree, common insignia would not be able to be used.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 10:14 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 22:14:43 -0400

I agree with you Sir. All branches should adopt Army rank immediately.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Jul 10 at 2014 10:31 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 22:31:06 -0400

No, tradition trumps convenience

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 10:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 22:54:05 -0400

Sharing a standard rank insignia should coincide with sharing the same standards. Let’s face it; each service has a different way of conducting business, no judgment on this, just an honest observation. We all have a long way to go with these fundamental differences, but I do believe the future will be one force. A good place to start would be to agree on a standard uniform. We are all from the same country aren’t we?? Why the big disconnect on what should be tactical camouflage?

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2014 10:41 AM

Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 10:41:23 -0400

I've always thought the USMC had the best rank structure (in how E-3 is in the end of the automatic ranks, E-4 is the beginning of NCO ranks, and at E-7, you choose your E-8/E-9 Track).

Response by SPC Jason Neal made Jul 12 at 2014 4:16 PM

SPC Jason Neal — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 16:16:30 -0400

Let's face it, the navy is the one with the most off the wall rank structure that no one understands. However, I respect the ancient maritime traditions that are present there. The Army and Marines share similar traditions with ground combat forces and the chevrons need to stay. I just wish the Naval insignia's were easier to understand to outsiders.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jul 26 at 2014 9:20 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 09:20:28 -0400

Why? If Marines can learn the Navy ranks, is it too hard for the Army? : )~

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jul 27 at 2014 12:16 AM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 00:16:13 -0400

Just a quick quote from our Neighbors to the NORTH who went through the process of ONE Rank Insignia for all. "Meanwhile our Canadian Military are doing us proud. I don't mind the reverting back to old army ranks, but we spent millions of dollars going."

And as side note: "Your pay in the Canadian Armed Forces is based on your occupation and rank. All service personnel, men and women, married or single, are paid the same ." Wouldn't that start a revolution here?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 1:42 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 01:42:25 -0400

Sure why not? I mean I am sure everyone in the Navy got saluted or stared at multiple times because ALL of their stuff in their tan uniform is shiny and they have those crazy caps, but not really sure if they are just for officers or not. Then again I learned my officer ranks by watching JAG.

In reality the Navy just needs fewer uniforms too. And this touches on should we all go to the same combat uniform?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 1:45 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 01:45:30 -0400

If you did that, you'd have to make changes to the promotion and occupational structure of at least one service.. unless the way everything works in the Navy just SOUNDS complicated...

We should all wear one combat uniform though.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Jul 27 at 2014 10:18 AM

PFC Zanie Young — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 10:18:40 -0400

Personally speaking, I have less trouble with officers, warrant officers and enlisted in any branch of service than with cadets when it comes to insignia. Ok, so you can tell the rank of a naval officer by their sleeves, since you don't always see the collar insignia while in dress uniforms. I don't think the officer insignia should change because everyone should know an officer when they see one. Warrant officers should altered not changed because they can be easily mistaken for an LT from a distance (small boxes help somewhat). Enlisted should not be changed because, once again, everyone should know the stripes and rockers (and crossed rifles in the case of the Marines) on anyone who is enlisted. Buuuut, I don't see many cadets in any uniform, except in ROTC and JrROTC. A lot a little pips can be confusing to any one, with the exception of the most experienced, and some even wear stripes? What's up with that?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 12:38 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 12:38:28 -0400

In my opinion Sir I think that at this point the members of each branch are so accustomed to the way the rank system is now that to change it would be too much of a hassle. Maybe if each branch had the same rank system from the get go that would've been a lot better but now I think it's too late.

Response by CDR Thomas Gatliffe made Jul 27 at 2014 9:20 PM

CDR Thomas Gatliffe — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 21:20:08 -0400

Naw! Where's the fun in that? It's so entertaining to see the the Army and Air Force struggle with Navy ranks. The Marines have no trouble with it because they just write off us Navy types as beyond hope and humor us.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 9:09 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 09:09:39 -0400

Or we could have better training, just throwing that out there. Why waste money on changing the ranks, which we all know will surely be changed another 10 years down the road, on top of changing 2 different uniforms.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Jul 31 at 2014 10:13 PM

PO3 John Jeter — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 22:13:40 -0400

I don't see where the benefit outweighs the upheaval it would create. For the most part, it's easy enough to tell who you need to 'salute' if you're a little observant.

Response by MAJ Bill Darling made Aug 1 at 2014 4:00 PM

MAJ Bill Darling — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 16:00:08 -0400

I think it's one of the low hanging fruit of "jointism". We deviated when we regressed to distinct duty uniforms and I think it all contributes to the joint mindset (or lack thereof). Standardized rank insignia makes a lot of sense if one is serious about a true DoD. I'd take it a step further and make a real attempt to standardize the ranks themselves and get rid of service specific JAG, chaplains, and medical personnel.

Response by Capt Chris McVeigh made Sep 3 at 2014 12:03 AM

Capt Chris McVeigh — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 00:03:59 -0400

I would say 5 minutes of every ones time to learn the different insignias is well worth it to allow the services to keep their differences and traditions. If you ever work with other countries you have to do this anyway, it's not difficult.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 8 at 2014 8:39 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 20:39:51 -0400

Only if we get to have the Army's promotion time lines! the AF's promotion rates are abysmally slow.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2014 8:47 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 20:47:42 -0400

See Major, now you understand my reasoning behind consolidating Army and Marine Corps! ;-)

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Sep 8 at 2014 9:11 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 21:11:08 -0400

I would leave it alone. I get the whole Joint thing, but to be honest, I think it better to stick with tradition on this one. Let's not dummy ourselves down. Although I did have a Navy Lieutenant call me Commander recently. I thought it was cool. I didn't bother to correct him. I knew what he meant. Besides, its not like he was really all that wrong.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 9 at 2014 7:29 PM

SPC David S. — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 19:29:59 -0400

Navy's the one with the problem sir. Army, Air Form, and Marines are all close enough.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Sep 14 at 2014 6:34 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:34:25 -0400

I say no.

Rank insignia differentiate the branches from one another. It makes it easier for we, as veterans, to immediately identify who is in what branch and address them by their rank.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 7:25 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 19:25:59 -0400

I would say for the most part we already do for the practical uniforms among officers. The exception being the Navy and Coast Guard in service dress. They use pretty much an international nautical standard. You can almost identify a Navy O6 Capt from many Navies by the fact that they most all have four sleeve bands or four bars on a shoulder board.

The Canadians use this system for all of their services.

It's fairly straight forward our rank which the Navy calls a Lt Cdr is two full bands and a skinny one in the middle. An O5 has three full bands and and 06 has four bands. Admirals have one real thick band for O7 and then they add a normal size band for each additional grade. If they are in whites the Admiral shoulder board is gold with stars like GO's.

Of course the enlisted insignia are all over the map with every service other than the Marines and Army that have similar looking system. It seems each service has their enlisted NCO structure at different pay grades. The Air Force has no NCO's in the E4 grade, since they got rid of buck sergeant in the 90's. The Army Navy and Marines do.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Sep 16 at 2014 12:57 PM

SSG Maurice P. — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 12:57:57 -0400

NO..............BUT...IF IT COMES TO THAT LET IT BE MARINE CORPS!
THE CROSS RIFLES AND THE SEPERATION OF 3 TO 4 ROCKERS WHEN PROMOTED TO MGYSGT OR SGTMAJ IS FANTASTIC BUT THE BEST IS YET TO COME WHAT ABOUT THE SGTMAJ OF THE MARINE CORPS RANK INSIGNIA 3 STRIPES 4 ROCKERS AND THE GLOBE ANCHOR EAGLE FLANKED BY 2 STARS TOTALLY AWESOME NOTHING COMES CLOSE...OOHRAH SEMPER FI

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 9:32 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 09:32:51 -0500

Although it would be nice, I don't think it is necessary. Although most of the rank structures are basically the same, they are not that hard to learn. As long as you are understanding if another service makes an "honest" mistake about your rank (e.g. Lieutenant Commander vs Major) and you help educate them about their service specific rank, I think we will be ok.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Nov 27 at 2014 10:18 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 10:18:50 -0500

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca, certainly not. Ridiculous!

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Nov 27 at 2014 10:30 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 10:30:15 -0500

It might be easier to learn the officer ranks if they had the same name such as the bird being a Col or a Capt. How about aproaching a major with the sun in your face and you can't tell the color of the leaf?

I used to have fun with ranks with my dad as he was a Sgt before there was a lance Corporal. So even though we are both Sgt's, he was an E4. No crossed rifles in his insignia.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2014 10:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 22:49:23 -0500

i can sign on to everyone wearing the same utility/work uniform, but not the same rank.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 10:08 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 22:08:51 -0500

I do not think that this is necessary, yes sometimes it may be confusing to recognize another branch rank; however, it is possible to learn. Just like any other thing in the world.
Also, more than likely if you call someone the wrong rank, they will correct you and help you learn.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2014 6:19 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 06:19:14 -0500

No.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2014 7:34 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 19:34:30 -0500

I think there are certain aspects of our uniforms that make us unique. Why not just say we're going to have one military, the only thing that will make us different is our MOS's/AFSC's. We're already going to some combined military uniform. I think it would be easier and one less thing for our warriors to remember if we did choose to go to a mutual rank system, just not sure it's the best thing as far as heritage goes.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 8:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 20:45:59 -0500

At first it sounds like a good idea. So does a standardized uniform for American forces. The idea being that it would help unify the service and real down rivalries. That train of thought could then be followed down to actually unifying the four branches into one branch. It would simplify command, ontrol, and coordination of forces while speeding up and streamlining intelligence dissemination , administrative work, andsupply chains. Egos and traditions will never let any of that happen.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 11:05 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 23:05:01 -0500

Yes, I believe so...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 1:02 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 01:02:53 -0500

I will say this much, the Navy ranks seem to be the hardest to figure out for me.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 10:40 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 10:40:53 -0400

Why not get rid of Rank insignia period?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 3:24 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 15:24:50 -0400

Keep traditions. If you do not know you should ask. Never met a troop or officer that was insulted. I learned the Navy had a cyberwarfare qual badge Memorial day and I am Army,Ret. IMHO, all Americans should recognize the top four Valor awards for ALL services!

Response by SPC Michael Dugan made Jul 20 at 2015 9:06 PM

SPC Michael Dugan — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 21:06:40 -0400

I've been out of the Army longer than a lot of the young folks in this community have been in this world, but still have little trouble remembering rank insignia. Army and Marine Corps are easy, Navy a little less familiar, but the Air Force always throws me a little.

I put a lot of stock in tradition, and think each branch's distinct insignia is a good thing. I think it's a matter of pride, etc. Plus recruits have to learn tons of other stuff, and I don't think the requirement that they learn insignia of other branches is much of a burden.

Also, it's worth asking that *if* insignia were standardized, on whose model would they be based? Army? Navy? etc. Or would a whole new set of insignia be invented?

Response by SGT Scott Curtice made Jul 23 at 2015 1:07 PM

SGT Scott Curtice — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 13:07:07 -0400

long term I think this will definitely happen, not sure now is the time, but seems like sooner or later we'll get to a point where it's not that big a deal to implement

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 10:08 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 10:08:39 -0400

YES! But it makes too much sense so it will never happen! However on a serious note, this will find resistance because the ranks will look more like one brand and the other will be not as happy to follow. Also the rank insignia has lots of specific historical value so...

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Apr 27 at 2016 8:14 AM

MSgt John McGowan — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 08:14:52 -0400

MAJ. Sir I say no to that, each branch has their own inisignia and has for many years. Why muddy the water now? The branches would never agree.

Response by Cpl Jimmy Severson made Nov 25 at 2017 11:35 PM

Cpl Jimmy Severson — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 23:35:55 -0500

Hell no.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2017 1:24 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 01:24:38 -0500

Definitely.

Response by CW5 Randall Hirsch made Dec 3 at 2017 9:29 AM

CW5 Randall Hirsch — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 09:29:00 -0500

No. This is an unthinkable option.

Response by PO2 Richard Haste made Feb 14 at 2018 8:46 AM

PO2 Richard Haste — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 08:46:15 -0500

I would not change to a standard rank insignia because these ranks are branch tradition and play a large part in esprit de corp

Response by SSG Erik McKinster made Apr 1 at 2018 1:54 PM

SSG Erik McKinster — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 13:54:03 -0400

Nope. Rank insignia it's stepped in tradition. Just sick it up, and learn it.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Apr 1 at 2018 2:04 PM

SFC Robert Walton — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 14:04:16 -0400

UMMMMMM NO just No That's as wrong as screen doors on a Submarine.

Response by LTC Martin Glynn made May 6 at 2018 1:42 AM

LTC Martin Glynn — Sun, 06 May 2018 01:42:21 -0400

It’s really just the Air Force that’s out of step on enlisted rank titles and insignia. The ground services (Army and Marines) have nearly identical rank systems, and the sea services (Navy, Coast Guard, NOAA Commissioned Corps, USPHS Commissioned Corps, and Merchant Marine) do have identical rank systems.

The Air Force, however, just does its own thing. Its rank system lacks a Sergeant rank; its Senior Airmen wear three chevrons like a Sergeant, but are only E-4’s; its Staff Sergeants are pay grade E-5 instead of E-6; its Master Sergeants are pay grade E-7 instead of E-8; and its First Sergeants can be in pay grades E-7, E-8, or E-9, instead of just E-8.

I think if the Air Force just adopted the same enlisted rank system as the Army or the Marines (both of which have Aviation Branches), it would eliminate a LOT of confusion.

Response by 1SG David Niles made May 13 at 2018 1:25 PM

1SG David Niles — Sun, 13 May 2018 13:25:26 -0400

Why do people always cry “change” because you don’t like traditions. Learn, not change. Diversity is not something to run from,

Response by SPC Charlie Robinson made May 13 at 2018 1:36 PM

SPC Charlie Robinson — Sun, 13 May 2018 13:36:30 -0400

Leave it alone. There's enough uniformity in the military as it is. Another problem would occur when everyone has to pay for their own ensignia and for those who can't sew, there's that expense for their class As.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made May 13 at 2018 3:37 PM

SFC Francisco Rosario — Sun, 13 May 2018 15:37:11 -0400

This is just my opinion, but i do beleive that each service should keep their current rank system/insignia. This is who they are, their own identity. The joint environment is no reason to blend all the services as one service or group.

Response by CPT Blane Kusterle made May 13 at 2018 4:52 PM

CPT Blane Kusterle — Sun, 13 May 2018 16:52:33 -0400

From an efficiency splint of view, what is so bad about one team, one uniform, one rank structure? Here’s a compromise, each branch retains their own dress uniform but they all have the same duty/combat uniform?

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made May 13 at 2018 5:12 PM

Maj Robert Thornton — Sun, 13 May 2018 17:12:57 -0400

Simple answer, No.

Response by SFC John Miskowiec made May 13 at 2018 6:07 PM

SFC John Miskowiec — Sun, 13 May 2018 18:07:15 -0400

It's just not that difficult. It never confused me. Don't fix it it ain't broke.

Response by Sgt John Koliha made May 13 at 2018 6:14 PM

Sgt John Koliha — Sun, 13 May 2018 18:14:26 -0400

As was explained to a visiting Air Force Captain "We are a joint service called Star Fleet."

That's about when and where it will happen.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 6:23 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 May 2018 18:23:59 -0400

There is something to be said for tradition. These ranks are there for a reason and a great deal of history is involved with these ranks. Change would only belittle that history.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 8:18 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 May 2018 20:18:37 -0400

Well, since the Navy, the Coast Guard, the Public Health Service, NOAA, and the Merchant Marine all use the same rank insignia, and the Marines know it thru the Navy, maybe it’s the Air Force and Army that needs to change over.......
:D

Though i was going to hold my tongue, in jest, let me note that naval officer stripes are the same as the USAF McPeak uniforms of 1994, and used in USAFROTC. So, there are some in USAF used to the stripes too.

In seriousness, let me put forward uniforminsignia.org. When I went to the NATO School in Oberammergau it helped me tremendously in learning our allies insignia.

Response by MSgt Tony Marlin made May 15 at 2018 9:31 AM

MSgt Tony Marlin — Tue, 15 May 2018 09:31:43 -0400

I remember when the Air Force tried using Navy insignia on their Mess Dress (thanks General McPeak). This only lasted a little while because it just confused most personnel. The problem I see with this, is so who's rank? There's a reason the Army has Spec ranks which works for them, but we didn't have it in the Air Force. Additionally; how would you approach the Warrent Officers the Air Force doesn't have? Funny, but when I was stationed with the Army (2 times) it only took me 1 day to understand their ranks and insignia. I find it funny that instead of using our grey matter and learning, some feel we should "dumb down" and make life simple.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2018 12:05 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 00:05:33 -0500

Yes

Response by LT Mark Schneider made Jan 22 at 2019 2:14 PM

LT Mark Schneider — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 14:14:44 -0500

Since 4 of the 7 uniformed services (which span 4 separate federal departments: Defense, HHS, Commerce and Homeland Security) use the exact same rank structures then the Army, Air Force and Marines can get on board with nautical ranks.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2019 10:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 May 2019 22:28:26 -0400

Then the Marines wouldn’t feel special anymore.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2019 10:35 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 May 2019 22:35:37 -0400

That goes for officers as well. Why are we the only country with arbitrary emblems for officer ranks with counter intuitive treatment for silver and gold.

Every other country uses a standard of some sort where more things on the shoulder mean higher rank, etc

Response by PO1 Rey Canonizado made May 29 at 2019 11:48 AM

PO1 Rey Canonizado — Wed, 29 May 2019 11:48:44 -0400

That would make sense, it would never work.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2019 3:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 May 2019 15:27:57 -0400

No.

Response by SP5 Bill Eggers made May 29 at 2019 6:25 PM

SP5 Bill Eggers — Wed, 29 May 2019 18:25:39 -0400

Leave the rank insignia system alone. Are today's members of the Military too mentally challenged to remember the ranks in other services?

Response by CPT Charles Creed made May 29 at 2019 9:50 PM

CPT Charles Creed — Wed, 29 May 2019 21:50:18 -0400

While I don't think it would ever happen, it's a fun thought experiment. Consolidating everyone to Army rank insignia (we're the biggest, by rules of supply chain, Army gets adopted; USMC, being the smallest, have no chance, sorry).

It would be quite the conflict to bring about such a change.

Uniform rules/ traditions do change. I didn't know about the naval enlisted red vs white stripes after 10 or 12 years of honorable service, but that was changed after someone thought it was punitive rather than an achievement. Now you get to choose your color based on preference regardless of if you've spent time in front of your CO. Maybe a small tradition, but it went the way of the dodo.

Response by Sgt Mark Tarte made May 29 at 2019 10:38 PM

Sgt Mark Tarte — Wed, 29 May 2019 22:38:31 -0400

I was Air Force back in the bad old days of the Cold War stationed at a joint Navy/NATO facility in Iceland. I had to not only learn Navy ranks and ratings, but various NATO allies’ ranks. It was a bit of a pain in the ass, but we all knew who was what rank and very few problems resulted. Maybe it was due to us all wearing our ranks (enlisted) on our sleeves and the officers had their insignia of rank where it could be clearly seen. Just my old man two cents.

Response by SFC William Brown made May 30 at 2019 7:26 AM

SFC William Brown — Thu, 30 May 2019 07:26:03 -0400

I call b.s. Two of the first things we all learn within the first few days of joining the service is the U.S. military rank structure. Leave it be!

Response by SFC William Brown made May 30 at 2019 7:28 AM

SFC William Brown — Thu, 30 May 2019 07:28:34 -0400

Getting the services to agree would result in ‘Senior Petty Sergeant Junior Grade’. Bovine Scatology!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2019 8:12 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 May 2019 08:12:55 -0400

Maybe adopt a joint service rank system for use in joint environments but allow the services to retain their individual rank system

Response by SPC Rick LaBonte made May 30 at 2019 8:26 AM

SPC Rick LaBonte — Thu, 30 May 2019 08:26:10 -0400

Let’s leave the rank alone!

Response by CAPT Timothy Prendergast made May 30 at 2019 8:31 AM

CAPT Timothy Prendergast — Thu, 30 May 2019 08:31:20 -0400

Aren't officer rank insignia already standardized?

Response by SrA Kevin Piatek made May 30 at 2019 8:39 AM

SrA Kevin Piatek — Thu, 30 May 2019 08:39:05 -0400

I think we should change the Navy officer ranks to match the other services but leave all enlisted ranks alone

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2019 1:21 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 May 2019 13:21:40 -0400

No. The entire military does not need to adopt one rank/insignia structure/look. It isn’t that difficult to learn the ranks and insignias of another branch. Everyone needs to stop being lazy.

Response by Vladimir Uhlik made May 30 at 2019 3:33 PM

Vladimir Uhlik — Thu, 30 May 2019 15:33:21 -0400

No, every one is proud of sevice they volunteer for

Response by SPC Ruben Marin made May 30 at 2019 6:00 PM

SPC Ruben Marin — Thu, 30 May 2019 18:00:00 -0400

I wish they had done that when I was in. The Marines we're easy to memorize bc they were similar to the army's rank structure. All other branches were off on a whole other level with rank. Too many ranks and variations too learn, especially if you don't work with other branches often. It would be ideal to have a unified rank structure. Causes less confusion during joint operations. Less worry about hurting someone's feelings about being called sir or ma'am when they are an nco. I may not be in anymore, but I'm all for it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2019 11:43 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 May 2019 23:43:55 -0400

Commissioned officers already do wear standard insignia for grade across all services.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2019 2:16 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 May 2019 02:16:28 -0400

There are five military services, two other uniformed services (USPHS and NOAA), and the U.S. Maritime Service. The Army, Air Force and Marine Corps use what I will call Army ranks. The other five use what I will call Navy ranks. It would appear that if the ranks were standardized across all the uniformed services and the USMS, Navy ranks would win the day. Personally, I doubt anyone in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps aspires to be a 4-star Admiral. The ranks should probably be left alone. But it would make sense to standardize the metal insignia for WOs and CWOs across all services. The Army’s WO and CWO insignia are the easiest to understand visually.

Response by SSG Pedro Tapia made May 31 at 2019 2:26 AM

SSG Pedro Tapia — Fri, 31 May 2019 02:26:41 -0400

I disagree. Traditions are what keep the military as a unique entity in this ever changing world.

Response by PFC Charles Sanders made May 31 at 2019 6:22 AM

PFC Charles Sanders — Fri, 31 May 2019 06:22:31 -0400

The insignia isn’t the problem. We all know what stripes and rockers mean (even if they’re upside down or different colors), and the officers use the same insignia for the same O-ranks, even if the names vary by branch. Its the various types of sergeant that gets confusing. As long as we can see the insignia we know what rank they are, even if we don’t know what to call them.

Response by SCPO Anthony Wingers made May 31 at 2019 8:32 AM

SCPO Anthony Wingers — Fri, 31 May 2019 08:32:23 -0400

Too much tradition already put aside in all services if you ask me. The Navy has done away with traditions formed over centuries. CPO initiations, Shellback, tacking on Crows and warfare specialties such as submarine dolphins, all gone by the board, and the Navy is the worse off for it. The PC pussification of the Navy began back in the 80's when the social experimenters got hold of the fleet. I cannot speak for the Army or Marines, but I feel that deckplate leadership suffered from gentrification of folks who have a job that is basically kill people and break things until peace breaks out, not meals on wheels. They are less lethal and the ships look like hell, what with running rust etc. We ran on pride and grit at times and much of it came from the traditions and nostalgia, when sleep and other commodities were thin on the ground. Messing with those and constantly changing uniform appearance do not help the mission.

Response by SGT Chris Nichols made May 31 at 2019 2:02 PM

SGT Chris Nichols — Fri, 31 May 2019 14:02:52 -0400

Heck no!
I was Navy and Army!
To many traditions,
Go Navy!
Beat Army!
I’m so proud the Marines are working for the Navy!
Coast Who?
I’m sure someone needs an Air Force seeing how it was a 150 year after thought!
And for the new guys
Space Balls 2020 the new space force!

Response by CPO Rob Carleen made May 31 at 2019 3:57 PM

CPO Rob Carleen — Fri, 31 May 2019 15:57:52 -0400

The entire time I was in the Navy, (25 years), I observed posters depicting the insignia of all branches at every level. They weren’t just for decoration. I figured that if you weren’t smart enough to understand the insignias of the other services, you might not be smart enough to serve in the armed forces. You should also be able to recognize the insignias of foreign nationals you may encounter. If your ship puts into Toulon, for example, knowing French insignia is a must.

Response by Sgt Gary A made May 31 at 2019 6:44 PM

Sgt Gary A — Fri, 31 May 2019 18:44:16 -0400

If they use the Army’s rank structure everyone E-5 or higher would just be a “Sarge”. No thank you. Simper Fi y’all.

Response by PO1 Jack Howell made May 31 at 2019 6:59 PM

PO1 Jack Howell — Fri, 31 May 2019 18:59:52 -0400

No, it wouldn’t. You can’t put tradition and nostalgia aside because it has been a part of the history of branch of service for over 2 centuries.

Response by SPC Arthhur Johnson made May 31 at 2019 7:02 PM

SPC Arthhur Johnson — Fri, 31 May 2019 19:02:53 -0400

No, tradition is important in any organization. There has already been enough change, took black berets from Rangers, allowed to travel in fatigues( in my day) can’t keep up with what they are called now. Put the stripes back on the sleeves not on the chest.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2019 7:32 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 May 2019 19:32:49 -0400

Canada tried that...pissed off everyone. After sobering up, they returned to normalcy. Now, if you want to talk about a way out of the current nonsensical camo-envy, more people might be interested.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2019 7:38 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 May 2019 19:38:33 -0400

Part of being a military professional is being familiar with all the military ranks.

Response by PO1 Daniel Brock made May 31 at 2019 11:22 PM

PO1 Daniel Brock — Fri, 31 May 2019 23:22:07 -0400

The only problem I ever had was, walking around Camp LeJeune, and being called "Doc" by every Marine I met. I was a Gunners Mate there for a foriegn weapons demonstration. Lol.

Response by LCDR Peter Reitan made Jun 1 at 2019 12:28 AM

LCDR Peter Reitan — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:28:43 -0400

I reject the premise. Tradition and nostalgia are the bedrock of building esprit de corps.

Response by PO2 Patrick Dwyer made Jun 1 at 2019 1:18 AM

PO2 Patrick Dwyer — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 01:18:01 -0400

Nope. It is pride and tradition

Response by Sgt Dan Catlin made Jun 1 at 2019 1:29 AM

Sgt Dan Catlin — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 01:29:59 -0400

No. Ranks reflect the organizational needs of the branch that uses them.

Response by PO1 William Ewing made Jun 1 at 2019 5:50 AM

PO1 William Ewing — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 05:50:32 -0400

Yes. Use Navy insignia for all, with each service keeping the same rank names. Officers do that, so should enlisted.

Response by MSgt Jerry Huston made Jun 1 at 2019 7:56 AM

MSgt Jerry Huston — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 07:56:55 -0400

Sure! As long as they include crossed rifles & bursting bombs!

Response by Sgt Joseph Polyi made Jun 1 at 2019 8:48 AM

Sgt Joseph Polyi — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 08:48:52 -0400

Absolutely not. Tradition should never be put aside. At least not in my Corps.

Response by Sgt Joseph Polyi made Jun 1 at 2019 8:50 AM

Sgt Joseph Polyi — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 08:50:06 -0400

Absolutely not. Tradition should never be put aside. At least not in my Corps, rest can do what they want.

Response by PO3 Jake Lucid made Jun 1 at 2019 10:21 AM

PO3 Jake Lucid — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 10:21:26 -0400

Major - with all due respect, hesr my story and take from it what you will. In the coast guard we often take training at other services training structures. We, as i am most sure you as well, had professionalism beaten into your daily life at the academy or in your OTC. A conssumate professional adapts to their environment-
As a young 3rd class petty officer/Quartermaster (navigator to folks on land) i had the charge of our non-rates (E-2 and E3 personnel who have no rate/special job training) at fire training evolution at fort Eustiss. Coast guard and Army in a joint training on ship board fire fighting. As a new 3rd class Petty Officer (E4/corporal equivalent) i wore a Workibg blue uniform. Our light blue shirt with work pants and steel toed boots and a head covering commnly know as a "C" Cap or garrison cover. We look sharp for a work environment. My insignia is a coast guard shield with a bright gold chevron. On day 1 afternoon we were functioning well. I left to get lunch and while coming back some old gentlemen got a bit stuffy and forced a salute at me....caught off guard i hastily snapped it in return...then walked over. I found it to be some army E6/7's who mistook me for some kind of Ensign or cadet officer. I explained what i was and that they infinitely outranked me and we hit it off. So start of second day, the sergeant I spent the evening carousing the local bar scene with, put together a rapid training for our men and found an old poster of army ranks that we placed in the hall outside the classroom where my guys could see and i put up printed off pictures of the CG structures we each quicjly went over it and life moved on.
Professional. Egos aside. Doing what we were tasked to do and did this on our own to ease the issue of who is who and what.
20 minutes at start of class abd a provided poster for learning on the go.
This is truly all that is needed. If one cant teach and learn - sir, then why would they be a leader. Not everything needs to be the same to make a working environment. Just folks put their egos aside with the rank and correct errors in a professional manner and educate the personnel you are working with - and their will be no issues.

Response by SFC John Diane Loyal made Jun 1 at 2019 4:08 PM

SFC John Diane Loyal — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 16:08:00 -0400

You know when I was in Viet Nam we had a job for people that like to stir shot. They did it every day in the morning .You could tell they were on the job by the towers of black smoke.

Response by PO3 Jim Musselman made Jun 1 at 2019 4:39 PM

PO3 Jim Musselman — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 16:39:03 -0400

As a former HM3(FMF) I had to learn the Marine ranks. I then went to school at Ft. Sam Houston and learned the Army. It’s really not that tough. Just learn who you have to salute. But if you think about it all branches wear the same collar insignia. The Navy and Coast Guard use different names and use shoulder boards too.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2019 9:02 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 21:02:34 -0400

I strongly disagree. One of the most important things in all 5 branches is their individual traditions that give them an identity. With the Joint Base program taking some of that away, and regulations limiting long standing traditions or doing away with them completely (Chief’s Initiation, Shellback ceremonies), it’s more important than ever to maintain whatever’s left after the brass write off what they wish.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jun 1 at 2019 10:28 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 22:28:33 -0400

I confess to be totally confused when it comes to rank in the Navy. Would you expect anything else from a soldier?

Response by AN William Scott made Jun 1 at 2019 10:43 PM

AN William Scott — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 22:43:47 -0400

JG??? You've been promoted to John Garfield???

Response by SN Roy Simmons made Jun 1 at 2019 11:41 PM

SN Roy Simmons — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 23:41:28 -0400

No I was raised in the Army Joined the Navy and I didn't have any trouble with the different ranks. We also had Marines abroad my ship no problems with different ranks there

Response by SSG Spencer Cochenour made Jun 2 at 2019 12:33 AM

SSG Spencer Cochenour — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 00:33:49 -0400

Is the current system broke ? No then it doesn't need fixed

Response by 1SG Frank Walker made Jun 2 at 2019 6:11 AM

1SG Frank Walker — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 06:11:00 -0400

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2019 9:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 09:13:40 -0400

No leave it alone. As a NCO in the army I taught my enlisted what the different insignia were and how to address them before we deployed.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2019 1:40 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 13:40:32 -0400

I worked on a joint base. We made a point to lean reach other's ranks as a matter of respect. We even were able to train the Army and AF to understand how Navy ratings worked. I spent most my career with the Marines, the junior guys just called me Doc, but the senior guys understood Navy rank structure.

Response by PO2 Thomas Tutton made Jun 2 at 2019 3:52 PM

PO2 Thomas Tutton — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 15:52:53 -0400

Why would this even be an issue.

Response by Sgt Peter Schlesiona made Jun 2 at 2019 4:51 PM

Sgt Peter Schlesiona — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 16:51:10 -0400

Unless you're also advancing the idea of one single service with ground, naval and air services all under a single overall command - what's your point? Three stripes and 2 rockers is, to me as a Marine, a Gunnery Sergeant. Do you think I don't know that it's a Sergeant First Class in the Army? And so what? I truly have no idea what you mean by "confusing".

Response by LTC Gene Moser made Jun 2 at 2019 6:01 PM

LTC Gene Moser — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 18:01:02 -0400

Commissioned and warrant officer ranks are fairy easy. The only real problem I've ever had is for the ranks of seamen and petty officers. It's the specialty thing that mostly gets me.

Response by PFC Eric Rommesmo made Jun 2 at 2019 6:35 PM

PFC Eric Rommesmo — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 18:35:43 -0400

When my unit from Fort Lewis did live fire training at Camp Pendleton, and amphibious assault training at Coronado Naval Station: we spent the better part of a week learning Marine and Naval rank & insignias.
It wasn’t a problem!
But us GRUNTS learn fast!

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jun 2 at 2019 11:19 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 23:19:16 -0400

My answer is NO, if someone can't take the time to learn the rank insignia of each branch, shame on them. Its not that difficult ! Taking pride in Your own individual service and their important role in the overall overall structure of the Military I see as a good thing. Far too many traditions have been discarded as it is and I also take issue with that. The value that the insignia and other long standing traditions take as tools in building "Espit de Corps" has already been attacked enough so some General Officer can inflate His own ego and point out I made that change. There is also cost involved that just can't be justified for a change that has no positive impact or ones I've seen that even the Officers, NCOs and other enlisted people were NOT in favor of. Sometimes those changes were permanent not because they were good but because changing it back would only spend more money.

Changes in technology is another subject but don't confuse that with tradition. We do need to keep up with and improve in that area and keep ahead of the foes to our nation. Operational readiness is the place to spend the money not on new wasteful do dads to decorate uniforms. I do credit another service, the Marines with knowing the value of traditions and upholding those things and not changing what isn't broken or wasting money in that manner. One Air Force Chief of Staff I recall did exactly the things I was not in favor of to inflate His own ego before He retired. . He made a point of pointing out what He changed and leaving His long time mark on the USAF. abut His replacement corrected what He could without wasting any more money to fix some things. It seems also the Army and Navy have also done the same things as our AF Chief of staff and some things still had to be changed back as expenses allowed.

I'm very proud of My service in the Air Force but some traditions that needed to be built on were discarded and as the newest of the services that's not what was needed. To take pride in You own services traditions and things that make them stand out I see as nothing but positive. Change for the sake of change or for individuals to inflate their own egos for things those under their change don't even want or need is foolish. I'm not against things such as standard issues for combat uniforms as had been done with the woodland camo pattern for example. Many new types were done with service and they no longer looked the same in the battlefield and many of those patterns didn't even blend well with the surroundings. Once again, I do find the Marines at least knew what colors blended with nature and didn't make excessive changes and waste excessive amounts of money on unneeded and unwanted changes.

Pardon Me for sounding off and here is My salute to each and everyone one of You for Your service and take pride in that service and its traditions. We are all bothers and sisters in the larger team and take justifiable pride in that also but don't ever discard Your own services History and traditions.

Response by SGT Doug Turner made Jun 3 at 2019 7:55 AM

SGT Doug Turner — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 07:55:29 -0400

I agree, I think we should just get rid of rank all together. All SMs should have equal duties and receive equal pay and training.Its time to do away with this rank structure where experience outweighs intelligence.

Response by SFC Raymond Burge made Jun 3 at 2019 6:53 PM

SFC Raymond Burge — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 18:53:25 -0400

No, there is no putting tradition aside.

Response by CPT Jason Richey made Jun 3 at 2019 10:11 PM

CPT Jason Richey — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 22:11:42 -0400

How do you not know this? I was raised an AF brat and knew all the military ranks before junior high

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2019 9:13 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 09:13:49 -0400

Take away tradition and nostalgia and what do you have left? There are many like me who would not move past that. Maybe I am getting old and nostalgic, but what’s the point beyond someone taking a little more time to learn about the other services? Why do people keep wanting to be “purple?”

Response by SSG Paul Mulvany made Jun 4 at 2019 11:33 PM

SSG Paul Mulvany — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 23:33:59 -0400

If you adopted one rank and insignia for all services the Navy would insist it be theirs. What is a commodore anyway?

Response by PO2 Christopher Foss made Jun 5 at 2019 12:04 AM

PO2 Christopher Foss — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:04:42 -0400

I would point out that, since the Navy is the senior service, it would be logical to make everyone else conform to them.

Response by MAJ Tom McCuin made Jun 5 at 2019 6:45 AM

MAJ Tom McCuin — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 06:45:17 -0400

Buy the poster and learn the ranks. It’s not hard.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2019 10:30 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 22:30:12 -0400

Sure. Let's move to what the majority of uniformed services use: the Naval ranks.

This is what is used by Navy, Coast Guard, NPH, and NOAA.

Or was it assumed that everyone should move to adopt the Army?

Real thought though: why?

If we ditch heritage for convenience, what separates us from the civilian force? Even in the civilian force, different companies don't necessarily use the same title for the same job.

What is the real reward for this?

Response by LTC Philip Marlowe made Jun 8 at 2019 7:22 PM

LTC Philip Marlowe — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 19:22:40 -0400

Putting the emotional issues aside MAJ RP, yep.

Response by SPC Joe Weiss made Jun 12 at 2019 9:48 PM

SPC Joe Weiss — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 21:48:54 -0400

We are not taught in Basic Training Naval Ranks, there are no similarities

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Jun 16 at 2019 8:51 AM

GySgt William Hardy — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 08:51:45 -0400

No, leave it alone. Tradition outweighs any difficulty the other branches may have in remembering ranks. If you want to fix something, try the CWO ranks, what each rank should be called, and a standard bar for all of them. I like the gold and silver bar with squares/bar that the USMC uses. Then each branch can use their branch color as they do now.

What do they call WOs? I do not like the idea of the Army using the term Chief. That was already used by the Navy and is a part of their tradition for senior NCOs. Trying using Mister for technical Warrants and Gunner for line Warrants. The use of Mister in the Naval services has faded over time. Junior Officers, for those that did not know, were often called Mister. Let's use the proper rank name for officers and reserve Mister for technical Warrants and borrow Gunner from the Marine Corps for line-qualified Warrants.

Response by SSgt Robert Van Buhler III made Jun 17 at 2019 11:44 AM

SSgt Robert Van Buhler III — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 11:44:59 -0400

A gold oak leaf is a gold oak leaf whether worn by a Major or a Lt Commander. Part of being in the military is achieving the knowledge and sophistication to offer the correct title to an officer. With regard to enlisted ranks, except for the Army, I see little confusion. As to the Air Force they seemed to have whiplash, pretending E-4s are NCOs for a while, realizing they were not when performance and behavior and age proved otherwise (old school history).

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jun 17 at 2019 12:38 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 12:38:38 -0400

Is it that difficult to learn the different rank insignias that we have to change everything?

Response by Sgt Anthony Leverington made Jun 20 at 2019 11:38 AM

Sgt Anthony Leverington — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 11:38:24 -0400

I don't understand the problem. Army and Marine rank insignia are similar enough that it's pretty easy to tell which one is which. Air Force enlisted insignia looks a bit different but, officer ranks are the same as the others. Navy rank insignia however, gave me pause. Enlisted insignia was totally confusing at first but, I did catch on eventually. Officer rank insignia has the same appearance but, goes by different names. What we see as Lt's are Ensign's, Cpt is LT, Major is Commander, Col is Cpt and Gen is Admiral.
While on active duty, several of our TDY assignments were on Naval bases and/or Navy ships so, it wasn't long before I learned which was which and how to properly address them.

Response by COL Gil Richardson made Jun 22 at 2019 1:29 PM

COL Gil Richardson — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 13:29:26 -0400

Response by CWO4 William Johnson made Jun 22 at 2019 8:09 PM

CWO4 William Johnson — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 20:09:51 -0400

Sure, make everyone Seamen, or Petty Officers.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jun 24 at 2019 12:36 AM

SSG Brian G. — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 00:36:07 -0400

Basic training each member is given thick little book that lists the ranks and insignias of all the branches. There are not that many and are not that hard to remember. And honestly it is not that often that the four branches mix on a physical eye to eye level.

Making them all the same would be a cluster and confusing because you would have to go through and correct crap between the services. IE A Sergeant in the Army (E-5) would be a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. A Sergeant (E-4) in the Air force is a Specialist in the Army and a Corporal in the Marines... and the list goes on.

It's what works for the branch. Why try to fix a wheel that isn't broken. If there are a few squeaks, you grease them ie train them better.

Response by TSgt Gary McPherson made Jul 8 at 2019 12:47 PM

TSgt Gary McPherson — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 12:47:04 -0400

NO.Why fix something that is not broke?1st place why would someone have to know all the services ranks?.They are each a separate service with different history and missions..If you want to learn all services ranks it is not hard to do.I'm a former marine and retired USAF and it did not take me long to learn them.Never really had to use that knowledge.

Response by CW4 William Kessinger made Jul 9 at 2019 1:30 PM

CW4 William Kessinger — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 13:30:47 -0400

No!

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 9 at 2019 3:32 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 15:32:57 -0400

Oh, please...that whole same tired refrain of single service unification has been discussed endlessly, up, down, left, right, backwards, forwards, inside out, upside down, and sideways, till I just get nauseated hearing about it...it hasn't happened, it ain't gonna happen, nobody's ever gonna let it happen, the Moon'll be made of green cheese before it ever happens, honest...I realize that might sound cynical, I get that, it's just that endless dialogue about that is precisely like spitting into a hurricane...total la-la land pipedream, to my way of thinking, honest, no matter all the good intentions in the world, it is the way it is, and after 200+ yrs, ain't nobody gonna be able to change it, if it were ever gonna happen, it'd have happened a long, long time ago, honest...that's just how I think about it, for real....

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Jul 30 at 2019 10:39 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 22:39:44 -0400

Yes, I agree!

Response by SSG Ron Bogard made Aug 18 at 2019 5:16 PM

SSG Ron Bogard — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 17:16:57 -0400

Some one needs to remind the man that the Marines are still a branch of the Navy

Response by LtCol Paul Bowen made Aug 22 at 2019 3:24 PM

LtCol Paul Bowen — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 15:24:01 -0400

Grow a pair and learn something about diversity born of competent Service Traditions.

Response by PO1 Mike Wallace made Oct 1 at 2019 1:11 PM

PO1 Mike Wallace — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 13:11:00 -0400

Rank striping goes back a long time and is filled with tradition. If a person can't recognize the enlisted grade or learn it then maybe they shouldn't be in the military. With all the 'combined' bases it would appear learning the rank structures is surely needed. My granddaughter is in the Navy but is stationed at Tinker AFB with a Navy squadron. She knows AF ranks.

Response by SGT Albert Thompson made Mar 16 at 2020 1:10 AM

SGT Albert Thompson — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 01:10:25 -0400

No. When I was a soldier doing joint ops, one of the requirements was to know the rank structures of all branches. If you couldn’t handle something as simple as that, how could you be expected to handle real responsibility?!

Response by PO3 Tony Butler made Mar 16 at 2020 3:02 PM

PO3 Tony Butler — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 15:02:52 -0400

Absolutely NOT

Response by Cpl Charles Trump made Mar 19 at 2020 11:59 AM

Cpl Charles Trump — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 11:59:40 -0400

No, we already did that. Ww1,2 and Korea. In 68 crossed rifles for the MC. Needs to be left as is.

Response by PO3 William Carrien made May 23 at 2020 10:31 AM

PO3 William Carrien — Sat, 23 May 2020 10:31:38 -0400

Maybe they just use the California rating system and just call everybody "Dude".

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Jun 13 at 2020 11:45 PM

Cpl Bernard Bates — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 23:45:51 -0400

NO. A Marine doesn't want to look like a Swabbi, a Doggie or an Airdale. They will forever wear the Eagle Globe and Fouled Anchor. I don't know anything about the 21st century Military , seems to me like your loosing sight of your Heritage. I was also in the army and the difference was night and day. The army doesn't have the discipline the Marine Corp Has. Marines are trained Mentally and physically .In combat I would rather be in the Marine Corp. Marines are like being in a family. We may not like each other but when the S--- hits the fan we have each others back. Semper Fi.

Response by MSgt Ronnie Kelly made Jun 21 at 2020 10:38 AM

MSgt Ronnie Kelly — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 10:38:58 -0400

I can just imagine the decades long battle of what it would be. I can see it turning into every one just wearing a number 0 thru 10

Response by CPT William Jones made Jun 22 at 2020 8:24 AM

CPT William Jones — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 08:24:32 -0400

I would have liked that when I was in. The navy is the hardest one to determine almost hard to figure EM and officers apart

Response by CPT Wayne Price made Jul 13 at 2020 11:40 AM

CPT Wayne Price — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 11:40:59 -0400

I found Air Force and Navy insignia at the enlisted level at best confusing.

Response by PO1 Frank Reiffenstein made Sep 18 at 2020 8:46 AM

PO1 Frank Reiffenstein — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 08:46:07 -0400

I say leave the system alone. Teach the rank system to juniors so there is no confusion.

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Sep 21 at 2020 12:16 AM

CW5 Mark Smith — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 00:16:16 -0400

In a word.....no. But I have to share a story. I was a CW4 assigned to a Joint Intel command. Working in the SCIF were Army, Navy, AF, and Marine Corps. Most of the enlisted were senior in rank so we had many Navy Chiefs, AF Chief Master Sergeants, and Army WO's. More than once someone would stick their head in the door and yell out, "Hey, Chief"!. Three fourths of the people in the room would answer, "What?!!". Amusing and confusing!