Which is the correct abbreviation for Captain?

2016-03-08T15:39:35-05:00

Ever since I've been on RP, I've noticed different abbreviations for Captain. Are both abbreviations proper, or is there just one abbreviation?

Response by Capt Bryan Dankanich made Mar 8 at 2016 3:41 PM

2016-03-08T15:41:55-05:00

Capt for USMC, CPT for Army, CAPT for USN (O6 rank), and Capt for USAF

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 8 at 2016 3:48 PM

2016-03-08T15:48:59-05:00

Depends on the service. Each on has an official policy (either a Reg or the Abr/Accronym Handbook). The Army uses 3 digit alphanumeric for all ranks. The USMC tends to use traditional "abbreviations" like 1stSgt or LCpl based on the actual word being shortened.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Mar 8 at 2016 3:49 PM

2016-03-08T15:49:55-05:00

AR 600-20

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 8 at 2016 4:01 PM

2016-03-08T16:01:47-05:00

I think it is service specific. I've noticed my Army brothers and sisters abbreviate the rank at O-1 as 2LT, the Marines it is 2ndLt.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Mar 8 at 2016 4:33 PM

2016-03-08T16:33:02-05:00

Cpt. is Army and maybe Air Force.

Capt. is USMC/USN.

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Mar 8 at 2016 5:38 PM

2016-03-08T17:38:07-05:00

It depends are you looking for 03 Army CPT USMC Capt, USAF Capt, Navy LT, Cost Guard LT now 06 Navy and Cost Guard Capt

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 8 at 2016 5:46 PM

2016-03-08T17:46:26-05:00

It seems that Capt Bryan Dankanich answered this question more than adequately. So, I'll just comment on something all us captains experienced. We were once lieutenants. Now, let me ask, could you spell "lieutenant" when you were first commissioned as one?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2016 5:49 PM

2016-03-08T17:49:33-05:00

Geesh, Keith. I was an active duty captain in the Air Force and am a retired Army captain, and I did not know the answer. Thanks everyone. Now I still don't know how to abbreviate it.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 8 at 2016 6:14 PM

2016-03-08T18:14:35-05:00

It depends on branch of service -- in the Army it would be CPT.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 8 at 2016 6:21 PM

2016-03-08T18:21:15-05:00

Each service has their own set of officer rank abbreviations. To answer your question:
Army. CPT
Navy, CAPT (O6)
Air Force, Capt
Marines, Capt

If you like this then O5 is more fun:
Army, LTC
Navy, CDR (Commander)
Air Force, Lt Col
Marines, LtCol

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Mar 8 at 2016 7:41 PM

2016-03-08T19:41:24-05:00

Used to love calling my wife at her command: I would always appropriately identify myself as Captain Strobl. Some spring-butt CDR or LCDR would intercept the call, with "May I help you, sir?"

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Mar 8 at 2016 8:41 PM

2016-03-08T20:41:25-05:00

1LT second award?

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Mar 8 at 2016 10:37 PM

2016-03-08T22:37:44-05:00

I'd say CPT?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2016 9:49 AM

2016-03-09T09:49:30-05:00

The only abbreviation I ever use for a Captain is Sir.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Mar 10 at 2016 1:04 PM

2016-03-10T13:04:53-05:00

AP is Capt.
AR25-50 is CPT

Response by SPC Donald Lombardi made May 20 at 2020 1:39 PM

2020-05-20T13:39:52-04:00

CPT. I was Army, but check the Captain right below me; he is on the money!