Where Does a Major Rank in the Army?
The US Army has had the rank of major since its formation. It's the fourth officer rank, directly above captain and directly below lieutenant-colonel.
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Identification
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The major's rank insignia is a gold oak leaf. The rank is sometimes abbreviated as "MAJ"--for example, "We were assisted by MAJ Jane Smith."
Classification
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In the US Army, a major is ranked at "officer pay-grade 4" or "O-4." Major is the most junior of the set of ranks called "field-grade officers," which also includes lieutenant-colonels and colonels.
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Duties
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Outside of the Special Forces, US Army majors do not command units. Instead, their roles include executive officer (second in command) of a battalion and staff positions in areas like intelligence, planning and logistics.
Equivalents in Other Services
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The Army rank of major corresponds directly to the same rank in the Air Force and the Marines. In the Navy and Coast Guard, the equivalent rank is lieutenant-commander.
Outside the US
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The rank of major exists in many non-US military services. In Latin America and some European countries, officers at the same level have the rank of Commandant. The equivalent in much of the Middle East is Ra'Ed.
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