Each military service carries its own set of ranks. These ranks included the enlisted, warrant officer and commission officer ranks. These ranks run as follows: Enlisted, E1 through E9; warrant officer ranks, WO1 through WO5; officer ranks, O1 through O10. Although, the Air Force no longer holds any warrant officer ranks, it does hold certain enlisted ranks as specialist's ranks. The other services also hold certain ranks as specialists. These ranks generally include E4s, E7s and E9s.
Enlisted Ranks
A recruit or E1 enlisted carries no insignia with the exception of the Coast Guard. They have a one vertical strip that signifies E1. Ranks of E1 -- E3, generally known as the low ranks, include privates for Army and Marine Corp; seaman for Naval and Coast Guard; and airmen for Air Force. The sergeant or petty officer ranks include E5 through E9.
Specialist's Ranks
E4s generally make up the specialist rank. At that level, the individual becomes a specialist within their position. The E4 includes specialist or corporal in the Army and Marine Corp; petty officer 3rd class in the Navy and Coast Guard; staff sergeant in the Air Force. The Air Force, however, the specialist becomes a staff sergeant at E5. Once an individual reaches E7, they take on the role of manager. These include chief petty officers for the Navy and Coast Guard, gunnery sergeants for the Marines, sergeant first class for the Army, and master sergeant for the Air Force.
Warrant Officer Ranks
Warrant officers in the Army, Navy and Marines include those top enlisted who pursue a commission. Once the individual reaches E6 or E7, the individual may apply for a warrant rating. The Army and Marine Corps warrant ranks run from WO1 through WO5. Once promoted, the individual's title becomes chief warrant officer. The Navy and Coast Guard warrant ranks, know as chief warrant officers run from CWO2 through CWO4
Officer Ranks
The officer ranks in the Army, Marine Corps and Air Force start with the lieutenant ranks of O1 and O2. An O3 and O4 hold the titles of captain and major. As the individual move up to O5 and O6, they become colonels. At the ranks of O6 through O10, the individual becomes a general. In the Navy and Coast Guard, an officer starts as an ensign (O1). After promotion, the title becomes lieutenant (O2 and O3). The individual reaches commander at O4 and O5. At the rank of O6, the naval officer becomes a captain. At the rank of O7 through O10, they become an admiral.
