Rank Appointment Insignia
Ranks within the Canadian Armed Forces signify the persons position within its hierarchical structure. Like a major corporation, as an individual is given more responsibility and authority they are promoted within the organization. The formal rank structure within the CAF is essential for the passing of orders in operations, the maintenance of good order and discipline and ensures the clarity of command.
| Ranks | Royal Canadian Navy | Canadian Army / Royal Canadian Air Force |
|---|---|---|
| General Officers | Admiral (Adm) | General (Gen) |
| Vice-Admiral (VAdm) | Lieutenant-General (LGen) | |
| Rear-Admiral (RAdm) | Major-General (MGen) | |
| Commodore (Cmdre) | Brigadier-General (BGen) | |
| Senior Officers | Captain (Capt (N)) | Colonel (Col) |
| Commander (Cdr) | Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) | |
| Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) | Major (Maj) | |
| Junior Officers | Lieutenant (Lt (N)) | Captain |
| Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) | Lieutenant (Lt) | |
| Acting Sub-Lieutenant (A/SLt) | Second Lieutenant (2Lt) | |
| Subordinate Officer | Naval Cadet (NCdt) | Officer Cadet (OCdt) |
| Senior Non-Commissioned members | Chief Petty Officer 1st class (CPO 1) |
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) |
| Chief Petty Officer 2nd class (CPO 2) |
Master Warrant Officer (MWO) | |
| Petty Officer 1st class (PO 1) |
Warrant Officer (WO) | |
| Petty Officer 2nd class (PO 2) |
Sergeant (Sgt) | |
| Junior Non-Commissioned members | Master Seaman (MS) | Master Corporal (MCpl) |
| Leading Seaman (LS) | Corporal (Cpl) | |
| Able Seaman (AB) | Private (Pte) | |
| Ordinary Seaman (OS) | Private Recruit (Pte (Recruit)) |
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