Resources

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the United States Army and Navy during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with abbreviations in the traditional period style. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal WWI-era form has been retained.

"Click here to download American Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

United States Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The United States entered the First World War with a rank system that reflected established Anglo-American traditions, reinforced by legislation from the late 19th century. The Army recognized General of the Armies as a dignity above the four-star General, followed by Lieutenant General, Major General, and Brigadier General. Field and company officers followed the standard hierarchy from Colonel through Second Lieutenant. The enlisted scale extended from Sergeant Major and First Sergeant down through Corporal, Private First Class, and Private. The U.S. Navy paralleled this system, recognizing Admiral of the Navy as the highest naval dignity, followed by Admiral, Vice Admiral, and Rear Admiral. Commissioned officers extended from Captain to Ensign, with warrant officers and petty officers providing vital technical leadership. Enlisted sailors progressed from Seaman Recruit to Seaman, structured by three grades of petty officer. This system emphasized clarity and reflected the United States’ rapid transition from a modest peacetime force to a mass wartime establishment.

Army Ranks

Army Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
General of the Armies	Gen. of Armies	General of the Armies
General	Gen.	General
Lieutenant General	Lt. Gen.	Lieutenant General
Major General	Maj. Gen.	Major General
Brigadier General	Brig. Gen.	Brigadier General
Colonel	Col.	Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel	Lt. Col.	Lieutenant Colonel
Major	Maj.	Major
Captain	Capt.	Captain
First Lieutenant	1st Lt.	First Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant	2nd Lt.	Second Lieutenant

Army Enlisted

Army Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Sergeant Major	Sgt. Maj.	Sergeant Major
First Sergeant	1st Sgt.	First Sergeant
Master Sergeant	M. Sgt.	Master Sergeant
Sergeant First Class	SFC	Sergeant First Class
Staff Sergeant	SSgt.	Staff Sergeant
Sergeant	Sgt.	Sergeant
Corporal	Cpl.	Corporal
Private First Class	PFC	Private First Class
Private	Pvt.	Private

Navy Ranks

Naval Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Admiral of the Navy	Adm. of Navy	Admiral of the Navy
Admiral	Adm.	Admiral
Vice Admiral	V. Adm.	Vice Admiral
Rear Admiral	R. Adm.	Rear Admiral
Captain	Capt.	Captain
Commander	Cmdr.	Commander
Lieutenant Commander	Lt. Cmdr.	Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant	Lt.	Lieutenant
Lieutenant Junior Grade	Lt. j.g.	Lieutenant Junior Grade
Ensign	Ens.	Ensign

Navy Enlisted

Naval Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Master Chief Petty Officer	MCPO	Master Chief Petty Officer
Senior Chief Petty Officer	SCPO	Senior Chief Petty Officer
Chief Petty Officer	CPO	Chief Petty Officer
Petty Officer First Class	PO1	Petty Officer First Class
Petty Officer Second Class	PO2	Petty Officer Second Class
Petty Officer Third Class	PO3	Petty Officer Third Class
Seaman	SN	Seaman
Seaman Apprentice	SA	Seaman Apprentice
Seaman Recruit	SR	Seaman Recruit

Note: Abbreviations follow traditional U.S. usage, capitalized with periods (e.g., Gen., Maj., Capt.).

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the Austro-Hungarian Army and Navy during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with abbreviations and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download Austro-Hungarian Ranks WWI 1914–1918 (DOCX)"

Austro-Hungarian Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The Austro-Hungarian Monarchy maintained a complex military hierarchy that reflected both its dynastic traditions and its multinational character. The general officer corps included Feldmarschall and Generaloberst, supported by branch-specific titles such as General der Infanterie, General der Kavallerie, and Feldzeugmeister. The intermediate grade of Feldmarschalleutnant was unique to the Habsburg system, falling between major general and full general. Field and company officers followed continental usage, with Hauptmann and the cavalry’s Rittmeister at company level, while Fähnrich and Kadett represented the path of junior entrants. The enlisted and NCO ladder included Stabsfeldwebel, Zugsführer, and Korporal, echoing German but with distinctive Austrian usage. The Navy paralleled contemporary German and British practice, recognizing Grossadmiral at the apex, while scaling down to Matrose IV. Klasse at the recruit level. This structure embodied the Empire’s balancing of historical tradition with modern coalition warfare needs.

Army Ranks

Army Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Feldmarschall	FM	Field Marshal or General of the Army
Generaloberst	GO	Colonel General
General der Infanterie	GdI	General of Infantry
General der Kavallerie	GdK	General of Cavalry
Feldzeugmeister	FZM	General of Artillery
Feldmarschalleutnant	FML	Lieutenant Field Marshal
Generalmajor	GM	Major General
Oberst	Obst	Colonel
Oberstleutnant	Obstlt	Lieutenant Colonel
Major	Mjr	Major
Hauptmann	Hptm	Captain
Rittmeister (Cavalry)	Rittm	Cavalry Captain
Oberleutnant	Oblt	First Lieutenant
Leutnant	Lt	Lieutenant
Fähnrich	Fhn	Ensign
Offizierstellvertreter	Offstv	Acting Officer
Kadett	Kdt	Cadet

Army Enlisted

Army Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Stabsfeldwebel	Stbsfw	Staff Sergeant
Feldwebel	Fw	Master Sergeant
Unteroffizier	Uffz	Non-Commissioned Officer, Sergeant
Zugsführer	Zgsf	Master Corporal
Korporal	Kpl	Corporal
Gefreiter	Gfr	Private First Class
Soldat	—	Private

Navy Ranks

Naval Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Grossadmiral	GrAdm	Admiral of the Fleet
Admiral	Adm	Admiral
Vizeadmiral	VAdm	Vice Admiral
Kontreadmiral	KAdm	Rear Admiral
Linienschiffskapitän	Lkpt	Captain
Fregattenkapitän	Fkpt	Commander
Korvettenkapitän	Kkpt	Lieutenant Commander
Linienschiffsleutnant	Lschlt	Lieutenant
Fregattenleutnant	Flglt	Lieutenant Junior Grade
Korvettenleutnant	Kklt	Sub-Lieutenant
Fregattenfähnrich	Ffhr	Ensign
Korvettenfähnrich	Kfhr	Midshipman
Seefähnrich	Sfr	Naval Academy Midshipman
Kadett (Navy)	Kdt	Naval Academy Candidate

Navy Enlisted

Naval Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Oberstabsbootsmann	OStBtsm	Master Chief Petty Officer
Stabsbootsmann	StBtsm	Senior Chief Petty Officer
Bootsmann	Btsm	Chief Petty Officer
Oberbootsmannmaat	OBtsmaat	Petty Officer First Class
Bootsmaat	Btsmaat	Petty Officer Second Class
Quartiermeister	Qm	Leading Seaman
Matrose I. Klasse	Mat I	Seaman First Class
Matrose II. Klasse	Mat II	Seaman Second Class
Matrose III. Klasse	Mat III	Seaman Apprentice
Matrose IV. Klasse	Mat IV	Recruit

Note: Equivalences are approximate. Titles such as Feldmarschalleutnant ('Lieutenant Field Marshal') and Feldzeugmeister ('General of Artillery') are shown in their literal historical form, which differs from later NATO or U.S. rank structures.

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the Belgian Army during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with abbreviations and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download Belgian Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

Belgian Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The Belgian Army employed a French-influenced rank system but preserved certain national distinctions. General officers were limited to Lieutenant General and General-Major, forming a compact two-tier general staff. Field and company officer ranks followed continental convention, though the unique grade of Capitaine-Commandant functioned as a senior company commander without a precise Anglo-American counterpart. Junior officers progressed through Capitaine, 1er Lieutenant, and Sous-Lieutenant. The enlisted structure featured Adjudant as a senior warrant/NCO, with Sergent-Major, Sergent, Caporal, and Soldat forming the backbone of the system. Cavalry and artillery branches retained the parallel titles of Maréchal des Logis and Brigadier. This compact hierarchy reflected Belgium’s small peacetime establishment, which expanded rapidly under mobilization in 1914.

Officer Ranks

Officer Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Lieutenant General	Lt. Gen.	Lieutenant General
General-Major	Gen. Maj.	Major General
Colonel	Col.	Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel	Lt. Col.	Lieutenant Colonel
Major	Maj.	Major
Capitaine-Commandant	Capt.-Cmdt.	Captain-Commandant (Company Commander)
Capitaine	Capt.	Captain
1er Lieutenant	1er Lt.	First Lieutenant
Sous-Lieutenant	S/Lt.	Second Lieutenant

Enlisted Ranks

Enlisted Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Adjudant	Adjt.	Warrant Officer / Senior NCO
1er Sergent-Major	1er Sgt. Maj.	First Sergeant Major
1er Sergent	1er Sgt.	First Sergeant
Sergent / Maréchal des Logis	Sgt. / MdL	Sergeant / Cavalry-Artillery Sergeant
Caporal / Brigadier	Cpl. / Brig.	Corporal / Cavalry-Artillery Corporal
Soldat de 1ère classe	Pvt. 1cl.	Private First Class
Soldat	Pvt.	Private

Note: The Belgian rank of Capitaine-Commandant was unique and had no direct Anglo-American equivalent; it functioned as a senior company commander rank. Adjudant was a senior NCO / warrant-officer grade. Maréchal des Logis and Brigadier were the cavalry/artillery equivalents of Sergeant and Corporal.

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Flying Corps / Royal Naval Air Service (and later the RAF from April 1918) during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with abbreviations in period usage and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download British Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

British Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The British Army followed a rank system broadly aligned with its continental allies, while retaining distinctive titles and traditions. General officers ranged from Field Marshal through Brigadier General, the latter serving as the one-star grade until its replacement by Brigadier in 1921. Field and company officers progressed from Colonel down to Second Lieutenant. The enlisted system included two warrant officer classes, along with Sergeant Major, Sergeant, Corporal, and Private, reflecting the Army’s reliance on strong NCO leadership. The Royal Navy maintained its historic hierarchy from Admiral of the Fleet through Midshipman, supported by Chief Petty Officers and multiple seaman grades. In aviation, the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service created specialized ranks such as Squadron Commander, Flight Commander, and Flight Sub-Lieutenant, until the merger into the Royal Air Force in April 1918 introduced standardized airman grades from Aircraftman upward. This structure demonstrates how Britain adapted its long-standing military traditions to the demands of modern combined-arms warfare.

Army Ranks

Army Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Field Marshal	FM	Field Marshal
General	Gen.	General
Lieutenant General	Lt. Gen.	Lieutenant General
Major General	Maj. Gen.	Major General
Brigadier General	Brig. Gen.	Brigadier General
Colonel	Col.	Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel	Lt. Col.	Lieutenant Colonel
Major	Maj.	Major
Captain	Capt.	Captain
Lieutenant	Lt.	Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant	2nd Lt.	Second Lieutenant

Army Enlisted

Army Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Warrant Officer Class I	WO1	Warrant Officer 1st Class
Warrant Officer Class II	WO2	Warrant Officer 2nd Class
Sergeant Major	Sgt. Maj.	Sergeant Major
Sergeant	Sgt.	Sergeant
Corporal	Cpl.	Corporal
Lance Corporal	L. Cpl.	Lance Corporal
Private	Pte.	Private

Navy Ranks

Naval Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Admiral of the Fleet	Adm. of Fleet	Admiral of the Fleet
Admiral	Adm.	Admiral
Vice Admiral	V. Adm.	Vice Admiral
Rear Admiral	R. Adm.	Rear Admiral
Commodore	Cdre.	Commodore
Captain	Capt.	Captain
Commander	Cmdr.	Commander
Lieutenant Commander	Lt. Cmdr.	Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant	Lt.	Lieutenant
Sub-Lieutenant	Sub-Lt.	Sub-Lieutenant
Midshipman	Mid.	Midshipman

Navy Enlisted

Naval Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Chief Petty Officer	CPO	Chief Petty Officer
Petty Officer 1st Class	PO1	Petty Officer 1st Class
Petty Officer 2nd Class	PO2	Petty Officer 2nd Class
Leading Seaman	LS	Leading Seaman
Able Seaman	AB	Able Seaman
Ordinary Seaman	OS	Ordinary Seaman
Boy	Boy	Boy (naval rating under 18)

Royal Flying Corps / Royal Naval Air Service Ranks

Air Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Wing Captain (RNAS)	Wg. Capt.	Wing Captain
Wing Commander (RFC/RNAS)	Wg. Cmdr.	Wing Commander
Squadron Commander	Sqn. Cmdr.	Squadron Commander
Flight Commander	Flt. Cmdr.	Flight Commander
Flight Lieutenant	Flt. Lt.	Flight Lieutenant
Flight Sub-Lieutenant (RNAS)	Flt. Sub-Lt.	Flight Sub-Lieutenant
Flying Officer	F/O	Flying Officer

RFC / RAF Enlisted

Air Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Flight Sergeant	Flt. Sgt.	Flight Sergeant
Sergeant	Sgt.	Sergeant
Corporal	Cpl.	Corporal
Leading Aircraftman	LAC	Leading Aircraftman
Aircraftman 1st Class	AC1	Aircraftman 1st Class
Aircraftman 2nd Class	AC2	Aircraftman 2nd Class
Air Mechanic	AM	Air Mechanic

Note: Brigadier General was the valid one-star rank during the First World War; the title “Brigadier” was only introduced in 1921. The ranks of Air Marshal and Air Vice Marshal were created in 1919 and are therefore not included here. Abbreviations follow traditional British usage of the period. In addition to the core British Army, Royal Navy, and wartime air arms (Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service), troops from across the British Empire also fought under the Union Jack during 1914–1918. These included the self-governing Dominions of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Newfoundland, as well as the British Indian Army and colonial formations such as the King’s African Rifles and the British West Indies Regiment. Dominion forces generally followed British rank patterns, though India retained distinct indigenous officer grades such as Jemadar and Subadar. While organized nationally, these forces served within the overall British command structure and under the British flag.

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the Bulgarian Army during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with period abbreviations and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained .

"Click here to download Bulgarian Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

Bulgarian Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The Bulgarian Army entered the First World War with a rank structure modeled closely on Russian Imperial practice, reinforced by German influence. General officers included General ot pekhotata (Infantry), General ot kavaleriyata (Cavalry), and General ot artilleriyata (Artillery), supported by General-leytenant and General-mayor. Field and company officers descended through Polkovnik, Podpolkovnik, Maior, Kapitan, and the cavalry-specific Rotmistr. Junior grades included Poruchik and Podporuchik, with Ofitserski Kandidat representing cadets or officer candidates. The enlisted hierarchy placed Feldfebel at the top as the senior NCO, followed by Podofitser and Kandidat-podofitser. The cavalry used Vakhmistr as an additional senior NCO grade, while Efreitor and Rednik covered privates. This system underscored Bulgaria’s integration of Russian-derived nomenclature with adaptations suited to its national military culture.

Officer Ranks

Officer Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
General ot pekhotata	Gen ot pekh	General of Infantry
General ot kavaleriyata	Gen ot kav	General of Cavalry
General ot artilleriyata	Gen ot art	General of Artillery
General-leytenant	Genlt	Lieutenant General
General-mayor	Genmaj	Major General
Polkovnik	Polk	Colonel
Podpolkovnik	Podpolk	Lieutenant Colonel
Maior	Maj	Major
Kapitan	Kapt	Captain
Rotmistr (cavalry)	Rotm	Cavalry Captain
Poruchik	Por	First Lieutenant
Podporuchik	Podpor	Second Lieutenant
Ofitserski Kandidat (Cadet)	OfKand	Officer Candidate / Cadet

NCO & Enlisted Ranks

Enlisted Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Feldfebel	—	Sergeant Major / Top NCO
Podofitser	—	Sergeant
Kandidat-podofitser	—	Corporal / Junior NCO
Vakhmistr (cavalry)	—	Senior Cavalry NCO (equivalent to Feldfebel)
Efreitor	Efr	Private First Class
Rednik	Redn	Private

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the French Army and Navy during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with abbreviations in period usage and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download French Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

French Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The French Army maintained a hierarchy rooted in Napoleonic precedent, retaining only two active general officer ranks: Général de division and Général de brigade, while Maréchal de France remained a dignity rather than a service grade. Field and company officers followed the continental model, including Colonel, Lieutenant-colonel, Commandant (as Chef de bataillon or Chef d’escadrons depending on branch), Capitaine, Lieutenant, Sous-lieutenant, and Aspirant. Enlisted and NCO ranks were highly structured, with Adjudant-chef and Adjudant acting as senior NCOs, while Sergent, Caporal, and Soldat formed the basic troop ladder; mounted branches retained Maréchal des logis and Brigadier. The French Navy paralleled this system, with flag officers ranging from Amiral to Contre-amiral, supported by three captaincies (Capitaine de vaisseau, Capitaine de frégate, Capitaine de corvette). Naval enlisted ranks emphasized technical specialization, with Maîtres and Quartier-maîtres forming the petty officer cadre, while Matelot and Mousse represented common seamen and recruits. This system reflected France’s long continuity of military tradition and its adaptation to the coalition warfare of 1914–1918.

Army — Officer Ranks

Army Rank (French)	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Maréchal de France (dignity)	—	Marshal of France
Général de division	Gén. de div.	Major General
Général de brigade	Gén. de brig.	Brigadier General
Colonel	Col.	Colonel
Lieutenant-colonel	Lt-col.	Lieutenant Colonel
Commandant (Chef de bataillon / Chef d’escadrons)	Cdt	Commandant (Major)
Capitaine	Cap.	Captain
Lieutenant	Lt	First Lieutenant
Sous-lieutenant	S.-Lt	Second Lieutenant
Aspirant	Asp.	Officer Candidate / Probationary Officer

Army — NCO & Enlisted Ranks

Army Rank (French)	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Adjudant-chef	Adj.-chef	Senior Warrant Officer / Senior NCO
Adjudant	Adj.	Warrant Officer / Senior NCO
Sergent-major	Serg.-maj.	Company Sergeant Major
Sergent	Serg.	Sergeant
Caporal-chef	Cpl-chef	Corporal First Class
Caporal	Cpl	Corporal
Maréchal des logis-chef (mounted branches)	MdL-chef	Sergeant First Class (mounted)
Maréchal des logis (mounted branches)	MdL	Sergeant (mounted)
Brigadier (mounted branches)	Brig.	Corporal (mounted)
Soldat de 1re classe	Sdt 1cl	Private First Class
Soldat de 2e classe	Sdt 2cl	Private

Navy — Officer Ranks (Marine nationale)

Navy Rank (French)	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Amiral	Am.	Admiral
Vice-amiral	V.A.	Vice Admiral
Contre-amiral	C.A.	Rear Admiral
Capitaine de vaisseau	C.V.	Captain
Capitaine de frégate	C.F.	Commander
Capitaine de corvette	C.C.	Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant de vaisseau	L.V.	Lieutenant
Enseigne de vaisseau de 1re classe	E.V.1	Lieutenant (junior)
Enseigne de vaisseau de 2e classe	E.V.2	Ensign
Aspirant	Asp.	Naval Officer Candidate

Navy — NCO & Enlisted Ranks

Navy Rank (French)	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Maître principal	Mtr princ.	Master Chief Petty Officer
Premier maître	PM	Chief Petty Officer 1st Class
Maître	Mtr	Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class
Second maître	SM	Petty Officer 1st Class
Quartier-maître	QM	Petty Officer 2nd Class
Matelot breveté	Mat br	Able Seaman
Matelot	Mat	Seaman
Mousse	—	Ship’s Boy

Note: General officer grades in WWI were général de brigade and général de division; Maréchal de France was a dignity. Naval flag grades were amiral, vice-amiral, contre-amiral. Abbreviation forms varied in period documents; forms shown here reflect common WWI usage.

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the German Army and Navy during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with abbreviations and English renderings. Where exact modern equivalents do not exist, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download German Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

German Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The Imperial German Army entered the First World War with a rank structure rooted in Prussian military tradition, expanded to serve a modern mass army. At the top stood Generalfeldmarschall and Generaloberst, with functional grades such as General der Infanterie, General der Kavallerie, and General der Artillerie. Below them, Generalleutnant and Generalmajor completed the general officer ladder. Field and company officers included Oberst, Oberstleutnant, Major, and Hauptmann, with cavalry officers continuing to use Rittmeister. Distinctive transitional grades such as Feldwebel-Leutnant and Offizierstellvertreter elevated senior NCOs into quasi-officer positions. Enlisted ranks centered on Feldwebel, Vizefeldwebel, Unteroffizier, and Gefreiter, with numerous branch-specific variations (Wachtmeister in mounted and artillery units, Pionier in engineer units, Flieger in aviation detachments). The Imperial Navy mirrored contemporary European practice, with Großadmiral, Admiral, and Kapitän zur Seeleading the officer corps, and a well-developed petty officer system down to multiple classes of Matrose. Aviation employed designations such as Feldpilot and Beobachter, which denoted qualifications rather than formal ranks. This hierarchy reflected both Germany’s deeply rooted traditions and the technical demands of modern warfare.

Army Ranks

Army Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Generalfeldmarschall	GFM	Field Marshal or General of the Army
Generaloberst	GO	Colonel General
General der Infanterie	GdI	General of Infantry
General der Kavallerie	GdK	General of Cavalry
General der Artillerie	GdA	General of Artillery
Generalleutnant	Genltn	Lieutenant General
Generalmajor	Genmaj	Major General
Oberst	Obst	Colonel
Oberstleutnant	Obstltn	Lieutenant Colonel
Major	Maj	Major
Hauptmann	Hptm	Captain
Rittmeister (Cavalry)	Rittm	Cavalry Captain
Oberleutnant	Obltn	First Lieutenant
Leutnant	Ltn	Lieutenant
Fähnrich	Fhn	Ensign / Officer Candidate
Feldwebel-Leutnant	Fwltn	Sergeant Major Lieutenant (Warrant Officer)
Offizierstellvertreter	Offstv	Acting/Deputy Officer

Army Enlisted

Army Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Feldwebel	Fw	Sergeant Major
Vizefeldwebel	Vzfw	Sergeant 1st Class
Sergeant	Sgt	Sergeant
Unteroffizier	Uffz	Corporal
Wachtmeister (Cavalry/Artillery)	Wm	Sergeant (mounted/technical)
Oberjäger	Ojg	Senior Jaeger (Light Infantry NCO)
Obergefreiter	Ogfr	Senior Private
Gefreiter	Gfr	Private First Class
Flieger	Flg	Airman (Aviation Private)
Pionier	Pi	Engineer Private (Sapper)
Soldat	—	Private

Navy Ranks

Naval Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Großadmiral	GrAdm	Fleet Admiral
Admiral	Adm	Admiral
Vizeadmiral	VAdm	Vice Admiral
Konteradmiral	KAdm	Rear Admiral
Kommodore	Kmd	Commodore
Kapitän zur See	KzS	Captain
Fregattenkapitän	FKpt	Commander
Korvettenkapitän	KKpt	Lieutenant Commander
Kapitänleutnant	KLtn	Lieutenant
Oberleutnant zur See	OLtn z.S.	Lieutenant Junior Grade
Leutnant zur See	Ltn z.S.	Ensign
Marineingenieur	Ing	Naval Engineer (technical officer)

Navy Enlisted

Naval Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Oberstabsbootsmann	OStBtsm	Master Chief Petty Officer
Stabsbootsmann	StBtsm	Senior Chief Petty Officer
Bootsmann	Btsm	Chief Petty Officer
Oberbootsmannmaat	OBtsmaat	Petty Officer First Class
Bootsmaat	Btsmaat	Petty Officer Second Class
Quartiermeister	Qm	Leading Seaman
Matrose I. Klasse	Mat I	Seaman First Class
Matrose II. Klasse	Mat II	Seaman Second Class
Matrose III. Klasse	Mat III	Seaman Apprentice
Matrose IV. Klasse	Mat IV	Recruit

Aviation Appointments (not formal ranks)

Title	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Feldpilot	Fp	Field Pilot
Beobachter	Beob	Aerial Observer
Flugmeister	Flgm	Chief Pilot (Naval Air Service)
Vizeflugmeister	VFlgm	Deputy Chief Pilot (Naval Air Service)

Note: Equivalences are approximate. Some titles, such as Feldwebel-Leutnant and Offizierstellvertreter, were unique hybrid officer/NCO grades. Aviation designations such as Feldpilot or Beobachter were qualifications or appointments rather than formal ranks.

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the Greek Army and Navy during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with transliterated forms, period abbreviations, and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download Greek Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

Greek Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The Greek Army in the First World War reflected a hybrid of Byzantine-inspired terminology and continental European influence, while the Navy retained traditional Mediterranean titles. General officers included Strategos, Antistrategos, Hypostrategos, and Taxiarchos, with the latter approximating a brigadier general. Field and company officers ranged from Syntagmatarchos (colonel) down to Anthypolochagos (second lieutenant), with Evelpis designating cadets. Enlisted grades consisted of Epilochias (master sergeant), Lochias (sergeant), Dekaneas (corporal), and Stratiotis (private). The Navy paralleled other European services with Nauarchos (admiral), Antinauarchos (vice admiral), and Hyponauarchos (rear admiral), supported by Ploiarchos, Antiploiarchos, and junior officer grades down to Dokimos (midshipman). Naval enlisted ranks included Keleustis and Hypokelustis as petty officer equivalents, with Nautis serving as the common seaman. Aviation did not exist as a distinct branch; air personnel held Army or Navy ranks. This dual system highlights Greece’s blend of ancient heritage with contemporary European military models.

Army — Officer Ranks

Army Rank (Greek)	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Strategos	—	General
Antistrategos	—	Lieutenant General
Hypostrategos	—	Major General
Taxiarchos	—	Brigadier General
Syntagmatarchos	—	Colonel
Antisyntagmatarchos	—	Lieutenant Colonel
Tagmatarchos	—	Major
Lochagos	—	Captain
Hypolochagos	—	First Lieutenant
Anthypolochagos	—	Second Lieutenant
Evelpis	—	Cadet

Army — NCO & Enlisted Ranks

Army Rank (Greek)	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Epilochias	—	Master Sergeant
Lochias	—	Sergeant
Dekaneas	—	Corporal
Stratiotis	—	Private

Navy — Officer Ranks

Navy Rank (Greek)	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Nauarchos	—	Admiral
Antinauarchos	—	Vice Admiral
Hyponauarchos	—	Rear Admiral
Ploiarchos	—	Captain
Antiploiarchos	—	Lieutenant Commander
Ploiarchos (Plotarchos)	—	Commander
Hypoploiarchos	—	Lieutenant
Anthypoploiarchos	—	Sub-Lieutenant
Simaiophoros	—	Ensign
Dokimos	—	Midshipman

Navy — NCO & Enlisted Ranks

Navy Rank (Greek)	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Keleustis	—	Petty Officer / Boatswain
Hypokelustis	—	Petty Officer, 2nd Class
Nautis / Nautikos	—	Seaman

Notes

• Aviation was not a distinct branch during WWI; aviators carried Army or Navy ranks.
• Diopos is strictly a naval NCO rank, not Army.
• Equivalences are approximate, based on command level and function.

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the Italian Army and Navy during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with abbreviations in period usage and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download Italian Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

Italian Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The Italian Army entered the First World War with a hierarchical structure shaped by continental European precedent but marked by distinctive national titles. General officers included Tenente Generale and Maggiore Generale, while the traditional dignity of Maresciallo d’Italia was not yet in wartime use. Field and company officers ranged from Colonnello and Tenente Colonnellodown to Sottotenente, with Aspirante Ufficiale denoting officer candidates. Enlisted ranks were notable for the multiple grades of Maresciallo (di Reggimento, di Battaglione, di Compagnia), which functioned as warrant officer equivalents rather than commissioned generals. The unique wartime appointment Aiutante di Battaglia (1916–1918) further distinguished Italian practice. Army aviation, organized in the Corpo Aeronautico Militare after 1915, used Army ranks but applied them to specialist functions such as Pilota and Osservatore. The Royal Navy mirrored other Mediterranean services, with Ammiraglio, Viceammiraglio, and Contrammiraglio leading the flag officer corps, and three captaincies from Capitano di Vascello to Capitano di Corvetta. Enlisted sailors progressed through layered petty officer classes down to Mozzo, the apprentice seaman. This structure reflected Italy’s adaptation of French and broader continental norms to its own military culture.

Army — Officer Ranks

Army Rank (Italian)	Abbreviation (WWI)	English Rendering
Tenente Generale	Ten. Gen.	Lieutenant General
Maggiore Generale	Magg. Gen.	Major General
Colonnello	Col.	Colonel
Tenente Colonnello	Ten. Col.	Lieutenant Colonel
Maggiore	Magg.	Major
Capitano	Cap.	Captain
Tenente	Ten.	First Lieutenant
Sottotenente	S. Ten.	Second Lieutenant
Aspirante Ufficiale	Asp.	Officer Candidate

Army — NCO & Enlisted Ranks

Army Rank (Italian)	Abbreviation (WWI)	English Rendering
Maresciallo di Reggimento	—	Regimental Sergeant Major (senior warrant/NCO)
Maresciallo di Battaglione	—	Battalion Sergeant Major (warrant/NCO)
Maresciallo di Compagnia	—	Company Sergeant Major (warrant/NCO)
Aiutante di Battaglia	—	Battle Adjutant (merit appointment, 1916–18)
Sergente Maggiore	Serg. Magg.	Staff Sergeant / First Sergeant
Sergente	Serg.	Sergeant
Caporale Maggiore	Cap. Magg.	Corporal First Class
Caporale	Cap. / Cap.le	Corporal
Soldato	Sold.	Private

Army Aviation (within Army structure)

Aviation Role (Italian)	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Osservatore	—	Observer Officer
Pilota	—	Pilot
Mitragliere	—	Machine Gunner

Navy — Officer Ranks

Naval Rank (Italian)	Abbreviation (WWI)	English Rendering
Ammiraglio	—	Admiral
Viceammiraglio	—	Vice Admiral
Contrammiraglio	—	Rear Admiral
Capitano di Vascello	C.V.	Captain
Capitano di Fregata	C.F.	Commander
Capitano di Corvetta	C.C.	Lieutenant Commander
Tenente di Vascello	T.V.	Lieutenant
Sottotenente di Vascello	S.T.V.	Sub-Lieutenant
Guardiamarina	G.M.	Midshipman / Ensign

Navy — NCO & Enlisted Ranks

Naval Rank (Italian)	Abbreviation (WWI)	English Rendering
Capo di 1ª Classe	Capo 1ª cl.	Chief Petty Officer, 1st Class
Capo di 2ª Classe	Capo 2ª cl.	Chief Petty Officer, 2nd Class
Secondo Capo	2° Capo	Petty Officer
Sottocapo	Sottoc.	Leading Seaman
Comune di 1ª Classe	Com. 1ª cl.	Able Seaman
Comune di 2ª Classe	Com. 2ª cl.	Ordinary Seaman
Mozzo	Moz.	Boy / Apprentice Seaman

Notes

• Army aviation during WWI was under the Regio Esercito; no separate Air Force existed until 1923.
• The rank of Maresciallo functioned as a warrant officer/acting officer grade, not a general.
• The wartime merit appointment Aiutante di Battaglia (1916–18) is included as it was used during WWI.
• Abbreviations shown are drawn from period usage; where uncertain, both documented alternatives are noted.
• Equivalences are approximate and functional, aligned to wartime usage only.

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with romanized titles and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download Japanese Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

Japanese Military Ranks (1914–1918)

Japan entered the First World War as Britain’s ally under the Anglo-Japanese Alliance and maintained a rank system modeled closely on continental European precedents. The Imperial Japanese Army adopted a Prussian-influenced hierarchy, with Taishō(general), Chūjō (lieutenant general), and Shōshō (major general) as the principal general officer grades, supported by field officers down to Shō-i (second lieutenant). Gensui was a special marshal dignity conferred only by the Emperor. The enlisted structure extended from Sōchō (sergeant major) through Heichō (lance corporal) and three classes of Heitai (privates). The Imperial Navy paralleled European practice, with Kaigun Taishō (admiral), Kaigun Chūjō (vice admiral), and Kaigun Shōshō (rear admiral) heading the flag officer corps, supported by a full continuum of captaincies down to Kaigun Shō-i (ensign). Enlisted sailors advanced through multiple classes of Suihei (seamen), while petty officers were divided into three grades of Heisō. Aviation units existed within both the Army and Navy but had no separate rank system. This dual hierarchy underscored Japan’s adoption of European military models while retaining uniquely Japanese terminology and imperial dignities.

Army — Officer Ranks

 

Army — NCO & Enlisted Ranks

 

Navy — Officer Ranks

 

Navy — NCO & Enlisted Ranks

 

Notes

• “Gensui” was an honorific dignity conferred by the Emperor, not a routine grade.
• The Imperial Japanese Army had no brigadier general rank; brigades were commanded by major generals (Shōshō).
• “Heichō” was grouped administratively with privates though functioning as a lance corporal.
• The Navy did not maintain a formal commodore rank; senior captains could fly a broad pennant when acting as flag officer.
• Air arms (Army and Navy) existed within their respective services; no independent Air Force until postwar.
• Abbreviations: period Japanese usage was in kanji, not romanization; column left blank where not attested.

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the Montenegrin Army during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with transliterated titles and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download Montenegrin Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

Montenegrin Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The Montenegrin Army entered the First World War with one of the most compact rank systems among the belligerents, shaped by its militia traditions and the 1910 Law on the Organization of the Army. Unlike larger European powers, Montenegro lacked a layered general staff and recognized only Divizijar and Brigadir as general officer grades. Field command was exercised by Komandir, broadly equivalent to a major, while company and junior officer roles were held by Kapetan, Porucnik, and Potporucnik. Non-commissioned officers were limited to Vodnik (sergeant) and Desechar (corporal), with the artillery-specific Topovodja serving as a functional counterpart. The common soldier was simply Vojnik. Naval ranks did not exist, and aviation detachments, where they appeared, operated under standard army titles. Honorary dignities such as Serdar and Vojvoda remained outside the formal rank system. This spare but functional structure reflected Montenegro’s reliance on mobilized manpower and traditional forms of command.

Army — Officer Ranks

Original Rank Title (Transliterated)	Abbreviation	English Rendering / U.S. Equivalent
Divizijar	—	Divisional General (highest rank)
Brigadir	—	Brigadier General
Komandir	—	Major (field officer, commander)
Kapetan	—	Captain
Porucnik	—	Lieutenant
Potporucnik	—	Second Lieutenant

Army — NCO & Enlisted

Original Rank Title (Transliterated)	Abbreviation	English Rendering / U.S. Equivalent
Vodnik	—	Sergeant (platoon NCO)
Desechar	—	Corporal (leader of ten)
Topovodja*	—	Artillery 'gun leader' (replaces Desechar in artillery)
Vojnik	—	Private / Soldier

Navy — Officer Ranks

Not applicable (no naval service).

Navy — NCO & Enlisted

Not applicable.

Aviation

No separate aviation rank system existed; army ranks applied if detachments were formed.

Notes

• Divizijar and Brigadir were the only general officer grades.
• Komandir functioned as a field officer equivalent to Major.
• Topovodja existed only in artillery and replaced Desechar there.
• Serdar and Vojvoda were dignities, not military ranks, and are excluded from the tables.
• Abbreviations are omitted ('—') because period Montenegrin sources did not employ standardized short forms.

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the Ottoman Army and Navy during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with transliterated Ottoman titles and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download Ottoman (Turkish) Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

Ottoman (Turkish) Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The Ottoman military rank system of the First World War preserved many titles dating back to earlier imperial practice, distinct from both modern Turkish and NATO structures. In the Army, general officers included Müşir (field marshal), Ferik (lieutenant general), and Liva or Mirliva (major general/division commander). Senior field officers included Miralay (colonel), Kaymakam(lieutenant colonel), and Binbaşı (major), while Kolağası functioned as a transitional grade between major and captain. Junior officers were Yüzbaşı (captain), Mülazım-ı evvel (first lieutenant), and Mülazım-ı sani (second lieutenant). Enlisted ranks ranged from Başçavuş (sergeant major) to Çavuş, Onbaşı, and Nefer/Er (private). In the Navy, the ceremonial Kapudan-ı Derya was largely obsolete by 1914, with Amiral, Ferik, and Liva serving as flag officers. Sea captains and commanders corresponded to Miralay, Binbaşı, and Yüzbaşı in naval usage. Naval enlisted grades emphasized the Gedikli system for career petty officers, from Başgedikli down to Gedikli Çavuş, Onbaşı, and Erat/Nefer. Aviation units operated within the Army and Navy but used the same ranks as their parent branches. This structure underscores the uniquely Ottoman blend of historical tradition and adaptation to early twentieth-century warfare.

Army Officer Ranks

Army Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Müşir	—	Field Marshal / General of the Armies
Ferik	—	Lieutenant General
Liva (Mirliva)	—	Major General (Division Commander)
Miralay	—	Colonel
Kaymakam	—	Lieutenant Colonel
Binbaşı	—	Major
Kolağası	—	Senior Captain (between Major and Captain)
Yüzbaşı	—	Captain
Mülazım-ı evvel	—	First Lieutenant
Mülazım-ı sani	—	Second Lieutenant

Army Enlisted Ranks

Enlisted Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Başçavuş	—	Sergeant Major / Master Sergeant
Çavuş	—	Sergeant
Onbaşı	—	Corporal
Nefer / Er	—	Private

Navy Officer Ranks

Naval Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Kapudan-ı Derya (ceremonial)	—	Admiral of the Fleet (historic, rarely used by 1914)
Amiral	—	Admiral
Ferik (naval)	—	Vice Admiral
Liva (naval)	—	Rear Admiral
Miralay (naval)	—	Captain (at sea)
Binbaşı (naval)	—	Commander / Major (sea)
Yüzbaşı (naval)	—	Lieutenant Commander / Captain
Üsteğmen	—	Lieutenant
Teğmen	—	Sub-Lieutenant
Asteğmen	—	Ensign

Navy Enlisted Ranks

Naval Rank	Abbreviation	English Rendering
Başgedikli	—	Chief Petty Officer
Gedikli Çavuş	—	Petty Officer
Onbaşı	—	Corporal / Leading Seaman
Erat / Nefer	—	Seaman / Private

Note: Ottoman officer ranks (Müşir, Ferik, Liva, Miralay, Kaymakam, Binbaşı, Kolağası, Yüzbaşı, Mülazım) were distinct to the Ottoman system. Many were replaced or renamed after 1924 in the Republic of Turkey. Enlisted naval ranks often used the term 'Gedikli' for career petty officers. This table avoids modern NATO terms such as Orgeneral, Koramiral, Tuğamiral, which were introduced in 1934.
Abbreviation Note: Ottoman military ranks during the First World War were typically written out in full in official documents (in Ottoman Turkish script). Standardized abbreviations such as Bçvş (Başçavuş), Çvş (Çavuş), Onb. (Onbaşı) only came into use after the language and military reforms of the Republic of Turkey in 1924–1934. For historical accuracy, no abbreviations are included in this list.

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the Portuguese Army and Navy during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with abbreviations in period usage and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download Portuguese Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

Portuguese Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The Portuguese Army and Navy entered the First World War with a rank system that preserved 19th-century traditions while aligning closely with other Latin European militaries. The Army recognized General, General-Tenente, and General-Majoralongside Brigadeiro, a general officer grade retained in Portugal when many other armies abolished it. Company and field officers ranged from Coronel and Tenente-Coronel down to Alferes (second lieutenant), with Aspirante a Oficial marking the path of officer candidates. Enlisted and NCO ranks featured two levels of Sargento and two of Cabo, reflecting a compact system topped by Sargento Adjudante. The Portuguese Navy paralleled French and British practice, with Almirante, Vice-Almirante, and Contra-Almirante at flag level, followed by the three captaincies (Capitão de Mar e Guerra, Capitão de Fragata, Capitão Tenente). Junior officers included Primeiro Tenente, Segundo Tenente, and Guarda Marinha. Naval enlisted ranks progressed through layered grades of Sargento and Marinheiro, while Grumete denoted apprentice seamen. This dual system reflected Portugal’s longstanding maritime heritage and its adaptation of continental European models to the wartime context.

Army — Officer Ranks

Original Rank Title (Portuguese)	Abbreviation	English Rendering / U.S. Equivalent
General	Gen.	General
General-Tenente	Lt. Gen.	Lieutenant General
General-Major	Maj. Gen.	Major General
Brigadeiro	Brig.	Brigadier
Coronel	Col.	Colonel
Tenente-Coronel	T. Col.	Lieutenant Colonel
Major	Maj.	Major
Capitao	Capt.	Captain
Tenente	Ten.	First Lieutenant
Alferes	—	Second Lieutenant
Aspirante a Oficial	Asp.	Officer Candidate

Army — NCO & Enlisted

Original Rank Title (Portuguese)	Abbreviation	English Rendering / U.S. Equivalent
Sargento Adjudante	—	Master Sergeant
Primeiro Sargento	—	Staff Sergeant
Segundo Sargento	—	Sergeant
Primeiro Cabo	—	Corporal
Segundo Cabo	—	Private First Class
Soldado	—	Private

Navy — Officer Ranks

Original Rank Title (Portuguese)	Abbreviation	English Rendering / U.S. Equivalent
Almirante	—	Admiral
Vice-Almirante	—	Vice Admiral
Contra-Almirante	—	Rear Admiral
Capitao de Mar e Guerra	—	Captain
Capitao de Fragata	—	Commander
Capitao Tenente	—	Lieutenant Commander
Primeiro Tenente	—	Lieutenant
Segundo Tenente	—	Lieutenant (Junior Grade)
Guarda Marinha	—	Ensign / Midshipman
Aspirante	—	Midshipman

Navy — NCO & Enlisted

Original Rank Title (Portuguese)	Abbreviation	English Rendering / U.S. Equivalent
Sargento Adjudante	—	Chief Petty Officer
Primeiro Sargento	—	Petty Officer First Class
Segundo Sargento	—	Petty Officer Second Class
Cabo	—	Petty Officer Third Class
Primeiro Marinheiro	—	Seaman First Class
Segundo Marinheiro	—	Seaman Second Class
Primeiro Grumete	—	Seaman Apprentice First Class
Segundo Grumete	—	Seaman Apprentice Second Class

Notes

• The Army preserved the Brigadeiro grade as a general officer, a feature shared with other Latin armies.
• Alferes represented the lowest commissioned officer, equivalent to second lieutenant.
• Aspirante a Oficial was a candidate grade and not always counted as a full commission.
• In the Navy, Capitao de Mar e Guerra literally means 'Captain of Sea and War,' equivalent to a full naval captain.
• Abbreviations for most naval ranks were not standardized in WWI documents; '—' used where no form is attested.

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the Romanian Army and Navy during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with abbreviations in period usage and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download Romanian Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

Romanian Military Ranks (1914–1918)

Romania entered the First World War in 1916 and employed a rank system shaped by continental models, particularly French and Austro-Hungarian influences. General officers included General de Armată, General Colonel, General Locotenent, and General Maior. Field and company officers descended through Colonel, Locotenent Colonel, Maior, Căpitan, Locotenent, and Sublocotenent. The NCO structure placed Plutonier Major Șef and Plutonier Major at the top, with Sergent Major, Caporal, and Soldat forming the lower enlisted grades. The Romanian Navy paralleled wider European maritime usage, with Amiral, Vice Amiral, and Contraamiral as flag officers, supported by Comandor, Căpitan Comandor, and Locotenent Comandor. Junior officers included Locotenent and Sublocotenent. No independent air service existed during the war; Army and Navy personnel provided aviation detachments under their parent branches. This hierarchy reflected Romania’s rapid modernization efforts during its late entry into the war, while preserving native titles consistent with national tradition.

Army — Officer Ranks

 

Army — NCO & Enlisted Ranks

 

Navy — Officer Ranks

 

Notes

• Equivalences are functional, based on command level, not literal translations.
• Romanian titles are kept in their native form with English rendering alongside.
• Abbreviations are included only where attested in WWI sources; others are left blank.
• No distinct Romanian Air Force existed in WWI; aviation was part of the Army.

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the Imperial Russian Army, Cavalry, Cossack forces, and Navy during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with period abbreviations and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download Russian Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

Russian Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The Imperial Russian Army entered the First World War with a rank system reflecting long-established Tsarist traditions, retaining branch- and estate-specific titles alongside a standardized officer corps. At the apex stood the General-Fel’dmarshal, followed by functional full generals such as General ot Infanterii, General ot Kavalerii, and General ot Artillerii. Below them, General-leytenant and General-maior completed the general officer ladder. Field and company officers included Polkovnik and Podpolkovnik, while company commands were held by Kapitan, cavalry Rotmistr, and Cossack Yesaul. Transitional and junior grades included Shtabs-Kapitan, Poruchik, Podporuchik, Kornet (cavalry), Sotnik (Cossack lieutenant), and Khorunzhiy (Cossack second lieutenant). Enlisted ranks were layered through Feldfebel, Starshiy Unter-Ofitser, Mladshiy Unter-Ofitser, Yefreytor, and Ryadovoy. The Imperial Navy paralleled European practice, headed by Admiral Flota, Admiral, Vitse-Admiral, and Kontr-Admiral, descending through the three Kapitan ranks to Kapitan-Leytenant and Leytenant. Naval junior officers included Michman(midshipman) and Gardemarin (cadet). Petty officer ranks included Starshiy Unter-Ofitser Flota and Mladshiy Unter-Ofitser Flota, while enlisted sailors were classified as Matros of the 1st or 2nd class. Aviation did not yet have a distinct rank structure, with air personnel holding Army or Navy grades. This blended hierarchy demonstrates Imperial Russia’s mixture of traditional estate-based nomenclature with modernized European-style command.

Army Ranks

Army Rank	Abbreviation	USA Equivalent
General Feldmarshal	Gen.FM	General of the Army
General ot infanterii	Gen.inf	General of Infantry
General ot kavalerii	Gen.kav	General of Cavalry
General ot artillerii	Gen.art	General of Artillery
General-leytenant	Genleyt	Lieutenant General
General-maior	Genmai	Major General
Polkovnik	Polk	Colonel
Podpolkovnik	Podpol	Lieutenant Colonel
Voiskovoi starshina	Vstar	Cossack Lieutenant Colonel
Kapitan	Kapt	Major*
Yesaul or Esaul	Es	Cossack Major*
Rotmistr	Rotm	Cavalry Major*
Shtabs-kapitan	Sh.Kap	Staff Captain
Shtabs Rotmistr	Sh.Rotm	Cavalry Staff Captain
Podyesaul	Pod'es	Cossack Staff Captain
Poruchik	Por	Lieutenant
Sotnik	Sot	Cossack Lieutenant
Podporuchik	Podpor	Second Lieutenant
Kornet	Korn	Cavalry 2nd Lieutenant
Khorunji or Khorunzhii	Khor	Cossack 2nd Lieutenant
Praporshchik	Prap	Ensign of Reserve
Podpraporshchik	Podprap	Warrant Officer (Sub-Ensign)
Podkhorunzhiy	Podkhor	Cossack Warrant Officer
Zauryad-praporschik	Zaurprap	Acting Ensign
Khorunzhiy	Kh	Cossack Sergeant Major
Feldfebel	Fw	Sergeant Major
Starshiy Unter-Ofitser	St.Uo	Senior NCO
Mladshiy Unter-Ofitser	Ml.Uo	Junior NCO
Yefreytor	Efr	Corporal
Ryadovoy	Ryad	Enlisted (Private)

Naval Ranks

Naval Rank	Abbreviation	USA Equivalent
Admiral flota	Adm. fl	Fleet Admiral
Admiral	Adm	Admiral
Vitse-admiral	Vitse-adm	Vice Admiral
Kontr-admiral	Kontr-adm	Rear Admiral
Kapitan 1-go ranga	Kap.1r	Captain
Kapitan 2-go ranga	Kap.2r	Commander
Kapitan 3-go ranga	Kap.3r	Lieutenant Commander
Kapitan-Leytenant	Kap.-Leit	Senior Lieutenant
Starshiy Leytenant	St.Leit	Lieutenant
Leytenant	Leit	Lieutenant Junior Grade
Mladshiy Leytenant	Ml. Leit	Ensign
Michman	Mich	Midshipman
Gardemarin	Gard	Naval Cadet
Starshiy unter-ofitser flota	St.unt.of fl	Senior Petty Officer
Mladshiy unter-ofitser flota	Ml.unt.of fl	Petty Officer, 2nd Class
Matros 1-y stat'i	Mat.1st	Seaman First Class
Matros 2-y stat'i	Mat.2st	Seaman Apprentice

* Kapitan, Rotmistr, and Yesaul were all equivalent to Captain (OF-2). In older Western sources they are sometimes shown as “Major” (Cavalry Major / Cossack Major), but the rank of Major (Maior) no longer existed in the Russian Army after 1798.

This reference list provides the military ranks used by the Serbian Army during the First World War. It includes officer and enlisted grades, with transliterated forms, period abbreviations, and English renderings. Where no exact modern equivalent exists, the literal historical form has been retained.

"Click here to download Serbian Ranks WWI 1914-1918 (DOCX)"

Serbian Military Ranks (1914–1918)

The Serbian Army maintained a streamlined and pragmatic rank structure during the First World War, reflecting the country’s modest size and limited resources. Unlike larger continental powers, Serbia did not employ brigadier general or warrant officer grades, progressing directly from Pukovnik (colonel) to Djeneral (general), with Vojvoda reserved as a wartime dignity for the highest command. A distinctive feature of the Serbian system was the division of the captaincy into Kapetan prve klase and Kapetan druge klase, which separated senior from junior captains by pay and seniority rather than command authority. The enlisted ranks were likewise compact, ranging from Redov (private) to Narednik (sergeant), with few intermediate layers. Naval ranks were absent, as Serbia was landlocked, while aviation detachments used Army ranks without a distinct system of their own. This small but efficient hierarchy reflected Serbia’s reliance on mobilized manpower and simplified command structures during the conflict.

Army — Officer Ranks

Original Rank Title (Transliterated)	Abbreviation	English Rendering / U.S. Equivalent
Vojvoda	Vojv.	Fieldmarshal (dignity, highest command)
Djeneral	Đen.	General
Pukovnik	Puk.	Colonel
Potpukovnik	Ppuk.	Lieutenant Colonel (Sub-Colonel)
Major	Maj.	Major
Kapetan prve klase	KIk	Captain, 1st Class (Senior Captain)
Kapetan druge klase	KIIk	Captain, 2nd Class (Junior Captain)
Porucnik	Por.	Lieutenant
Potporucnik	Ppor.	Second Lieutenant (Sub-lieutenant)

Army — NCO & Enlisted

Original Rank Title (Transliterated)	Abbreviation	English Rendering / U.S. Equivalent
Narednik	Nar.	Sergeant
Podnarednik	Pnar.	Junior Sergeant (Sub-Sergeant)
Kaplar	Kapl.	Corporal
Redov	Red.	Private

Navy — Officer Ranks

Not applicable (Serbia was landlocked, no naval service).

Navy — NCO & Enlisted

Not applicable.

Aviation

No separate aviation rank system existed. Army ranks were used in aviation detachments.