Intro
Unlock the hierarchy of the National Guard with our comprehensive guide to National Guard ranks in order. Learn about the different ranks, from Private to General, and understand the responsibilities, pay grades, and requirements for each. Discover the structure and progression of the National Guard ranks, including officer and enlisted ranks.
The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces that consists of citizen-soldiers who serve both their state and the federal government. The National Guard has a rich history dating back to 1636, and its ranks are similar to those of the US Army. Understanding the National Guard ranks in order is essential for anyone interested in joining or learning more about this esteemed organization.
Enlisted Ranks
The enlisted ranks in the National Guard are divided into several categories, each with its own set of responsibilities and requirements.
Private (PVT) - E-1
The Private (PVT) is the lowest enlisted rank in the National Guard. Privates are typically new recruits who are still in training.
Private Second Class (PV2) - E-2
The Private Second Class (PV2) is the second-lowest enlisted rank in the National Guard. PV2s have completed basic training and are assigned to a unit.
Private First Class (PFC) - E-3
The Private First Class (PFC) is the third-lowest enlisted rank in the National Guard. PFCs have gained some experience and are often assigned to leadership roles within their unit.
Specialist/Corporal (SPC/CPL) - E-4
The Specialist/Corporal (SPC/CPL) is a junior non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank in the National Guard. SPCs/CPLs have specialized skills and are responsible for leading small teams.
Sergeant (SGT) - E-5
The Sergeant (SGT) is a senior NCO rank in the National Guard. Sergeants are responsible for leading squads and making important decisions.
Staff Sergeant (SSG) - E-6
The Staff Sergeant (SSG) is a higher-level NCO rank in the National Guard. SSGs are responsible for leading platoons and mentoring junior NCOs.
Warrant Officer Ranks
Warrant officers in the National Guard are technical experts in their field.
Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) - W-1
The Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) is the lowest warrant officer rank in the National Guard. WO1s are technical experts in their field and are responsible for providing guidance to junior soldiers.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) - W-2
The Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) is a mid-level warrant officer rank in the National Guard. CW2s are technical experts and leaders in their field.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) - W-3
The Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) is a senior warrant officer rank in the National Guard. CW3s are technical experts and leaders in their field, and are responsible for mentoring junior warrant officers.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) - W-4
The Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) is a higher-level warrant officer rank in the National Guard. CW4s are technical experts and leaders in their field, and are responsible for leading teams of warrant officers.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) - W-5
The Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) is the highest warrant officer rank in the National Guard. CW5s are technical experts and leaders in their field, and are responsible for leading teams of warrant officers and providing guidance to senior leaders.
Officer Ranks
Officer ranks in the National Guard are divided into several categories, each with its own set of responsibilities and requirements.
Second Lieutenant (2LT) - O-1
The Second Lieutenant (2LT) is the lowest officer rank in the National Guard. 2LTs are typically new officers who are still in training.
First Lieutenant (1LT) - O-2
The First Lieutenant (1LT) is a junior officer rank in the National Guard. 1LTs are responsible for leading platoons and making important decisions.
Captain (CPT) - O-3
The Captain (CPT) is a company-grade officer rank in the National Guard. CPTs are responsible for leading companies and making important decisions.
Major (MAJ) - O-4
The Major (MAJ) is a field-grade officer rank in the National Guard. MAJs are responsible for leading battalions and making important decisions.
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) - O-5
The Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) is a senior field-grade officer rank in the National Guard. LTCs are responsible for leading brigades and making important decisions.
Colonel (COL) - O-6
The Colonel (COL) is a senior officer rank in the National Guard. COLs are responsible for leading brigades and making important decisions.
Brigadier General (BG) - O-7
The Brigadier General (BG) is a one-star general officer rank in the National Guard. BGs are responsible for leading divisions and making important decisions.
Major General (MG) - O-8
The Major General (MG) is a two-star general officer rank in the National Guard. MGs are responsible for leading corps and making important decisions.
Lieutenant General (LTG) - O-9
The Lieutenant General (LTG) is a three-star general officer rank in the National Guard. LTGs are responsible for leading corps and making important decisions.
General (GEN) - O-10
The General (GEN) is the highest officer rank in the National Guard. GENs are responsible for leading the entire National Guard and making important decisions.
National Guard Ranks Image Gallery
What is the National Guard?
+The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces that consists of citizen-soldiers who serve both their state and the federal government.
What are the ranks in the National Guard?
+The National Guard has several ranks, including enlisted ranks, warrant officer ranks, and officer ranks. The ranks are divided into several categories, each with its own set of responsibilities and requirements.
What is the highest rank in the National Guard?
+The highest rank in the National Guard is General (GEN), which is a four-star general officer rank.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the National Guard ranks in order. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to ask.