Understanding Military Ranks

As a junior thinking of joining the military after high school, I'm trying to get a grip on how things work, it feels a bit overwhelming honestly. Can anyone explain the different ranks in order across all branches of the military? Maybe it's too much to ask for details, but an overview of the ranks or key differences among the branches could really help my decision-making process.

Understanding the rank structure across the six branches of the United States military can indeed get complex due to differences in terms and roles among them. Here's a generally simplified overview of enlistees and officer ranks across all branches:

Enlisted Ranks:

1. E-1: This is typically the entry level rank. In the Army, Marines and Air Force, it's known as Private. In the Navy and Coast Guard, it's Seaman Recruit, and in Space Force, it's simply called Specialist.

2. E-2-E-3: These ranks equate to Private (Army), Private First Class (Marines), Airman/Space Systems Specialist (Air Force and Space Force). In the Navy and Coast Guard, they progress through Seaman Apprentice and Seaman.

3. E-4-E-6: These are typically Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), think Sergeants in the Army, Marines, Air Force or Petty Officers in the Navy and Coast Guard.

4. E-7-E-9: These are Senior NCOs. These include ranks like Master Sergeant, First Sergeant, and Sergeant Major in the Army, Marines, and Air Force. In the Navy and Coast Guard, they are Chief Petty Officers.

Officer Ranks:

- O-1 to O-3: These range from Second Lieutenant (O-1) to Captain (O-3) in the Army, Air Force, Marines and Space Force. In the Navy and Coast Guard, it's Ensign to Lieutenant.

- O-4 to O-6: In the Army, Marines, Air Force, and Space Force these range from Major (O-4) to Colonel (O-6), while in the Navy and Coast Guard, it's Lieutenant Commander to Captain.

- O-7 to O-10: These are the General Officer ranks. In the Army, Air Force, Marines, and Space Force, they are Brigadier General (O-7) to General (O-10). In the Navy and Coast Guard, they are Rear Admiral Lower Half to Admiral.

Hope this general summary helps! Please note there are also Warrant Officer ranks (W-1 to W-5) in the Army, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard, which are specialist officer ranks in-between the enlisted and commissioned officer ranks. Each branch also has its unique path and requirements for promotions.