Senior officer. Senior sergeant: length of service, assignment, promotion and demotion

Private

The military rank of "private" is established in the armed forces of many states. In the Russian army, the Table of Ranks (1722) was first introduced, according to which the privates were part of a group of soldiers. After the establishment of universal military service in Russia (1874), the rank and file belonged to the category of “lower ranks”. In the Soviet Republic, with the creation of the Red Army in 1918, ordinary soldiers were called Red Army soldiers. The rank of "private" in the Armed Forces of the USSR was introduced in July 1946. It was also preserved in the Russian Army. Assigned to persons called up for active military service simultaneously with their enrollment in the lists of a military unit.

corporal

This military rank is awarded to the senior and best soldiers who replace them during the absence of squad commanders. In Russia, it was introduced under Peter I by the Military Charter of 1716 in the infantry, cavalry and engineering troops. In the artillery of the Russian army, the scorer corresponded to the corporal, in the Cossack troops - the clerk. In the Armed Forces of the USSR, the soldier's military rank "corporal" was introduced in November 1940. With the formation of the Russian Army, it retained its significance. In the Navy, he corresponds to the title of "senior sailor".

Awarded for exemplary performance of official duties and exemplary military discipline.

Sergeant

For the first time as a military rank appeared in the XV century. in the French, and then in the German and English armies. In the Russian regular army, this title existed from 1716 to 1798. It was introduced in the Soviet Army by order of the People's Commissar of Defense of November 2, 1940. It was also preserved in the Russian Army. Sergeant ranks include: junior sergeant, sergeant, senior sergeant and foreman. In the Navy, they correspond to: foreman of the 2nd article, foreman of the 1st article, chief foreman, chief ship foreman.

foreman

This word is Russian. Until the end of the XVII century. foremen were called persons who held positions (units) of the hetman, in regiments and hundreds. Hence - general, regimental, hundreds of foremen.

From the beginning of the 17th century so called officials, as well as people who ever occupied orders, received estates from the authorities. In the Russian Army, the word “foreman” has 2 meanings: an official in a company (battery) responsible for the proper performance of service by personnel, order in the unit; military rank, senior in relation to other sergeant ranks.

Ensign

It comes from the ancient Greek “ensign” - a banner. It was first established by Peter I when creating a regular army and was the first junior officer rank. Later, it was preserved only for reserve officers and was assigned to persons who graduated from ensign schools in wartime. Restored in the Soviet Army on January 1, 1972. It is also assigned in the Armed Forces of Russia. It has two degrees: warrant officer and senior warrant officer.

Midshipman

Introduced by Peter I at the dawn of the birth of the Russian fleet. The word "midshipman" in translation into Russian means a ship's man. In the Russian Navy, this was the first officer rank. It was assigned to midshipmen who successfully graduated from the Naval Cadet Corps.

By a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of November 18, 1971, the institute of midshipmen, like the institute of ensigns, was introduced in the Soviet Armed Forces from January 1, 1972. This title has been retained to this day. It is also two-degree: midshipman and senior midshipman.

Lieutenant

The term is of French origin. In the literal sense, this word means "an officer replacing his superior." Where do the double ranks come from: lieutenant commander, lieutenant general. The title "lieutenant" was first established in the 15th century. in France, first in the navy, then in the ground forces. Lieutenants were the closest deputies and assistants to company and squadron commanders. In the Russian army, this rank corresponded to the title of "lieutenant". In the Red Army in 1935 the ranks of "lieutenant" and "senior lieutenant" were introduced, in 1937 - "junior lieutenant". These ranks are also established in the Russian Army.

Captain

The military rank of officers in the armed forces of many states. For the first time the title of "captain" appeared in the Middle Ages in France, where the heads of individual military districts were called so. Since 1558, company commanders began to be called captains, and the heads of military districts - captain-generals. In Russia, the title of “captain” appeared in the 16th century. for foreign officers. In the 17th century established for company commanders in the regiments of the “new system”, and at the beginning of the 18th century. - for company commanders in the entire regular army.

In our Armed Forces, this rank was established by a resolution of the Central Executive Committee and the SNKSSSR of September 22, 1935 for the command staff of the Ground Forces, Air Force and coastal units of the Navy. The same decree introduced the ranks of “captain of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd ranks” and “captain-lieutenant” for the naval personnel of the Navy. The rank of “captain” and its equivalent for the Navy “captain-lieutenant” have been retained in the Armed Forces of Russia.

Major

A word of Latin origin meaning "big, older". As a military rank, it appeared more than 400 years ago in the Spanish army. In Russia - since 1711. In the Red Army they introduced September 22, 1935. It remains in the Russian Army. In the Navy, he is equal to the title of "captain of the 3rd rank."

Lieutenant colonel

At first, this was the name of the position of assistant regiment commander, and then this word began to denote a military rank. In our army, the rank of "lieutenant colonel" was established shortly before the Great Patriotic War - September 1, 1939.

Saved in the Russian Army. Equal to him in the Navy - "captain of the 2nd rank."

Colonel

This was the name of the person who commanded the regiment. He was either appointed or selected (among the Cossacks) to lead the regiment during a campaign or campaign. Over time, the title of the position turned into a military rank. In 1631, it replaced the titles of “voivode” and “regimental head”. At first, only hired officers who were appointed to the post of regiment commander were called colonels.

Since 1632, this rank was assigned to all commanders who led the regiments of the so-called "new order". In the Red Army, the rank of "colonel" was established by a decree of the Central Executive Committee and Council of People's Commissars of the USSR of September 22, 1935. It is also awarded in the Russian Army. In the Navy, he corresponds to "captain of the 1st rank."

General

The military rank or rank of the senior officers of the armed forces. The rank of general appeared in France in the 16th century. In Russia, it was first mentioned in 1657 under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. In our Armed Forces, general ranks were introduced by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of May 7, 1940. Saved in the Russian Army. There are several degrees: major general, lieutenant general, colonel general, army general. In the Navy, they correspond to: Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral, Admiral, Admiral of the Fleet.

Admiral

Translated from Arabic means "ruler of the sea." In its modern sense, the term came into use in the 12th century. In Russia, the military rank of “admiral” in the meaning of general admiral, admiral, vice admiral, rear admiral was introduced by Peter I. On May 7, 1940, it was restored in the Navy. Admiral ranks are also awarded in the Russian Armed Forces.

Marshal

This term has been known in military history since time immemorial, although its meaning has not always been the same. In the Middle Ages in France and other countries, this was the name of the position. The one appointed to it was responsible for building troops for the campaign - march and battle, supervised the guard service, was in charge of the economic part of the army, and also commanded the avant-garde, chose a place for the camp, etc. governors. At first, marshals were appointed only for the duration of campaigns, but gradually the temporary position turned into a permanent rank, the highest in comparison with other ranks. During the French bourgeois revolution, the title of "marshal" was abolished, but Napoleon reintroduced it. In the USSR, the military rank "Marshal of the Soviet Union" was established in 1935.

The first Soviet marshals were K. Voroshilov, S. Budyonny, V. Blucher, A. Egorov and M. Tukhachevsky. The title "Marshal of the Russian Federation" was awarded to the Minister of Defense of Russia I. Sergeev.

Generalissimo

Generalissimo (from the Latin "most important") is the highest military rank in the armed forces of a number of countries. It was assigned to generals who commanded during the war several, more often allied, armies, and also sometimes to persons from families of reigning dynasties and statesmen as an honorary title.

In Russia, the first generalissimo was the governor A. Shein. This title was granted to him by Peter I at the end of the 17th century. for successful military operations near Azov. But officially the title of “Generalissimo” in Russia was introduced by the Military Charter in 1716. In the USSR, the title of “Generalissimo of the Soviet Union” was approved by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of June 26, 1945.

It was assigned to I. Stalin. The Russian Army is not provided.

Why is a lieutenant general older than a major general?

Previously, ranks denoted only duties that were assigned to commanders.

Major translated from Latin as big, he commanded a battalion. Lieutenant, translated as assistant, he helped the captain.

Now the generals. The highest rank was Field Marshal, who was supposed to be an assistant, that is, a lieutenant. Therefore, the rank was lieutenant general.

In the Russian army there was the position of brigade commander, which included from 2 to 4 regiments. Well, such a large army was supposed to be commanded by a major, namely a major general. But he was still younger than the general's assistant.

Overall rating of the material: 5

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In the army of the Russian Federation, military ranks are assigned to all military personnel, regardless of their position. The rank determines the scope of the rights and duties of soldiers and sailors, warrant officers and midshipmen, officers, and also ensures subordination between members of the personnel.

In the armed forces of the Russian Federation, it is customary to distinguish between ship and combined arms ranks. If a person liable for military service is serving on a guard ship or in a military unit, the prefix “guard” is added to his rank (guard captain, guard colonel). It is also assigned to a certain person for life. For example, if a serviceman retired as a lieutenant colonel, they say “retired lieutenant colonel” about him.

The terms and procedure for the assignment, as well as the deprivation of military ranks, are regulated by the Federal Law of the Russian Federation and the Regulations on Service in the Armed Forces. It is generally accepted that the corresponding ship and combined arms ranks are equivalent in relation to each other. They are assigned personally to each soldier.

Terms of assignment of the next military ranks

There are several groups of military personnel that make up the current composition of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. These include soldiers and sailors, sergeants and foremen, warrant officers and midshipmen, officers. The last group is divided into junior, senior and senior commanding staff.

To receive the next military rank, soldiers, ensigns and officers must serve for a certain period. Sailors and soldiers for diligent service can be presented to the next rank (senior soldier or sailor) after 5 months from the moment it began.

To obtain the rank of junior sergeant, soldiers and senior soldiers are required to serve at least 1 year, sergeant - at least 2 years, senior sergeant and warrant officer - at least 3 years. In order for an officer to be awarded the next rank, it is necessary to serve:

2 years junior lieutenant;
3 years for lieutenant and senior lieutenant;
4 years for captain (lieutenant commander) and major (3rd rank captain);
5 years lieutenant colonel (captain of the 2nd rank).

To receive the next rank to graduates of military higher educational institutions, they need to stay in the rank of lieutenant for 2 years. Senior officers can be promoted if they have served in the previous rank for at least 2 years and have held a position for at least 1 year that is subject to replacement by military personnel of senior officers.

For generals and admirals of the Russian Armed Forces, including a general of the army or an admiral of the fleet, terms of service in their positions and in a certain rank are not established.

The calculation of the term of stay in a military rank begins from the day of its assignment. The period of military service in a certain rank includes the time:

interruption of service due to unreasonable prosecution;
termination of service due to illegal dismissal;
stay in stock.

Important: some changes were made to the legislation of the Russian Federation in 2016, which affected the timing of the assignment of the next military ranks to military personnel. So, for example, to receive the title of "captain", a senior lieutenant had to serve for 3 years. At present, personnel certification is in force in the Armed Forces. This means that military personnel must prove their professional suitability in order to receive the next rank. An important role is played by discipline, knowledge of the specialty, behavior and the absence of official misconduct.

The procedure for conferring military ranks

There are a number of reasons for conferring a military rank. First of all, this should include entry into the Armed Forces on a voluntary basis, by conscription, as well as admission to specialized military educational institutions and their graduation.

The expiration of a certain period of service in the previous rank is also the basis for promotion. The military may also be awarded a military rank by decision of officials within their powers.

Also, military personnel can be transferred to a position when a certain military rank is provided for it in the staff list. It can be either equal or higher in comparison with the existing rank.

Please note that a new military rank is assigned simultaneously with the appointment to a new position. As for persons liable for military service, for whom sergeant (foreman) positions are provided, the successful passing of tests according to the service program can serve as the basis for their promotion in rank.

The President of the Russian Federation can assign military ranks to senior officers. To do this, they must be presented by the head of the federal executive body in whose department they do military service. This official also has the right to assign the rank of captain of the 1st rank or colonel.

When entering military service in the Armed Forces in all constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the rank of ordinary conscripts has the right to assign a military commissar. If military personnel are directly subordinate to officials, the latter have the right to assign them regular military ranks.

It is important to understand that military personnel can be awarded the first and next military rank. So, officers receive the first military rank of "junior lieutenant" and "lieutenant", warrant officers (midshipmen) - "ensign" ("midshipman"), and soldiers - "private" or "sailor", respectively.

For personal merit, a military man may be awarded the next military rank ahead of schedule, but not higher than the rank provided for by the staff list for the position.

The procedure for conferring military ranks also provides for the promotion of military personnel for special personal merits if the period of their stay in the assigned rank has expired. So, an officer can be promoted in rank by one step in accordance with his position, but not higher than "captain of the 3rd rank" or "major".

If a serviceman has an academic degree, holds a teaching position in military general education or research organizations, he may be awarded the next rank, but not higher than “captain of the 1st rank” or “colonel”.

Ensigns (midshipmen) and sergeants (ship foremen) can also be presented to the next military rank. For ensigns (midshipmen), this is a “senior warrant officer” (“senior warrant officer”), and sergeants (ship foremen) receive a rank no higher than “foreman” (“chief ship foreman”).

Can they be stripped of their military rank?

The Russian Armed Forces practice a system of rewards and punishments for military personnel, so they can not only be promoted and rank, but also deprived of such privileges. This can happen if a person liable for military service has committed a serious or especially serious offense.

Only a court can accuse a person of a deed. After the verdict is passed, the military may be demoted in rank, as well as deprived of social benefits and privileges.

Important: according to the law, the judiciary has the right to deprive a soldier of his position and rank. It does not take into account by whom the title was awarded. It can be restored only after the repayment of a criminal record. One of its removal is not enough to restore the rank. This will require a positive review from the military commissar, as well as the consent of the relevant authorities.

In order to be reinstated in position and rank, a serviceman, after the removal of a criminal record, must contact the military registration and enlistment office and submit an appropriate application. It may take up to 30 calendar days for it to be considered by law. If the military commissar has every reason to restore a person in rank, a presentation and the necessary order are drawn up for him.

Please note that if a soldier was convicted unfairly, he will be rehabilitated, that is, automatically reinstated in rank. More detailed information can be provided, whose services it is recommended to use.

When is an extraordinary military rank given?

Military personnel may receive a new rank ahead of schedule for special personal merits. Often, persons who have proven their professionalism are encouraged by the leadership of the unit in the form of promotion in rank and position, which allows a person to quickly climb the career ladder. If it is not possible to make a personnel reshuffle, they can only assign the next title.

To receive an extraordinary rank, an officer can, for example, take an active part in special operations or prove himself in emergency situations. If a soldier's subordinates have shown excellent results in exercises and combat training, it is likely that he can be quickly promoted in rank ahead of schedule.

In practice, obtaining an extraordinary military rank can be quite difficult, since the leadership of the unit can carry out this procedure at its discretion. It is no secret that officers who have family ties with the command go faster than others. Nevertheless, if the merits of the serviceman are noticed by the higher command staff, then a new appointment will not be long in coming.

To figure out what ranks are, what they are issued for, or at least how they look, you need to serve in the army. At the OBZH school, boys are forced to learn them by heart, but it’s so easy to get confused in them that it’s better not to even suffer. In this article, we will try to explain in a simple way and help you understand all the ranks, how they look and what they give.

All ranks in the Russian army - from junior to senior

Knowing all the ranks in ascending order, you can easily understand who you are addressing or who is addressing you. In Russia there are only two types of military ranks, these are military and naval. Ship ranks usually include sailors:

Coast security;
naval military units;
surface and submarine forces.

Military titles include all other people serving in military units:

Military establishment;
other military units and bodies.

Now let's decide what ranks are - from smallest to largest. There are only a few subspecies of titles:

Non-commissioned title.
Officer title.

Non-officer titles include privates, corporals, junior sergeants, "middle" sergeants, senior sergeants, foremen, warrant officers, and senior warrant officers. In the ship type: sailors, senior sailors, foremen in the second and first articles, chief foremen, chief ship foremen, warrant officers and senior warrant officers.

Military ranks		Ship ranks
junior officers	Ensign	Ensign
	lieutenant	lieutenant
	senior lieutenant	senior lieutenant
	captain	captain
senior officer corps	major	third level captain
	lieutenant colonels	second level captain
	colonels	first class captain
senior officers	major generals	rear admirals
	lieutenant generals	vice admirals
	colonel generals	admirals
	army generals	fleet admirals
	Marshal of Russia	there is no analogue

All these titles are distinguished not only by their names, but also by the presence of shoulder straps. Each title has its own shoulder strap. Soldiers and sailors do not have any distinguishing marks. The sergeant and foreman have the so-called stripes - these are cloth galloons. In the army, they were nicknamed "snot". Ensign and midshipman wear vertical stars with piping, but without gaps, on shoulder straps. Officers differ in the number and size of stars.

In the first officer (junior) there is one strip, the so-called clearance, the stars must be made of metal and have a diameter of 13 mm. Senior officers have two stripes and stars 20 mm wide. The third officers, that is, the highest, have embroidered stars on shoulder straps of a rather large size (22 mm), they do not have stripes. Army generals and fleet admirals have one large embroidered star 40 mm wide on their shoulder straps. The marshal of the Russian Federation has one large embroidered star, like the generals of the army with a diameter of 40 mm, but silver rays diverging in different directions are added to it, which form a kind of pentagon. The coat of arms of the Russian Federation must be present in the background.

Now let's look at the faces of all the titles, that is, the people who lead the Russian army. It is worth noting that the Supreme Commander-in-Chief is the current President of the Russian Federation. It is generally accepted that the Supreme Commander-in-Chief is not a rank, but a position. It is this position that gives the right to be higher than the Marshal of the Russian Federation. The Minister of Defense has the right to be simultaneously commander-in-chief of the land and naval forces.

Interesting facts about the ranks in the army of the Russian Federation

The military ranks that are assigned to the military personnel of the guards units have the prefix "guards", that is, "guards lieutenant colonel".

Depending on which service the soldier belongs to (it can be a legal or medical service), either the word "justice" or "medical service" in the required case is added to the title.
For military personnel who are retired or in reserve composition, the word “reserve” or “retired” is added to the rank, depending on the situation.
People who entered the military service and who study at a military school are divided into two groups: those who do not have a military title - cadets, as well as students.
Citizens who did not have a military title before entering a military school, or who had the title of a sailor or soldier when they enter an educational institution, have the rank of cadet. In other cases, all assigned titles upon admission are retained.
People who do military service receive titles only for good services to the state. Also, based on the statute for serving in military units, a specific period of time is determined, that is, the title can be obtained by:

sailors, soldiers - six months;
junior sergeants, foremen of the second article - 365 days;
sergeants and foremen of the first article, junior lieutenants - 2 years;
senior sergeants, chief foremen, warrant officers, midshipmen, lieutenants and senior lieutenants - 3 years;
captains, captain-lieutenants, majors and captains of the third level - 4 years;
lieutenant colonels, captains of the second level and the remaining military personnel - 5 years.

It is worth remembering a very important detail, a serviceman has the right to receive a title if there is an appropriate position in his unit.

Based on the new laws adopted in 2012, the titles of foreman and chief ship foreman are no longer assigned. However, they are still documented.
All titles that are assigned to military personnel must be written with a small letter.
The title of major is considered higher than the title of lieutenant, but major generals are lower in rank than lieutenant generals.
At the moment, in 365 days, a soldier has the right to receive the highest title - sergeant.

In many ways, they retained the system inherited from the armed forces of the USSR. But the modern system of military ranks has acquired its own unique features.

The structure of the ranks of the armed forces and the rank and file

Ranks in the troops of our country can be divided into several categories:

Ordinary composition.
junior officers.
senior officers.
senior officers.

The lowest rank in the modern troops of our country is private. This title is worn by people serving in the military. Ordinary servicemen of the USSR army began to be called after the war, before the terms “Red Army soldier” and “fighter” were in use.

Reserve soldiers can be called those citizens of the country who have a military registration specialty: a doctor or a lawyer. They are called "Private Medical Service" or, in turn, "Private Justice".

Also called privates are cadets who are trained to achieve officer epaulettes. During their studies, they can receive ranks related to the rank and file, and, after completing their studies, they can receive the first officer rank.

The best and most experienced of the privates receive the rank of corporal. This military rank has the right to replace the junior officer in command of the department. The private receives the rank of corporal for the impeccable performance of his duties and the observance of ideal discipline.

Following the corporal is the rank of junior sergeant. The holder of this rank can command a squad or combat vehicle. In special cases, a private or corporal may, before leaving military service, be awarded the appointment of a reserve junior sergeant.

A sergeant who is higher in the service hierarchy of a junior sergeant also has the right to command a squad or combat vehicle. The title was introduced in the Soviet armed forces before the war, in 1940. Its owners underwent special training in their units or were promoted from the most distinguished junior sergeants. The next in the structure of our armed forces is a senior sergeant.

This is followed by the positions of foremen, which were introduced in the Soviet army a little earlier than sergeants - in 1935. In today's Russian army, the best of the senior sergeants who have served in the previous rank for at least six months and have been promoted to a position involving the rank of foreman become foremen.

Within his company, the foreman serves as the head of the personnel, consisting of sergeants and privates. The foreman is subordinate to the officer in command of the company, and can act as the company commander when he is absent.

Since 1972, the Soviet troops have been replenished with the rank of warrant officer, and since 1981 - senior warrant officer. Its owners, as a rule, graduate from military educational institutions corresponding to their profile, which do not have higher status. Ensigns are assistants to junior officers.

The lowest officer rank in the troops of our country is junior lieutenant. Today, cadets who complete their studies at military educational institutions, as well as graduates of lieutenant schools at military units, often have it. Sometimes the rank of junior lieutenant can be obtained by graduates of civilian specialties, as well as ensigns who have shown zeal and ability to serve.

Usually graduates of military universities become lieutenants. After the corresponding period of service and passing the certification with a positive result, junior lieutenants move to the next level - lieutenant. The next step among the ranks of junior officers is the rank of senior lieutenant and captain. The rank of officer of the engineering troops at this stage sounds like "engineer captain", and the artilleryman - battalion commander (battery commander). In infantry units, a military officer with the rank of captain commands a company.

The senior officer ranks are Major, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel. The major has the right to command a training company or be an assistant to the battalion commander. A lieutenant colonel commands a battalion or serves as an assistant regimental commander.

The colonel has the right to command a regiment, brigade and be the deputy commander of a division. This officer rank was introduced to the armed forces of our country along with a number of others in 1935. In the Navy, the three senior officer ranks of the ground forces correspond to their own ranks of captains of the third, second and first ranks.

The first highest officer rank of the Russian troops is Major General. The holder of this rank can command a division (combination of up to 15 thousand personnel), and also be a deputy corps commander.

Next comes the rank of lieutenant general. Historically, it came from the position of a senior officer who was a deputy general. The word "lieutenant" - is translated as "deputy". Such an officer of the highest rank may command a corps or be a deputy commander of an army. Lieutenant generals also serve in military headquarters.

A colonel-general may be the deputy commander of a military district or command an army. The holders of this military rank hold the positions of the General Staff or the Ministry of Defense. Finally, the highest military rank of the troops of our country, the general of the army, is higher. Today, the highest officers of individual branches of the military - artillery, communications, etc. - can become generals of the army.

In the naval forces of our country, the highest officer positions correspond to rear admiral, vice admiral, admiral and admiral of the fleet.

When we think about the military leaders of the USSR during the Great Patriotic War, the holders of the title of “Marshal” traditionally come to mind - G.K. Zhukov, I.S. Konev, K.K. Rokossovsky. However, in the post-Soviet period, this rank practically disappeared, and the functions of marshals were transferred to army generals.

In 1935 Marshal of the Soviet Union was introduced as the highest personal military rank. It was assigned to the most worthy of the representatives of the highest military leadership and could serve as a distinction. In 1935, a number of top military leaders of the country of the Soviets became marshals, holding responsible positions in the army.

Three of the first five marshals of the USSR in the years following their appointment fell under the blow of repression. Therefore, before the start of the war, Semyon Timoshenko, Grigory Kulik and Boris Shaposhnikov, who replaced them in responsible posts, became the new marshals of the Soviet Union.

During the war years, the highest rank of marshal was awarded to the most distinguished commanders. The first of the marshals of the "war period" was Georgy Zhukov. Nearly all the top military men who led the fronts became marshals. Joseph Stalin received the rank of marshal in 1943. The basis was the “positions he occupied” of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and People's Commissar of Defense.

In the post-war period, a military rank rare for the country was received by General Secretary L.I. Brezhnev. The marshals were the persons who held the post of Minister of Defense - Nikolai Bulgarin, Dmitry Ustinov and Sergei Sokolov. In 1987, Dmitry Yazov became Minister of Defense, and three years later he received a personal highest officer rank. Today, he is the only retired marshal surviving.

In 1943, while the war was going on, the rank of marshal of the armed forces began to be used in the USSR. A little later, the ranks of marshals of special forces were added to them. In the same year, a number of the highest military councils of the country became such marshals. In particular, the famous military leader Pavel Rotmistrov became a marshal of tank troops. In 1943, the rank of chief marshal of the armed forces was also introduced.

Most of the ranks of chief marshals were abolished in 1984 - they were retained exclusively for aviation and artillery. But after 1984, none of the representatives of the country's top military leadership received them either. The ranks of marshals and chief marshals of the armed forces were finally abolished in 1993. In 1991, Evgeny Shaposhnikov became the last air marshal in the modern history of the country.

In the modern army of our country there is a title - "Marshal of the Russian Federation". As in the pre-war period, this is a personal highest military rank. The reason for receiving the rank of marshal may be the special merits of the officer to the country, recognized by the President.

In 1997, the title was awarded to Igor Sergeev. The awarding of this rank followed the appointment of Igor Dmitrievich as the Minister of Defense of our country. In 2001, the military retired from active service and until the end of his life he held the rank of retired marshal.

Modern ranks in the Russian army are inherited from the Soviet period. The army of the Russian Federation partially retained its former structure and military formations. Therefore, the system of military ranks and positions has not undergone major changes.

In the army, as in any military structure, there is a clear distinction between ranks. It is worth figuring out with what rank the officer corps begins and what it ends with. It is very important to know how to distinguish one rank from another in order to maintain subordination and clarity in relationships in the army team.

The history of the emergence of the first officers

The first officers appeared under Peter the Great. After the defeat near Narva, he issued a decree on compulsory military service for the nobility. Prior to this, the service consisted of hired military personnel from other states. Throughout the formation of the tsarist army, officer ranks underwent many changes.

But the basic task of Russian officers was to protect the interests of the country in various military operations, which throughout Russian history was enough. They participated in the battles from Poland to the Caucasus Range. After a long service, the officers ended their military career in St. Petersburg or Moscow. During the existence of the officer corps, certain traditions and attitudes towards military duty have developed.

All modern officer ranks in the Russian army can be attributed to different compositions:

junior;
senior;
higher.

junior officers

Junior officers - this is the first step of an officer's career begins with the rank of junior lieutenant, which can be awarded:

A citizen who has a secondary special education and has completed courses for officers.
A soldier entering the service through the conclusion of a contract who does not have military ranks. But in this case, he must graduate from an educational institution with a military registration specialty. It is assigned upon admission to a position in which one is supposed to have such a title.
A serviceman in the reserve after passing the mandatory military training and successfully passing the relevant tests.
Graduates of civilian universities who were trained at the military department of an educational institution.

The maximum position at this rank is a platoon commander. Insignia, one small star on shoulder straps. Now in the ranks of the armed forces of the Russian Federation, a junior lieutenant is little assigned. This is due to the fact that every year the number of servicemen serving on a contract who have graduated from a higher educational institution is increasing, and in this case a rank is awarded, which is next in the army career.

Lieutenant is the most common rank in the army, which is assigned when entering the service on a contract basis. It is received by military personnel who graduated from a higher military institution.

Another option for obtaining this title is for ensigns who have received higher education. A young lieutenant who came after the university can be appointed to the position of head of any service. In the future, he may be promoted up the career ladder with another asterisk on shoulder straps. Lieutenants have two stars on their shoulders.

Military personnel who have served more than two years in their position can go to the next step, senior lieutenant. He may be entrusted with the position of deputy company commander or may be entrusted with work with personnel. The senior lieutenant wears three stars on his shoulder straps.

The captain is also a representative of junior officers. He is appointed to a position in command of a company or may be a deputy battalion commander. There are four small stars on the captain's shoulder straps.

Senior staff of officers

These officers include:

major,
lieutenant colonel,
colonel.

Most often, majors are the heads of certain services, headquarters in a battalion or commandant's office. On the shoulder straps of the major is one big star.

The next step in the army hierarchy is Lieutenant Colonel. This rank is usually held by deputy regiment commanders or chiefs of staff, and it is also assigned to battalion commanders. This position can be reached already at a fairly mature age. In rare cases, they are dismissed from service in a more senior rank. The lieutenant colonel has epaulettes with two large stars.

The colonel is the last final step in the senior officer corps. A soldier with this rank most often holds the position of unit commander or division chief of staff. These are usually very balanced people, because in ordinary positions in the regiment this rank is the last step in a career. Higher officer ranks are extremely rare.

Senior officer corps

The composition of the highest officer ranks includes the following ranks:

major general,
lieutenant general,
colonel general,
army General.

The rank of major general is the junior among the generals. Such a soldier usually holds the position of division commander or deputy district commander. Major generals have one star of the largest size.

The district commander often holds the rank of lieutenant general. It is difficult to see such military personnel in the usual part. They serve at the headquarters of the district or come to the unit, then only with a check. There are two large stars on the shoulder straps of the lieutenant general.

The rank of colonel-general can only be obtained by a few; it is assigned to the deputy general of the army. The position involves the command of military districts and constant contact with higher army ranks. Only the general of the army and the commander-in-chief, who is the President of the country, are higher.

Many civilians have a question why the major general in the hierarchical ladder is lower than the lieutenant general. It's all about the meaning of titles. Initially, titles were assigned in accordance with the position held. The translation of the word "lieutenant" means "assistant". Therefore, this prefix is suitable for a lieutenant general, who is essentially an assistant to his leader. The meaning of the word "major" sounds like "greater", he can command a district, but falls short of the next rank.

Interesting facts about officer ranks:

In the army of the Russian Federation, the commander-in-chief of the army has the rank of colonel. It is in this rank that V.V. Putin resigned from the FSB, but this does not prevent him from managing the highest army ranks.
In guards units, the word “guards” is added to the rank; this rule applies to all ranks, including privates.
By tradition, new stars on shoulder straps should be “washed”, this officer’s rite is still invariably adhered to in the Russian army.

Tasks and service of officers

The main task of the officers is to organize the functioning of the army in the area entrusted to his command. An officer of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation must effectively solve the tasks facing him. In addition to command, an officer must be able to resolve the personal issues of his subordinates. A good officer must perform highly qualified work in the position entrusted to him, and this may be a job of a narrow specialty where specific knowledge is required.

An officer can be a field officer and command personnel under general conditions for all, or serve at the headquarters. But any officer always has a certain number of people under his command. A good officer not only knows how to give orders, but also be responsible for his subordinates. It is these officers who are the backbone of the Russian army.

After graduating from a military educational institution, all graduates become officers. According to the concluded contract with the Ministry of Defense, they are sent to the service for mandatory distribution.

If this does not happen, then such an officer is transferred to the reserve. Then only military training or mobilization awaits him. But such cases are rare, most of the former cadets join the ranks of the armed forces of the Russian Federation and begin to serve in accordance with the procedure stipulated by the military regulations. What kind of service will be depends on many factors, on the personality of the officer himself and on how relations with the higher leadership develop. But military ranks are awarded not only for years of service, but also for a responsible attitude to one's military duty.