A career in the US Army is a true calling and a unique opportunity for soldiers to defend the Constitution, as well as the rights and interests of the American people. In addition to high wages and benefits systems, the army provides opportunities for career growth, instills leadership qualities that are indispensable in everyday life, and provides a wealth of knowledge. Regardless of the rank in the US Army, each soldier plays a significant role in achieving a common mission.
US Army Essence
First of all, it is worth noting that the US Army designates, mainly, ground forces. So, the coast guard, military police, marines and air forces are separate types of the US armed forces. Thus, the insignia of all officers and sergeants are different.
The US Army has two main elements - active and reserve troops, in addition to them, the National Guard and the Reserve Army also belong to the ground forces . They are in no way dependent on each other, but fulfill one common mission - to protect their territory in every possible way.
United States Army Ranks
The first composition of the military ranks of the US Army - ordinary soldiers and sergeants. They are the basis of the army, because they have special knowledge and perform specific functions, which ensures the success of the current mission of other army units. Hierarchically, the ranks of ordinary soldiers follow in this order:
- recruit (no insignia);
- private;
- ordinary soldier of the first class;
- specialist;
- corporal.
Rank sergeants are divided into:
- sergeant;
- Staff Sergeant
- sergeant first class;
- master;
- first sergeant;
- major;
- major teams;
- sergeant of the us army.
There are two types of officers in the ground forces: warrant officers and officers. The second are essentially US Army managers, key figures, and professional strategists. It is they who solve the problems that arise, plan missions, give orders, lead soldiers of the ground forces and may have the following ranks:
- second lieutenant;
- first lieutenant;
- captain;
- major;
- lieutenant colonel;
- Colonel
- brigade general ;
- Major General
- lieutenant general;
- the general;
- US Army General.
Each person who devotes his life to the defense of the Motherland is an important figure for the army, regardless of rank.
US Army Subcomplexes
The organizational structure of the ground forces is the driving force of the army, which allows you to combine soldiers and officers into a single whole. It consists of the following units:
- detachment (operates under the command of a sergeant);
- platoon (controlled by the lieutenant);
- company (captain oversees this unit);
- battalion (the commander is a lieutenant colonel);
- brigade (colonel controls this structure);
- division (under the command of a major general);
- corps (controlled by lieutenant general);
- army (may also be commanded by a lieutenant general).
Leading a military subunit is a real honor for a soldier or officer.
U.S. military uniform
Unlike the Russian army, where the uniform can be a front, front, weekend, field, work, and casual, in the US army it is divided into three categories:
- A utilitarian military uniform, or, as the Americans call it, a military uniform. This category consists of all kinds of special clothes for various applications. For example, a sports uniform, equipment when operating combat vehicles, clothes for a hospital, kitchen, and even a special uniform for pregnant women.
- Service uniform that is designed for everyday wear.
- Uniforms for social events or ceremonial output. Clothing in this category can be different: from a white summer uniform to a form for receptions, dinners and other events.
It is worth noting that the uniform of the US Army is made to order and try to use the best materials so that soldiers and officers are comfortable and practical both in battle and in everyday life.
Who are the Warrant Officers
According to the official website of the US Army, the non-commissioned officer is an adaptive technical expert, combat leader, trainer and adviser. Due to the progressive level of knowledge gained during the training, this officer is able to manage, maintain and integrate systems and equipment into all spectra of ground operations. In simple terms, a non-commissioned officer is an ensign, that is, not yet an officer, but not an ordinary sergeant.
Of course, depending on the rank, the duties of “ensigns” may differ. For example, the first class of warrant officers acts as secretaries for senior colleagues. They help to draw up documentation and perform simple functions related to personnel management and technical support of the army. And the fifth class of senior warrant officers manages entire brigades, divisions, and other classes of warrant officers, makes final decisions and gives orders.
Insignia "ensigns"
First of all, it is worth noting that all the insignia of warrant officers are divided into “muffled” and “muffled”. The first ones are needed for various social events, so that the sign is more noticeable, and "muffled signs" are intended for combat and casual wear.
The unimpressed insignia of a first-class warrant officer is a black matte square in the center of a silver metal plate. A muffled sign is a dark green plate with a square of the same color.
As for the insignia of a second-class warrant officer: the unmuffled sign is two matte black squares on a silver metal plate. The muffled insignia is two dark green squares on the plate of the same color.
One black square is added to each insignia of warrant officers to the fourth grade. Thus, the muffled badge of a third-class officer is three black squares on a silver plate. A muffled sign is three dark green squares on a plate of the same color.
The muffled and muffled insignia of a fourth-grade warrant officer are absolutely identical, except that one more black and dark green square is attached to their plate.
But the signs of belonging to the senior ensigns of the fifth grade are not like the others. The muted sign is a long, thin strip of black on a silver plate, and the muffled sign is a dark green strip on a dark plate.
Regardless of class, the plates can be made of silver or any other metal. Strong, dark-colored threads are also used to attach the mark to clothing. In general, like the clothes of the ground forces, insignia are made qualitatively and accurately. After all, the uniform is the face of every soldier and officer in the US Army.