Difference between revisions of "RMA:SoldiersGuide:Ranks"

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==Rank Structure==
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The RMA ranking system is heavily influenced by the Code of Ranks formerly used by the British military on Old Earth. This system, which has been in use for the past several hundred years, suits the RMA well. It allows for promotions, an important key to morale, yet the number of ranks allows plenty of time to judge a soldier’s ultimate abilities. This helps to prevent incompetent soldiers from being promoted too far too fast, which can sometimes happen in militaries with too small a number of ranks. It is also important to note that, unlike our sister components, the RMA is much more NCO heavy with a larger ratio of enlisted to officers.
 
 
The RMA ranking system is heavily influenced by the Code of Ranks formerly used by the British military on Old Earth. This system, which has been in use for the past several hundred years, suits the RMA well. It allows for promotions, an important key to morale, yet the number of ranks allows plenty of time to judge a soldier’s ultimate abilities. This helps to prevent incompetent soldiers from being promoted too far too fast, which can sometimes happen in militaries with too small a number of ranks.
 
In the RMA, ranks have a multitude of functions. First, because they are dependent on the accomplishment of a certain amount of academy course work, they can be an indicator of an individual member’s dedication and interest in the club and second, they provide an avenue by which members can roleplay in the Honorverse. The accompanying rank & insignia images will help you to understand the RMA structure version. Study it carefully, paying particular attention to the abbreviations, which will be used extensively from this point forward.
In the RMA, ranks have a multitude of functions. First, because they are dependent on the accomplishment of a certain amount of academy course work, they can be an indicator of an individual member’s dedication and interest in the club and second, they provide an avenue by which members can roleplay in the Honorverse. The accompanying rank & insignia images will help you to understand the RMA structure version. Study it carefully, paying particular attention to the abbreviations, which will be used extensively from this point forward.
There are two basic forms of rank: enlisted and officer. The enlisted ranks are separated into two sets (Enlisted and Non-Commissioned Officers - NCOs) of grades E-1 through E-3 and E-4 through E-11. In a similar fashion, the officer ranks are separated into two sets (Junior/Senior, Flag) of six grades (O-1 to O-6) and (F-1 to F-6).


===Enlisted===
There are two basic forms of rank: enlisted and officer. The enlisted ranks are separated into two sets: basic enlisted, grades E-1 through E-3, and non-commissioned officers (NCOs), grades E-4 through E-11. In a similar fashion, the officer ranks are separated into two sets: junior/senior officers, grades O-1 through O-6, and flag, grades F-1 through F-6.
The enlisted ranks are designated by a system of stripes worn on the left arm.  
 
==Enlisted==
The [[Enlisted_ranks|enlisted ranks]] are designated by a system of stripes worn on the left arm of the uniform.  
 
===Basic Enlisted===


====E-1, Private (PVT)====
====E-1, Private (PVT)====
Recruits who have reached their 16th birthday may enter the RMA with the rank of [[Private]]. Each Combat Theater must provide for the initial training of its soldiers and therefore operates their own boot camps. The drill instructors at these camps are not active-duty members of the RMA, but retirees, reservists and home guard who work as instructors to free up active sergeants and lieutenants for more important tasks.  
Recruits who have reached their 16th birthday may enter the RMA with the rank of [[Private]]. Each combat theater must provide for the initial training of its soldiers and therefore operates their own boot camps. The drill instructors at these camps are not active-duty members of the RMA, but retirees, reservists and home guard who work as instructors to free up active sergeants and lieutenants for more important tasks.  


Privates wear one Gold Hash mark.
Privates wear one gold hash mark.


====E-2, Private First Class (PFC)====
====E-2, Private First Class (PFC)====
Having completed boot camp training, the young soldier attends one of the several Specialty Schools located in the Manticoran Home System. These schools teach recruits particular skills such as Battlefield Communications or Combat Vehicle Operation. After successful specialty training, the private is usually promoted and assigned to a regiment. Most soldiers are assigned to a regiment within their native home world. Once assigned to a regiment, a soldier is likely to remain with it for the standard 5-year tour with the RMA.  
Having completed boot camp training, the young soldier attends one of the several specialty schools located in the Manticoran Home System. These schools teach recruits particular skills such as battlefield communications or combat vehicle operation. After successful specialty training, the private is usually promoted and assigned to a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Regiment (17+ Soldiers)|regiment]]. Most soldiers are assigned to a regiment within their native home world, and is likely to remain with it for the standard 5-year tour with the RMA.  


[[Private First Class|Privates, First-Class]] wear two Gold Hash marks.
[[Private First Class|Privates First-Class]] wear two gold hash marks.


====E-3, Lance Corporal (LCPL)====
====E-3, Lance Corporal (LCPL)====
After a short time, usually less than a year, the soldier is promoted to [[Lance Corporal]]. Though there is little distinction between the duties of a Lance Corporal and a PFC, Corporals receive higher pay and begin to collect Death Compensation (a fund for the next-of-kin in case of the soldier’s death). Lance Corporals who have shown leadership ability will be sent to a Small Units School for training in tactical skills. A Lance Corporal is usually a fire team leader. This is the minimum rank required to command a Fireteam.
After a short time, usually less than a year, the soldier is promoted to [[Lance Corporal|lance corporal]]. Though there is little distinction between the duties of a lance corporal and a PFC, lance corporals receive higher pay and begin to collect death compensation (a fund for the next-of-kin in case of the soldier’s death). Lance corporals who have shown leadership ability will be sent to a small units school for training in tactical skills.  
 
A lance corporal is usually a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Quad/Fireteam (2-4 Soldiers)|fireteam]] leader. This is the minimum rank required to command a fireteam.


Lance Corporals wear three Gold Hash marks.
Lance corporals wear three gold hash marks.


====E-4, Corporal (CPL)====
====E-4, Corporal (CPL)====
The rank of [[Corporal]], along with the rank of SGT, are the only ranks that have not disappeared from the NCO Corps since the days of Old Earth. The rank of Corporal has always been placed at the base of the NCO ladder. For the most part, Corporals serve as the smallest unit leaders in the RMA. Principally Team Leaders, like Sergeants, CPLs are responsible for individual training, personal appearance and cleanliness of their troops. As the SGM/A is known as the epitome of success in the Army, the CPL is its humble beginnings. The rank of Corporal nominally corresponds to commanding a section of soldiers. This is the minimum rank required to command a Squad.
The rank of [[Corporal]], along with the rank of SGT, are the only ranks that have not disappeared from the NCO Corps since the days of Old Earth. The rank of corporal has always been placed at the base of the NCO ladder. For the most part, corporals serve as the smallest unit leaders in the RMA. Principally team leaders, like sergeants, CPLs are responsible for individual training, personal appearance and cleanliness of their troops. As the SGTMAJ is known as the epitome of success in the army, the CPL is its humble beginnings.  


Corporals wear one inverted Gold Chevron.
The rank of corporal nominally corresponds to commanding a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Section (5-7 Soldiers)|section]] of soldiers.
 
Corporals wear one inverted gold chevron.


===Non-Commissioned Officers===
===Non-Commissioned Officers===
Non-Commissioned Officers, more commonly referred to as Sergeants, play an important role in the RMA. In infantry units, Sergeants must play the dual role of tactician and protector of the men and women in their units. In other branches of the RMA, Sergeants are assigned to be vehicle commanders, gunnery chiefs, or other positions of importance. The many demands facing Sergeants are why few common soldiers in the RMA ever attain this rank. For this reason, the RMA considers the Sergeant to be an NCO with pay and privileges far above the lower ranks.
Non-commissioned officers, more commonly referred to as sergeants, play an important role in the RMA. In infantry units, sergeants must play the dual role of tactician and protector of the men and women in their units. In other branches of the RMA, sergeants are assigned to be vehicle commanders, gunnery chiefs, or other positions of importance. The many demands facing sergeants are why few common soldiers in the RMA ever attain this rank. For this reason, the RMA considers the sergeant to be an NCO with pay and privileges far above the lower ranks.


====E-5, Platoon Sergeant (PSGT)====
====E-5, Platoon Sergeant (PSGT)====
The Sergeant operates in an environment where the sparks fly; where the axe meets the stone. Although not the lowest level of rank where command is exercised, this level is the first at which enlisted soldiers are referred to as "sergeant," and out of all the NCO grades, this one very possibly has the greatest impact on the lower ranking troops. Like the Staff Sergeant, the Sergeant is responsible for the individual training, personal appearance, and cleanliness of their troopers.  
The sergeant operates in an environment where the sparks fly; where the axe meets the stone. Although not the lowest level of rank where command is exercised, this level is the first at which enlisted soldiers are referred to as "sergeant," and out of all the NCO grades, this one very possibly has the greatest impact on the lower ranking troops. Like the staff sergeant, the sergeant is responsible for the individual training, personal appearance, and cleanliness of their troops. While a new sergeant certainly will be developing new skills, strengthening old ones and generally getting better, he IS a sergeant! And therefore, is no less a professional than those grades of rank to follow. The sergeant is responsible at the squad level and has several teams under his authority.  
While a new sergeant certainly will be developing new skills, strengthening old ones and generally getting better, he IS a Sergeant! And therefore, is no less a professional than those grades of rank to follow. The Sergeant is responsible at the squad level and has several teams under his authority.
[[Platoon Sergeant]]s are usually the senior NCO in a Platoon.  


Platoon Sergeants wear two Inverted Gold Chevrons.
[[Platoon Sergeant|Platoon sergeants]] are usually the senior NCO in a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Platoon (8-10 Soldiers)|platoon]].
 
Platoon sergeants wear two inverted gold chevrons.


====E-6, Staff Sergeant (SSGT)====
====E-6, Staff Sergeant (SSGT)====
This grade closely parallels that of the Sergeant (SGT) in duties and responsibilities. In fact, the basic duties and responsibilities of all NCO ranks never change, but there are differences-significant differences-between this step in the NCO structure and the preceding one...understanding these differences is vital. The [[Staff Sergeant]] is a more experienced leader of troopers; he has considerably more time in the RMA than the SGT. It is proper to expect that the Staff Sergeant can bring the benefits of that experience to bear in any situation. A Staff Sergeant is usually also the Colour Sergeant of a Regiment or Battalion and responsible for the Colour Guard on ceremonial occasions.
This grade closely parallels that of the sergeant (SGT) in duties and responsibilities. In fact, the basic duties and responsibilities of all NCO ranks never change, but there are significant differences between this step in the NCO structure and the preceding one, and understanding these differences is vital. The [[Staff Sergeant|staff sergeant]] is a more experienced leader of troops; he has considerably more time in the RMA than the SGT. It is proper to expect that the staff sergeant can bring the benefits of that experience to bear in any situation. A staff sergeant is usually also the color sergeant of a regiment or battalion and responsible for the color guard on ceremonial occasions.


The major difference between the SSGT and the SGT is not, as often mistakenly believed, authority, but rather the sphere of influence. The SSGT is in daily contact with large numbers of troopers, and will often have one or more Sergeants who work under his direct leadership; he is responsible for their continued successful development as well as that of the other troopers in the platoon.
The major difference between the SSGT and the SGT is not, as often mistakenly believed, authority, but rather the sphere of influence. The SSGT is in daily contact with large numbers of troops, and will often have one or more sergeants who work under his direct leadership; he is responsible for their continued successful development as well as that of the other soldiers in the platoon.


More often than not, a lack of understanding of the function of this important NCO position by leaders is the cause of disruption and failure in small unit training. If NCOs are the "Backbone of the Army, then SSGTs are the vertebrae. The complexity of the SSGT's job increases as the responsibilities broaden, so how well the Staff Sergeant develops, maintains and uses the full range of potential of his troops measures his professional competence. The success of the SSGT, more than any other NCO rank, leads the path to the Army success, and the footprints you see behind those of our greatest military leaders are probably those of a Staff Sergeant, where he stood confident, proud, and eager to assist.
More often than not, a lack of understanding of the function of this important NCO position by leaders is the cause of disruption and failure in small unit training. If NCOs are the "backbone of the army, then SSGTs are the vertebrae". The complexity of the SSGT's job increases as the responsibilities broaden, so how well the staff sergeant develops, maintains and uses the full range of potential of his troops measures his professional competence. The success of the SSGT, more than any other NCO rank, leads the path to the army success, and the footprints you see behind those of our greatest military leaders are probably those of a staff sergeant, where he stood confident, proud, and eager to assist.


Staff Sergeants nominally correspond to a more administrative duty in a Headquarters Company (HHC).  
Staff sergeants nominally correspond to a more administrative duty in a headquarters company (HHC).  


Staff Sergeants wear three Inverted Gold Chevrons.
Staff Sergeants wear three inverted gold chevrons.


====E-7, Master Sergeant (MSGT)====
====E-7, Master Sergeant (MSGT)====
[[Master Sergeant]]s nominally correspond to a more administrative duty with a Company.  
[[Master Sergeant]]s nominally correspond to a more administrative duty with a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Company (11-13 Soldiers)|company]].  


Master Sergeants wear three Inverted Gold Chevrons with 1 Gold Rocker on top.
Master Sergeants wear three inverted gold chevrons with one gold rocker on top.


====E-8, First Sergeant (1SGT)====
====E-8, First Sergeant (1SGT)====


[[First Sergeant]]s are usually the senior NCO in a Company. First Sergeants wear three Inverted Gold Chevrons with 2 Gold Rockers on top.
[[First Sergeant|First sergeants]] are usually the senior NCO in a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Company (11-13 Soldiers)|company]].  
 
First sergeants wear three inverted gold chevrons with two gold rockers on top.
 
====E-9, Sergeant-Major (SGTMAJ)====
The [[Sergeant-Major|sergeant-major]] carries out policies and polices standards of performance, training, appearance and conduct of enlisted personnel. They advise and initiate recommendations to the High Command and Marshal of the Army in matters pertaining to the NCO support channel. Enlisted troops who attain the distinction of being selected by the Marshal of the Army for the position of sergeant-major have reached the epitome of their careers. Perhaps slightly wiser and experienced, the SGTMAJ is expected to function completely without supervision. Like the ancient sage, the sergeant-major's counsel is expected to be calm, settled, unequivocally accurate, but with an energy and enthusiasm that never wanes.... even in the worst of times.


====E-9, Sergeant-Major (SMAJ)====
The SGTMAJ provides information on problems affecting enlisted personnel and proposes solutions to these problems; on standards, professional development, growth and advancement of NCOs, morale, training, promotions and quality of life for troops and their family members. By utilizing command information channels, the SGM keeps troops current on enlisted issues and through the public media, informs the public of the RMA's mission, troops accomplishments, and future enlisted trends. Other functions of the SGM/A include: presenting the enlisted viewpoint to the Joint Chiefs, boards and committees, meeting with representatives of military and civilian organizations to discuss enlisted affairs and receiving enlisted personnel at appropriate ceremonies.  
The [[Sergeant-Major]] carries out policies and standards of performance, training, appearance and conduct of enlisted personnel. He/she advises and initiates recommendations to the High Command and Marshall of the Army in matters pertaining to the NCO support channel. Enlisted troopers who attain the distinction of being selected by the Marshall of the Army for the position of Sergeant-Major have reached the epitome of their careers. Perhaps slightly wiser and experienced than Regimental, Brigade and Battalion Sergeant-Majors, the SGM is expected to function completely without supervision. Like the ancient sage, the Sergeant-Major's counsel is expected to be calm, settled, unequivocally accurate, but with an energy and enthusiasm that never wanes.... even in the worst of times.


The SGM provides information on problems affecting enlisted personnel and proposes solutions to these problems; on standards, professional development, growth and advancement of NCOs, morale, training, promotions and quality of life for troopers and their family members. By utilizing command information channels, the SGM keeps Troopers current on enlisted issues and through the public media, informs the public of the RMA's mission, Troopers accomplishments, and future enlisted trends. Other functions of the SGM/A include: presenting the enlisted viewpoint to the Joint Chiefs, boards and committees, meeting with representatives of military and civilian organizations to discuss enlisted affairs and receiving enlisted personnel at appropriate ceremonies.A Sergeant Major is the usually the senior NCO of a specific Branch (Armor-Artillery, Infantry, Aerospace) in a Battalion size unit.  
A sergeant-major is the usually the senior NCO of a specific branch (armor-artillery, infantry, aerospace) in a battalion-sized unit.  


Sergeants Major wear three Inverted Gold Chevrons with 3 Gold Rockers on top.
Sergeant-majors wear three inverted gold chevrons with three gold rockers on top.


====E-10, Regimental Sergeant-Major (RSGM)====
====E-10, Regimental Sergeant-Major (RSGM)====
The title of [[Regimental Sergeant-Major]] designates one of the senior enlisted positions in the RMA. It should be noted that while the title is a duty assignment rather than an actual rank. A Regimental Sergeant-Major is the senior NCO of a Regiment.  
The title of [[Regimental Sergeant-Major|regimental sergeant-major]] designates one of the senior enlisted positions in the RMA. It should be noted that while the title is a duty assignment rather than an actual rank.  
 
A regimental sergeant-major is the senior NCO of a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Regiment (17+ Soldiers)|regiment]].  


Regimental Sergeant Majors wear three Inverted Gold Chevrons with 3 Gold Rockers on top and a Star in the middle.
Regimental sergeant-majors wear three inverted gold chevrons with three gold rockers on top and a star in the middle.


====E-11, Command Sergeant-Major (CSGM)====
====E-11, Command Sergeant-Major (CSGM)====
The title of [[Command Sergeant-Major]] designates the senior-most enlisted position in the RMA. It should be noted that while the title is a duty assignment rather than an actual rank. A Command Sergeant-Major is the Senior NCO of a Battlegroup.  
The title of [[Command Sergeant-Major|command sergeant-major]] designates the senior-most enlisted position in the RMA.  


Command Sergeant-Majors wear three Inverted Gold Chevrons with 3 Gold Rockers on top and a Crown in the middle.
A command sergeant-major is the senior NCO of a battlegroup.
 
Command sergeant-majors wear three inverted gold chevrons with three gold rockers on top and a crown in the middle.
 
==Warrant Officers==
The RMA has separate ranks for technicians and engineers, known as warrant officers. A warrant officer (WO) is a technician or engineer in the RMA who is designated an officer by a warrant, as distinguished from a commissioned officer who is designated an officer by a commission. WOs are highly skilled, single-track specialty officers. The authority they wield with this rank is restricted to matters concerning the repair and maintenance of equipment or their area of expertise.


===Warrant Officers===
The RMA has separate ranks for Technicians and Engineers, known as Warrant Officer Rank. A Warrant Officer (WO) is a Technician or Engineer in the RMA who is designated an officer by a warrant, as distinguished from a commissioned officer who is designated an officer by a commission. WOs are highly skilled, single-track specialty officers. The authority they wield with this rank is restricted to matters concerning the repair and maintenance of equipment or their area of expertise.
In the RMA, a WO (grade WO-1 to WO-5) is ranked as an officer above the senior-most enlisted ranks, as well as officer cadets and candidates, but below the officer grade of O-1. The warrant ranks are designated by a system of stripes worn on the left arm.
In the RMA, a WO (grade WO-1 to WO-5) is ranked as an officer above the senior-most enlisted ranks, as well as officer cadets and candidates, but below the officer grade of O-1. The warrant ranks are designated by a system of stripes worn on the left arm.


====Warrant Officers Second Class (WO-1)====
====W-1, Warrant Officers Second Class (WO2)====
[[Warrant_Officer_2nd_Class|Warrant Officer Second Class]]
[[Warrant_Officer_2nd_Class|Warrant Officer Second Class]]


One Inverted Silver Chevron and one Silver Crown on the collar.
Warrant officers 2nd class wear one inverted silver chevron and one silver crown on the collar.


====Warrant Officer First Class (WO-2)====
====W-2, Warrant Officer First Class (WO1)====
[[Warrant_Officer_1st_Class|Warrant Officer First Class]]
[[Warrant_Officer_1st_Class|Warrant Officer First Class]]


One Inverted Silver Chevron and two Silver Crowns on the collar.
Warrant officers 1st class wear one inverted silver chevron and two silver crowns on the collar.


====Chief Warrant Officer (WO-3)====
====W-3, Chief Warrant Officer (CWO)====
[[Chief Warrant Officer]]
[[Chief Warrant Officer]]


Two Inverted Silver Chevrons and two Gold Crowns with wreaths on the collar.
Chief warrant officers wear two inverted silver chevrons and two gold crowns with wreaths on the collar.


====Senior Chief Warrant Officer (WO-4)====
====W-4, Senior Chief Warrant Officer (SCWO)====
[[Senior Chief Warrant Officer]]
[[Senior Chief Warrant Officer]]


Two Inverted Silver Chevrons and two Gold Crowns on the collar.
Senior chief warrant officers wear two inverted silver chevrons and two gold crowns on the collar.


====Master Chief Warrant Officer (WO-5)====
====W-5, Master Chief Warrant Officer (MCWO)====
[[Master Chief Warrant Officer]]
[[Master Chief Warrant Officer]]


Three Inverted Silver Chevrons and three Gold Crowns with wreaths on the collar.
Master chief warrant officers wear three inverted silver chevrons and three gold crowns with wreaths on the collar.
 
==Officers==
Officers in the RMA are not primarily charged with the safety of those they command, that responsibility falls to the sergeants and sergeant-majors. An officer’s primary task is to make and carry out plans. They must rid their minds of the fact that the blips of light on a computer screen represent people if they want to do their job efficiently, because only when the officers are efficient do the majority of soldiers survive.


===Officers===
Officers in the RMA are not primarily charged with the safety of those they command. That responsibility falls to the Sergeants and Sergeant-Majors. An officer’s primary task is to make and carry out plans. They must rid their minds of the fact that the blips of light on a computer screen represent people if they want to do their job efficiently, because only when the officers are efficient do the majority of soldiers survive.
The officer ranks are designated by a system of pips, planets and stars worn on the epaulets and collar.
The officer ranks are designated by a system of pips, planets and stars worn on the epaulets and collar.
===Junior & Senior Officers===


====O-1 Second Lieutenant (2LT)====
====O-1 Second Lieutenant (2LT)====
[[2nd_Lieutenant|Second Lieutenants]] wear one Silver Pip.
[[2nd_Lieutenant|Second lieutenants]] wear one silver pip.


====O-2 First Lieutenant (1LT)====  
====O-2 First Lieutenant (1LT)====  
[[1st_Lieutenant|First Lieutenants]] are usually responsible for command of infantry and tank platoons, and artillery batteries in combat units. This is the minimum rank required to command a Platoon.
[[1st_Lieutenant|First lieutenants]] are usually responsible for command of infantry and tank platoons, and artillery batteries in combat units.  
 
This is the minimum rank required to command a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Platoon (8-10 Soldiers)|platoon]].


First Lieutenants wear one Gold Pip
First Lieutenants wear one gold pip.


====O-3 Captain (CPT)====  
====O-3 Captain (CPT)====  
A [[Captain]] usually commands a company. Captains are responsible for carrying out plans given to them from above and for improvising new tactics if the plan begins to fail. This ability to think on the run is a trait highly prized in the RMA, and is something no amount of training can teach, though the academies try. Captains wear two Gold Pips. This is the minimum rank required to command a Company.
[[Captain]]s are responsible for carrying out plans given to them from above and for improvising new tactics if the plan begins to fail. This ability to think on the run is a trait highly prized in the RMA, and is something no amount of training can teach, though the academies try.  


Captains wear two Gold Pips
This is the minimum rank required to command a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Company (11-13 Soldiers)|company]].
 
Captains wear two gold pips.


====O-4 Major (MAJ)====
====O-4 Major (MAJ)====
A [[Major]] is usually the Executive Officer of a battalion in the RMA, though an elite company of tanks or special infantry might also be led by a Major. At the battalion level, the Major is expected to integrate strategic plans that his Colonel has given him with the tactical realities re-ported by his Captains and Lieutenants. If this proves impossible, the Major must develop a plan to save the majority of his forces without placing the rest of the regiment in danger.  
A [[Major|major]] is usually the executive officer (XO) of a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Battalion (14-16 Soldiers)|battalion]] in the RMA, though an elite company of tanks or special infantry might also be led by a major. At the battalion level, the major is expected to integrate strategic plans that his colonel has given him with the tactical realities reported by his captains and lieutenants. If this proves impossible, the major must develop a plan to save the majority of his forces without placing the rest of the regiment in danger.  


Majors wear three Gold Pips.
Majors wear three gold pips.


====O-5 Lieutenant Colonel (LTC)====
====O-5 Lieutenant Colonel (LTC)====
A [[Lieutenant Colonel]] usually commands a Battalion. He may also be the Executive Officer of a regiment. As the unit’s second-in-command, it falls to the Lieutenant Colonel to see that the orders of the Regimental Commander are carried out. It is also the duty of the Lieutenant Colonel to handle most of the unit’s administrative duties to free the Colonel for more planning time on the regiment’s future. In battle, the Light Colonel is often placed in temporary command of a special group, such as a battalion being held in reserve or a group of combat engineers. This is minimum command rank for a Battalion.
A [[Lieutenant Colonel|lieutenant colonel]] usually commands a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Battalion (14-16 Soldiers)|battalion]]. He may also be the executive officer (XO) of a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Regiment (17+ Soldiers)|regiment]]. As the unit’s second-in-command, it falls to the LTC to see that the orders of the regimental commander are carried out. It is also the duty of the LTC to handle most of the unit’s administrative duties to free the colonel for more planning time on the regiment’s future. In battle, the light colonel is often placed in temporary command of a special group, such as a battalion being held in reserve or a group of combat engineers.  


Lieutenant Colonels wear four Gold Pips.
This is minimum command rank for a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Battalion (14-16 Soldiers)|battalion]].
 
Lieutenant colonels wear four gold pips.


====O-6 Colonel (COL)====
====O-6 Colonel (COL)====
A [[Colonel]] commands a regiment or a minor department within the RMA bureaucracy. Line Colonels are expected to be both tacticians and strategists. Supplying his regiment is also the responsibility of the Colonel, which often means that he spends as much time fighting the bureaucracy of the RMA as he does the enemy. This is the last rank where the officer is expected to show loyalty to one particular regiment. This is the minimum rank required to command a Regiment.
A [[Colonel|colonel]] commands a regiment or a minor department within the RMA bureaucracy. Line colonels are expected to be both tacticians and strategists. Supplying his regiment is also the responsibility of the COL, which often means that he spends as much time fighting the bureaucracy of the RMA as he does the enemy. This is the last rank where the officer is expected to show loyalty to one particular regiment.  
 
This is the minimum rank required to command a [[RMA:SoldiersGuide:Organization#Regiment (17+ Soldiers)|regiment]].
 
Colonels wear one gold planet (bas relief circle).


Colonels wear one Gold Planet (bas relief circle).
===Flag Officers===


====F-1 Brigadier General (BGEN)====
====F-1 Brigadier General (BGEN)====
A [[Brigadier General]] or “Brigadier” is the junior officer in the General Officers’ Ranks and usually commands a Regimental Command Team (RCT).  
A [[Brigadier General|brigadier general]] or “brigadier” is the junior officer in the general officers’ ranks and usually commands a regimental command team (RCT).  


Brigadier Generals wear two Gold Planets.
Brigadier generals wear two gold planets.


====F-2 Major General (MGEN)====
====F-2 Major General (MGEN)====
The [[Major General]] may command an RCT, but is usually assigned as Executive Officer of a Battle-group. When acting as the Executive Officer in a so-called Frontline Battlegroup, the Major General must act as his superior’s eyes and ears, often traveling to the heart of the battle to assume command of key RCTs while constantly reporting back to his commander.  
The [[Major General|major general]] may command an RCT, but is usually assigned as executive officer (XO) of a battlegroup. When acting as the XO in a so-called frontline battlegroup, the major general must act as his superior’s eyes and ears, often traveling to the heart of the battle to assume command of key RCTs while constantly reporting back to his commander.  


Major Generals wear one Gold nine-pointed Star.
Major generals wear one gold nine-pointed star.


====F-3 Lieutenant General (LGEN)====
====F-3 Lieutenant General (LGEN)====
The [[Lieutenant General]] usually commands a Battlegroup. Because Battlegroups are composed of many RCTs that are often spread out over several worlds, the officer must learn both tact and politics to manage such a large group of soldiers.  
The [[Lieutenant General|lieutenant general]] usually commands a battlegroup. Because battlegroups are composed of many RCTs that are often spread out over several worlds, the officer must learn both tact and politics to manage such a large group of soldiers.  


Lieutenant Generals wear two Gold nine-pointed Stars (side by side).
Lieutenant generals wear two gold nine-pointed stars, side by side.


====F-4 General (GEN)====
====F-4 General (GEN)====
Once a Lieutenant General has proven his abilities to lead widely scattered Battlegroups, he is promoted to command of a Planetary Command (PC). When commanding a PC, a [[General]] must be intimately acquainted with the planets entrusted to his care. He must also somehow manage the mountains of supplies needed to keep his PC and Battle Groups capable of fighting.  
Once a LGEN has proven his abilities to lead widely scattered battlegroups, he is promoted to command of a planetary command (PC). When commanding a PC, a [[General|general]] must be intimately acquainted with the planets entrusted to his care. He must also somehow manage the mountains of supplies needed to keep his PC and battlegroups capable of fighting.  


Generals wear three Gold nine-pointed Stars (in a triangle).
Generals wear three gold nine-pointed stars arranged in a triangle.


====F-5 Field Marshal (FMAR)====
====F-5 Field Marshal (FMAR)====
Appointed by the [[Marshal of the Army]], the [[Field Marshal]]s are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the RMA units. Specifically, they report all news and directives from the Marshal of the Army to their respective Theater Commands and ensure such information is passed on to all subordinate elements. Likewise all reports, concerns and requests from all subordinate elements must be reported via the chain of command to the Field Marshals and through them to the Marshal of the Army. There are presently four authorized Field Marshal positions within the Royal Manticoran Army, which consists of the Planetary Commands and the Chief of Staff of the RMA.  
Appointed by the [[Marshal of the Army]], the [[Field Marshal|field marshals]] are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the RMA units. Specifically, they report all news and directives from the Marshal of the Army to their respective theater commands and ensure such information is passed on to all subordinate elements. Likewise all reports, concerns and requests from all subordinate elements must be reported via the chain of command to the field marshals and through them to the Marshal of the Army. There are presently four authorized field marshal positions within the Royal Manticoran Army, which consists of the planetary commands and the chief of staff of the RMA.  


Field Marshals wear four Gold nine-pointed Stars.
Field marshals wear four gold nine-pointed stars.





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The RMA ranking system is heavily influenced by the Code of Ranks formerly used by the British military on Old Earth. This system, which has been in use for the past several hundred years, suits the RMA well. It allows for promotions, an important key to morale, yet the number of ranks allows plenty of time to judge a soldier’s ultimate abilities. This helps to prevent incompetent soldiers from being promoted too far too fast, which can sometimes happen in militaries with too small a number of ranks.

In the RMA, ranks have a multitude of functions. First, because they are dependent on the accomplishment of a certain amount of academy course work, they can be an indicator of an individual member’s dedication and interest in the club and second, they provide an avenue by which members can roleplay in the Honorverse. The accompanying rank & insignia images will help you to understand the RMA structure version. Study it carefully, paying particular attention to the abbreviations, which will be used extensively from this point forward.

There are two basic forms of rank: enlisted and officer. The enlisted ranks are separated into two sets: basic enlisted, grades E-1 through E-3, and non-commissioned officers (NCOs), grades E-4 through E-11. In a similar fashion, the officer ranks are separated into two sets: junior/senior officers, grades O-1 through O-6, and flag, grades F-1 through F-6.

Enlisted

The enlisted ranks are designated by a system of stripes worn on the left arm of the uniform.

Basic Enlisted

E-1, Private (PVT)

Recruits who have reached their 16th birthday may enter the RMA with the rank of Private. Each combat theater must provide for the initial training of its soldiers and therefore operates their own boot camps. The drill instructors at these camps are not active-duty members of the RMA, but retirees, reservists and home guard who work as instructors to free up active sergeants and lieutenants for more important tasks.

Privates wear one gold hash mark.

E-2, Private First Class (PFC)

Having completed boot camp training, the young soldier attends one of the several specialty schools located in the Manticoran Home System. These schools teach recruits particular skills such as battlefield communications or combat vehicle operation. After successful specialty training, the private is usually promoted and assigned to a regiment. Most soldiers are assigned to a regiment within their native home world, and is likely to remain with it for the standard 5-year tour with the RMA.

Privates First-Class wear two gold hash marks.

E-3, Lance Corporal (LCPL)

After a short time, usually less than a year, the soldier is promoted to lance corporal. Though there is little distinction between the duties of a lance corporal and a PFC, lance corporals receive higher pay and begin to collect death compensation (a fund for the next-of-kin in case of the soldier’s death). Lance corporals who have shown leadership ability will be sent to a small units school for training in tactical skills.

A lance corporal is usually a fireteam leader. This is the minimum rank required to command a fireteam.

Lance corporals wear three gold hash marks.

E-4, Corporal (CPL)

The rank of Corporal, along with the rank of SGT, are the only ranks that have not disappeared from the NCO Corps since the days of Old Earth. The rank of corporal has always been placed at the base of the NCO ladder. For the most part, corporals serve as the smallest unit leaders in the RMA. Principally team leaders, like sergeants, CPLs are responsible for individual training, personal appearance and cleanliness of their troops. As the SGTMAJ is known as the epitome of success in the army, the CPL is its humble beginnings.

The rank of corporal nominally corresponds to commanding a section of soldiers.

Corporals wear one inverted gold chevron.

Non-Commissioned Officers

Non-commissioned officers, more commonly referred to as sergeants, play an important role in the RMA. In infantry units, sergeants must play the dual role of tactician and protector of the men and women in their units. In other branches of the RMA, sergeants are assigned to be vehicle commanders, gunnery chiefs, or other positions of importance. The many demands facing sergeants are why few common soldiers in the RMA ever attain this rank. For this reason, the RMA considers the sergeant to be an NCO with pay and privileges far above the lower ranks.

E-5, Platoon Sergeant (PSGT)

The sergeant operates in an environment where the sparks fly; where the axe meets the stone. Although not the lowest level of rank where command is exercised, this level is the first at which enlisted soldiers are referred to as "sergeant," and out of all the NCO grades, this one very possibly has the greatest impact on the lower ranking troops. Like the staff sergeant, the sergeant is responsible for the individual training, personal appearance, and cleanliness of their troops. While a new sergeant certainly will be developing new skills, strengthening old ones and generally getting better, he IS a sergeant! And therefore, is no less a professional than those grades of rank to follow. The sergeant is responsible at the squad level and has several teams under his authority.

Platoon sergeants are usually the senior NCO in a platoon.

Platoon sergeants wear two inverted gold chevrons.

E-6, Staff Sergeant (SSGT)

This grade closely parallels that of the sergeant (SGT) in duties and responsibilities. In fact, the basic duties and responsibilities of all NCO ranks never change, but there are significant differences between this step in the NCO structure and the preceding one, and understanding these differences is vital. The staff sergeant is a more experienced leader of troops; he has considerably more time in the RMA than the SGT. It is proper to expect that the staff sergeant can bring the benefits of that experience to bear in any situation. A staff sergeant is usually also the color sergeant of a regiment or battalion and responsible for the color guard on ceremonial occasions.

The major difference between the SSGT and the SGT is not, as often mistakenly believed, authority, but rather the sphere of influence. The SSGT is in daily contact with large numbers of troops, and will often have one or more sergeants who work under his direct leadership; he is responsible for their continued successful development as well as that of the other soldiers in the platoon.

More often than not, a lack of understanding of the function of this important NCO position by leaders is the cause of disruption and failure in small unit training. If NCOs are the "backbone of the army, then SSGTs are the vertebrae". The complexity of the SSGT's job increases as the responsibilities broaden, so how well the staff sergeant develops, maintains and uses the full range of potential of his troops measures his professional competence. The success of the SSGT, more than any other NCO rank, leads the path to the army success, and the footprints you see behind those of our greatest military leaders are probably those of a staff sergeant, where he stood confident, proud, and eager to assist.

Staff sergeants nominally correspond to a more administrative duty in a headquarters company (HHC).

Staff Sergeants wear three inverted gold chevrons.

E-7, Master Sergeant (MSGT)

Master Sergeants nominally correspond to a more administrative duty with a company.

Master Sergeants wear three inverted gold chevrons with one gold rocker on top.

E-8, First Sergeant (1SGT)

First sergeants are usually the senior NCO in a company.

First sergeants wear three inverted gold chevrons with two gold rockers on top.

E-9, Sergeant-Major (SGTMAJ)

The sergeant-major carries out policies and polices standards of performance, training, appearance and conduct of enlisted personnel. They advise and initiate recommendations to the High Command and Marshal of the Army in matters pertaining to the NCO support channel. Enlisted troops who attain the distinction of being selected by the Marshal of the Army for the position of sergeant-major have reached the epitome of their careers. Perhaps slightly wiser and experienced, the SGTMAJ is expected to function completely without supervision. Like the ancient sage, the sergeant-major's counsel is expected to be calm, settled, unequivocally accurate, but with an energy and enthusiasm that never wanes.... even in the worst of times.

The SGTMAJ provides information on problems affecting enlisted personnel and proposes solutions to these problems; on standards, professional development, growth and advancement of NCOs, morale, training, promotions and quality of life for troops and their family members. By utilizing command information channels, the SGM keeps troops current on enlisted issues and through the public media, informs the public of the RMA's mission, troops accomplishments, and future enlisted trends. Other functions of the SGM/A include: presenting the enlisted viewpoint to the Joint Chiefs, boards and committees, meeting with representatives of military and civilian organizations to discuss enlisted affairs and receiving enlisted personnel at appropriate ceremonies.

A sergeant-major is the usually the senior NCO of a specific branch (armor-artillery, infantry, aerospace) in a battalion-sized unit.

Sergeant-majors wear three inverted gold chevrons with three gold rockers on top.

E-10, Regimental Sergeant-Major (RSGM)

The title of regimental sergeant-major designates one of the senior enlisted positions in the RMA. It should be noted that while the title is a duty assignment rather than an actual rank.

A regimental sergeant-major is the senior NCO of a regiment.

Regimental sergeant-majors wear three inverted gold chevrons with three gold rockers on top and a star in the middle.

E-11, Command Sergeant-Major (CSGM)

The title of command sergeant-major designates the senior-most enlisted position in the RMA.

A command sergeant-major is the senior NCO of a battlegroup.

Command sergeant-majors wear three inverted gold chevrons with three gold rockers on top and a crown in the middle.

Warrant Officers

The RMA has separate ranks for technicians and engineers, known as warrant officers. A warrant officer (WO) is a technician or engineer in the RMA who is designated an officer by a warrant, as distinguished from a commissioned officer who is designated an officer by a commission. WOs are highly skilled, single-track specialty officers. The authority they wield with this rank is restricted to matters concerning the repair and maintenance of equipment or their area of expertise.

In the RMA, a WO (grade WO-1 to WO-5) is ranked as an officer above the senior-most enlisted ranks, as well as officer cadets and candidates, but below the officer grade of O-1. The warrant ranks are designated by a system of stripes worn on the left arm.

W-1, Warrant Officers Second Class (WO2)

Warrant Officer Second Class

Warrant officers 2nd class wear one inverted silver chevron and one silver crown on the collar.

W-2, Warrant Officer First Class (WO1)

Warrant Officer First Class

Warrant officers 1st class wear one inverted silver chevron and two silver crowns on the collar.

W-3, Chief Warrant Officer (CWO)

Chief Warrant Officer

Chief warrant officers wear two inverted silver chevrons and two gold crowns with wreaths on the collar.

W-4, Senior Chief Warrant Officer (SCWO)

Senior Chief Warrant Officer

Senior chief warrant officers wear two inverted silver chevrons and two gold crowns on the collar.

W-5, Master Chief Warrant Officer (MCWO)

Master Chief Warrant Officer

Master chief warrant officers wear three inverted silver chevrons and three gold crowns with wreaths on the collar.

Officers

Officers in the RMA are not primarily charged with the safety of those they command, that responsibility falls to the sergeants and sergeant-majors. An officer’s primary task is to make and carry out plans. They must rid their minds of the fact that the blips of light on a computer screen represent people if they want to do their job efficiently, because only when the officers are efficient do the majority of soldiers survive.

The officer ranks are designated by a system of pips, planets and stars worn on the epaulets and collar.

Junior & Senior Officers

O-1 Second Lieutenant (2LT)

Second lieutenants wear one silver pip.

O-2 First Lieutenant (1LT)

First lieutenants are usually responsible for command of infantry and tank platoons, and artillery batteries in combat units.

This is the minimum rank required to command a platoon.

First Lieutenants wear one gold pip.

O-3 Captain (CPT)

Captains are responsible for carrying out plans given to them from above and for improvising new tactics if the plan begins to fail. This ability to think on the run is a trait highly prized in the RMA, and is something no amount of training can teach, though the academies try.

This is the minimum rank required to command a company.

Captains wear two gold pips.

O-4 Major (MAJ)

A major is usually the executive officer (XO) of a battalion in the RMA, though an elite company of tanks or special infantry might also be led by a major. At the battalion level, the major is expected to integrate strategic plans that his colonel has given him with the tactical realities reported by his captains and lieutenants. If this proves impossible, the major must develop a plan to save the majority of his forces without placing the rest of the regiment in danger.

Majors wear three gold pips.

O-5 Lieutenant Colonel (LTC)

A lieutenant colonel usually commands a battalion. He may also be the executive officer (XO) of a regiment. As the unit’s second-in-command, it falls to the LTC to see that the orders of the regimental commander are carried out. It is also the duty of the LTC to handle most of the unit’s administrative duties to free the colonel for more planning time on the regiment’s future. In battle, the light colonel is often placed in temporary command of a special group, such as a battalion being held in reserve or a group of combat engineers.

This is minimum command rank for a battalion.

Lieutenant colonels wear four gold pips.

O-6 Colonel (COL)

A colonel commands a regiment or a minor department within the RMA bureaucracy. Line colonels are expected to be both tacticians and strategists. Supplying his regiment is also the responsibility of the COL, which often means that he spends as much time fighting the bureaucracy of the RMA as he does the enemy. This is the last rank where the officer is expected to show loyalty to one particular regiment.

This is the minimum rank required to command a regiment.

Colonels wear one gold planet (bas relief circle).

Flag Officers

F-1 Brigadier General (BGEN)

A brigadier general or “brigadier” is the junior officer in the general officers’ ranks and usually commands a regimental command team (RCT).

Brigadier generals wear two gold planets.

F-2 Major General (MGEN)

The major general may command an RCT, but is usually assigned as executive officer (XO) of a battlegroup. When acting as the XO in a so-called frontline battlegroup, the major general must act as his superior’s eyes and ears, often traveling to the heart of the battle to assume command of key RCTs while constantly reporting back to his commander.

Major generals wear one gold nine-pointed star.

F-3 Lieutenant General (LGEN)

The lieutenant general usually commands a battlegroup. Because battlegroups are composed of many RCTs that are often spread out over several worlds, the officer must learn both tact and politics to manage such a large group of soldiers.

Lieutenant generals wear two gold nine-pointed stars, side by side.

F-4 General (GEN)

Once a LGEN has proven his abilities to lead widely scattered battlegroups, he is promoted to command of a planetary command (PC). When commanding a PC, a general must be intimately acquainted with the planets entrusted to his care. He must also somehow manage the mountains of supplies needed to keep his PC and battlegroups capable of fighting.

Generals wear three gold nine-pointed stars arranged in a triangle.

F-5 Field Marshal (FMAR)

Appointed by the Marshal of the Army, the field marshals are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the RMA units. Specifically, they report all news and directives from the Marshal of the Army to their respective theater commands and ensure such information is passed on to all subordinate elements. Likewise all reports, concerns and requests from all subordinate elements must be reported via the chain of command to the field marshals and through them to the Marshal of the Army. There are presently four authorized field marshal positions within the Royal Manticoran Army, which consists of the planetary commands and the chief of staff of the RMA.

Field marshals wear four gold nine-pointed stars.