Royal Navy and RoyalMarines Ranks andRates

Rank systems, why?- Ranking systems have been known

through military history to be useful in military operations, in particular with regards to logistics, command and coordination.

- As time continued and military operations became larger and more complex, ranks increased and ranking systems themselves became more complex.

− Royal Marine Lance Corporal is an appointment as 2IC of a Section

Royal Navy/Royal Marines Rates

− Ordinary Seaman – No badge of rate but in Rig 2/3/4 will have Royal Navy epaulettes.

− Able Seaman – No badge of Rate but in Rig 2/3/4 will have Royal Navy epaulettes

Leading Hand Corporal

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Petty Officer Sergeant

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Chief Petty Officer Colour Sergeant

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Warrant Officer 2nd Class

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Warrant Officer 1st Class

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Midshipman 2nd Lieutenant

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Sub Lieutenant Lieutenant

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Lieutenant Captain

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Lieutenant Commander Major

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Commander Lieutenant Colonel

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Captain Colonel

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Commodore Brigadier

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Rear Admiral Major General

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Vice Admiral Lieutenant General

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Admiral General

Note: The highest Rank in the RM is Lt Gen (NATO appointment), however, the equivalent rank to Admiral is General (Army).

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Admiral of the Fleet

Royal Navy

Ordinary

Seaman

Able

Seaman

Marine

Officers of Cdr / Lt Col and above have ‘laurel’ on the peak. Officers of Rear Admiral and above have 2 rows

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Officers’ Cap Badge

Chief Petty Officer

Warrant Officer

Cap Badges

Royal Marines officers and WOs wear the above badge.

Below WO the same badge worn but the Lion & Crown sit on the Globe

(not separate as shown)

Petty Officer

Any Questions?