Rank Structure of the CF
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The Canadian Forces, like all militaries, operates with a strict hierarchy of ranks:
- See also: Canadian Army Rank Insignia
Army & Airforce
Air Force ranks are the same as Army ranks. The ranks of The Canadian Army are, in order from highest to lowest:
Officers
General Officers
- General
- Lieutenant General
- Major General
- Brigadier General
Senior Officers
- Colonel
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Major
Junior Officers
- Captain
- Lieutenant
- Second Lieutenant
Subordinate Officers
- Officer Cadet
Non Commissioned Members
Warrant Officers
- Chief Warrant Officer
- Master Warrant Officer
- Warrant Officer
Senior Non Commissioned Officers
- Sergeant
Junior Non Commissioned Officers
- Master Corporal (*)(**)
- Corporal(**)
Private Soldiers
- Private (Trained)(**)
- Private (Basic)
- Private (Recruit)
(*)Master Corporal is technically an appointment rather than a rank but in practice is part of the normal career rank progression for a junior NCO.
Unofficial Variations
Some regiments/branches use special rank titles. These are not authorised under the QR&Os, but are widely used. They are as follows:
| Rank | Artillery | Armour | Cbt Engr | Fusilier Regiment | Rifle Regiment | EME |
| Trained Private | Gunner | Trooper | Sapper | Fusilier | Rifleman | Craftsman |
| Corporal | Bombardier | (-) | (-) | (-) | (-) | (-) |
| Master Corporal | Master Bombardier | (-) | (-) | (-) | (-) | (-) |
The Navy has ranks directly equivalent but with historical titles:
Officers
Flag Officers
- Admiral
- Vice Admiral
- Read Admiral
- Commodore
Senior Officers
- Captain (Naval)
- Lieutenant Commander
- Commander
Junior Officers
- Lieutenant (Naval)
- Sub Lieutenant
- Acting Sub Lieutenant
Subordinate Officers
- Naval Cadet
Non Commissioned Members
Petty Officers
- Chief Petty Officer 1st Class
- Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class
- Petty Officer 1st Class
- Petty Officer 2nd Class
Junior Non Commissioned Members
- Master Seaman (*)
- Leading Seaman
Private Soldiers
- Able Seaman
- Ordinary Seaman
(*)Master Seaman is technically an appointment rather than a rank but in practice is part of the normal career rank progression for a junior NCO.
