How to write military name and rank?

How to Write Military Name and Rank

The military uses a specific format to display a service member’s name and rank, which is different from the conventional civilian way of writing one’s name. This format is crucial for official documentation, correspondence, and display purposes. In this article, we will explore how to write a military name and rank correctly.

Understanding Military Rank Structure

Before diving into the proper format for writing a military name and rank, it’s essential to understand the military rank structure. Here is a brief overview of the ranks in the United States military:

• Enlisted ranks: Private (E-1) to Master Sergeant (E-9)
• Warrant Officer ranks: Warrant Officer 1 (W-1) to Chief Warrant Officer 5 (W-5)
• Officer ranks: Second Lieutenant (O-1) to General (O-10)

Basic Format for Writing a Military Name and Rank

The basic format for writing a military name and rank is as follows:

First Name Middle Name Last Name Rank

• The first name is always spelled out in full, not abbreviated.
• The middle name is usually abbreviated with initials, except for Navy and Marine Corps personnel.
• The last name is always spelled out in full, not abbreviated.
• The rank is written with the highest rank first (e.g., Major General, not General Major).

Example:

• John Franklin Smith Colonel
• Maria Isabella Garcia Lieutenant Commander
• James Andrew Brown Master Sergeant

Writing Ranks

When writing ranks, follow these guidelines:

• Commissioned officer ranks:

  • Second Lieutenant (O-1) to First Lieutenant (O-2): no suffix (e.g., Captain Smith)
  • Captain (O-3) to Brigadier General (O-7): add the suffix "A" or "G" (e.g., Captain, A Smith; Brigadier General G Smith)
  • Major General (O-8) to General (O-10): add the suffix "M" or "G" (e.g., Major General M Smith; General G Smith)

• Enlisted ranks:

  • E-1 to E-4: add the suffix "PVT," "PFC," or "SPC" (e.g., Private, Private First Class, or Specialist)
  • E-5 to E-9: add the suffix "SGT," "SSG," "SFC," or "MSG" (e.g., Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Sergeant First Class, or Master Sergeant)

• Warrant Officer ranks:

  • Warrant Officer 1 (W-1) to Warrant Officer 5 (W-5): no suffix (e.g., Warrant Officer Smith)

Table: Military Rank Suffixes

Special Cases and Considerations

• The Coast Guard uses the phrase "United States Coast Guard" instead of "USCG" or "CG" before the name.
• The National Guard uses the phrase "National Guard of [State]" before the name.
• If a service member holds a title or specialty, such as a pilot or physician, it is written with the rank and title or specialty (e.g., Major John Smith, USAF, MD).
• In some cases, service members may use their professional or specialty title before their rank and name (e.g., Doctor John Smith, Major, USA).

Conclusion

Writing a military name and rank requires attention to detail and understanding of the specific format. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that you are writing military names and ranks correctly. Remember to include the first name, middle name, last name, and rank in the proper format, and use the correct suffixes for commissioned officer, enlisted, and warrant officer ranks. If you are unsure about specific formatting or terminology, consult with a military authority or a style guide for more information.