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==Canada==
==Canada==
The [[Canadian Forces]] adopted the rank with insignia of a single gold ring around the service dress uniform cuff for both army and air personnel upon unification in 1968 until the late 2000s.<ref>Navy marks centennial by reinstating 'executive curl' {{Cite web |date=2 May 2010 |title=Navy marks centennial by reinstating 'executive curl' &#124; CTV News |url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/navy-marks-centennial-by-reinstating-executive-curl-1.508191 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026051858/http://www.ctvnews.ca/navy-marks-centennial-by-reinstating-executive-curl-1.508191 |archive-date=2014-10-26 |access-date=2014-10-26}}</ref><ref>Canadian Army goes back to the future with return to British-style ranks and designations {{Cite web |date=8 July 2013 |title=Canadian Army goes back to the future with return to British-style ranks and designations |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/07/08/canadian_army_goes_back_to_the_future_with_return_to_britishstyle_ranks_and_designations.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628184822/https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/07/08/canadian_army_goes_back_to_the_future_with_return_to_britishstyle_ranks_and_designations.html |archive-date=2017-06-28 |access-date=2017-09-11 |website=[[Toronto Star]]}}</ref> For a time, naval personnel used this rank but reverted to the Royal Canadian Navy rank of [[Acting Sub-Lieutenant|acting sub-lieutenant]], though the CF green uniform was retained until the mid-1980s. Currently, the [[Canadian Army]] insignia for second lieutenant is a ''pip'' and the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] insignia for lieutenant is one thick braid. The equivalent rank for the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] is [[acting sub-lieutenant]]. Also known as an Ensign in the Foot Guards units ([[Canadian Grenadier Guards]] & [[Governor General's Foot Guards]]).
The [[Canadian Forces]] adopted the rank with insignia of a single gold ring around the service dress uniform cuff for both army and air personnel upon unification in 1968 until the late 2000s.<ref>Navy marks centennial by reinstating 'executive curl' {{Cite web |date=2 May 2010 |title=Navy marks centennial by reinstating 'executive curl' &#124; CTV News |url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/navy-marks-centennial-by-reinstating-executive-curl-1.508191 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026051858/http://www.ctvnews.ca/navy-marks-centennial-by-reinstating-executive-curl-1.508191 |archive-date=2014-10-26 |access-date=2014-10-26}}</ref><ref>Canadian Army goes back to the future with return to British-style ranks and designations {{Cite web |date=8 July 2013 |title=Canadian Army goes back to the future with return to British-style ranks and designations |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/07/08/canadian_army_goes_back_to_the_future_with_return_to_britishstyle_ranks_and_designations.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628184822/https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/07/08/canadian_army_goes_back_to_the_future_with_return_to_britishstyle_ranks_and_designations.html |archive-date=2017-06-28 |access-date=2017-09-11 |website=[[Toronto Star]]}}</ref> For a time, naval personnel used this rank but reverted to the Royal Canadian Navy rank of [[Acting Sub-Lieutenant|acting sub-lieutenant]], though the CF green uniform was retained until the mid-1980s. Currently, the [[Canadian Army]] insignia for second lieutenant is a ''pip'' and the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] insignia for lieutenant is one thick braid. The equivalent rank for the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] is [[acting sub-lieutenant]]. Also known as an Ensign in the Foot Guards units ([[Canadian Grenadier Guards]] & [[Governor General's Foot Guards]]).


==France==
==France==
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However, the [[Royal New Zealand Navy]] breaks with British tradition and uses the name [[ensign (rank)|ensign]] for its most junior commissioned officer rank (rather than the usual equivalents, such as acting sub-lieutenant or second lieutenant).
However, the [[Royal New Zealand Navy]] breaks with British tradition and uses the name [[ensign (rank)|ensign]] for its most junior commissioned officer rank (rather than the usual equivalents, such as acting sub-lieutenant or second lieutenant).


== United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries {{anchor|United Kingdom}} ==
== United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries (excepting Australia, Bangladesh, and Canada) {{anchor|United Kingdom}} ==
The rank of second lieutenant (2Lt) was introduced throughout the [[British Army]] in 1877 to replace the short-lived rank of [[sub-lieutenant]], although it had long been used in the [[Royal Artillery]], [[Royal Engineers]], [[Fusilier]] and [[The Rifle Brigade|Rifle]] [[regiment]]s. At first the rank bore no distinct insignia. The rank was abolished in 1881 but reintroduced in 1887.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Roper |first1=Michael |title=The Records of the War Office and Related Departments, 1660-1964 |date=1998 |publisher=Public Record Office |isbn=978-1-873162-45-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aKFRAQAAMAAJ |language=en|page=271}}</ref>  In 1902, a single [[Order of the Bath#Habit and insignia|Bath star]] was introduced; the ranks of [[Lieutenant (British Army and Royal Marines)|lieutenant]] and [[Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)|captain]] had their number of stars increased by one to (respectively) two and three. The rank is also used by the [[Royal Marines]].
The rank of second lieutenant (2Lt) was introduced throughout the [[British Army]] in 1877 to replace the short-lived rank of [[sub-lieutenant#Army and air force rank|sub-lieutenant]], although it had long been used in the [[Royal Artillery]], [[Royal Engineers]], [[Fusilier]] and [[The Rifle Brigade|Rifle]] [[regiment]]s. At first the rank bore no distinct insignia. The rank was abolished in 1881 but reintroduced in 1887.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Roper |first1=Michael |title=The Records of the War Office and Related Departments, 1660-1964 |date=1998 |publisher=Public Record Office |isbn=978-1-873162-45-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aKFRAQAAMAAJ |language=en|page=271}}</ref>  In 1902, a single [[Order of the Bath#Habit and insignia|Bath star]] was introduced; the ranks of [[Lieutenant (British Army and Royal Marines)|lieutenant]] and [[Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)|captain]] had their number of stars increased by one to (respectively) two and three. The rank is also used by the [[Royal Marines]].


New British Army officers are normally commissioned as second lieutenants at the end of their commissioning course at [[RMA Sandhurst]], and continue with specific training with their units. Progression to lieutenant rank usually occurs after about a year. In the British armed forces, ''second lieutenant'' is a rank which is not used as a form of address. Instead a second lieutenant named, for example, ''Smith'' is addressed and referred to as ''Mr Smith'', with the exception that the alternative titles ''ensign'' ([[Foot Guards]]) and ''cornet'' (in the [[Blues and Royals]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=The Household Cavalry Command Structure - Forms of Address |url=http://householdcavalry.info/strcture.html#add |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325022043/http://householdcavalry.info/strcture.html#add |archive-date=25 March 2016 |access-date=18 November 2016 |website=householdcavalry.info |publisher=Enasec Ltd |quote=In The Blues And Royals, the most junior Officer rank (equivalent to 2nd Lieutenant) is known as "Cornet".}}</ref> and [[Queen's Royal Hussars]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Armed Forces |url=https://www.debretts.com/expertise/forms-of-address/professions/the-armed-forces/}}</ref>) are still used.
New British Army officers are normally commissioned as second lieutenants at the end of their commissioning course at [[RMA Sandhurst]] where they hold the rank of [[Officer cadet (British Armed Forces)|Officer Cadet]], and continue with specific training with their units. Progression to lieutenant rank usually occurs after about a year. In the British armed forces, ''second lieutenant'' is a rank which is not used as a form of address. Instead a second lieutenant named, for example, ''Smith'' is addressed and referred to as ''Mr Smith'', with the exception that the alternative titles ''ensign'' ([[Foot Guards]]) and ''cornet'' (in the [[Blues and Royals]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=The Household Cavalry Command Structure - Forms of Address |url=http://householdcavalry.info/strcture.html#add |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325022043/http://householdcavalry.info/strcture.html#add |archive-date=25 March 2016 |access-date=18 November 2016 |website=householdcavalry.info |publisher=Enasec Ltd |quote=In The Blues And Royals, the most junior Officer rank (equivalent to 2nd Lieutenant) is known as "Cornet".}}</ref> and [[Queen's Royal Hussars]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Armed Forces |url=https://www.debretts.com/expertise/forms-of-address/professions/the-armed-forces/}}</ref>) are still used.
In the [[Royal Air Force]], the comparable rank is [[pilot officer]]. The equivalent in the [[Royal Navy]] is [[midshipman]].
In the [[Royal Air Force]], the comparable rank is [[pilot officer]]. The equivalent in the [[Royal Navy]] is [[Sub-lieutenant#Naval rank|Sub-lieutenant]].


== United States ==
== United States ==
[[File:US-O1 insignia.svg|thumb|70px|Second lieutenant insignia of the [[United States Armed Forces]].]]
{{Infobox military rank|name=Second Lieutenant|image=[[File:US-O1_insignia.svg|50px]]|caption=2nd Lieutenant Rank Pin Insignia|image2=[[File:US_Army_O1_(Army_greens).svg|50px]][[File:US_Marine_O1_shoulderboard_vertical.svg|50px]]
[[File:US_Air_Force_O1_shoulderboard.svg|50px]] [[File:US_Space-force_O1.svg|50px]]|caption2=2nd Lieutenant Shoulder straps Army, Marines, Air Force, Space Force|country={{flag|United States}}|service branch={{army|united states}}<br/>{{marines|united states}}<br/>{{air force|united states}}<br/>{{space force|united states}}|abbreviation=2LT (USA) 2ndLt (USMC)<br/>2d Lt (USAF) 2d Lt (USSF)|rank group=Company Grade Officer|pay grade=O-1|NATO rank=OF-1|higher rank=[[First lieutenant]]|equivalents=[[Ensign (rank)|Ensign]]}}
 
In the [[United States]], second lieutenant is the normal entry-level rank for most [[Officer (armed forces)|commissioned officers]] in the [[United States Army|Army]], [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]], [[United States Air Force|Air Force]], and [[United States Space Force|Space Force]]. It is equivalent to the rank of [[Ensign (rank)|ensign]] in the [[United States Navy|Navy]], [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]], [[United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps|Public Health Service Commissioned Corps]], and [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps]].
In the [[United States]], second lieutenant is the normal entry-level rank for most [[Officer (armed forces)|commissioned officers]] in the [[United States Army|Army]], [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]], [[United States Air Force|Air Force]], and [[United States Space Force|Space Force]]. It is equivalent to the rank of [[Ensign (rank)|ensign]] in the [[United States Navy|Navy]], [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]], [[United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps|Public Health Service Commissioned Corps]], and [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps]].


In the Army and Marine Corps, a second lieutenant typically is a [[platoon leader]] who leads a [[platoon]]-size element, usually consisting of 16 to 44 soldiers or marines. A rifle platoon is composed of several [[squad]]s with each squad led by a non-commissioned officer as [[squad leader]]. The second lieutenant is usually assisted by a [[platoon sergeant]] who advises and supports the platoon's commanding officer in leading the unit.
In the Army and Marine Corps, a second lieutenant typically is a [[platoon leader]] who leads a [[platoon]]-size element, usually consisting of 16 to 44 soldiers or marines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marine Corps Ranks {{!}} Marines |url=https://www.marines.com/about-the-marine-corps/roles/ranks.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250715212939/https://www.marines.com/about-the-marine-corps/roles/ranks.html |archive-date=2025-07-15 |access-date=2025-08-13 |website=United States Marine Corps {{!}} Marine Recruiting {{!}} Marines |language=en}}</ref> A rifle platoon is composed of several [[squad]]s with each squad led by a non-commissioned officer as [[squad leader]]. The second lieutenant is usually assisted by a [[platoon sergeant]] who advises and supports the platoon's commanding officer in leading the unit.


In the Army, the rank bore no [[United States Army officer rank insignia|insignia]] until December 1917, when a gold-colored bar similar to the silver-colored bar of a [[first lieutenant]] was introduced.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Army Officer Grade Insignia: Second Lieutenant (2LT) O1 |url=https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15677&CategoryId=9170&grp=2&menu=Uniformed%20Services&ps=24&p=0 |website=[[United States Army Institute of Heraldry]] |quote=Second lieutenants continued to have no insignia until a gold bar was adopted in December 1917. |access-date=2025-05-17}}</ref> In U.S. [[military slang]], the rank is sometimes called "butterbar" or "brown bar" in reference to the insignia,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dalzell |first=Tom |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5F-YNZRv-VMC&pg=PA154 |title=The Routledge Dictionary of Modern American Slang and Unconventional English |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-415-37182-7 |page=154}}</ref> while "shavetail"—a reference to an [[Horse training|unbroken]] mule—is a derisive nickname.<ref>{{cite book |last=Dickson |first=Paul |date=2000 |title=War Slang: American Fighting Words and Phrases from the Civil War to the War in Iraq |url=https://archive.org/details/warslangamerican0000dick/page/32/mode/2up/ |location=New York |publisher=Bristol Park |page=32 |edition=2 |isbn=978-0-88486-407-3 |access-date=2025-05-17}}</ref>
In the Army, the rank bore no [[United States Army officer rank insignia|insignia]] until December 1917, when a gold-colored bar similar to the silver-colored bar of a [[first lieutenant]] was introduced.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Army Officer Grade Insignia: Second Lieutenant (2LT) O1 |url=https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15677&CategoryId=9170&grp=2&menu=Uniformed%20Services&ps=24&p=0 |website=[[United States Army Institute of Heraldry]] |quote=Second lieutenants continued to have no insignia until a gold bar was adopted in December 1917. |access-date=2025-05-17}}</ref> In U.S. [[military slang]], the rank is sometimes called "butterbar" or "brown bar" in reference to the insignia,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dalzell |first=Tom |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5F-YNZRv-VMC&pg=PA154 |title=The Routledge Dictionary of Modern American Slang and Unconventional English |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-415-37182-7 |page=154}}</ref> while "shavetail"—a reference to an [[Horse training|unbroken]] mule—is a derisive nickname.<ref>{{cite book |last=Dickson |first=Paul |date=2000 |title=War Slang: American Fighting Words and Phrases from the Civil War to the War in Iraq |url=https://archive.org/details/warslangamerican0000dick/page/32/mode/2up/ |location=New York |publisher=Bristol Park |page=32 |edition=2 |isbn=978-0-88486-407-3 |access-date=2025-05-17}}</ref>


==Bangladesh==
==Bangladesh==
The rank of second lieutenant has existed in the [[Bangladesh Army]] and [[Bangladesh Navy]] since the [[Bangladesh Liberation War |Liberation War]]. It is a rank below [[Lieutenant]] and a rank above [[Master Warrant Officer]]. In the army, a second lieutenant serves as the administrative officer or staff officer in a unit.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ranks & Insignia |url=https://join.army.mil.bd/home/page/ranks-insignia |website=Bangladesh Army}}</ref> In the Navy, the rank of second lieutenant does not exist. Its equivalent is [[Sub-lieutenant]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Rank & Insignia |url=https://joinnavy.navy.mil.bd/Rankandinsignia/ |website=Bangladesh Navy}}</ref>
The rank of second lieutenant has existed in the [[Bangladesh Army]] since the [[Bangladesh Liberation War |Liberation War]]. It is a rank below [[lieutenant]] and a rank above [[master warrant officer]]. In the Army, a second lieutenant serves as the administrative officer or staff officer in a unit.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ranks & Insignia |url=https://join.army.mil.bd/home/page/ranks-insignia |website=Bangladesh Army}}</ref> In the Navy, the rank of second lieutenant does not exist, its equivalent is [[sub-lieutenant]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Rank & Insignia |url=https://joinnavy.navy.mil.bd/Rankandinsignia/ |website=Bangladesh Navy}}</ref>
 
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
===Army===
===Army===
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File:Blank.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[Lesotho Army]])<ref name="Lesotho">{{cite web |title=Ranks in the Army |url=http://www.ldf.gov.ls/ranks.html |publisher=Lesotho Defence Force |access-date=5 May 2021}}</ref>
File:Blank.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[Lesotho Army]])<ref name="Lesotho">{{cite web |title=Ranks in the Army |url=http://www.ldf.gov.ls/ranks.html |publisher=Lesotho Defence Force |access-date=5 May 2021}}</ref>
File:Blank.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[Armed Forces of Liberia|Liberian Ground Forces]])<ref name="Liberia">{{cite web |url=http://www.vertic.org/media/National%20Legislation/Liberia/LR_Defense%20Act%20of%202008.pdf |title=Defense Act of 2008 |date=3 September 2008 |page=8 |access-date=20 November 2017}}</ref>
File:Blank.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[Armed Forces of Liberia|Liberian Ground Forces]])<ref name="Liberia">{{cite web |url=http://www.vertic.org/media/National%20Legislation/Liberia/LR_Defense%20Act%20of%202008.pdf |title=Defense Act of 2008 |date=3 September 2008 |page=8 |access-date=20 November 2017}}</ref>
File:07. Malawi Army - 2LT.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[Malawi Army]])
File:07. Malawi Army - 2LT.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[Malawi Army]])<ref name="MalawiOfficer">{{cite web |title=Commissioned Officers |url=https://mdf.gov.mw/commissioned |website=Malawi Defence Force |access-date=12 October 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250413100730/https://mdf.gov.mw/commissioned |archive-date=13 April 2025}}</ref>
File:08.Malta Army-2LT.svg|Second lieutenant<br />{{small|({{langx|mt|Sekond logutenent}})}}<br />([[Armed Forces of Malta|Army of Malta]])<ref name="Malta">{{cite web |title=Rank Insignia |url=https://afm.gov.mt/en/equipment/Pages/Rank-Insignia.aspx |website=afm.gov.mt |publisher=Armed Forces of Malta |access-date=26 May 2021}}</ref>
File:08.Malta Army-2LT.svg|Second lieutenant<br />{{small|({{langx|mt|Sekond logutenent}})}}<br />([[Armed Forces of Malta|Army of Malta]])<ref name="Malta">{{cite web |title=Rank Insignia |url=https://afm.gov.mt/en/equipment/Pages/Rank-Insignia.aspx |website=afm.gov.mt |publisher=Armed Forces of Malta |access-date=26 May 2021}}</ref>
File:07-Namibia Army-2LT.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[Namibian Army]])<ref name="Namibia">{{cite magazine |title=Government Notice |magazine=Government Gazette of the Republic of Namibia |date=20 August 2010 |volume=4547 |pages=99–102 |url=http://www.lac.org.na/laws/2010/4547.pdf |access-date=20 December 2021}}</ref>
File:07-Namibia Army-2LT.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[Namibian Army]])<ref name="Namibia">{{cite magazine |title=Government Notice |magazine=Government Gazette of the Republic of Namibia |date=20 August 2010 |volume=4547 |pages=99–102 |url=http://www.lac.org.na/laws/2010/4547.pdf |access-date=20 December 2021}}</ref>
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File:TaT-Army-OF-1a.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[Trinidad and Tobago Regiment]])<ref name="Trinidad&Tobago_Officer">{{cite web |title=Rank Chart (Commissioned Officers) |url=http://69.0.195.188/HQ/Our-Organisation/Ranks-Chart-(Commissioned-Officers).aspx |website=69.0.195.188 |publisher=Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force |access-date=27 May 2021 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
File:TaT-Army-OF-1a.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[Trinidad and Tobago Regiment]])<ref name="Trinidad&Tobago_Officer">{{cite web |title=Rank Chart (Commissioned Officers) |url=http://69.0.195.188/HQ/Our-Organisation/Ranks-Chart-(Commissioned-Officers).aspx |website=69.0.195.188 |publisher=Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force |access-date=27 May 2021 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
File:Uganda-Army-OF-1a.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[Uganda People's Defence Force|Ugandan Land Forces]])<ref name="Uganda_Army">{{cite journal |title=Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces Act |journal=The Uganda Gazette |date=18 September 2019 |volume=CXII |issue=46 |pages=1851–1854 |url=https://www.updf.go.ug/Gazette.pdf |access-date=29 May 2021 |publisher=Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation |archive-date=14 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814162155/https://www.updf.go.ug/Gazette.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
File:Uganda-Army-OF-1a.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[Uganda People's Defence Force|Ugandan Land Forces]])<ref name="Uganda_Army">{{cite journal |title=Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces Act |journal=The Uganda Gazette |date=18 September 2019 |volume=CXII |issue=46 |pages=1851–1854 |url=https://www.updf.go.ug/Gazette.pdf |access-date=29 May 2021 |publisher=Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation |archive-date=14 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814162155/https://www.updf.go.ug/Gazette.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
File:British Army OF-1a.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[British Army]])<ref name="UK_Army">{{cite web |title=Rank structure |url=https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/our-people/ranks/ |website=army.mod.uk |publisher=British Army |access-date=27 May 2021}}</ref>
File:British Army (1920–1953) OF-1a.svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[British Army]])<ref name="UK_Army">{{cite web |title=Rank structure |url=https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/our-people/ranks/ |website=army.mod.uk |publisher=British Army |access-date=27 May 2021}}</ref>
File:US Army O1 (Army greens).svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[United States Army]])<ref name="US_Army">{{Cite web |title=U.S. Army Ranks |url=https://www.army.mil/ranks/ |access-date=27 May 2021 |website=army.mil |publisher=United States Army}}</ref>
File:US Army O1 (Army greens).svg|Second lieutenant<br />([[United States Army]])<ref name="US_Army">{{Cite web |title=U.S. Army Ranks |url=https://www.army.mil/ranks/ |access-date=27 May 2021 |website=army.mil |publisher=United States Army}}</ref>
File:Blank.svg|{{lang|es|Teniente segundo}}<br />([[National Army (Uruguay)|National Army of Uruguay]])<ref name="Uruguay">{{cite book |editor1-last=Hudson |editor1-first=Rex A. |editor2-last=Meditz |editor2-first=Sandra W. |title=Uruguay: A Country Study |date=1992 |publisher=Federal Research Division, Library of Congress |isbn=0-8444-0737-2 |pages=222–223 |edition=2nd |url=https://www.marines.mil/portals/1/Publications/Uruguay%20Study_3.pdf?ver=2012-10-11-163307-517 |access-date=13 June 2021 |chapter=Chapter 5. National Security}}</ref>
File:Blank.svg|{{lang|es|Teniente segundo}}<br />([[National Army (Uruguay)|National Army of Uruguay]])<ref name="Uruguay">{{cite book |editor1-last=Hudson |editor1-first=Rex A. |editor2-last=Meditz |editor2-first=Sandra W. |title=Uruguay: A Country Study |date=1992 |publisher=Federal Research Division, Library of Congress |isbn=0-8444-0737-2 |pages=222–223 |edition=2nd |url=https://www.marines.mil/portals/1/Publications/Uruguay%20Study_3.pdf?ver=2012-10-11-163307-517 |access-date=13 June 2021 |chapter=Chapter 5. National Security}}</ref>

Latest revision as of 21:47, 12 November 2025

Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:More citations needed Template:Military ranks Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.[1] The lowest officer rank, it is usually placed below lieutenant or first lieutenant.

Australia

The rank of second lieutenant existed in the military forces of the Australian colonies and Australian Army until 1986.

In the colonial forces, which closely followed the practices of the British military, the rank of second lieutenant began to replace ranks such as ensign and cornet from 1871.

New appointments to the rank of second lieutenant ceased in the regular army in 1986.[2] Immediately prior to this change, the rank had been effectively reserved for new graduates from the Officer Cadet School, Portsea which closed in 1985. (Graduates of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and the Royal Military College, Duntroon (RMC-D) are commissioned as lieutenants.).[3][4] The rank of second lieutenant is only appointed to officers in special appointments such as training institutions, university regiments and while under probation during training. Trainees undertaking Special Service Officer (SSO) training are appointed at their officer rank prior to undertaking the training (usually as lieutenants or captains). This is different to General Service Officer (GSO) trainees who start off at the rank of officer cadet (ADFA/Australian Army Reserve officer trainees) or staff cadet (Royal Military College, Duntroon).[5]

Ranks equivalent to second lieutenant are acting sub-lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy and pilot officer in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Canada

The Canadian Forces adopted the rank with insignia of a single gold ring around the service dress uniform cuff for both army and air personnel upon unification in 1968 until the late 2000s.[6][7] For a time, naval personnel used this rank but reverted to the Royal Canadian Navy rank of acting sub-lieutenant, though the CF green uniform was retained until the mid-1980s. Currently, the Canadian Army insignia for second lieutenant is a pip and the Royal Canadian Air Force insignia for lieutenant is one thick braid. The equivalent rank for the Royal Canadian Navy is acting sub-lieutenant. Also known as an Ensign in the Foot Guards units (Canadian Grenadier Guards & Governor General's Foot Guards).

France

Sous-lieutenant is the most junior commissioned rank in the modern French Army, Airforce and Gendarmerie. It dates historically from the late XVIth Century in the reign of Henry II of France. In 1674 this designation replaced that of ensign in the French infantry. By 1791 there were two sous-lieutenants in each company. After 1781 entry to this rank and beyond required four quartering of nobility - that is for all four grandparents to be recognised members of the aristocracy. The French Revolution substituted election by popular vote and later, under Napoleon, by graduation from officers' military schools or after four years of service as a sous-officer (NCO).

Until World War I sous-lieutenants were distinguished by a single gold fringed epaulette worn on the right shoulder (silver for cavalry).[8] Modern rank insignia is reduced to a single braid stripe on each shoulder strap and (when worn) kepi.[9]

Indonesia

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". In Indonesia, "second lieutenant" is known as letnan dua (letda) which is the most junior ranked officer in the Indonesian Military. Officers in the Indonesian National Armed Forces are commissioned through one of four major commissioning programs. Upon graduation the candidates are promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, thus becoming commissioned officers. The four programs are:

  • National Armed Forces Academy (Akademi TNI): a four-year undergraduate program that emphasizes instruction in the arts, sciences, and professions, preparing men and women to take on the challenge of being officers in the armed forces (Army: Military Academy, Navy: Naval Academy, Air Force: Air Force Academy);
  • Officer Candidate School: a 28-week program that is attended by senior NCOs or warrant officers from all services;
  • Career Officer Program for college graduates: a 7–8 month program that is designed to recruit civilian professionals (e.g., doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists) into the armed forces;
  • Pilot Short Service School: a 34-month program to train pilots to serve in the armed forces.

New Zealand

Like many other Commonwealth countries, the rank structures of the New Zealand Defence Force usually follow British traditions. Hence the New Zealand Army maintains a rank of second lieutenant and the Royal New Zealand Air Force has its exact equivalent, pilot officer.

However, the Royal New Zealand Navy breaks with British tradition and uses the name ensign for its most junior commissioned officer rank (rather than the usual equivalents, such as acting sub-lieutenant or second lieutenant).

United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries (excepting Australia, Bangladesh, and Canada) Script error: No such module "anchor".

The rank of second lieutenant (2Lt) was introduced throughout the British Army in 1877 to replace the short-lived rank of sub-lieutenant, although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Fusilier and Rifle regiments. At first the rank bore no distinct insignia. The rank was abolished in 1881 but reintroduced in 1887.[10] In 1902, a single Bath star was introduced; the ranks of lieutenant and captain had their number of stars increased by one to (respectively) two and three. The rank is also used by the Royal Marines.

New British Army officers are normally commissioned as second lieutenants at the end of their commissioning course at RMA Sandhurst where they hold the rank of Officer Cadet, and continue with specific training with their units. Progression to lieutenant rank usually occurs after about a year. In the British armed forces, second lieutenant is a rank which is not used as a form of address. Instead a second lieutenant named, for example, Smith is addressed and referred to as Mr Smith, with the exception that the alternative titles ensign (Foot Guards) and cornet (in the Blues and Royals[11] and Queen's Royal Hussars[12]) are still used. In the Royal Air Force, the comparable rank is pilot officer. The equivalent in the Royal Navy is Sub-lieutenant.

United States

Template:Infobox military rank

In the United States, second lieutenant is the normal entry-level rank for most commissioned officers in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force. It is equivalent to the rank of ensign in the Navy, Coast Guard, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps.

In the Army and Marine Corps, a second lieutenant typically is a platoon leader who leads a platoon-size element, usually consisting of 16 to 44 soldiers or marines.[13] A rifle platoon is composed of several squads with each squad led by a non-commissioned officer as squad leader. The second lieutenant is usually assisted by a platoon sergeant who advises and supports the platoon's commanding officer in leading the unit.

In the Army, the rank bore no insignia until December 1917, when a gold-colored bar similar to the silver-colored bar of a first lieutenant was introduced.[14] In U.S. military slang, the rank is sometimes called "butterbar" or "brown bar" in reference to the insignia,[15] while "shavetail"—a reference to an unbroken mule—is a derisive nickname.[16]

Bangladesh

The rank of second lieutenant has existed in the Bangladesh Army since the Liberation War. It is a rank below lieutenant and a rank above master warrant officer. In the Army, a second lieutenant serves as the administrative officer or staff officer in a unit.[17] In the Navy, the rank of second lieutenant does not exist, its equivalent is sub-lieutenant.[18]

Gallery

Army

Marines

Navy

Air Force

Space Force

See also

References

Template:Reflist

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NATO rank code /
Service branch 		N/A OF-1 OF-2 OF-3 OF-4 OF-5 OF-6
★ 		OF-7
★★ 		OF-8
★★★ 		OF-9
★★★★ 		OF-10
★★★★★
Royal Navy OC Midshipman Sub Lt Lt Lt Cdr Cdr Captain Cdre RAdm VAdm Admiral Adm of the Fleet
Royal Marines OCdt 2Lt Lt Capt Major Lt Col Colonel Brig Maj Gen Lt Gen General Capt Gen RM
British Army OCdt 2Lt Lt Capt Major Lt Col Colonel Brig Maj Gen Lt Gen General Field marshal
Royal Air Force Off Cdt APO / Plt Off Fg Off Flt Lt Sqn Ldr Wg Cdr Gp Capt Air Cdre AVM Air Mshl Air Chf Mshl Mshl of the RAF
lists Template:Hlist

Template:Navbox bottom Template:Canadian officer ranks Template:Navbox top

Pay grade / branch of service Officer
candidate 		O-1 O-2 O-3 O-4 O-5 O-6 O-7 O-8 O-9 O-10 Wartime
grade 		Special
grade
Insignia [1] alt=alt=Second lieutenant / Ensign alt=alt=First lieutenant / Lieutenant (junior grade) alt=alt=alt=Captain / Lieutenant alt=alt=Major / Lieutenant commander alt=alt=Lieutenant colonel / Commander alt=alt=Colonel / Captain alt=alt=Brigadier general / Rear admiral (lower half) alt=alt=Major General / Rear admiral alt=alt=Lieutenant general / Vice admiral alt=alt=General / Admiral alt=alt=General of the Air Force / General of the Army / Fleet Admiral [2]
Template:Flagicon image Army CDT / OC 2LT 1LT CPT MAJ LTC COL BG MG LTG GEN GA[3] GAS[2]
Template:Flagicon image Marine Corps Midn / Cand 2ndLt 1stLt Capt Maj LtCol Col BGen MajGen LtGen Gen [5] [5]
Template:Flagicon image Navy MIDN / OC ENS LTJG LT LCDR CDR CAPT RDML RADM VADM ADM FADM[3] [5]
Template:Flagicon image Air Force Cdt / OT 2d Lt 1st Lt Capt Maj Lt Col Col Brig Gen Maj Gen Lt Gen Gen GAF[3] [5]
Template:Flagicon image Space Force Cdt / OT 2d Lt 1st Lt Capt Maj Lt Col Col Brig Gen Maj Gen Lt Gen Gen [5] [5]
Template:Flagicon image Coast Guard CDT / OC ENS LTJG LT LCDR CDR CAPT RDML RADM VADM ADM [5] [5]
Template:Flagicon image PHS Corps OC ENS LTJG LT LCDR CDR CAPT RDML RADM VADM ADM [5] [5]
Template:Flagicon image NOAA Corps OC ENS LTJG LT LCDR CDR CAPT RDML RADM VADM [4] [5] [5]
[1] No universal insignia for officer candidate rank
[2] No official insignia and not currently listed by the Army as an obtainable rank. John J. Pershing's GAS insignia: General of the Armies (collar) General of the Armies (epaulettes)
[3] These ranks are reserved for wartime use only, and are still listed as ranks within their respective services
[4] Grade is authorized by the U.S. Code for use but has not been created
[5] Grade has never been created or authorized

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