Canadian Armed Forces ranks and insignia

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Template:Short description Template:Use Canadian English Template:Use dmy dates

This is a table of the ranks and insignia of the Canadian Armed Forces. As the Canadian Armed Forces is officially bilingual, the French language ranks are presented following the English (in italics).

Commander-in-chief insignia

According to Canadian Forces Dress Instructions, the King and his representative (the governor general) may wear the uniform and corresponding cap/hat badge of a flag/general officer, with a special flag/general officer sleeve braid embellished with the governor general's badge, and a large embroidered governor general's badge on the shoulder straps or boards, facing forward.[1]

Service Board Sleeve
Template:Country data Canada File:Royal Canadian Navy (Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces).svg File:Royal Canadian Navy sleeves (Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces).svg
Template:Army File:Canadian Army (Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces).svg File:Canadian Army sleeves (Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces).svg
Template:Air force File:Royal Canadian Air Force (Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces).svg File:Royal Canadian Air Force sleeves (Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces).svg

Commissioned officer ranks

The rank insignia of commissioned officers.

Officers in the CAF hold positions of authority and respect. They are responsible for the safety, well-being and morale of a group of soldiers, sailors, air men or air women. Analyzing, planning, making decisions and providing advice are a few aspects of an Officer’s role.

NATO code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1
Template:Country data Canada[2][3]
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Admiral Vice-admiral Rear-admiral Commodore Captain (N) Commander Lieutenant-commander Lieutenant (N) Sub-lieutenant Acting sub-lieutenant
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Template:Army[2][3]
Script error: No such module "Navbar". 		File:Canadian Army OF-9.svg File:Canadian Army OF-8.svg File:Canadian Army OF-7.svg File:Canadian Army OF-6.svg File:Canadian Army OF-5.svg File:Canadian Army OF-4.svg File:Canadian Army OF-3.svg File:Canadian Army OF-2.svg File:Canadian Army OF-1b.svg File:Canadian Army OF-1a.svg
General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier-general Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant
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Template:Air force[2][3]
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General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier-general Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant
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NATO code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1

Template:Multiple image

Subordinate officer ranks

Branch Navy Army Air force
Insignia[2] File:Generic-Navy-0.svg File:Canadian Army OF (D).svg File:Canada-Airforce-OF-(D) Sleeve.svg
English Naval cadet Officer cadet Officer cadet
French Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang".

Non-commissioned member (NCM) ranks

The following are the rank insignia for non-commissioned members for the navy, army and air force respectively.

Non-commissioned members are skilled personnel who provide operational and support services in the CAF. Non-Commissioned Members start out as recruits and are trained to do specific jobs.

NCM rank insignia for the rank of petty officer 1st class/warrant officer and above are worn on the lower sleeve, while those for the rank of petty officer 2nd class/sergeant and below are worn on the upper sleeve. The Royal Canadian Navy has directed its personnel to use the English rank titles for OR-1 through OR-5, but they are not yet legally in force pursuant to the National Defence Act, as they are not yet updated in the King's Regulations and Orders issued by the governor-in-council.[4]

NATO code OR-9 OR-8 OR-7 OR-6 OR-5 OR-4 OR-3 OR-2 OR-1
Template:Country data Canada[2][3]
Script error: No such module "Navbar". 		File:Canadian RCN OR-9a.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-8.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-7.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-6.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-5.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-4.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-3.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-2.svg
Chief petty officer 1st class Chief petty officer 2nd class Petty officer 1st class Petty officer 2nd class Master sailor Sailor 1st class Sailor 2nd class Sailor 3rd class
Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang".
Template:Army[2][3]
Script error: No such module "Navbar". 		File:Canadian Army OR-9a.svg File:Canadian Army OR-8.svg File:Canadian Army OR-7.svg File:Canadian Army OR-6.svg File:Canadian Army OR-5.svg File:Canadian Army OR-4.svg File:Canadian Army OR-3.svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg
Chief warrant officer Master warrant officer Warrant officer Sergeant Master corporal Corporal Private (trained) Private (basic)
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Template:Air force[2][3]
Script error: No such module "Navbar". 		File:Canadian RCAF OR-9a.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-8.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-7.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-6.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-5.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-4.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-3.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-2.svg
Chief warrant officer Master warrant officer Warrant officer Sergeant Master corporal Corporal Aviator (trained) Aviator (basic)
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NATO code OR-9 OR-8 OR-7 OR-6 OR-5 OR-4 OR-3 OR-2 OR-1

Appointments

The rank insignia for NCM appointments.

Rank group Senior appointments Appointments
Template:Country data Canada[2] File:Canadian RCN OR-10.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-9c.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-9b.svg File:Royal Canadian Navy Drum Major.svg File:Royal Canadian Navy Pipe Major.svg File:Royal Canadian Navy Trumpet Major.svg
Canadian forces chief warrant officer Command chief petty officer Senior appointment Chief petty officer, 1st class Drum major Pipe major Trumpet / bugle major
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Template:Army[2] File:Canadian Army OR-10.svg File:Canadian Army OR-9c.svg File:Canadian Army OR-9b.svg File:Canadian Army Drum Major.svg File:Canadian Army Pipe Major.svg File:Canadian Army Trumpet Major.svg
Canadian forces chief warrant officer Command chief warrant officer Senior appointment chief warrant officer Drum major Pipe major Trumpet / bugle major
Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang".
Template:Air force[2] File:Canadian RCAF OR-10.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-9c.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-9b.svg File:Royal Canadian Air Force Drum Major.svg File:Royal Canadian Air Force Pipe Major.svg File:Royal Canadian Air Force Trumpet Major.svg
Canadian forces chief warrant officer Command chief warrant officer Senior Appointment
Chief warrant officer 		Drum major Pipe major Trumpet / bugle major
Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang". Script error: No such module "Lang".
Rank group Senior appointments Appointments

Rank slip-ons

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".

The tables above describe the rank insignia worn on the service dress jacket. On DEU shirts, sweaters, and outerwear; and operational dress shirts and jackets, rank insignia are worn on slip-ons with the word "Canada" or a regimental/branch title embroidered underneath. Flag/general officers' slip-ons include only the crown, crossed sabre and baton, and maple leaves worn on the shoulder straps; they do not include the braid worn on the sleeve. Army NCM slip-ons for DEU shirts, sweaters, and outerwear display only the word "Canada" or a regimental/branch title, rank insignia being worn instead as enamelled metal pins on collar points or lapels.

Service stripes

From 1955 to 1968, Militia personnel were permitted to wear service insignia on the right jacket sleeve.[5][6] There were one to five silver chevrons on drab backing for every two years of service or a maple leaf in silver thread on a drab cloth circle to represent 10 years of service. Chevron points were worn either up or down; even official documents and photos were confused on the matter. Further awards after 10 years were believed covered by the Canadian Forces' Decoration, which was awarded after 12 years and a clasp added for every 10 years afterwards.

Qualifying service could include prior active service in the active reserves of the Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force or the regular or territorial forces of a fellow Commonwealth member nation. Service in Canadian Army reserve forces units (like the regular reserve, supplementary reserve and reserve militia) did not count. The awarding of Service Stripes ceased in 1968 after the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Canadian Army distinctive corps insignia

Every branch or corps of the Canadian Army uses a distinctive colour. Applicable only to officers, they are indicated by coloured borders of rank insignia on DEU shirt and sweater slip-ons and on mess dress.[7][8][9]

Branch Colour Image
Royal Canadian Armoured Corps Yellow File:Vimy Star Officer Rank Army Yellow.png
Template:Plainlist Red File:Vimy Star Officer Rank Army Red.png
Template:Plainlist Blue File:Vimy Star Officer Rank Army Blue.png
Template:Plainlist Scarlet File:Vimy Star Officer Rank Army Scarlet.png
Royal Canadian Medical Service Dull cherry File:Vimy Star Officer Rank Army Dull Cherry.png
Canadian Intelligence Corps Forest green (silver rank) File:Vimy Star Officer Rank Army Silver.png
Royal Canadian Dental Corps Emerald green File:Vimy Star Officer Rank Army Emerald Green.png
Royal Canadian Chaplain Service Purple File:Vimy Star Officer Rank Army Purple.png
RCIC members of Les Voltigeurs de Québec Black File:Vimy Star Officer Rank Army Voltigeurs.png

Distinctive rank names

Some branches and regiments use distinctive job titles for privates (trained) in those regiments:

Branch Distinct title
Royal Canadian Armoured Corps Trooper (Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".)
Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Gunner (Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".)
Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers Sapper (Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".)
Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Signaller (Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".)
Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Craftsman (Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".)
Royal Canadian Infantry Corps (RCIC) members of guards regiments Guardsman (Script error: No such module "Lang".)
RCIC members of rifle regiments Rifleman (Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".)
RCIC members of fusilier regiments Fusilier (Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".)
RCIC members of voltigeur regiment Voltigeur (Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".)
Musicians of the Music Branch Musician (Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".)
Pipers of the Music Branch Piper (Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".)
Drummers of the Music Branch Drummer (Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".)
Canadian Rangers Ranger (Script error: No such module "Lang".)

Additionally, the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery uses "bombardier" (Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".) for corporal and "master bombardier" (Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".) for master corporal. In the guards regiments, warrant officers are known as "colour sergeants" (Script error: No such module "Lang".) and second-lieutenants are known as "ensigns" (Script error: No such module "Lang".).[4]

Evolution of Royal Canadian Navy rank and insignia

When the Royal Canadian Navy was established in 1910, it kept with Royal Navy traditions and adopted sleeve braid with an executive curl for rank insignia. "Wavy" sleeve braid was adopted for the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) and rings of narrow interwoven gold lace for the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve (RCNR). Other variations in rank insignia included sky blue lace with a diamond shaped loop for officers of the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service, and warranted Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps officers, who had a small anchor in place of the executive curl.

Following the Second World War, the Royal Canadian Navy was reorganized with a single reserve component. In 1946, the distinctive wavy gold braid of the reserves gave way to the straight braided executive curl of the regular force until 1968. With the integration of the Canadian Forces the sea element was designated as Canadian Forces Maritime Command. Unembellished straight braid became the common rank insignia for officers of both the regular and reserve forces. The executive curl appeared only on navy mess dress.

On 5 March 2010, the Canadian House of Commons passed a motion (moved by Guy Lauzon[10]) recommending the executive curl be reinstated on the Canadian navy uniform. Subsequently, in recognition of the Canadian Naval centennial, Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, authorized the use of the executive curl for the Canadian Navy on 2 May 2010. The insignia became effective on 11 June 2010, on the occasion of the Pacific Canadian Naval International Fleet Review parade of nations in Victoria, B.C.[11][12]

More than 54 countries, including Canada and 18 other of the 22 Commonwealth navies, use the insignia. Most navies that do not use the executive curl insignia, such as the United States Navy and the French Navy, substitute a star or other national device above the top row of lace.

Timeline of changes (sleeves only)

Template:Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank
Royal Canadian Navy
(1910–1968) 		File:Canadian RCN OF-9.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-8.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-7.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-6.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-5.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-4.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-3.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-2.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-1a.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-1a.svg File:UK-Navy-OFD.svg
Maritime Command
(1968–1985) 		File:Canadian Forces Unification Rank Insignia OF-9.png File:Canadian Forces Unification Rank Insignia OF-8.png File:Canadian Forces Unification Rank Insignia OF-7.png File:Canadian Forces Unification Rank Insignia OF-6.png File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-5.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-4.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-3.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-2.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-1b.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-1a.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF (D).svg
Maritime Command
(1985–2010) 		File:Canadian Forces Maritime Command Rank Insignia OF-9.png File:Canadian Forces Maritime Command Rank Insignia OF-8.png File:Canadian Forces Maritime Command Rank Insignia OF-7.png File:Canadian Forces Maritime Command Rank Insignia OF-6.png File:Canadian Maritime Command (1987-2010) OF-5.svg File:Canadian Maritime Command (1987-2010) OF-4.svg File:Canadian Maritime Command (1987-2010) OF-3.svg File:Canadian Maritime Command (1987-2010) OF-2.svg File:Canadian Maritime Command (1987-2010) OF-1b.svg File:Canadian Maritime Command (1987-2010) OF-1a.svg File:Canadian Maritime Command (1987-2010) OF (D).svg
Royal Canadian Navy
(2011–Present) 		File:Canadian RCN OF-9.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-8.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-7.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-6.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-5.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-4.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-3.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-2.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-1b.svg File:Canadian RCN OF-1a.svg File:Canadian RCN OF (D).svg
Rank titles Admiral Vice-admiral Rear-admiral Commodore Captain(N) Commander Lieutenant-commander Lieutenant(N) Sub-lieutenant Acting sub-lieutenant Naval
cadet
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Template:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank

Template:Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OR/Blank
Royal Canadian Navy
(1953–1968) 		File:Blank.svg File:UK Chief petty officer 1857.svg File:UK Petty officer 1st class 1853.svg File:UK Petty officer 2nd class 1853.svg File:British Royal Navy OR-4.svg Trade badge No insignia No insignia
Chief petty officer 1st class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Chief petty officer 2nd class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Petty officer 1st class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Petty officer 2nd class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Leading seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Able seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Ordinary seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Recruit
Script error: No such module "Lang".
Maritime Command
(1968–1973) 		File:Canadian Army OR-9a.svg File:Canadian Army OR-8.svg File:Canadian Army OR-7.svg File:Canadian Army OR-6.svg File:Canadian Army OR-5.svg File:Canadian Army OR-4 (1968–1973).svg File:Canadian Army OR-3 (1968–1973).svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg
Maritime Command
(1973–1985) 		File:Canadian Army OR-9a.svg File:Canadian Army OR-8.svg File:Canadian Army OR-7.svg File:Canadian Army OR-6.svg File:Canadian Army OR-5.svg File:Canadian Army OR-4.svg File:Canadian Army OR-3.svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg
Rank titles
(1968–1985) [13] 		Chief petty officer 1st class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Chief petty officer 2nd class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Petty officer 1st class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Petty officer 2nd class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Leading seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Able seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Ordinary seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Seaman recruit
Script error: No such module "Lang".
Maritime Command
(1985–2010) 		File:Canadian RCN OR-9a.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-8.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-7.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-6.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-5.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-4.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-3.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-2.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-2.svg
Chief petty officer 1st class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Chief petty officer 2nd class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Petty officer 1st class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Petty officer 2nd class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Leading seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Able seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Ordinary seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Seaman recruit
Script error: No such module "Lang".
Royal Canadian Navy
(2011–present) 		File:Canadian RCN OR-9a.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-8.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-7.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-6.svgTemplate:Hr File:Canadian RCN OR-5.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-4.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-3.svg File:Canadian RCN OR-2.svg
Rank titles
(2011–2020)[14] 		Chief petty officer 1st class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Chief petty officer 2nd class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Petty officer 1st class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Petty officer 2nd class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Leading seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Able seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Ordinary seaman
Script error: No such module "Lang".
Rank titles
(2020–present) 		Chief petty officer 1st class
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Chief petty officer 2nd class
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Petty officer 1st class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Petty officer 2nd class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master sailor
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Sailor 1st class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Sailor 2nd class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Sailor 3rd class
Script error: No such module "Lang".
NATO code OR-9 OR-8 OR-7 OR-6 OR-5 OR-4 OR-3 OR-2 OR-1

Evolution of Canadian Army ranks and insignia

File:Bath Star Rank Button.svg

File:Vimy Star Rank Button.svg
In 2017 the Bath Star (above) was replaced by the Vimy Star.

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Prior to unification in 1968, the Canadian Army used rank insignia identical to the British Army. When the universal CF green uniform was adopted at unification, Mobile Command, like the other services, used gold braid sleeve stripes as rank insignia. When distinctive environmental uniforms were adopted in the mid-1980s, the army retained the green uniform with gold stripes.

On 8 July 2013, Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay announced the intention to reintroduce a more traditional style Canadian Army officers' rank insignia.[15] Instead of the sleeve stripe rank insignia used since unification, officers would use the older St Edward's Crown and Star of the Order of the Bath insignia, commonly called "pips and crowns".[16] Gorget patches were also restored for officers of the rank of colonel or higher.[17] The new insignia for officers, instead of using the current British rank insignia for brigadier (used in the Canadian Army until 1968), had the pre-1920 brigadier-general insignia (crossed sabre and baton) instead.

On 2 April 2016, the Commander of the Canadian Army announced that general officers would revert to the unification-era rank insignia worn between 1968 and 2013. This rank insignia is based on the shoulder board rank insignia of Royal Canadian Navy flag officers. The rank insignia of general officers now consists of a crown, crossed sabre and baton, and a series of maple leaves on shoulder straps. Additionally, general officers wear one broad gold band on each of the lower sleeves of the service dress tunic.[18]

On the centenary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, 9 April 2017, the Bath Star pip with motto Template:Langnf was replaced by the "Vimy Star". It depicts a maple leaf and is surrounded by the motto Template:Langnf. Commissioned officers of the household guard regiments (Governor General's Foot Guards, Canadian Grenadier Guards, and Governor General's Horse Guards), plus army personnel stationed to the seasonal Ceremonial Guard, use the Guards Star in place of the Vimy Star on their shoulder boards.

Timeline of changes

Template:Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank
Canadian Militia
(1902–1920)
Canadian Expeditionary Force
(1914–1920) 		General Lieutenant-General Major-General Brigadier-General Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second Lieutenant File:Blank.svg
General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier-general Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet
Canadian Militia
(1921–1940)
Canadian Army
(1940–1953) 		General Lieutenant-general Major-general Colonel commandant Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet
General Lieutenant-general Major-general Colonel commandant Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet
Canadian Army
(1953–1968)[19] 		General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet
General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet
Mobile Command & Land Force Command
(1968–2013) 		File:Canadian Forces Unification Rank Insignia OF-9.png File:Canadian Forces Unification Rank Insignia OF-8.png File:Canadian Forces Unification Rank Insignia OF-7.png File:Canadian Forces Unification Rank Insignia OF-6.png File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-5.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-4.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-3.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-2.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-1b.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-1a.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF (D).svg
Canadian Army
(2013–2016) 		File:Canadian Army (2013-2016) OF-9.svg File:Canadian Army (2013-2016) OF-8.svg File:Canadian Army (2013-2016) OF-7.svg File:Canadian Army (2013-2016) OF-6.svg File:Canadian Army OF-5 (2016-2017).svg File:Canadian Army OF-4 (2016-2017).svg File:Canadian Army OF-3.svg File:Canadian Army OF-2 (2016-2017).svg File:Canadian Army OF-1b (2016-2017).svg File:Canadian Army OF-1a (2016-2017).svg File:Canadian Army OF (D) (2016-2017).svg
Canadian Army
(2016–2017) 		File:Canadian Army OF-9.svg File:Canadian Army OF-8.svg File:Canadian Army OF-7.svg File:Canadian Army OF-6.svg File:Canadian Army OF-5 (2016-2017).svg File:Canadian Army OF-4 (2016-2017).svg File:Canadian Army OF-3.svg File:Canadian Army OF-2 (2016-2017).svg File:Canadian Army OF-1b (2016-2017).svg File:Canadian Army OF-1a (2016-2017).svg File:Canadian Army OF (D) (2016-2017).svg
Canadian Army
(Present) 		File:Canadian Army OF-9.svg File:Canadian Army OF-8.svg File:Canadian Army OF-7.svg File:Canadian Army OF-6.svg File:Canadian Army OF-5.svg File:Canadian Army OF-4.svg File:Canadian Army OF-3.svg File:Canadian Army OF-2.svg File:Canadian Army OF-1b.svg File:Canadian Army OF-1a.svg File:Canadian Army OF (D).svg
Rank titles General
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Lieutenant-general
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Major-general
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Brigadier-general
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Colonel
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Lieutenant-colonel
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Major
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Captain
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Lieutenant
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Second lieutenant
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Officer cadet
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".

Template:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank

Rank group Senior NCOs Junior NCOs Enlisted
(1920–1953) File:British Army (1920–1953), OR-9a.svg File:British Army (1920–1953), OR-8.svg File:British Army (1920–1953), OR-7.svg File:British Army (1920–1953), OR-6.svg File:British Army (1920–1953), OR-4.svgTemplate:Hr File:British Army (1920–1953), OR-3.svg File:British Army (1920–1953), OR-2.svg No insigniaTemplate:Hr
Warrant officer class I Warrant officer class II Staff/Colour sergeant Sergeant Corporal Lance corporal Private
(or equivalent)
Canadian Army
(1953–1966)[19] 		File:Canadian Army OR-9 (1953-1968).svg File:British Army OR-8b.svg File:British Army OR-8a.svg File:British Army OR-7.svg File:British Army OR-6.svgTemplate:Hr File:British Army OR-4.svg File:British Army OR-3.svg No insigniaTemplate:Hr
Warrant officer class I/1 Warrant officer class II/2 Staff/Colour sergeant Sergeant Corporal Lance corporal Private
(or equivalent)
Canadian Army
(1966–1968) 		File:Canadian Army OR-9 (1953-1968).svg File:British Army OR-8b.svg File:British Army OR-8a.svg File:British Army OR-7.svg File:British Army OR-6.svg File:Canadian Army OR-5 (1966–1968).svg File:British Army OR-4.svg File:British Army OR-3.svg No insigniaTemplate:Hr
Warrant officer class I/1 Warrant officer class II/2 Staff/Colour sergeant Sergeant Master corporal Corporal Lance corporal Private
(or equivalent)
Land Force Command
(1968–1973) 		File:Canadian Army OR-9a.svg File:Canadian Army OR-8.svg File:Canadian Army OR-7.svg File:Canadian Army OR-6.svg File:Canadian Army OR-5.svg File:Canadian Army OR-4 (1968–1973).svg File:Canadian Army OR-3 (1968–1973).svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg
Land Force Command
(1973–2010) 		File:Canadian Army OR-9a.svg File:Canadian Army OR-8.svg File:Canadian Army OR-7.svg File:Canadian Army OR-6.svg File:Canadian Army OR-5.svg File:Canadian Army OR-4.svg File:Canadian Army OR-3.svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg
Rank titles
(1968–2010)[13] 		Chief warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Sergeant
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master corporal
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Corporal
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Private
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Private (basic)
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Private (recruit)
Script error: No such module "Lang".
Land Force Command
(2011–Present) 		File:Canadian Army OR-9a.svg File:Canadian Army OR-8.svg File:Canadian Army OR-7.svg File:Canadian Army OR-6.svgTemplate:Hr File:Canadian Army OR-5.svg File:Canadian Army OR-4.svg File:Canadian Army OR-3.svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg
Rank titles
(2011–present)[14] 		Chief warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Sergeant
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master corporal
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Corporal
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Private
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Private (basic)
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".
NATO code OR-9 OR-8 OR-7 OR-6 OR-5 OR-4 OR-3 OR-2 OR-1

Evolution of Royal Canadian Air Force rank and insignia

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".

Canadian Air Force ranks and insignia originally were taken from the Royal Air Force practice. Upon unification, the Air Command used identical ranks and insignia as the Land Command. When Air-specific blue DEUs were introduced, the gold rank insignia were retained.

In April 2015,[20] the Royal Canadian Air Force adopted new rank insignia reminiscent of the pre-unification RCAF system. The new officer rank insignia uses pearl-grey-on-black rank stripes instead of gold. Non-commissioned members (NCMs) rank insignia is pearl grey instead of gold. The colour gold found elsewhere on the uniform was also changed to pearl-grey. The air force rank of private, formerly indicated by one chevron, became aviator (Fr: aviateur), and is indicated by a horizontally-aligned two-bladed propeller. All other ranks titles remain as they were.[21]

Timeline of changes

Template:Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank
Royal Canadian Air Force
(1924–1968)[19][22] 		File:British RAF OF-10.svg File:British RAF OF-9.svg File:British RAF OF-8.svg File:British RAF OF-7.svg File:British RAF OF-6.svg File:British RAF OF-5.svg File:British RAF OF-4.svg File:British RAF OF-3.svg File:British RAF OF-2.svg File:British RAF OF-1b.svg File:British RAF OF-1a.svg File:British RAF OF-1a.svg
Rank titles
(1924–1968)[23][24] 		Marshal of the Royal Canadian Air ForceTemplate:Efn Air chief marshal
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Air marshal
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Air vice-marshal
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Air commodore
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Group captain
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Wing commander
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Squadron leader
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Flight lieutenant
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Flying officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Pilot officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Flight cadet/
officer cadet
(post-1962)
Script error: No such module "Lang".
Air Command
(1968–1984) 		File:Canadian Forces Unification Rank Insignia OF-9.png File:Canadian Forces Unification Rank Insignia OF-8.png File:Canadian Forces Unification Rank Insignia OF-7.png File:Canadian Forces Unification Rank Insignia OF-6.png File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-5.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-4.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-3.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-2.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-1b.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF-1a.svg File:Canadian Army (sleeves) OF (D).svg
Air Command
(1984–2014) 		File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-9.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-8.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-7.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-6.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-5.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-4.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-3.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-2.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-1b.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-1a.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF (D).svg
Royal Canadian Air Force
(2014–present)[24] 		File:Canada-Air force-OF-9-collected.svg File:Canada-Air force-OF-8-collected.svg File:Canada-Air force-OF-7-collected.svg File:Canada-Air force-OF-6-collected.svg File:Canadian RCAF OF-5.svg File:Canadian RCAF OF-4.svg File:Canadian RCAF OF-3.svg File:Canadian RCAF OF-2.svg File:Canadian RCAF OF-1b.svg File:Canadian RCAF OF-1a.svg File:Canadian RCAF OF (D).svg
Rank titles
(1968–present) 		General
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Lieutenant-general
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Major-general
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Brigadier-general
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Colonel
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Lieutenant-colonel
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Major
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Captain
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Lieutenant
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Second
lieutenant
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Officer cadet
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".

Template:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank

Template:Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/Blank
Air Force
(1948–1953) 		File:OR9 RAF Warrant Officer.svg File:OR8 RAF Warrant Officer Class II.svg File:OR7 RAF Flight Sergeant.svg File:OR5n6a RAF Sergeant.svg File:OR4 RAF Corporal.svg File:OR1 RAF Leading Aircraftman.svg No insignia
Air Force
(1953–1968)[19] 		File:Canadian CDT 8.png File:RCAF and RCAC Warrant Officer Second Class rank insignia.png File:OR7b RAF Flight Sergeant.svg File:OR5n6a RAF Sergeant.svg File:OR4 RAF Corporal.svg File:OR1 RAF Leading Aircraftman.svg No insignia
Rank titles
(1948–1968)[23] 		Warrant officer first class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Warrant officer second class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Flight sergeant
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Sergeant
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Corporal
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Leading aircraftman/aircraftwoman
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman first class
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman second class
Script error: No such module "Lang".
Air Command
(1968–1973) 		File:Canadian Army OR-9a.svg File:Canadian Army OR-8.svg File:Canadian Army OR-7.svg File:Canadian Army OR-6.svg File:Canadian Army OR-5.svg File:Canadian Army OR-4 (1968–1973).svg File:Canadian Army OR-3 (1968–1973).svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg
Air Command
(1973–1984) 		File:Canadian Army OR-9a.svg File:Canadian Army OR-8.svg File:Canadian Army OR-7.svg File:Canadian Army OR-6.svg File:Canadian Army OR-5.svg File:Canadian Army OR-4.svg File:Canadian Army OR-3.svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg File:Canadian Army OR-2.svg
Air Command
(1984–2010) 		File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-9.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-8.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-7.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-6.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-5.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-4.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-3.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-2.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-2.svg
Rank titles
(1968–2010)[13] 		Chief warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Sergeant
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master corporal
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Corporal
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Private
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Private (basic)
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Private (recruit)
Script error: No such module "Lang".
Air Command
(2010–2014) 		File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-9.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-8.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-7.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-6.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-5.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-4.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OR-3.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-2.svg
Rank titles
(2010–2014)[14] 		Chief warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Sergeant
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master corporal
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Corporal
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Private
Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Private (basic)
Script error: No such module "Lang".
Royal Canadian Air Force
(2014–present)[24] 		File:Canadian RCAF OR-9a.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-8.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-7.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-6.svgTemplate:Hr File:Canadian RCAF OR-5.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-4.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-3.svg File:Canadian RCAF OR-2.svg
Rank titles
(2014–present) 		Chief warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Warrant officer
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Sergeant
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Master corporal
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Corporal
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Aviator
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang". 		Aviator (basic)
Script error: No such module "Lang". or Script error: No such module "Lang".
NATO code OR-9 OR-8 OR-7 OR-6 OR-5 OR-4 OR-3 OR-2 OR-1

Mess dress

Contrary to the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army, mess dress uniform ranks for officers of the Royal Canadian Air Force follow the naval pattern, without the executive curl. General officers do not wear shoulder straps with this order of dress.

NATO Code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1 OF(D) Student officer
Royal Canadian Air Force
Mess dress and full dressTemplate:Efn ranks 1925-1968[25]Template:Efn 		File:Canadian RCAF Mess Dress Of-09.png File:Canadian RCAF Mess Dress Of-08.png File:Canadian RCAF Mess Dress Of-07.png File:Canadian RCAF Mess Dress Of-06.png File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-5.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-4.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-3.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-2.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-1a.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF (D).svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF (D).svg
Air Command
Mess ranks 1968-2014 		File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-9.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-8.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-7.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-6.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-5.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-4.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-3.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-2.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-1b.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-1a.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF (D).svg
Royal Canadian Air Force
Mess ranks since 2015 		File:Canadian RCAF Mess Dress Of-09.png File:Canadian RCAF Mess Dress Of-08.png File:Canadian RCAF Mess Dress Of-07.png File:Canadian RCAF Mess Dress Of-06.png File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-5.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-4.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-3.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-2.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-1b.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF-1a.svg File:Canadian Air Command (1984-2014) OF (D).svg

See also

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Notes

Template:Notelist

References

Template:Reflist

External links

Template:Military ranks by country

  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ 11110-1 (G7-4), 26 February 2014, OPERATION ORDER – CANADIAN ARMY IDENTITY B. CAO 33-19 – PUBLIC FUNDING TO RESTORE CA CORPS' IDENTITIES
  8. ↑ CAO 33-19 – PUBLIC FUNDING TO RESTORE CA CORPS' IDENTITIES
  9. ↑ CFSS Materiel Authorization (D01102CFS) – ARMY- BASIC CLOTH REGULAR & RESERVE, 20161005
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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