What are the different military ranks in France?

Military ranks are governed by the general status of the French military. They are identical in status for all the French Armed Forces.

However, designations and insignia differ from one army to another. For example, a colonel in the French Army is equivalent to a Capitaine de vaisseau in the French Navy. To help you see things more clearly, we've prepared a comparative explanation of the different military ranks in the different armies.

Thanks to this, you'll become a well-educated soldier who knows everything there is to know about the military ranks of the French Armed Forces!

Military ranks in the French Navy

Military ranks for servicemen in the French Navy are classified into 6 rank echelons: General Officers, Senior Officers, Junior Officers, Senior Petty Officers, Junior Petty Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers.

Military ranks for General Officers

The General Officers of the French Navy are the highest-ranking members of the Navy. They include, in ascending hierarchical order, Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral, Wing Vice Admiral and Admiral.

General Officers have extensive Navy experience and a high level of knowledge. They are responsible for the strategic management of the French Navy.

It should be noted that the rank ofAdmiral de France is not a rank, but a state dignity (equivalent to that of Maréchal de France for the Army). The last known Admiral of France was François Thomas Tréhouart in 1869.

Military ranks for senior officers

Senior officers must have a high level of expertise and knowledge in their field of specialization. They include Corvette Captains, Frigate Captains and Navy Captains.

Senior officers are responsible for the operational management of Navy units.

Military ranks for junior officers

Junior officers are novice officers. This rank is awarded to junior officers and those entering training. Junior officers are, in ascending hierarchical order, Aspirants, Enseignes de vaisseau de 2ème classe, Enseignes de vaisseau de 1ère classe and Lieutenants de vaisseau.

Their mission is to supervise day-to-day operations aboard French Navy ships.

If you are interested in joining the French Navy as junior officers, this army recruits from bac +3 under contract, but also on competitive examination after a scientific preparatory class or from bac +4 to enter the Naval School.

Military ranks for senior naval officers

Senior naval officers hold the military rank of non-commissioned officer. They are highly specialized in their field. They supervise shipboard operations. They include the Chief Petty Officer, the Senior Petty Officer and the Major.

Military ranks for junior naval officers

The military ranks of Junior Non-Commissioned Officers are awarded to junior non-commissioned officers and those entering training. The military ranks of this level in the French Navy are Pupil Maistrancier, Second Master Maistrancier, Second Master and Master.

Junior Petty Officers supervise shipboard operations alongside senior Petty Officers.

The French Navy recruits non-commissioned officers at post-baccalaureate level for positions such as team leader. If you are interested in joining, you must be between 18 and 30 years old and have a baccalaureate. Once recruited, you will join theÉcole de maistrance for a contract of 8 to 10 years.

Military ranks for non-commissioned officers

Non-commissioned officers are part of the crew of French Navy ships. Military ranks are awarded in ascending hierarchical order, starting with Mousse, Matelot breveté, Quartermaster 2nd class and Quartermaster 1st class.

Crew members are essential to the smooth running of this army, taking care of operational tasks.

If you'd like to find out more about military habits, read our article on themilitary alphabet!

Military ranks for the French Army, Air Force and Gendarmerie Nationale

Military ranks are identical for the French Army, Air Force and Gendarmerie Nationale. Military ranks are hierarchically classified into 4 echelons: General Officers, Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers.

Interested in the French Air Force? Discover our articles on the best military aircraft and fighter pilots !

Military ranks for General Officers

The General Officers of the French Army hold the most prestigious military ranks. They include Brigadier Generals, Division Generals, Corps Generals and Army Generals.

The highest rank, Maréchal de France, is not a rank in the strict sense of the term, but a state dignity on a par with Admiral in the French Navy.

These prestigious ranks are awarded to highly qualified soldiers with extensive military experience.

Military ranks for officers

Officers have high ranks and responsibilities. In ascending hierarchical order, the military ranks awarded to Officers are Aspirants, Sub-Lieutenants, Lieutenants, Captains, Commandants, Lieutenant-Colonels and Colonels.

Officers are responsible for regimental traditions and maintaining order in the troops. They are responsible for maintaining order and carrying out tasks, preparing for combat and training new recruits.

As a result, Officers have a wide range of skills, and are both instructors and educators.

Military ranks for non-commissioned officers

Formerly known as low-ranking officers, the name of these soldiers was changed after the evolution of morals to adopt a less pejorative term: that of non-commissioned officers. NCOs include Sergeants, First Sergeants, BM2 First Sergeants, Warrant Officers, Chief Warrant Officers and Majors.

The military rank of Sergeant-Chef is also known as Maréchal des Logis Chefs. The Sergeant is also known as Maréchal des Logis, as he was formerly in charge of the stables. The rank of Gendarme, specific to the Gendarmerie Nationale, lies between that of Sergeant and that of Staff Sergeant.

NCOs supervise officers in carrying out their duties and maintaining order. Warrant Officers, for example, manage the transmission and logistical operations of the armed forces. They are also responsible for carrying out unforeseen orders.

For a bit of history, the military rank of Major is fairly recent. It was created in 1972 as a functional distinction.

Military ranks for non-commissioned officers

The ranks are also known as "junior ranks". In ascending hierarchical order, they include Privates, 1st Class Privates, Corporals, Master Corporals and 1st Class Master Corporals. Master Corporals are also known as Brigadiers. Corporals are also called Brigadiers.

Non-commissioned officers do not have military ranks, but rather distinctions earned through experience and seniority. A 1st Class Master Corporal must have signed a service contract of more than 11 years. They can be appointed Master Corporal from the first day of their twelfth year.

Military ranks and stripes

Military ranks are distinguished by stripes. This is a distinctive sign colored according to the soldier's rank and weapon. Gold and silver braids are reserved for officers and non-commissioned officers. Gold is worn by infantry, artillery, engineers, marines and signallers. Silver is worn by cavalry, train and equipment, and chasseurs à pied.

Please note that some arms can wear both gold and silver: these include the Foreign Legion, the ALAT (Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre), the cavalry and the technical and administrative corps.

Read our article on obtaining the Military Medal!

Additional details on civilian firefighters, police officers, foresters and environmental officers

Civilian firefighters have ranks and a hierarchy similar to that of the Army. The rank of Major does not exist among firefighters. They wear silver or white braids, depending on their distinction. A distinction is also made on their helmets and coats by a colored stripe: orange for non-commissioned members, yellow for non-commissioned officers and white for officers. Despite these similarities, they are not considered military.

Police, forestry, customs and environmental officials also have a hierarchical rank system similar to that of the army.

Interested in joining the French Army? Read our article onjoining the army and join the troops! 

Read our article on military units of the French Army !