Canadian Armed Forces ranks and insignia

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's 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Service	Board	Sleeve
Template:Navy	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.

Template:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OF/BlankTemplate:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Navies/OF/CanadaTemplate:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OF/CanadaTemplate:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OF/CanadaTemplate:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OF/Blank

Subordinate officer ranks

Branch	Navy	Army	Air force
Insignia<ref name="Canada" />	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	lang}}	lang}}	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.<ref name="QR&O">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Template:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OR/BlankTemplate:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Navies/OR/CanadaTemplate:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OR/CanadaTemplate:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OR/CanadaTemplate:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OR/Blank

Appointments

The rank insignia for NCM appointments.

Rank group	Senior appointments			Appointments
Template:Navy<ref name="Canada" />	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
	lang}}	lang}}	lang}}	lang}}	lang}}	lang}}
Template:Army<ref name="Canada" />	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
	lang}}	lang}}	lang}}	lang}}	lang}}	lang}}
Template:Air force<ref name="Canada" />	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
	lang}}	lang}}	lang}}	lang}}	lang}}	lang}}
Rank group	Senior appointments			Appointments

Rank slip-ons

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> 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.<ref>11110-1 (G7-4), 26 February 2014, OPERATION ORDER – CANADIAN ARMY IDENTITY B. CAO 33-19 – PUBLIC FUNDING TO RESTORE CA CORPS' IDENTITIES</ref><ref>CAO 33-19 – PUBLIC FUNDING TO RESTORE CA CORPS' IDENTITIES</ref><ref>CFSS Materiel Authorization (D01102CFS) – ARMY- BASIC CLOTH REGULAR & RESERVE, 20161005</ref>

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 ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}})
Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery	Gunner ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}})
Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers	Sapper ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}})
Royal Canadian Corps of Signals	Signaller ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}})
Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers	Craftsman ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}})
Royal Canadian Infantry Corps (RCIC) members of guards regiments	Guardsman ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}})
RCIC members of rifle regiments	Rifleman ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}})
RCIC members of fusilier regiments	Fusilier ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}})
RCIC members of voltigeur regiment	Voltigeur ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}})
Musicians of the Music Branch	Musician ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}})
Pipers of the Music Branch	Piper ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}})
Drummers of the Music Branch	Drummer ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}})
Canadian Rangers	lang}})

Additionally, the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery uses "bombardier" ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}) for corporal and "master bombardier" ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}) for master corporal. In the guards regiments, warrant officers are known as "colour sergeants" ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}) and second-lieutenants are known as "ensigns" ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}).<ref name="QR&O"/>

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<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>) 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

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 Template:Small

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:British Royal Navy OF-D.svg

Maritime Command Template:Small

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 Template:Small

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 Template:Small

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

{{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

{{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

{{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

{{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

{{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

{{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

{{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

{{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

{{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

{{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

{{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Template:Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OR/Blank

Royal Canadian Navy Template:Small

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 {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Chief petty officer 2nd class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Petty officer 1st class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Petty officer 2nd class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Leading seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Able seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Ordinary seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Recruit {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Maritime Command Template:Small

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 Template:Small

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 Template:Small<ref name="2116-3"/>

Chief petty officer 1st class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Chief petty officer 2nd class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Petty officer 1st class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Petty officer 2nd class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Master seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Leading seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Able seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Ordinary seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Seaman recruit {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Maritime Command Template:Small

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 {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Chief petty officer 2nd class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Petty officer 1st class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Petty officer 2nd class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Master seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Leading seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Able seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Ordinary seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Seaman recruit {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Royal Canadian Navy Template:Small

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 Template:Small<ref name="2116-6"/>

Chief petty officer 1st class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Chief petty officer 2nd class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Petty officer 1st class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Petty officer 2nd class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Master seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Leading seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Able seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Ordinary seaman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Rank titles Template:Small

Chief petty officer 1st class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Chief petty officer 2nd class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Petty officer 1st class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Petty officer 2nd class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Master sailor {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Sailor 1st class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Sailor 2nd class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Sailor 3rd class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Evolution of Canadian Army ranks and insignia

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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Gorget patches were also restored for officers of the rank of colonel or higher.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

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

Canadian Militia Template:Small Canadian Expeditionary Force Template:Small

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 Template:Small Canadian Army Template:Small

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 Template:Small<ref name="US Department of the Army">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web }}</ref>

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 Template:Small

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 Template:Small

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 Template:Small

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 Template:Small

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 {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Lieutenant-general {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Major-general {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Brigadier-general {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Colonel {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Lieutenant-colonel {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Major {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Captain {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Lieutenant {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Second lieutenant {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Officer cadet {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Template:Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OR/BlankTemplate:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OR/Blank

Template:Small	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 Template:Small<ref name="US Department of the Army"/>	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 Template:Small	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 Template:Small	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 Template:Small	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 Template:Small<ref name="2116-3">Template:Citation</ref>	Chief warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}						Master warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		Warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		Sergeant {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}						Master corporal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}						Corporal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}				Private {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		Private (basic) {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}						Private (recruit) {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}
Land Force Command Template:Small	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 Template:Small<ref name="2116-6"/>	Chief warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}						Master warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		Warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		Sergeant {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}												Master corporal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}				Corporal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		Private {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}						Private (basic) {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Evolution of Royal Canadian Air Force rank and insignia

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,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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 ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}), and is indicated by a horizontally-aligned two-bladed propeller. All other ranks titles remain as they were.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Timeline of changes

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

Royal Canadian Air Force Template:Small<ref name="US Department of the Army"/><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

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 Template:Small<ref name="A return">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="New insignia">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Marshal of the Royal Canadian Air ForceTemplate:Efn

Air chief marshal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Air marshal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Air vice-marshal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Air commodore {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Group captain {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Wing commander {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Squadron leader {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Flight lieutenant {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Flying officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Pilot officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Flight cadet/ officer cadet (post-1962) {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Air Command Template:Small

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 Template:Small

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 Template:Small<ref name="New insignia"/>

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 Template:Small

General {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Lieutenant-general {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Major-general {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Brigadier-general {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Colonel {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Lieutenant-colonel {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Major {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Captain {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Lieutenant {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Second lieutenant {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Officer cadet {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Template:Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/Blank

Air Force Template:Small

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 Template:Small<ref name="US Department of the Army"/>

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 Template:Small<ref name="A return"/>

Warrant officer first class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Warrant officer second class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Flight sergeant {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Sergeant {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Corporal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Leading aircraftman/aircraftwoman {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman first class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman second class {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Air Command Template:Small

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 Template:Small

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 Template:Small

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 Template:Small<ref name="2116-3"/>

Chief warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Master warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Sergeant {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Master corporal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Corporal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Private {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Private (basic) {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Private (recruit) {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Air Command Template:Small

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 Template:Small<ref name="2116-6">Template:Citation</ref>

Chief warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Master warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Sergeant {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Master corporal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Corporal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Private {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Private (basic) {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Royal Canadian Air Force Template:Small<ref name="New insignia"/>

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 Template:Small

Chief warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Master warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Warrant officer {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Sergeant {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Master corporal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Corporal {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Aviator {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

Aviator (basic) {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}

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 Template:Small<ref name=quigley1>Template:Cite book</ref>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 Template:Small		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 Template:Small		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

• Former ranks of the Canadian Forces
• Historic Royal Canadian Air Force ranks (1924–1968)
• Ranks and insignia of NATO
• List of comparative military ranks
• Comparative army officer ranks of the Americas
• Uniforms of the Canadian Armed Forces
• Cadets Canada Elemental Ranks

External links

• Canadian Armed Forces ranks and appointment insignia – official site with images of rank insignia for Navy, Army and Air Force.