Cadet Rank Structure
From Recruit to Cadet Colonel — every rank in the Corps
Cadets enter as Recruits and progress through a structured rank ladder that mirrors traditional military structure — junior enlisted, NCO, senior NCO, and officer grades. Promotion is earned through demonstrated proficiency, time in grade, and successful completion of promotion tests.
Field Grade Officers
COL
Colonel
LTC
Lieutenant Colonel
MAJ
Major
Company Grade Officers
CPT
Captain
1LT
First Lieutenant
2LT
Second Lieutenant
Senior Non-Commissioned Officers
CSM
Command Sergeant Major
SGM
Sergeant Major
1SG
First Sergeant
MSG
Master Sergeant
Non-Commissioned Officers
SFC
Sergeant First Class
SSG
Staff Sergeant
SGT
Sergeant
CPL
Corporal
Junior Enlisted
C1C
Cadet First Class
CDT
Cadet
RCT
Recruit