Captain facts for kids

Captain is a military rank that means someone is in charge. It's a very important position in many different groups.

What is a Captain?

A captain is usually a leader or a commander. This title is used in many places, especially in the military. It also appears in sports, on ships, and even on airplanes. The exact duties of a captain depend on where they work.

Captains in the Military

In the military, a captain is an officer. Officers are leaders who command soldiers or sailors. They are responsible for their team's training and missions.

Army Captains

In an army, a captain is a middle-level officer. They usually lead a group of soldiers called a company. A company often has around 60 to 200 soldiers. Army captains make sure their soldiers are ready for anything. They plan and lead small missions.

Navy Captains

In a navy, a captain has a very high rank. A Navy Captain commands an entire ship, like a large warship. They are in charge of everyone on board. This includes all the sailors and officers. A Navy Captain's rank is similar to an army colonel.

Captains Outside the Military

The title "captain" is also used in many other uniformed groups. It's also common in sports and travel.

Police and Other Uniformed Groups

Some police departments also have captains. These captains are senior officers. They oversee different police units or divisions. Other uniformed groups, like fire departments, might also use this rank.

Sports Team Captains

In sports, a captain is the leader of a team. They help guide their teammates during games. They also often talk to the referees or umpires. A sports captain helps keep the team working together.

Airline Captains

The main pilot of an airliner is also called a captain. They are fully responsible for the plane and everyone on board. This includes all the passengers and crew. An airline captain makes sure the flight is safe and smooth.