Major Facts for Kids

For other uses, see Major (disambiguation).

A Major is an important rank in the military, like in the army or air force. It's a leadership position for an officer who has gained a lot of experience. Majors are usually in charge of larger groups of soldiers or airmen than a Captain, but they are not as high-ranking as a Lieutenant Colonel. Think of them as a team leader for a big team!

Majors play a key role in planning missions, training troops, and making sure everything runs smoothly. They are often found leading companies (a group of soldiers) or squadrons (a group of aircraft).

Canadian Air Force major insignia
World War I British Army major's rank insignia (sleeve, general pattern)
Major rank insignia for the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

Understanding the Major Rank
- What a Major Does
- How Majors Show Their Rank
Becoming a Major
Images for kids
See also

Understanding the Major Rank

The rank of Major is a step up from Captain. It shows that an officer has proven their skills and leadership. They have more responsibilities and often lead more complex tasks.

What a Major Does

Majors are often involved in:

Commanding Units: They might lead a company of soldiers (about 100-200 people) or a squadron of aircraft.
Planning Operations: They help create plans for missions, training exercises, or other military activities.
Training and Mentoring: They guide and teach younger officers and soldiers, helping them grow.
Staff Work: Sometimes, Majors work in offices, helping with logistics, intelligence, or administration for larger military groups.

How Majors Show Their Rank

Different countries use different symbols, called insignia, to show the rank of a Major. These symbols are usually worn on their uniform, like on their shoulders or collars.

In Canada, a Major's rank is shown by a thick bar, then a thin bar, and then another thick bar.
In Great Britain, a Major wears a single crown as their insignia.
In the United States, a Major's rank is a gold oak leaf.

These symbols help everyone quickly know who is in charge and what their role is within the military.

Becoming a Major

To become a Major, an officer usually needs to have served for several years as a Captain. They must show strong leadership skills, good judgment, and a deep understanding of military operations. Often, they will also complete special training courses or advanced military education. It's a rank earned through hard work and dedication.