Military ranks of Jamaica facts for kids

The Military ranks of Jamaica are like special badges and symbols that show how important a person is in the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). The JDF is Jamaica's army, navy, and air force. These ranks help everyone know who is in charge and who to report to. Jamaica uses a rank system that is very similar to the one used in the United Kingdom.

Understanding Officer Ranks

What are Commissioned Officers?

Commissioned officers are leaders in the military. They usually have a university degree or special training. They are like the managers and leaders of different parts of the JDF. They make important decisions and lead groups of soldiers, sailors, or air force members.

The symbols below show the different ranks for commissioned officers in Jamaica's military.

Rank group	General/flag officers										Senior officers						Junior officers								Officer cadet
Jamaican Army
					Lieutenant general		Major general		Brigadier		Colonel		Lieutenant colonel		Major		Captain		Lieutenant			Second lieutenant			Officer Cadet
Jamaican Coast Guard
					Vice admiral		Rear admiral		Commodore		Captain		Commander		Lieutenant commander		Lieutenant		Lieutenant (junior grade)			Sub-Lieutenant			Midshipman
Jamaican Air Wing
													Lieutenant Colonel		Major		Captain		First Lieutenant			Second Lieutenant			Officer Cadet
Rank group	General/flag officers										Senior officers						Junior officers								Officer cadet

Other Ranks in the JDF

Non-Commissioned Officers and Enlisted Personnel

"Other ranks" include two main groups: non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and enlisted personnel.

• Enlisted personnel are the newest members who are just starting their military careers. They learn important skills and follow orders from their leaders.
• Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) are experienced members who have moved up in rank. They are leaders who help train and guide the enlisted personnel. They make sure tasks are done correctly and that rules are followed.

The symbols below show the different ranks for non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel in Jamaica's military.

Rank group	Senior NCOs																						Junior NCOs						Enlisted
Jamaican Army																													No insignia
	Warrant officer class 1						Warrant officer class 2		Staff sergeant		Sergeant												Corporal				Lance corporal		Private (or equivalent)
Jamaican Coast Guard																																			No insignia
	Master chief petty officer 1						Master chief petty officer		Chief petty officer		Petty officer												Leading seaman						Able seaman						Ordinary seaman
Jamaican Air Wing																													No insignia
	Warrant officer class 1						Warrant officer class 2		Staff sergeant		Sergeant												Corporal				Lance corporal		Private (or equivalent)
Rank group	Senior NCOs																						Junior NCOs						Enlisted