First Lieutenant facts for kids

The insignia for a First Lieutenant in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The way it looks and how it's worn can be different for each service.

A First Lieutenant is a military rank used in many armed forces around the world. People holding this rank are considered officers who have received a special 'commission' (an official appointment) from the government.

The word 'lieutenant' can mean different things in various military groups. Often, this rank is split into two levels: a senior one (First Lieutenant) and a junior one (Second Lieutenant). In navies, 'First Lieutenant' might be a specific job title instead of a rank.

First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps

In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, a First Lieutenant is a junior officer. This rank is higher than a Second Lieutenant but lower than a Captain. It's similar to a lieutenant (junior grade) in other U.S. uniformed services like the Navy.

First Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard

In the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, 'First Lieutenant' is not a rank. Instead, it is a specific job title. This title is given to the officer who is in charge of the deck department on a ship.

On smaller ships, the officer holding the First Lieutenant position might have the rank of lieutenant, junior grade or ensign. On larger ships, a lieutenant or even a lieutenant commander might hold this job. On very large warships like aircraft carriers, a commander could be the First Lieutenant.

However, on submarines, the deck department is much smaller. Because of this, the First Lieutenant might be a senior enlisted sailor, such as a first-class petty officer or a chief petty officer.

Images for kids

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  First lieutenant (Philippine Army)

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  Primer teniente (Venezuelan Army)