Intro
Explore the hierarchy of the US Space Force with our in-depth guide to the top 10 officer ranks. From Lieutenant to General, discover the responsibilities, insignia, and requirements for each rank. Learn about the newly established Space Force ranks, including Space Operations Officer and Space Systems Operator, and understand the career progression and advancement opportunities.
The United States Space Force (USSF) is the newest branch of the US military, established in 2020 as a separate service from the US Air Force. As a distinct branch, the USSF has its own unique rank structure, which is similar to but also distinct from the US Air Force and other branches of the military. In this article, we will explore the top 10 Space Force officer ranks, from lowest to highest, and provide an explanation of each rank's responsibilities, insignia, and requirements.
10. Second Lieutenant (2d Lt)
The second lieutenant is the most junior commissioned officer rank in the USSF. Second lieutenants are typically recent graduates of the US Air Force Academy, the US Naval Academy, or the US Military Academy, or have completed a commissioning program such as the US Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) or Officer Training School (OTS). They serve as junior officers in a variety of roles, including as platoon leaders or executive officers.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage small teams of enlisted personnel
- Conduct training and evaluations
- Perform administrative tasks
Insignia:
- A single gold bar
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Completion of a commissioning program
- Officer Training School (OTS)
9. First Lieutenant (1st Lt)
The first lieutenant is the next highest rank in the USSF. First lieutenants typically serve as platoon leaders or executive officers, and are responsible for leading and managing teams of enlisted personnel. They may also serve as instructors or trainers, and may be assigned to staff positions.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage larger teams of enlisted personnel
- Conduct training and evaluations
- Perform administrative tasks
Insignia:
- A single gold bar with a silver bar above it
Requirements:
- Completion of a commissioning program
- Officer Training School (OTS)
- 2-3 years of service as a second lieutenant
8. Captain (Capt)
The captain is a company-grade officer rank in the USSF. Captains typically serve as company commanders or executive officers, and are responsible for leading and managing teams of enlisted personnel. They may also serve as instructors or trainers, and may be assigned to staff positions.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage companies of enlisted personnel
- Conduct training and evaluations
- Perform administrative tasks
Insignia:
- Two gold bars
Requirements:
- Completion of a commissioning program
- Officer Training School (OTS)
- 4-6 years of service as a first lieutenant
7. Major (Maj)
The major is a field-grade officer rank in the USSF. Majors typically serve as battalion or squadron commanders, and are responsible for leading and managing teams of enlisted personnel. They may also serve as instructors or trainers, and may be assigned to staff positions.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage battalions or squadrons of enlisted personnel
- Conduct training and evaluations
- Perform administrative tasks
Insignia:
- A gold oak leaf
Requirements:
- Completion of a commissioning program
- Officer Training School (OTS)
- 8-10 years of service as a captain
6. Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)
The lieutenant colonel is a field-grade officer rank in the USSF. Lieutenant colonels typically serve as squadron or group commanders, and are responsible for leading and managing teams of enlisted personnel. They may also serve as instructors or trainers, and may be assigned to staff positions.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage squadrons or groups of enlisted personnel
- Conduct training and evaluations
- Perform administrative tasks
Insignia:
- A silver oak leaf
Requirements:
- Completion of a commissioning program
- Officer Training School (OTS)
- 12-14 years of service as a major
5. Colonel (Col)
The colonel is a senior field-grade officer rank in the USSF. Colonels typically serve as wing or group commanders, and are responsible for leading and managing teams of enlisted personnel. They may also serve as instructors or trainers, and may be assigned to staff positions.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage wings or groups of enlisted personnel
- Conduct training and evaluations
- Perform administrative tasks
Insignia:
- A silver eagle
Requirements:
- Completion of a commissioning program
- Officer Training School (OTS)
- 16-18 years of service as a lieutenant colonel
4. Brigadier General (Brig Gen)
The brigadier general is a one-star general officer rank in the USSF. Brigadier generals typically serve as deputy commanders of wings or groups, and are responsible for leading and managing teams of enlisted personnel. They may also serve as instructors or trainers, and may be assigned to staff positions.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage teams of enlisted personnel
- Conduct training and evaluations
- Perform administrative tasks
Insignia:
- A single silver star
Requirements:
- Completion of a commissioning program
- Officer Training School (OTS)
- 18-20 years of service as a colonel
3. Major General (Maj Gen)
The major general is a two-star general officer rank in the USSF. Major generals typically serve as wing or group commanders, and are responsible for leading and managing teams of enlisted personnel. They may also serve as instructors or trainers, and may be assigned to staff positions.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage teams of enlisted personnel
- Conduct training and evaluations
- Perform administrative tasks
Insignia:
- Two silver stars
Requirements:
- Completion of a commissioning program
- Officer Training School (OTS)
- 20-22 years of service as a brigadier general
2. Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)
The lieutenant general is a three-star general officer rank in the USSF. Lieutenant generals typically serve as deputy commanders of numbered air forces or as commanders of major commands. They are responsible for leading and managing teams of enlisted personnel, and may also serve as instructors or trainers.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage teams of enlisted personnel
- Conduct training and evaluations
- Perform administrative tasks
Insignia:
- Three silver stars
Requirements:
- Completion of a commissioning program
- Officer Training School (OTS)
- 22-24 years of service as a major general
1. General (Gen)
The general is a four-star general officer rank in the USSF. Generals typically serve as commanders of numbered air forces or as commanders of major commands. They are responsible for leading and managing teams of enlisted personnel, and may also serve as instructors or trainers.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage teams of enlisted personnel
- Conduct training and evaluations
- Perform administrative tasks
Insignia:
- Four silver stars
Requirements:
- Completion of a commissioning program
- Officer Training School (OTS)
- 24-26 years of service as a lieutenant general
Space Force Officer Ranks Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the top 10 Space Force officer ranks. Whether you're interested in pursuing a career in the USSF or simply want to learn more about the rank structure of the newest branch of the US military, we're glad you found this article informative and helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the section below.