Hiring veterans is one of the smartest moves a company can make. Veterans bring discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills that make them valuable contributors to any workforce. However, many employers struggle to align military experience with civilian job roles. Understanding military rank equivalencies can bridge this gap and help you make better-informed hiring decisions
Why Military Rank Equivalencies Matter
Each military rank represents not just a level of authority, but also specific skills and responsibilities. When recruiters understand these distinctions, they can better match veterans to roles that align with their experience.
For example:
- A Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) often has significant leadership experience managing teams, making them great candidates for supervisory roles.
- An Officer may have extensive strategic planning experience, which is ideal for executive-level positions.
Breaking Down Military Ranks
Military ranks fall into two primary categories:
1. Enlisted Personnel (E1-E9)
These individuals handle daily operations and technical tasks. As they advance, they take on leadership responsibilities, managing teams and overseeing critical processes.
- E1 (Entry-Level Trainee): Comparable to an early career, entry-level position.
- E2 (Apprentice): Equivalent to an entry-level skilled position.
- E3 (Skilled Team Member): Similar to an entry-level skilled position or team leader.
- E4 (Squad Leader): Equivalent to a first-line supervisor or team leader managing 4-12 individuals.
- E5 (Supervisor): Comparable to a project lead or team leader managing millions in equipment.
- E6 (Senior Supervisor): Similar to a department manager or process improvement specialist.
- E7 (Section Leader): Equivalent to a large department manager or director overseeing up to 50 people.
- E8 (Strategic Leader): Comparable to a senior leader, VP, or director-level role.
- E9 (Senior Enlisted Advisor): Equivalent to a CEO, COO, VP, or strategic leader overseeing mission-essential tasks.
- E9+ (Senior Advisor): Comparable to a senior executive, enterprise CEO, or CFO.
2. Officers (O1-O10)
Officers focus on leadership, strategy, and decision-making at various levels. They oversee large operations and are responsible for planning and execution.
- O1 (Junior Officer): Comparable to an early career entry-level position.
- O2 (Platoon Leader): Equivalent to a low-to-middle management role.
- O3 (Company Commander): Similar to a VP, small enterprise president, or director role overseeing 62-190 personnel.
- O4 (Brigade Staff Officer): Comparable to a senior-level VP, director, or COO role.
- O5 (Battalion Commander): Equivalent to a president, CEO, or strategic senior leadership role managing 300-1,000 personnel.
- O6 (Regiment Commander): Similar to a senior executive role like CEO or VP overseeing 3,000-5,000 personnel.
- O7 (Deputy Commander): Equivalent to a CEO or senior executive leadership role with a master’s degree.
- O8 (Division Commander): Comparable to a large enterprise CEO, VP, or CFO managing 10,000-15,000 personnel.
- O9 (Corps Commander): Equivalent to a large enterprise CEO or strategic executive leading 20,000-45,000 personnel.
- O10 (General/Admiral): Similar to a top-tier executive role such as CEO or president, overseeing entire operations across multiple regions.
Common Challenges Employers Face
One of the biggest hiring challenges is that job descriptions don’t always align with military experience. Employers may miss out on top talent simply because they aren’t familiar with how military roles translate to their job openings.
By understanding military rank equivalencies, employers can unlock a vast pool of talent and ensure veterans are placed in roles where they can thrive. Taking the time to learn about military experience will not only help your hiring efforts but also position your company as a leader in supporting those who have served.
Ready to reach military talent? Visit At Military Friendly®, we specialize in connecting employers with top-tier military talent through our Talent Exchange (MFTX) platform.