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Sub-lieutenant
Sub-lieutenant
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Sub-lieutenant is usually a junior officer rank, used in armies, navies and air forces.

In most armies, sub-lieutenant is the lowest commissioned officer rank. However, in Brazil, it is the highest non-commissioned rank, and in Spain, it is the second highest non-commissioned rank.

As a naval rank, a sub-lieutenant ranks below a lieutenant.

Army and air force rank

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In France, a sub-lieutenant (sous-lieutenant) is the junior commissioned officer in the army or the air force. He wears a band in the colour of his corps (e.g. gold for infantry, silver for armoured cavalry, etc.). During the 18th century a rank of sous-lieutenant de vaisseau existed in the French Navy. It was the equivalent of the master's mate rank of the Royal Navy. It is now replaced by the rank of "first ensign" (enseigne de vaisseau de première classe).

An Argentinian sub-lieutenant wears a single silver sun on each shoulder, Brazilian sub-lieutenants are the most senior non-commissioned rank (called Sub-Officer in the Navy and Air force), wearing a golden lozenge. In Mexico, the sub-lieutenant is the most junior officer in the rank scale, and wears a single gold bar. Thai sub-lieutenants and acting sub-lieutenants wear a single star on each shoulder.

The British Army briefly used the rank of sub-lieutenant from 1871 to 1877, replacing the ranks of ensign in the infantry and cornet in the cavalry. In 1877, it was replaced in turn by the rank of second lieutenant, although this had always been used by the Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, and rifle and fusilier regiments.

Turkish Armed Forces designates sub-lieutenant as 1) the senior students in military academy and 2) a conscript who possesses university or other higher education diploma, that got drafted for a 1-year service.

Army insignia

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Air force insignia

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History of naval rank

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In the British Royal Navy, a passed midshipman awaiting promotion often elected to become a master's mate, normally an experienced petty officer who assisted the sailing master. Though formally the rating did not lead to promotion to lieutenant, master's mates were paid more than any other rating and were the only ratings allowed to command any sort of vessel.[6] A midshipman who became a master's mate got an increase in pay from £1 13s 6d to £3 16s per month, but initially reduced his chances at a commission.[7][8] Over time, however, service as a master's mate became a normal part of the path to a commission. The situation caused some confusion during the last part of the 18th century, when two parallel roles—master's mates trying to become masters, and former midshipmen working toward a commission—held the same title and responsibilities aboard ship.[9]

By the first years of the 19th century, the prefix "master's" was dropped for passed midshipmen, to distinguish them from master's mates in the navigator's branch.[7] In 1824 two further grades were also introduced, consisting of master's assistants and second-class volunteers. These corresponded to midshipmen and first-class volunteers respectively in the executive line. From this point, passed midshipmen had the rating master's mate, abbreviated as mate, and prospective masters had the rating master's assistant. These changes helped eliminate the confusion caused by the mingling of midshipmen in the navigator's branch.[9]

In 1861 the rank of mate was renamed sub-lieutenant.[7]

Modern practice

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In the modern Royal Navy, all officer cadets now commission as midshipmen, regardless of whether they are a graduate or a school leaver. They are subsequently promoted to sub-lieutenant one year after entering Britannia Royal Naval College. Upper yardsmen commission as sub-lieutenants assuming their seniority date is greater than 12 months.

In the Royal Canadian Navy, all undergoing basic officer training join as naval cadets, but upon graduation, those who joined with a bachelor's degree receive an immediate promotion to acting sub-lieutenant, while those who do not retain their rank as naval cadet until such time as they finish more career-related training.

Use

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In the Royal Navy, the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy, the insignia of both sub-lieutenants and acting sub-lieutenants consists of one medium gold braid stripe with an executive curl. The size of this stripe should not be confused with the narrow stripe, colloquially referred to as "spaghetti strap", used on the Royal New Zealand Navy rank of ensign and the Royal Canadian Navy's naval cadets. The Royal Air Force also followed this example of braiding when developing their rank system (see flying officer).

The insignia of sub-lieutenants in most commonwealth countries are identical to the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard grade of ensign (although US ranks do not use the executive curl), even though its equivalent grade in the USN is actually lieutenant junior grade.

In the Royal Canadian Navy, acting sub-lieutenants display one medium stripe. A sub-lieutenant adds a narrow stripe below the medium stripe to maintain the executive curl on the top. The equivalent air force lieutenant rank has the narrow stripe above the medium stripe since these elements do not need to maintain spacing on top due to the lack of an executive curl; the Royal Canadian Navy followed this pattern before the addition of the curl in 2010.

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Acting sub-lieutenant

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In 1955, the Royal Navy created the rank of acting sub-lieutenant, although it had existed intermittently in the world wars. Unlike their substantive counterparts, acting sub-lieutenants are subordinate officers, as they hold their ranks by order and not by commission. Upon passing fleet board, acting sub-lieutenants were confirmed as sub-lieutenants and issued commissions backdated to the date when they were appointed acting sub-lieutenants. The rank of acting sub-lieutenant was abolished in the Royal Navy around 1993 but remained in the Royal Naval Reserve until 2013; officers in both the RN and RNR now commission into the rank of midshipman.[12] The rank of acting sub-lieutenant remains in the Royal Navy only within the University Royal Naval Unit where training officers enter at this rank.[13]

Before its abolition, the rank of acting sub-lieutenant in the Royal Navy corresponded with, but was junior to, the ranks of lieutenant (Army) and flying officer (RAF).

In many Commonwealth navies (e.g. Canada and Australia), the rank of acting sub-lieutenant still exists as a commissioned rank equivalent to second lieutenant, while the rank of sub-lieutenant is equivalent to that of an army lieutenant. As the term "acting" is a designation, both acting and substantive ranks should be addressed as "sub-lieutenant"; the full designation including "acting" should be used in written documents, however. Indeed, when someone is addressed as "acting sub-lieutenant", it can be seen as a way of patronising an individual in a derogatory manner due to the emphasis of their "acting" rank.

The Royal New Zealand Navy, Republic of Fiji Navy and South African Navy follows the US precedent in titling its lowest commissioned officer ensign.

In the Royal Thai Army, Army Reserve Force Students who complete grade 5 and their B.D. are promoted to the rank of acting second lieutenant (ว่าที่ ร้อยตรี).

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A sub-lieutenant is a rank primarily in the navies of the , , , , and other nations, and also in some and contexts, ranking immediately below and equivalent to the officer rank code OF-1. It serves as the entry-level full commissioned rank for most naval officers, attained after completing initial as a or acting sub-lieutenant, and is denoted by a single sleeve stripe or shoulder . It is also used or has equivalents in certain and ranks within militaries. Historically, the rank originated in the early within the Royal Navy, where it was first proposed around but not formally adopted until 1861, when it replaced the older of "mate" for junior officers passed over for . Prior to this, junior officers held probationary positions without a distinct rank, but the sub-lieutenant standardized progression, aligning it with an Army ensign or Royal Marine second in precedence. The rank has evolved to reflect modern naval structures, with acting sub-lieutenant variants used temporarily until their abolition in the Royal Navy in 1993 (though retained in reserves until 2013). In contemporary usage, sub-lieutenants undertake foundational leadership duties, including , small team command, and supporting departmental operations on ships or in shore establishments, often earning an annual salary of approximately £41,500 in the upon promotion (as of 2025). Internationally, it corresponds to the U.S. 's ensign and is part of a broader ensuring among and allied forces.

Overview

Definition and role

A sub-lieutenant is a rank primarily employed in naval forces, especially within navies such as the Royal Navy and , where it functions as the lowest grade among commissioned officers. This rank marks the transition from initial training to active service, with officers typically receiving it upon completion of programs like those at in the Royal Navy. In naval hierarchies, sub-lieutenants are positioned immediately below lieutenants and above midshipmen, emphasizing their role in the foundational layers of command structure. Their general duties include assisting senior officers with operational management and personnel oversight on ships or submarines. They also lead small teams, execute routine tasks under supervision, and participate in initial command training to build leadership and decision-making skills essential for higher responsibilities. As fully commissioned officers, sub-lieutenants hold formal authority derived from their commission, setting them apart from non-commissioned personnel or trainees in the officer development . This status underscores their integration into professional hierarchies, where they contribute to discipline, order, and the execution of naval policies while gaining practical experience. In modern Commonwealth navies, it remains the entry-level commissioned rank.

Equivalents and comparisons

The sub-lieutenant rank is standardized under the code OF-1, which designates junior commissioned officers across member nations' armed forces. This code facilitates interoperability by aligning the rank with equivalent positions in allied militaries, emphasizing its role as an entry-level leadership position. Direct equivalents to sub-lieutenant include the ensign in the United States Navy, where it serves as the lowest commissioned rank. In the and , the sous-lieutenant holds a comparable position as the junior-most . Similarly, the alferes functions as an OF-1 equivalent in the , particularly in army contexts, and has historical parallels in Brazilian military structures. The sub-lieutenant aligns with the OF-1 , which generally corresponds to the second in most army hierarchies, reflecting similar responsibilities and compensation levels. However, variations in seniority exist: in navies, sub-lieutenant is the lowest officer rank, positioned above but below , whereas in some European armies like France's, the sous-lieutenant is the lowest commissioned rank. The following table summarizes equivalents across select major powers, focusing on naval and army applications where applicable:
CountryRankServiceNATO Code
United StatesEnsignNavyOF-1
United KingdomSub-lieutenantNavyOF-1
FranceEnseigne de vaisseau de 2e classe / Sous-lieutenantNavy / ArmyOF-1
RussiaMladshiy leytenant (Junior lieutenant)Navy / ArmyOF-1 equivalent

Historical development

The rank of sub-lieutenant in the Royal Navy originated from the earlier position of master's mate, a warrant officer role dating back to the 18th century responsible for assisting the master in navigation and ship handling. This position evolved into a more formalized junior officer rank amid broader naval reforms aimed at standardizing commissions and promotions. In 1861, through the Order in Council of 16 April, the title "sub-lieutenant" was officially substituted for "mate," establishing it as the lowest commissioned officer rank, equivalent in precedence to a British Army lieutenant. This change reflected efforts to professionalize the officer corps by integrating warrant officers into the commissioned structure, with sub-lieutenants initially wearing one half-inch stripe of gold lace on their sleeves starting in March 1863. During the , the sub-lieutenant rank expanded beyond the into emerging naval forces, which modeled their structures on British precedents during colonial periods. For instance, colonial Australian naval units, such as those operating ships like HMS Protector from the 1880s, employed similar ranks that transitioned into the formalized sub-lieutenant upon the formation of the Royal Australian Navy in 1911. Likewise, the Royal Canadian Navy, established in 1910, adopted the sub-lieutenant rank directly from Royal Navy traditions, incorporating it into its initial officer hierarchy as part of broader naval development. A key reform in this era occurred in , when the Royal Navy merged elements of the master's branch into the structure, further aligning navigational roles with commissioned ranks like sub-lieutenant to streamline command responsibilities. Subsequent reforms refined the rank's insignia and application. The —a looped gold lace above the stripes distinguishing executive officers—was introduced in the Royal in , initially for military and navigating branches, and became a standard feature for sub-lieutenants by the early . Following , adjustments continued, including the 1917 reorganization of the naval staff that indirectly affected distinctions by emphasizing executive roles. Post-World War II, training requirements for sub-lieutenants were updated to address technological advancements, with the Royal Navy's implementing a 30-week basic course followed by specialized sea and shore training to prepare officers for . By the mid-20th century, the sub-lieutenant rank saw a decline in adoption outside Commonwealth navies, often phased out in favor of ensign-equivalent positions. For example, the United States Navy, which had established the ensign rank in 1862 as its junior commissioned officer grade, never incorporated sub-lieutenant and maintained this structure through post-war reorganizations. Similarly, non-Commonwealth forces like the French Navy, which used a sous-lieutenant de vaisseau in the 18th century, shifted to the enseigne de vaisseau de deuxième classe by the early 20th century, effectively aligning with broader international standardization trends by the 1950s.

Rank insignia

In naval contexts, particularly within navies, the sub-lieutenant rank is denoted by a single narrow stripe of lace on the lower of uniforms, typically 1/4 inch wide, positioned above the . This distinguishes executive branch officers, often accompanied by the (a looped lace) for those in command roles, though the curl is more prominent on higher ranks. On shoulder boards or epaulettes for working or mess uniforms, sub-lieutenants wear a single thin or equivalent marking, usually in on a or background matching the . These designs facilitate quick identification at or in formal settings and have remained consistent since the , with minor adjustments for fabric and placement in modern No. 1 and No. 2 uniforms. Historically, the evolved from the half-inch stripe introduced in 1863, narrowing over time to the current standard by the early to differentiate from the broader stripes of lieutenants. In variants for non-executive branches (e.g., or ), a colored lace (such as for engineers) may border the gold stripe, but the single-stripe configuration persists across branches. sub-lieutenants, where used, share the same but may have subtle distinctions in reserves or probationary contexts.
CountryRankInsignia DescriptionPlacement
(RN)Sub-LieutenantSingle narrow gold stripe (1/4 inch)Lower sleeve (dress); shoulder board bar
Canada (RCN)Sub-LieutenantSingle medium gold stripeLower sleeve; shoulder slide with bar
Australia (RAN)Sub-LieutenantSingle narrow gold stripeLower sleeve; shoulder epaulette bar
(RNZN)Sub-LieutenantSingle gold stripeLower sleeve; shoulder insignia
(IN)Sub-LieutenantSingle narrow gold stripe with executive curlLower sleeve; shoulder board

Contemporary applications

In modern navies, particularly those within the , the sub-lieutenant rank serves as the primary entry-level commissioned officer position, emphasizing and operational readiness at sea. In the United Kingdom's , officers typically enter as midshipmen and undergo initial training at in Dartmouth, lasting approximately 29 weeks, before automatic promotion to sub-lieutenant after one year of service. This pathway focuses on foundational skills in , , and command principles, preparing sub-lieutenants for roles such as officers or junior department heads aboard warships. Similarly, in the Royal Canadian Navy, sub-lieutenants are commissioned following completion of officer training, often through the Regular Officer Training Plan at the Royal Military College of or direct entry programs, with specialized naval training at the Naval Fleet School lasting about 12 months. This stresses , maritime tactics, and technical proficiency, enabling sub-lieutenants to assume duties like division officers on frigates or support roles in coastal operations. The rank remains active across other Commonwealth navies, including the Royal Australian Navy, , and , where it denotes junior officers responsible for small teams in shipboard divisions or base administration. Training for sub-lieutenants generally spans 12 to 18 months across these forces, integrating classroom instruction with practical sea time to build expertise in and personnel . In the , for instance, sub-lieutenants complete a 22-week naval orientation course post-academy , focusing on executive branch responsibilities such as gunnery or . Operationally, sub-lieutenants function as division officers managing sailor welfare and equipment on vessels, or in ashore assignments at naval bases handling and coordination, ensuring seamless integration into fleet activities. While prevalent in Commonwealth traditions, the sub-lieutenant rank has limited direct equivalents in other European navies, such as France's Marine Nationale, where the aspirant de 2e classe serves as a transitional akin to an sub-lieutenant before full commissioning as enseigne de vaisseau de 2e classe. In non- contexts like Brazil's , junior officers align with sub-lieutenant equivalents through the aspirante a oficial rank, undergoing similar initial in and naval operations, though no major structural changes were reported in 2024. These contemporary applications underscore the rank's enduring in fostering adaptable junior leaders for diverse maritime missions.

Acting sub-lieutenant

The acting sub-lieutenant is a provisional rank in several navies, serving as an entry-level position for individuals who have completed initial but remain on until confirmed in the substantive rank of sub-lieutenant. This rank is commonly awarded to recent graduates entering naval service through specialized pipelines or to midshipmen following successful completion of their initial sea duties and assessments. Its purpose is to provide supervised experience in and naval operations while limiting certain privileges, such as full or benefits, until probationary service is satisfactorily completed. In the , the acting sub-lieutenant was historically a key step for new officers, including those in executive, engineering, and supply branches, with promotions documented in official records as late as 1991. The rank shared the same insignia as the sub-lieutenant—a single solid gold stripe on the sleeve—but officers held it temporarily without the full entitlements of a confirmed sub-lieutenant, such as eligibility for certain postings or pay increments. It was abolished for regular Royal Navy personnel around 1993 but retained in the reserves; promotions from acting sub-lieutenant to sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve were still published in in January 2013, marking one of the final instances of its use before full discontinuation across all components. Commonwealth practices vary in the rank's status and application. In the Royal Canadian Navy, acting sub-lieutenant (A/SLt) is a full commissioned rank awarded immediately post-training, positioned above naval cadet and below sub-lieutenant, with officers wearing a single medium-width sleeve stripe to distinguish it from the sub-lieutenant's medium stripe surmounted by a narrow one. Canadian sub-lieutenants enjoy standard privileges during their service, often in roles supporting fleet operations or shore-based commands. Similarly, in the Royal Australian Navy, the sub-lieutenant (ASLT) functions as a probationary rank for direct-entry officers, such as professionals or graduates bypassing status, and remains integral to modern training pathways for specialized roles like or . These implementations emphasize the rank's role in integrating qualified civilians into naval structures without prior cadet experience.

Army and air force usage

Historical adoption

The rank of sub-lieutenant was briefly adopted by the in 1871 as part of the , replacing the traditional ranks of ensign in infantry regiments and in cavalry units to standardize nomenclature across the service. This change aimed to modernize the army's structure following the abolition of commission purchase, but the rank proved short-lived, lasting only until 1877 when it was reverted to amid confusion with the established equivalent of the same name. The 1877 phase of the formalized this reversion, emphasizing clarity in rank distinctions to avoid inter-service misunderstandings. Influenced by continental models, particularly the French Army's longstanding use of sous-lieutenant since its introduction in as the lowest commissioned rank during the Revolutionary Wars, early 20th-century British land forces occasionally drew on similar terminology for junior roles, though without widespread adoption. The French rank persisted through the Napoleonic era and beyond, serving as a template for merit-based commissioning in modern armies. In air force contexts, the rank appeared transiently in the Royal Air Force upon its formation in 1918, mirroring army conventions with titles like flight sub-lieutenant for probationary pilots transitioning from the Royal Naval Air Service. However, by the early , it was phased out in favor of the dedicated aviation rank of to better reflect the service's specialized needs and align with post-war reorganization. Outside , the Ottoman Army employed a comparable junior rank, (equivalent to sub-lieutenant), for military students and probationary officers in the late during Tanzimat-era reforms aimed at professionalizing the force along European lines. This usage supported the training of cadets in military academies, bridging traditional structures with modern officer education before the empire's transition to the Turkish Republic in the 1920s.

Rank insignia

In army and air force contexts, sub-lieutenant rank insignia are typically worn on shoulder epaulets or boards, utilizing bars, pips, or chevrons to denote the entry-level or senior non-commissioned status, in contrast to naval designs that employ curls or executive stripes. These land and symbols emphasize simplicity and through metallic or embroidered elements positioned above the arm or service color fields, facilitating quick identification during ground or aerial operations. In the and , the sous-lieutenant rank is represented by a single narrow bar, approximately 6-10 mm wide, placed on the epaulets of uniforms such as the service vareuse or ceremonial spencer; the bar is ridged (trait côtelé) and colored for most arms (e.g., ) or silver for specific units like or chasseurs, with black intermediate edgings on the strap. The Brazilian Army employs the sub-lieutenant (subtenente) designation for its highest non-commissioned rank, distinct from commissioned officers; the consists of three upward-pointing chevrons surmounted by a , worn on the upper sleeve in or metal, setting it apart from the star-based boards used for true officers like aspirante a oficial. Historically, in the from 1871 to 1877, the short-lived sub-lieutenant rank—replacing the ensign and preceding the modern —featured a single Bath star on the collar and one row of half-inch lace on the cuff, marking a transitional worn on collars. Air force variations often adapt army-style bars but incorporate motifs for early adopting services; for instance, some units use a simple on shoulder slides, while others add a half-wing to signify flight qualifications, as seen in transitional designs from interwar periods.
CountryRank EquivalentInsignia DescriptionPlacement
Sous-lieutenantOne ridged bar (gold or silver, 6-10 mm wide)Shoulder epaulets
Subtenente (senior NCO)Three chevrons with surmounting bar (gold)Upper sleeve
Spain (Air)Alférez (in air units)Single embroidered bar (gold)Shoulder boards
ThailandActing second lieutenantSingle bar (gold)Shoulder epaulets

Modern implementations

In contemporary French forces, the rank of sous-lieutenant serves as the entry-level commissioned position in both the (Armée de Terre) and air and (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace), typically assigned to recent graduates from academies or programs who are responsible for leading small units, managing daily operations, and conducting within regiments or squadrons. These often command sections of 30 to 40 personnel in , , or ground support roles, focusing on tactical execution and personnel development during their initial service period. Promotion to occurs automatically after one year in grade, marking a transition to more independent command responsibilities. In the Brazilian Army, the sub-lieutenant (subtenente) holds a distinct status as a senior rank rather than an entry-level officer position, positioned above and below officer in the , with responsibilities including advisory roles to junior officers, specialized technical oversight, and in administrative or logistical units. This rank, achieved through long-term service and completion of advanced NCO courses, equates roughly to a U.S. in terms of seniority and , emphasizing expertise over command authority. Other nations exhibit varied non-traditional applications of sub-lieutenant equivalents in land and air forces. In the , the subteniente functions as the second-highest rank, subordinate only to the suboficial mayor, where it involves supervising technical maintenance teams, coordinating base security operations, and mentoring junior NCOs in aviation support roles. Similarly, in the Royal Thai Army's reserve components, the acting (ว่าที่ร้อยตรี) is awarded to conscripts and university students completing the fifth year of reserve training, enabling them to serve in leadership capacities during mandatory service or mobilization, such as oversight in territorial defense units. Within air forces, sub-lieutenant ranks often extend to platoon-level command in non-flying ground support elements, as seen in the French Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, where sous-lieutenants lead detachments or platoons at air bases, ensuring operational readiness for and supply chains without direct involvement in aerial missions. Adoption of the sub-lieutenant rank remains rare in post-World War II U.S. and U.K. army and air force structures, where it has been supplanted by the (U.S.) or / (U.K.) as the standard entry point, reflecting a streamlined cadre focused on immediate full commissioning.

References

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