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Comparative military ranks
Armies,
air forces
(non-Commonwealth)		 Navies,
coast guards		 Air forces
(Commonwealth system)
General officers, Flag officers, Air officers
Marshal or
field marshal		 Admiral of the fleet Marshal of the air force
General or
colonel general or
army general		 Admiral Air chief marshal
Lieutenant general or
army corps general		 Vice admiral Air marshal
Major general or
divisional general		 Rear admiral or
counter admiral		 Air vice-marshal
Brigadier or
brigadier general		 Commodore or
flotilla admiral		 Air commodore
Senior officers
Colonel (Ship-of-the-line)
Captain		 Group captain
Lieutenant colonel Commander or
frigate captain		 Wing commander
Major or
commandant		 Lieutenant
commander or corvette captain		 Squadron leader
Junior officers
Captain Lieutenant Flight lieutenant
First lieutenant or
lieutenant		 Lieutenant
junior grade or
sub-lieutenant		 Flying officer
Second lieutenant or
junior lieutenant		 Ensign or
midshipman		 Pilot officer
Senior NCOs
Warrant officer or
sergeant major		 Warrant officer or
chief petty officer		 Warrant officer
Junior NCOs
Sergeant Petty officer Sergeant
Corporal or
bombardier		 Leading seaman Corporal
Enlisted ranks
Lance corporal or
Lance bombardier or
specialist		 Able seaman Leading aircraftman or
Air specialist
Private or
gunner or
trooper or
Sepoy or
sapper		 Seaman Aircraftman or
airman or
aviator

First lieutenant is a commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces; in some forces, it is an appointment.

The rank of lieutenant has different meanings in different military formations, but in most forces it is sub-divided into a senior (first lieutenant) and junior (second lieutenant) rank.

In navies, while certain rank insignia may carry the name lieutenant, the term may also be used to relate to a particular post or duty, rather than a rank.

Indonesia

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Main article: Indonesian military ranks

In Indonesia, "first lieutenant" is known as Letnan Satu (Lettu), Indonesian National Armed Forces uses this rank across all three of its services. It is just above the rank of second lieutenant and just below the rank of captain.

Israel

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Main article: Israel Defense Forces ranks

In the Israel Defense Forces, the rank above second lieutenant is simply lieutenant (Segen). The rank of (קצין מקצועי אקדמאי (קמ"א (katsín miktsoí akademai or "kama"), a professional academic officer (that is, a medical, dental or veterinary officer, a justice officer or a religious officer), is equivalent to a professional officer of the second class in the reserve and equivalent to first lieutenant.[citation needed]

United Kingdom

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British Army

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Main article: Lieutenant (British Army and Royal Marines)

In the British Army and Royal Marines, the rank above second lieutenant is simply lieutenant (pronounced lef-tenant), with no ordinal attached.

Before 1871, when the whole British Army switched to using the current rank of "lieutenant", the Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers and fusilier regiments used "first lieutenant" and "second lieutenant".

Royal Navy

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The first lieutenant (often abbreviated "1st Lt") in a Royal Navy ship is a post or appointment, rather than a rank.

Historically the lieutenants in a ship were ranked in accordance with seniority, with the most senior being termed the first lieutenant and acting as the second-in-command, unless the ship was complemented with a commander. Although lieutenants are no longer ranked by seniority, the post of "first lieutenant" remains. In minor war vessels, destroyers, frigates, and submarines, the first lieutenant is second in command, executive officer (XO) and head of the executive branch; in larger ships where a commander of the warfare specialization is appointed as the executive officer, a first lieutenant is appointed as their deputy. The post of first lieutenant in a shore establishment carries a similar responsibility to the first lieutenant of a capital ship. Colloquial terms in the Royal Navy for the first lieutenant include "number one", "the jimmy" (or "jimmy the one") and "James the First" (a back-formation referring to James I of England).[1] The first lieutenant may hold the rank of sub-lieutenant, lieutenant or lieutenant-commander.

United States

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First lieutenant
U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Space Force insignia of the rank of first lieutenant. Style and method of wear vary between the services.
Shoulder boards
Country United States
Service branch U.S. Army
 U.S. Marine Corps
 U.S. Air Force
 U.S. Space Force
Abbreviation1LT (Army)
1stLt (Marine Corps)
1st Lt (Air Force and Space Force)
Rank groupCompany grade officer
NATO rank codeOF-1
Pay gradeO-2
Next higher rankCaptain
Next lower rankSecond lieutenant
Equivalent ranksLieutenant (junior grade)

U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Space Force

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In the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Space Force, a first lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer. It is just above the rank of second lieutenant and just below the rank of captain. It is equivalent to the rank of lieutenant (junior grade) in the other uniformed services.

Promotion to first lieutenant is governed by Department of Defense policies derived from the Defense Officer Personnel Management Act of 1980. DOPMA guidelines suggest all "fully qualified" officers should be promoted to first lieutenant. A second lieutenant (grade O-1) is usually promoted to first lieutenant (grade O-2) after 18 months in the Army or 24 months in the Marine Corps and Air Force. The difference between the two ranks is slight, primarily being experience and a higher pay grade. It is not uncommon to see officers moved to positions requiring more experience after promotion to first lieutenant. For example, in the Army and Marine Corps these positions can include leading a specialty platoon, or assignment as the executive officer for a company-sized unit (70–250 soldiers or marines). In the Air Force, a first lieutenant may be a flight commander or section's officer in charge with varied supervisory responsibilities, including supervision of as many as 100+ personnel, although in a flying unit, a first lieutenant is a rated officer (pilot, navigator, or air battle manager) who has just finished training for his career field and has few supervisory responsibilities.

U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard

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In the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, "first lieutenant" is the name of a billet and position title, rather than rank. Officers aboard early sailing ships were the captain and a number of lieutenants. The senior among those lieutenants was known as the first lieutenant, and would have assumed command if the captain were absent or incapacitated.[2] As modern ships have become more complex, requiring specialized knowledge of engineering, communications, and weapons, the "first lieutenant" is the officer in command of the deck department responsible for line handling during mooring and underway replenishment. On smaller ships, the officer of the "first lieutenant" billet holds the rank of lieutenant, junior grade or ensign. On larger vessels, the position of "first lieutenant" is held by a lieutenant or, in the case of extremely large warships such as cruisers or aircraft carriers, the position of "first lieutenant" may be held by a lieutenant commander or even commander. However, on submarines and in aircraft squadrons, where the deck department may only have a few junior sailors, the "first lieutenant" billet may be filled by a first-class petty officer or chief petty officer. What is known in the U.S. Navy as the "first lieutenant division" is usually composed of junior sailors (E-3 and below) who are completing their ninety days of temporary assigned duty, or TAD, that all enlisted personnel are required to perform when initially assigned to a command. The primary mission of the division is servicing, cleaning, organizing and inventorying items within a command.[3][4]

U.S. Revenue Cutter Service

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The term "first lieutenant" had a dual meaning in the United States Revenue Cutter Service (known until 1894 as the United States Revenue-Marine). The position title of first lieutenant was held by a junior officer who was in charge of deck operations and gunnery. The rank of first lieutenant was the equivalent of lieutenant in the current rank structure of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps. The next senior officer ranking above first lieutenant was captain and the next two lower officer ranks were second and third lieutenant, respectively. When the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the United States Life-Saving Service to form the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915, the rank of first lieutenant carried over into Coast Guard and remained in use until 1918, when the Coast Guard adopted the rank structure of the U.S. Navy.[5]

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Army

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Marines

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Air Force

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Space Force

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Notes

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

First lieutenant

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from Grokipedia
A first lieutenant is a rank in the armed forces of the and several other nations, situated directly above the rank of and below , typically corresponding to code OF-1. In the U.S. Army, , Marine Corps, and Space Force, it holds the O-2 and is usually attained automatically after 18 to 24 months of service as a , marking the transition to more experienced leadership roles. Officers at this rank often command platoons of 30 to 40 soldiers, lead specialized units such as weapons platoons or teams, or serve as executive officers assisting company commanders with administrative and operational duties. The rank originated in the early U.S. military structure, with the formal introduction of "first lieutenant" occurring in 1800 when the replaced the obsolete "subaltern" designation with distinct lieutenant ranks to clarify hierarchy among junior officers. During the and early republic, lieutenants generally supported captains in tactical units, but the specific "first" designation helped differentiate seniority as the officer corps expanded. By , the rank's insignia—a single silver bar on the shoulder—was standardized for field uniforms to distinguish first lieutenants from second lieutenants and enlisted personnel wearing similar olive drab attire. Internationally, the equivalent rank varies by nomenclature and structure; for instance, in the and , the position above is simply "" without the "first" prefix, while some nations like employ multiple lieutenant grades including a . First lieutenants in the U.S. military earn a base pay ranging from approximately $4,607 to $6,375 per month as of 2025, depending on years of service, underscoring their role in bridging entry-level and mid-tier command responsibilities. This rank remains essential for developing future leaders, with promotion to often following additional experience in or staff positions.

Overview

Definition

A is a rank in several national militaries, most notably in the armed forces of the , where it denotes the second level of commissioned officer authority. In the U.S. system, the rank corresponds to O-2, positioning it immediately above (O-1) and below (O-3). It is also standardized under code OF-1 in the alliance's rank structure, facilitating interoperability among member nations' forces. In rank systems outside the U.S., such as the , the designation "" functions as a single rank equivalent to the U.S. first lieutenant, likewise classified as OF-1 without a separate "second lieutenant" distinction at that level. This equivalence highlights variations in nomenclature while maintaining comparable authority and responsibilities across NATO-aligned militaries. Attaining the rank generally requires completion of formal commissioning programs, including basic such as the U.S. Army , , or service academies, followed by a minimum time-in-grade as a . Promotion to first lieutenant is typically automatic after 18 months of service in the U.S. Army or 24 months in the U.S. Marine Corps, , and . Within unit command structures, first lieutenants commonly lead platoons—small tactical elements of 20 to 50 personnel—or serve as executive officers in companies, handling operational coordination, training oversight, and administrative support to higher-ranking commanders.

Responsibilities

First lieutenants, typically holding the O-2 pay grade in the United States military, occupy a transitional position between junior officers and more senior leadership, gaining experience to prepare for captaincy. Their roles emphasize hands-on command and staff functions across various branches, though duties can vary by service. Key responsibilities include leading platoons of 16 to 44 soldiers, often in specialized units such as weapons or indirect fire elements, where they direct tactical operations and ensure unit cohesion. As platoon leaders, they train subordinates in combat skills, coordinate logistics like supply distribution and equipment readiness, and report directly to company commanders on mission progress and personnel status. In executive officer roles for company-sized units (approximately 100-200 personnel), first lieutenants oversee administrative functions, including maintenance schedules and resource allocation, acting as the principal assistant to the company commander. This rank serves as a critical phase for , where officers build practical expertise through and operational assignments, honing under pressure to transition effectively to higher command. Emphasis is placed on mentoring noncommissioned officers and soldiers, fostering initiative, and learning to delegate tasks to develop both personal and unit resilience. Common challenges involve balancing tactical execution—such as rapid response to threats—with administrative demands like conducting personnel evaluations, tracking and issues, and maintaining equipment amid long hours and high physical demands. New first lieutenants often face the need to quickly assess platoon dynamics without immediate major changes, while managing metrics and welfare to sustain . Operational roles frequently include overseeing patrols to secure areas, planning missions with input from leaders, or performing staff functions in , such as coordinating support for larger operations. These duties provide opportunities to apply in real-world scenarios, enhancing readiness across ground, air, and support elements.

History

Etymology

The term "" originates from lieu tenant, literally meaning "placeholder" or "deputy," derived from lieu ("place," from Latin locus) and tenant (present participle of tenir, "to hold," from Latin tenere). In contexts, this reflected the officer's role as a substitute acting in the stead of a superior, particularly the . The rank of emerged in 16th- and 17th-century European armies, denoting the primary to the company and responsible for command in the captain's absence. To distinguish the senior from a junior subaltern (often called ensign in or in ), the designation "first lieutenant" developed, particularly in specialized branches like and engineers where two lieutenant grades were common. Adopted into English military terminology via British forces in the , "lieutenant" typically referred to the senior grade without the "first" prefix in , though "first lieutenant" appeared in technical units. In American usage, beginning with the Continental Army in 1775, "first lieutenant" was explicitly employed alongside "" to clarify the two distinct grades within the rank structure. In contemporary forces, such as the , the equivalent senior rank is simply "," without subdivision into "first" and "second," reflecting the consolidation of terminology in 1871.

Development in European militaries

The rank of first first emerged in European militaries during the 16th and 17th centuries, originating in the as the senior deputy to the in and companies, responsible for assuming command in the captain's absence. This role reflected the transition to more structured standing armies, where lieutenants helped manage company-level operations amid growing regimental systems. In the , formalized in the mid-17th century under Frederick William, the Elector of , the equivalent rank of Premier-Leutnant was adopted as a direct subordinate to the , mirroring French influences while adapting to the kingdom's emphasis on disciplined, permanent forces. Prussian reforms emphasized noble officer corps, but the lieutenant grade ensured continuity in unit leadership during campaigns, such as those in the . The brought further standardization, as French military organization—featuring the as a codified grade between sous-lieutenant and capitaine—influenced reforms across following defeats and occupations by Napoleon's forces. Many armies, including Prussian and other German states, restructured their tables of ranks to include distinct lieutenant positions, enhancing administrative efficiency in large-scale warfare. Variations persisted in nomenclature and structure; for instance, in German armies from the early , Oberleutnant signified the senior lieutenant, denoting precedence over a junior without using the "first" descriptor. Post-World War II, the rank aligned under NATO's standardization efforts, classified as an OF-1 grade in STANAG 2116 (promulgated in 1956), to promote among allied forces by equating national equivalents like first lieutenant across member states.

Adoption in British and American forces

In the during the , the rank of served as the primary subaltern position within companies, functioning as the equivalent of a first and assisting the in command duties. Companies typically included one and two s, with the senior designated as first and the junior as , though both were uniformly addressed and referred to simply as "" in practice. This structure originated from earlier European influences but was adapted to the British regimental system, where s handled platoon-level leadership and administrative tasks. In the Royal Navy, the rank of , equivalent to the modern O-3 , had been formalized since the late and remained a key role by the , overseeing ship divisions and warranting full commissioned status upon examination. The of the 1870s, initiated by Edward Cardwell, significantly standardized officer progression in the British forces by abolishing the purchase system for commissions in , requiring promotions to be based on merit, examinations, and service length rather than financial means. This shift professionalized the officer corps, including lieutenants, by linking advancement to performance and establishing clearer pathways from subaltern ranks to higher commands, thereby enhancing overall military efficiency in the late . The United States adopted the rank of first lieutenant directly from British colonial military traditions following the Revolutionary War in 1775, retaining it in the Continental Army where it denoted the senior subaltern in a company, assisting the captain and often leading a platoon. The U.S. Army formalized this structure in its 1789 establishment under the First Congress, with companies organized under a captain and a single lieutenant—designated as first lieutenant—to distinguish it from the lower ensign rank. In 1815, following the War of 1812, Congress abolished the ensign position and introduced the second lieutenant as the junior grade, creating a clear bifurcation of lieutenant ranks earlier than in Britain and influencing subsequent pay scales and promotion timelines. During the (1861–1865), first s played a critical role as leaders within volunteer companies, executing tactical maneuvers, drilling troops, and assuming command in the captain's absence amid high casualty rates that often elevated them to acting company commanders. The rank's prominence further expanded during , as the U.S. Army grew from approximately 127,000 personnel in 1917 to over four million by 1918, necessitating the rapid commissioning of around 200,000 officers, many entering or advancing through first positions to lead expanded infantry in the . These developments highlighted key divergences from British practices: the U.S. formalized its two-grade system in 1815, predating the British replacement of ensigns with second lieutenants in 1871 under the Cardwell and subsequent , which in turn shaped distinct promotion velocities and compensation structures in each nation.

United Kingdom

British Army

In the , the rank of serves as the primary designation for what is equivalent to the in other forces, classified under the officer rank code OF-1 and aligning with the O-2 grade in allied structures. This title was standardized across the army following the of 1871, which abolished the purchase of commissions and unified subaltern ranks by replacing cornets and ensigns with the single rank of , while establishing as the next progression. Promotion to typically occurs after one to two years of service as a , marking the transition from initial duties to more substantive leadership responsibilities. Lieutenants in the primarily command a , consisting of approximately 25 to 40 soldiers, where they oversee tactical operations, training, and welfare within their unit. They also assist the company commander in administrative and , drawing on the army's strong regimental traditions to foster and during field exercises and deployments. These roles emphasize practical in diverse environments, from urban operations to rural maneuvers, ensuring platoons maintain readiness for joint exercises with partners. Officers are commissioned as second lieutenants upon completing the 44-week training course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, which equips them with foundational skills in leadership, tactics, and ethics before advancing to . The rank is generally held for two to three years, during which lieutenants gain experience in regimental postings and staff roles prior to promotion to . As of 2025, the structure remains unchanged from pre-2021 defence reviews, with continued emphasis on interoperability through standardized OF-1 grading and integrated multinational training, without alterations to promotion timelines or core responsibilities.

Royal Navy

In the , the rank of (abbreviated as Lt) is a commissioned officer rank classified under code OF-2, positioned above (OF-1) and equivalent to a in the . Lieutenants typically serve as department heads on warships, overseeing critical functions such as , weapons systems, or operations, where they ensure the effective coordination of specialized teams and equipment during missions. They also command divisions comprising approximately 20 to 30 sailors, managing their training, welfare, discipline, and operational readiness to maintain high standards aboard ship. A key responsibility for lieutenants is standing watch as the , particularly during sea operations, where they direct the ship's movement, monitor , and respond to tactical situations to ensure safe and effective passage. Promotion to generally occurs after 3 to 4 years of service as a , following completion of professional training that builds on initial officer commissioning. This progression emphasizes merit, readiness, and specialized skills, with lieutenants often emerging from roles as midshipmen during their foundational phase. Officer training for aspiring lieutenants begins at (BRNC) in , where candidates undergo rigorous instruction in , , and over approximately 30 weeks, culminating in commissioning as acting sub-lieutenants. The rank traces its historical roots to 17th-century ship lieutenants, who from 1677 onward were required to pass examinations in and gunnery to qualify, establishing a professional standard for deputy command under the on sailing vessels. In modern usage as of 2025, lieutenants play adapted roles within carrier strike groups and the service, supporting enhanced maritime capabilities outlined in the 2021 , which prioritized simultaneous carrier operations and investments for global deterrence and . On aircraft carriers like , they contribute to strike warfare coordination and integration during deployments, while in submarines, they handle and in stealth operations.

United States

U.S. , Marine Corps, , and

In the , Marine Corps, , and , the rank of first lieutenant is a commissioned grade designated as O-2, positioned immediately above (O-1) and below (O-3). This rank signifies an officer's transition from initial entry-level duties to more substantive responsibilities, typically involving direct command of small units or staff roles in . Promotion to first lieutenant is automatic for qualified officers after 18 to 24 months of service as a , depending on the branch and performance evaluations, ensuring a steady progression in the officer corps. In the U.S. Army, first lieutenants commonly serve as leaders in and armor units, where they lead 20 to 50 soldiers in tactical maneuvers, training exercises, and combat operations, coordinating with non-commissioned officers to execute missions while managing and personnel welfare. This role emphasizes hands-on command at the tactical level, fostering unit cohesion and readiness for ground-based engagements. In the U.S. Marine Corps, first lieutenants often act as executive officers, assisting the in administrative oversight, , and training for 100 to 200 , or as commanders leading teams in amphibious and expeditionary operations. Within the U.S. , first lieutenants typically function as flight commanders or operations officers in squadrons, overseeing 10 to 20 personnel in mission execution, scheduling, and briefings to support aerial and flights. In the U.S. , which shares the 's rank structure, first lieutenants contribute to mission planning and cyber/space operations, such as coordinating communications, defending digital networks, and integrating for orbital assets, reflecting expansions in 2025 that emphasize multi-domain warfare training for all . Officers attain the rank of first lieutenant through branch-specific commissioning programs, including the at West Point for the Army, which provides a four-year baccalaureate education focused on and , and the for the and , emphasizing sciences and pilot training. Marine Corps officers are primarily commissioned via the or Officer Candidates School, followed by infantry or aviation specialization. All branches supplement initial training with , such as courses at Air University, to develop inter-service collaboration skills in joint operations and strategic planning.

U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard

In the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, the term "first lieutenant" refers to a specific billet or appointment rather than a permanent rank, distinguishing it from its usage in other branches of the U.S. military. This position is typically filled by a lieutenant (O-3) or lieutenant junior grade (O-2) and serves as the head of the deck department aboard ships or cutters. The role focuses on operational oversight of deck-related activities, emphasizing seamanship, maintenance, and readiness rather than direct command of large units like platoons or flights in ground or air forces. In the Navy, the first lieutenant manages key aspects of deck operations, including the supervision of the deck force for major seamanship evolutions, upkeep of topside equipment, cargo handling, and procedures. Responsibilities also encompass shipboard security, accountability, and ceremonial functions such as honors and special events. This billet ensures the vessel's external preservation, supports , and coordinates with other departments for safe and . The U.S. employs a parallel structure on its cutters, where the first lieutenant directs deck force , including anchors, lines, boats, and general , while integrating maritime safety protocols. Unique to the 's dual military and mandate, the role extends to overseeing small arms for boarding teams and supporting operations, such as vessel inspections and integrations. Assignment to the first lieutenant billet is temporary, generally spanning 1 to 2 years, allowing junior officers to gain specialized shipboard leadership experience before rotating to other roles. In the modern context of 2025, these duties have evolved to address unmanned surface vessels and enhanced joint operations, aligning with the National Defense Strategy's emphasis on distributed maritime operations and multi-domain integration across services.

U.S. Revenue Cutter Service

The U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, established by an on August 4, 1790, to enforce federal tariff laws and prevent smuggling, employed the rank of first lieutenant from its early years as the senior officer subordinate to the on individual cutters, functioning as the equivalent of the modern O-2 and serving as the vessel's . First lieutenants typically commanded smaller cutters or acted as second-in-command on larger ones, assisting in the oversight of crew and operations during patrols. In their roles, first lieutenants were responsible for navigation, supervising deck watches, and leading enforcement actions such as boarding suspect vessels to collect duties and suppress illicit trade along coastal waters and inland waterways. These duties often involved hazardous intercepts of and coordination with officials at ports, emphasizing the rank's critical position in maintaining maritime . The rank saw key developments with the issuance of formal regulations in the , which standardized officer uniforms and hierarchies, including distinctions among first, second, and third lieutenants to align more closely with naval practices. During the Civil War (1861–1865), first lieutenants on Union-aligned revenue cutters contributed significantly to blockade enforcement, rescue operations, and transport duties, with several vessels under their partial command aiding in key engagements like the capture of Confederate ports. Following the service's merger with the U.S. Life-Saving Service on January 28, 1915, to form the modern , the first lieutenant rank was integrated into the new organization's structure, evolving into a designation rather than a standalone commissioned .

Other countries

In , the rank of first lieutenant is designated as "Letnan Satu" (abbreviated Lettu), an rank equivalent to OF-1, and has been utilized across all branches of the Tentara Nasional (TNI)—the (TNI-AD), (TNI-AL, as Letnan Satu Laut), and (TNI-AU, as Letnan Satu Udara)—since the armed forces' establishment following national on October 5, 1945. This rank structure draws from post-colonial reorganization, replacing earlier Dutch-influenced systems to align with 's unified defense framework under the principle of Sishankamrata (total people's defense). Letnan Satu officers primarily function as commanders within TNI units, overseeing tactical operations, troop , and coordination in field deployments. Their responsibilities emphasize territorial defense along Indonesia's extensive borders, as well as non-combat roles in and humanitarian assistance, reflecting the TNI's mandate for both military and societal support duties. For instance, in exercises like Garuda Shield, Letnan Satu personnel lead integrated units to secure maritime chokepoints and respond to natural calamities such as earthquakes or floods. Promotion to Letnan Satu occurs from the rank of Letnan Dua, contingent upon service as a , successful performance evaluations, leadership assessments, and completion of specialized training at the (Akademi Militer) or branch-specific institutions like the Army's Doctrine, Education, and Training Command (Kodiklat TNI-AD). Candidates must demonstrate operational proficiency and adherence to TNI ethical standards. As of 2025, ongoing defense reforms—stemming from policy updates in the early 2020s aimed at bolstering regional security amid tensions—have not introduced changes to this rank or promotion criteria, maintaining focus on capability enhancement rather than structural overhaul.

Israel

In the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the rank of first lieutenant, designated as "Segen" (סגן) and classified as an OF-1 grade under standards, serves as a key company-grade officer position established since the IDF's formation in 1948. This rank represents a critical level in a conscript-based , where officers must rapidly adapt to both active and reserve operations amid frequent mobilizations. First lieutenants in the IDF ground forces primarily command platoons of 30 to 40 soldiers, overseeing tactical operations, training, and combat readiness, while in air and naval branches, they lead specialized sections such as flight operations teams or ship departments. Their roles extend heavily into reserve duties, where they mobilize and direct units during national emergencies, reflecting Israel's emphasis on a citizen with high operational tempo. Promotion to first lieutenant typically follows 1 to 2 years of service as a (Segen Mishne), contingent on successful performance evaluations and completion of advanced leadership courses at IDF training academies, such as the Ground Forces Officer School (Bahad 1) or branch-specific programs like those in the Technical School. The rank is fully gender-neutral, with women comprising about 25% of IDF officers overall as of 2021; by 2025, female representation has increased, reaching approximately 45% of positions (as of 2024) and 21% of combat personnel, building on reforms from the that opened combat and technical roles to female candidates without distinction. In recent years, particularly following the 2023–2024 conflicts, first lieutenants have seen expanded integration into cyber units under the C4I and Cyber Defense Directorate, where they lead teams in signal intelligence analysis and defensive operations within elite formations like Unit 8200.

Rank insignia

United Kingdom

In the British Army, the rank of lieutenant, equivalent to first lieutenant in other forces, is denoted by two silvered pips (stars) worn on the shoulder epaulettes of the service dress uniform. These pips, typically made of gilt or silver embroidery on a wool or cloth backing, are positioned centrally on the slide or strap. In mess dress, lieutenants wear gorget patches—colored cloth tabs on the collar lapels—that vary by regiment but do not feature pips, serving instead to indicate branch or unit affiliation through specific colors and patterns. Historically, prior to the reforms that standardized ranks across branches, insignia differed between and regiments. lieutenants wore a single on the right shoulder, often plain or with minimal embellishment like fringe, while lieutenants used similar shoulder devices but operated within a structure where the junior subaltern rank was termed "cornet" rather than ensign, reflecting equestrian traditions; epaulettes were typically of gold lace on wool for both, though variants sometimes incorporated regimental motifs. The modern pip system was formalized in , replacing earlier -based distinctions with stars on collars and shoulders. In the , operational rank insignia have been adapted for the () camouflage, using embroidered fabric slides sewn onto combat uniforms to maintain visibility and durability in field conditions without compromising concealment. In the Royal Navy, the lieutenant rank—corresponding to first lieutenant—is indicated by two lace rings on the cuffs of the full dress and No. 1 uniform, with the upper ring featuring the , a looped signifying executive (line) officers. This curl, a distinctive twist in the wire, traces its origins to 18th-century uniform practices distinguishing sea-going commanders and was standardized in 1856 for all executive branch officers. Materials consist of fine bullion on or felt backing for ceremonial wear, ensuring a polished appearance. Shoulder boards mirror the cuff design with equivalent stripes and curl for working uniforms. Recent updates in the have integrated these elements into multi-terrain compatible fabrics for shipboard and expeditionary roles, though traditional lace remains for formal contexts.

United States

In the Armed Forces, the rank of first lieutenant (O-2 ) is denoted by a single gold-colored bar as the primary , worn on epaulets, shoulder loops, or collars depending on the type and branch, with standardization largely established after through uniform regulations emphasizing visibility and functionality. This design traces back to early 19th-century precedents but was refined in the for consistency across services, using gold to distinguish commissioned officers from enlisted personnel. For the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps, first lieutenants wear a single , approximately 1 inch long and 3/8 inch wide with rounded ends, on the epaulets of dress uniforms such as the (ASU) or Marine Corps Service Uniform; on combat uniforms like the (ACU) in (OCP) or (), a subdued version uses black or olive drab thread sewn or affixed via for low visibility. The bar is positioned horizontally, centered on the shoulder, and measures about 1/2 inch from the seam on service coats. The U.S. and U.S. employ a similar single for first lieutenant on mess dress and service s, worn on shoulder marks or epaulets; in operational settings like the (ABU) or 's equivalent OCP-style , subdued black or versions are used. For the , established in and formalized in 2021, the rank bar incorporates a silver delta symbol as branch adjacent to the rank on certain items, reflecting the service's space operations theme, though the core bar design mirrors the . In the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, the equivalent O-2 rank is lieutenant (junior grade), not titled "first lieutenant," and lacks a unique bar-based insignia for the title; instead, officers wear gold sleeve stripes—one 1/2-inch stripe with a 1/4-inch stripe above it—on the lower sleeve of dress blues and whites, spaced 2 inches from the cuff edge, or a single gold bar on shoulder marks for dinner dress and working uniforms, often accompanied by departmental corps devices or patches like anchors for Coast Guard personnel. Post-1940s evolutions in U.S. military rank for first lieutenant and equivalents emphasized practicality, with introducing subdued, non-reflective versions—such as dull gold or embroidered olive drab bars on field jackets—to reduce visibility in environments, as outlined in War Department changes to circulars for overseas wear. By the , regulations standardized gold for across branches under Title 10 U.S. Code, while adaptations persisted; as of 2025, updates to Army Regulation 670-1 and equivalent directives mandate subdued rank in digital camouflage patterns like OCP, using infrared-reflective thread for compatibility on tactical gear.

Indonesia and Israel

In Indonesia, the rank of Letnan Satu (first lieutenant) in the is represented by two gold bars worn on green epaulets for daily uniforms, reflecting post-colonial adaptations from Dutch colonial structures in the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL). For the , variants include an symbol integrated with the bars on blue epaulets, maintaining a unified system across branches since in 1945. Materials typically consist of cloth or fabrics for field use, with no distinct variations between and reserve personnel, though reserves may wear subdued versions during mobilization. In Israel, the rank of Segen (first lieutenant) in the (IDF) is indicated by two bars on an olive drab background for ground forces, unified across all branches since the IDF's establishment in 1948 and influenced by British Commonwealth models from the Mandate period. Enlisted equivalents use chevrons, but officers employ bars; as of 2025, uniforms remain in trials following 2018 pilots, with Velcro-attached tested on prototype breathable, flame-retardant fabrics, but the standard uniform continues to be olive drab blends. Reserve and personnel share the same design, with distinctions limited to uniform type—reserves often in working olive drab—without altering the rank symbols.

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