Military Hierarchy

Military Hierarchy

The Army's structure is based on increasing unit sizes, from small tactical groups to large strategic formations.

Basic Troops

Private

The basic soldier responsible for what happens on the ground.

Officers

Sergeant

Leads a Squad of 8-12 privates. The primary leader at the ground level, responsible for direct supervision and small unit tactics.

Approximate Size Commanded: 8-12 individuals.

Lieutenant

Leads a Platoon of 3-4 Squads (24-48 units). Manages tactical operations at a localized level.

Approximate Size Commanded: 24-48 individuals.

Captain

Commands a Company of 3-4 Platoons (72-192 units). Focuses on specific combat missions and objectives.

Approximate Size Commanded: 72-192 individuals.

Field Officers

Major

Commands a Battalion of 3-5 Companies (216-960 units). A significant tactical formation capable of sustained operations.

Approximate Size Commanded: 216-960 individuals.

Colonel

Commands a Brigade or Division (often the lower end of Division or a very large Brigade) consisting of multiple Regiments/Brigades.

Approximate Size Commanded: 2,000 - 10,000+ individuals (this rank often bridges the gap between large brigades and smaller divisions).

High Command

General

Commands a Division (approximately 10,000-20,000 units) or a Corps (2-5 Divisions, 20,000-100,000 units). Responsible for major campaigns and strategic direction within a theater.

Approximate Size Commanded: 10,000-100,000+ individuals.

Marshal

Commands an Army Group or the entire Army as a whole. This is the highest command rank, responsible for national military strategy, deployment of all ground forces, and potentially joint operations with other branches.

Approximate Size Commanded: The entirety of the ground forces.

Naval Hierarchy

This structure is to provide an assumed and generic hierarchy for any faction with access to a navy.

Per Ship

Sailor

The foundational member of the crew. Responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the ship under the direction of their superiors.

Captain's Staff

First Mate. The highest-ranking member of the Captain's staff, second-in-command of the ship. They are responsible for the daily administration and discipline of the crew, and takes command in the Captain's absence.

The following specialized officers are assumed equal in rank:

Bosun. Oversees the deck crew, rigging, and ship's maintenance.

Quartermaster. Responsible for navigation, steering, and signals.

Chief Engineer. Oversees the ship's engines and mechanical systems.

Surgeon. Responsible for the health and well-being of the crew.

Supply Officer. Manages provisions, ordnance, and other supplies.

Approximate Size: Varies by ship size, typically 5-15 individuals.

Captain

Commands a single ship and its entire crew. Responsible for the ship's mission, safety, and the welfare of everyone aboard.

Approximate Size Commanded: 50-500+ individuals (depending on ship size).

Admiralty Board

Commodore

Commands a Flotilla of roughly 3-5 ships. This forms a tactical unit capable of independent operations.

Approximate Size Commanded: 150-2,500+ individuals (3-5 ships).

Admiral

Commands a Fleet consisting of multiple Flotillas (2-4 Flotillas, roughly 6-20 ships). Often focuses around a specific region in the world.

Approximate Size Commanded: 300-10,000+ individuals.

Grand Admiral

Commands the entire Navy. This is the highest rank, responsible for overall naval strategy, deployment, and operations on a national or global scale.