SOCOM DIVISION HQ
THE LORD Jesus Christ
RANK: Commander-In-Chief
CODENAME: King of Kings and Lord of Lords
"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men!" Matthew 4:19
"Before Abraham was, I am." John 8:58
CODENAME: King of Kings and Lord of Lords
"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men!" Matthew 4:19
"Before Abraham was, I am." John 8:58
GEN Jason Ontiveros
RANK: General
CODENAME: "The General" |
CSM Michael Hamilton
RANK: Command Sergeant Major
CODENAME: "The Archangel" |
SOCOM utilizes a rank structure from a Biblical standpoint that uses a hybrid of WWII and modern US military ranks. We employ the ranks of Private through Specialist as standard enlisted ranks and can be held by both male and female recruits. NCOs are senior enlisted members that hold command positions on the squad level and up. Technicians are senior enlisted members that specialize in a particular area, but do not hold command of a unit. Technicians can be part of a squad or be utilized within a Command Post. They may also lead training or certifications in their area of expertise. Officers head or assist in Command Posts for the Division Headquarters. The General officers and Senior Command Sergeant Major position for the Division HQ are reserved for men only.
The Chain of Command relates directly to the rank structure of SOCOM. Members are expected to know their place in the Chain of Command. NCOs and Officers are responsible for the "voices" of those they are in charge of (their subordinates) and are expected to keep the Officers above them informed. Members are expected to know and use the Battalion CoC. Once in the Battalions, members are expected to follow the chain of command in this order:
Squad members --> Fire Team Leader --> Squad XO --> Squad Leader --> Platoon Sergeant --> Platoon Leader --> Company XO --> Company CO --> Officers in ascending rank --> Battalion XO --> Battalion CO --> General Chiefs of Staffs
Squad members --> Fire Team Leader --> Squad XO --> Squad Leader --> Platoon Sergeant --> Platoon Leader --> Company XO --> Company CO --> Officers in ascending rank --> Battalion XO --> Battalion CO --> General Chiefs of Staffs
SOCOM is organized on a Battalion Structure. The Generals in the Chiefs of Staff who head SOCOM and are considered "Division HQ". They are assisted by a Command Sergeant Major. Each Battalion is led by Colonel, Lt. Col or Major who is assisted by a Sergeant Major and answers directly to the Chiefs of Staff. Each Company within the Battalion is led by a Captain or 1st Lieutenant and assisted by a First Sergeant. Each Platoon within the Company is led by a 1st Lieutenant or a 2nd Lieutenant and assisted by a Sergeant First Class or Master Sergeant. Each Squad within the Platoon is led by a Staff Sergeant or Sergeant and assisted by a Corporal. Most members within SOCOM are in the squads and are the responsibility of the Squad leader.
Private through Specialist
The four lowest ranks, from Private to Specialist, are known as Lower Enlisted Soldiers. While NCOs supervise a task being done, lower enlisted soldiers are the ones who actually do the job.
Below is list of the Enlisted ranks with the name of the rank, abbreviation, and how to address each rank.
The four lowest ranks, from Private to Specialist, are known as Lower Enlisted Soldiers. While NCOs supervise a task being done, lower enlisted soldiers are the ones who actually do the job.
Below is list of the Enlisted ranks with the name of the rank, abbreviation, and how to address each rank.
Is a Tech Equivalent to a Sergeant?
On January 8, 1942, Technician Third Class (T/3), Technician Fourth Class (T/4), and Technician Fifth Class (T/5) were added to the rank insignia. On September 4, 1942, a "T" was added to the standard chevron design that corresponded with that grade. A technician was not addressed as one such, but rather as the neighboring rank in its pay grade (T/5 as Corporal; T/4 as Sergeant; T/3 as Staff Sergeant; TSG as Sergeant First Class). A technician did not have the authority to give commands or issue orders.
What is an NCO?
Non-commissioned Officers (NCOs) are the most important part of the SOCOM Army; without them the SOCOM Army would not be able to function. NCOs are involved in every part of the SOCOM Army, from leading daily prayer to carrying out a mission. For this reason, Non-commissioned officers are often called "the Backbone of the Army." Unlike Officers, NCOs are always on the ground with their soldiers explaining what the task is and ensuring the task is finished to standard. Some of the responsibilities of an NCO are leading prayer, training soldiers, conducting inspections, disciplining soldiers, completing missions, and supervising soldiers in any kind of duty. NCOs also must be accountable for their soldiers' actions and be an example for other soldiers to follow.
Non-commissioned Officers will be around you throughout your military career, from your Drill Sergeant in Basic Training to your first line supervisor in your unit. These soldiers have studied hard, trained hard, and worked hard to become NCOs; so always make sure you show them the respect they deserve.
Non-commissioned Officers will be around you throughout your military career, from your Drill Sergeant in Basic Training to your first line supervisor in your unit. These soldiers have studied hard, trained hard, and worked hard to become NCOs; so always make sure you show them the respect they deserve.
Staff Sergeant (SSG)
"Sergeant"

A Staff Sergeant can have the responsibility of an entire Platoon (25-40 soldiers) or, like a Sergeant, be in charge of a Squad. Because Staff Sergeants have much more time in service and more experience they are usually responsible for more military items and equipment.
Merit rank for Sergeants. The most experienced and veteran Sergeants will be Staff Sergeants.
Merit rank for Sergeants. The most experienced and veteran Sergeants will be Staff Sergeants.
Sergeant First Class (SFC)
"Sergeant"

A Sergeant First Class is a Platoon Sergeant meaning that he or she will take the orders that are put out by the Platoon Leader (an Officer) and ensure that the Platoon properly carries out those orders.
This is the Platoon Sergeant rank. Platoon Sergeants serve as the right hand man to the Platoon Leader (normally a LT) and are responsible for organizing the squad leaders under their command. This rank is sometimes given as a merit rank for squad leaders that retain their squad leader position.
This is the Platoon Sergeant rank. Platoon Sergeants serve as the right hand man to the Platoon Leader (normally a LT) and are responsible for organizing the squad leaders under their command. This rank is sometimes given as a merit rank for squad leaders that retain their squad leader position.
Master Sergeant (MSG)
"Master Sergeant"

Depending on an NCO's MOS, he or she can be promoted to Master Sergeant. A Master Sergeant has more administrative duties and less authority than a First Sergeant.
In SOCOM, this rank is sometimes given as a merit rank for squad leaders or platoon sergeants to retain their position.
In SOCOM, this rank is sometimes given as a merit rank for squad leaders or platoon sergeants to retain their position.
First Sergeant (1SG)
"First Sergeant"

A First Sergeant is responsible for managing an entire Company of 100-200 Soldiers. First Sergeants must keep their Companies performing to the best of their ability by ensuring that orders or information from the Company Commander (an Officer) or higher is given to the Platoon Sergeants who give it to their soldiers. Every First Sergeant wants his or her Company to be the best. To accomplish that, First Sergeants ensure that their Company is well trained, fit for duty, and doing their duties properly. Sometimes a First Sergeant will be referred to as "Top."
Company First Sergeant serves as the NCO assistant to the Company XO and CO. It is an administrative position and only one person per Company can hold this rank.
Company First Sergeant serves as the NCO assistant to the Company XO and CO. It is an administrative position and only one person per Company can hold this rank.
Sergeant Major (SGM)
"Sergeant Major"

Just as a SFC or a First Sergeant manage their Platoon or Company, a Sergeant Major must control a Battalion with 300 - 1000 through enforcing orders, organizing training, and holding accountability formations.
Soldiers at this rank serve on Battalion staff as the NCO assistant to the Battalion XO and CO. The main duty of the Sergeant Major is to assign newly graduated Privates to squads.
Soldiers at this rank serve on Battalion staff as the NCO assistant to the Battalion XO and CO. The main duty of the Sergeant Major is to assign newly graduated Privates to squads.
Command Sergeant Major (CSM)
"Sergeant Major"

Command Sergeant Majors work at different levels in a unit representing soldiers, advising the Officers above them, and providing leadership to a Battalion or a higher unit.
This is the highest rank attainable for an NCO. In the event of multiple Battalions/Divisions, the Command Sergeant Major assigns newly graduated Privates to a particular Battalion/Division and then the Sergeant Major of that particular Battalion/Division assigns the Privates to squads. The Command Sergeant Major is the enlisted assistant and advisor to the Chiefs of Staff.
This is the highest rank attainable for an NCO. In the event of multiple Battalions/Divisions, the Command Sergeant Major assigns newly graduated Privates to a particular Battalion/Division and then the Sergeant Major of that particular Battalion/Division assigns the Privates to squads. The Command Sergeant Major is the enlisted assistant and advisor to the Chiefs of Staff.
Who Are Commissioned Officers?
Commissioned Officers are the Army's leaders. They are responsible for the management and leadership of an entire unit.
No matter what rank an Officer is, he or she has basically the same responsibilities: make precise decisions, keep their unit organized and running efficiently, look out for the welfare of their soldiers, ensure that any mission is completed successfully, be a leader for other soldiers to look up to, and live the SOCOM Army Values. Officers work at the top leadership level of their unit, whether it a platoon or a division, ensuring that orders and missions that are given to them are executed by their NCOs and soldiers.
No matter what rank an Officer is, he or she has basically the same responsibilities: make precise decisions, keep their unit organized and running efficiently, look out for the welfare of their soldiers, ensure that any mission is completed successfully, be a leader for other soldiers to look up to, and live the SOCOM Army Values. Officers work at the top leadership level of their unit, whether it a platoon or a division, ensuring that orders and missions that are given to them are executed by their NCOs and soldiers.
Officer Cadet (CDT)
"Cadet"

"Recruit" rank for potential Officers. In order to make sure the Officers of SOCOM are dedicated and accountable, potential Officers must complete OCS (Officers Candidate School) and prove that they are the right person for the job. Members at this rank are to be treated as an Officer and normally hold all the rights of an Officer, but do it on a trial basis pending the completion of their OCS.
2nd Lieutenant (2LT)
"Sir or Ma'am"

Second Lieutenant is the entry-level rank for a Commissioned Officer in the SOCOM Army. A second Lieutenant usually commands a Platoon of about 20 to 40 Soldiers. Sometimes a 2LT will be referred to as a "Butter
Bar" or "LT."
This is the first official Officer rank in SOCOM. Normally serve as Platoon leaders.
Bar" or "LT."
This is the first official Officer rank in SOCOM. Normally serve as Platoon leaders.
1st Lieutenant (1LT)
"Sir or Ma'am"

First Lieutenants have more experience than Second Lieutenants, and are usually promoted to their rank after about 18 months in Service. Since a 1LT has more experience, he or she might be put in the position of Executive Officer (XO) for a Company.
Merit rank given to the best 2Lts. Normally serve as Platoon leaders or Company XO's.
Merit rank given to the best 2Lts. Normally serve as Platoon leaders or Company XO's.
Captain (CPT)
"Sir or Ma'am"

A Captain is usually a Company Commander, managing 100 to 200 soldiers.
Normally serve as Company Commanders.
Normally serve as Company Commanders.
Major (MAJ)
"Sir or Ma'am"

In SOCOM, Majors normally serve as Battalion Staff or Battalion XO's.
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC)
"Sir or Ma'am"

Normally serve as Battalion XOs or Battalion CO's.
Colonel (COL)
"Sir or Ma'am"

Merit rank for the best Lieutenant Colonels. Normally serve as Battalion CO's.
Chiefs of Staff
General of the Army (GA)
The General of the Army is a special rank that is used as the top rank in SOCOM and is permanently reserved for our commanding officer Jesus Christ, who serves forever as Commander-In-Chief, AMEN!