Army Rank Structure

The Australian Army rank structure is drawn directly from the commonwealth model that has been employed by most of the commonwealth countries for well over 100 years. Although the structures may have varied and have changed somewhat over the years they still consist of two separate systems that are underpinned by a strong nexus between the two to facilitate ease of command and leadership whilst finding their foundations in a strong but usually fair discipline system. These two systems or streams are the Commission System and the Enlisted (Soldier) System. Both are governed by a parliamentary Acts and require different service to be rendered to the Commonwealth. This is contrary to popular believes that Officers are Soldiers. By letter of the

This system is akin to the civilian corporate structure in many ways. Junior Non-Commissioned Officers are equivalent to entry-level employees, while Senior Non-Commissioned Officers are equivalent to mid-level managers that are in charge of day-to-day duties/tasks and potential small operations. Commissioned Officers are based more like corporate management and are involved at higher planning level for future operations, man management and equipment management. This breakdown of ranks will generally give some of the most experienced soldiers the opportunity to take on the decision making and complicated roles, that contribute to the overall success in day-to-day running, man management or on an operation mission.

As the rank structure of soldiers in the Australian army can be so broad, this essay will only brush over some of the points within the roles of non-commissioned officers. Elements of Army have a rank structure specific to its needs, the basic structure observed by the most parts are the non-commissioned officer 's such as: private (or equivalent), lance corporal, corporal, Sargent, warrant officer and then "commissioned officers" consisting of: lieutenant, captain, major and

Compared to the 1900 's, the rank of lance corporal was important; as this was the symbol that distinguished them from the "foot soldier" to potentially be mounted on horse back and with the prestige of carrying a lace. In today 's structure it is primarily utilised only in arms corps that utilise rank effectively to ensure that command and leadership is inculcated into the structure of the smallest capability brick of an organisation.

The rank corporal in the army is commonly known as the "foundation and work horse of the army" and without them, there would be no direct leadership within the other ranks and they are the seniors within the junior non-commissioned officers. At the rank of corporal, this is the start of the ranks to become instructors and having direct control over subordinates ranging from one person up to a section. It is expected of more senior or capable corporal 's to work at the senior non-commissioned level. Its often said that the only rank in the army that actually commands soldiers is the