Additional definitions as applied in this article:
"Admiral ranks" means ranks that include the word "admiral" or a non-English term that has the same meaning.
"AGM ranks" means admiral ranks and/or general ranks and/or marshal ranks.
"Company officer grades" means company officer ranks and their equivalent ranks (ranks "A", "B" and "C").
"Company officer ranks" means army commissioned officer ranks up to and including Captain (or whatever the non-English term happens to be).
"Field officer grades" means field officer ranks and their equivalent ranks other than equivalent AGM ranks.
"Field officer ranks" means army ranks between company officer ranks and general officer ranks. The definition does not encompass any AGM rank.
"General ranks" means ranks that include the word "general" or a non-English term that has the same meaning.
"Marshal ranks" means ranks that include the word "marshal" or a non-English term that has the same meaning.
"NAGMCR", means "non-AGM commissioned ranks", i.e. commissioned officer ranks that are not admiral ranks, general ranks or marshal ranks.
To define the seniority of ranks of any number of different services of different countries, ranks of armies of the Commonwealth of Nations shall serve as the model for comparison:
- "rank A" means Second Lieutenant (typical rank of platoon commanders) or an equivalent rank;
- "rank B" means Lieutenant (typical rank of platoon commanders) or an equivalent rank;
- "rank C" means Captain (typical rank of company commanders or deputy commanders) or an equivalent rank;
- "rank D" means Major (typical rank of company commanders and/or battalion deputy commanders) or an equivalent rank;
- "rank E" means Lieutenant-Colonel (typical rank of battalion commanders) or an equivalent rank;
- "rank F" means Colonel (typical rank of brigade commanders or deputy commanders) or an equivalent rank;
- "rank G" means Brigadier/Brigadier-General (typical rank of brigade commanders and/or division deputy commanders) or an equivalent rank;
- "rank H" means Major-General (typical rank of division commanders) or an equivalent rank;
- "rank I" means Lieutenant-General (typical rank of corps commanders) or an equivalent rank;
- "rank J" means General (typical rank of field army commanders) or an equivalent rank;
- "rank K" means Field Marshal (typical rank of army group commanders) or an equivalent rank.
"Rank class" means:
- AGM ranks;
- field officer grades; or
- company officer grades.
Stripes of different widths are referred to: "narrow", "medium", "semi-broad", "broad" and "extra-broad". Medium stripes are conspicuously wider than narrow stripes, semi-broad stripes are conspicuously wider than medium stripes, broad stripes are conspicuously wider than semi-broad stripes and extra-broad stripes are conspicuously wider than broad stripes. Precise widths differ from service to service. In determining widths, services should ensure that potential for mistaking a narrow stripe for a medium stripe, a medium stripe for a semi-broad stripe, etc. is minimal. Note that these definitions are separate from similar definitions applied elsewhere.
Rank "G" alternatives:
There are several alternatives for rank "G":
- AGM rank (e.g. Brigadier-General, Flotilla Admiral, Commodore-Admiral);
- non-AGM rank (e.g. Brigadier, Commodore, Air Commodore);
- no rank "G" at all (e.g. colonels are promoted directly to Major-General).
It is important to recognise the distinction between an AGM rank and an equivalent non-AGM rank. Being equivalent to an AGM rank does not entitle a non-AGM rank to insignia and other uniform items that are supposed to be distinctive to AGM ranks. For example, Brigadier and Brigadier-General are equivalent, but Brigadier must be represented only as the highest field officer rank and Brigadier-General must be represented only as the lowest general officer rank. A brigadier is not entitled to distinctions of general rank, even though he/she is equivalent to AGM ranks of other services (even if those other services are of the same nation).
Marshal ranks:
Where a marshal rank is included these are the acceptable approaches:
- a service has general ranks with rank "K" being the lowest or only marshal rank;
- a service has marshal ranks from rank "H" and upward, and no general ranks;
- a service has marshal ranks from rank "G" and upward, and no general ranks.
This is an important distinction when dealing with rank insignia. Marshals and generals of the same service should have rank insignia that distinguishes between marshal and general officer status (e.g. it should be clear that addressing a marshal as "General" would be a mistake).
In a service where marshal ranks or admiral ranks (or ranks of another kind) exist not in addition to but in lieu of general ranks, marshal/admiral status is the counterpart of both marshal status and general status of services that have both marshal and general ranks. For example, an admiral rank that is equivalent to a marshal rank of a service that has general ranks may have insignia of the same style as that of the marshal rank, but an equivalent general rank should have general officer insignia, not marshal insignia.
Some insignia systems have well-established designs for marshal ranks of services that have general ranks. With others there is a lack of consensus, so no standard design is specified in this article for those systems. However, a design incorporating crossed batons (which is common) should be used in most (possibly all) of these cases because of the unmistakable connection that motif has with such ranks.
Additional officer ranks:
Some services have one or more ranks that are higher than rank "K". Such ranks are beyond the scope of this article.
Normally there is a maximum of three commissioned grades below the lowest field officer grade. Some services have four, an arrangement that is beyond the scope of this article (though possible insignia for such a rank may be derived from specifications provided in this article) other than to mention that its abolition is recommended.
Some services have an officer rank that is distinct from commissioned ranks and designations of officer trainees that is below rank "A". Such a rank exists either in addition to or instead of rank "A" and it is held by people who are in line for promotion to rank "A" or a higher rank. Insignia designs for such ranks are beyond the scope of this article (at least for the present). The fact that this is so must not be interpreted as a recommendation for the abolition of such ranks.
N.A.G.M.C.R. SYSTEM 1: STRIPES
Notes:
1. Current users include most navies and many air forces.
2. In many services rank "A" is represented by a narrow stripe and rank "B" by a medium stripe; in others rank "A" is represented by a medium stripe and rank "B" by a combination of medium stripe and narrow stripe. The former arrangement is to be preferred for a number of reasons, including:
a. most importantly, it neatly accommodates an officer rank below the level of rank "A" in lieu of rank "A", which is traditional in a number of services (so the sequence doesn't go from no stripes straight to 1 medium + 1 narrow);
b. because a narrow stripe is used for rank "A" in several different systems, there is greater commonality in the representation of rank "A" and less potential for misinterpretation;
c. it results in a tidier, more logical progression – each rank with a narrow stripe is below two ranks without a narrow stripe (logically, the existence of a "1 medium + 1 narrow" rank implies there has to be a "3 medium + 1 narrow" rank to complete the pattern, which is applicable only with an unnecessary additional rank);
d. it's tidier for services in which the company officer/field officer distinction applies because the lowest rank of each of these rank classes has a narrow stripe; and
e. that the narrow stripe is an option means that a medium stripe is excessive for rank "A".
3. This system is unusual in that the rank "G" design is applicable to an equivalent AGM rank (see AGM System 1). This may seem illogical and odd given that other systems have different designs for a non-AGM rank "G" and its AGM equivalent, but it's a widespread, long-standing and steadfast tradition in this system. Note that elements in addition to the broad stripe often differ between the non-AGM rank and AGM equivalent (e.g. the ring above a commodore's stripe may be smaller than the ring above a flotilla admiral's stripe). Having the broad stripe does not entitle equivalent non-AGM officers to insignia and other uniform items that are supposed to be distinctive to AGM ranks.
Specifications by rank:
Rank A. 1 narrow stripe.
Rank B. 1 medium stripe.
Rank C. 2 medium stripes
Rank D. 2 medium stripes + 1 narrow stripe
Rank E. 3 medium stripes.
Rank F. 4 medium stripes.
Rank G. 1 broad stripe. (Applicable to AGM equivalent also, but accompanying elements may differ.)
Examples:
1.
2.
N.A.G.M.C.R. SYSTEM 2: STRIPES
Notes:
1. Designs for field officer grades include a semi-broad stripe and designs for company officer grades don't.
2. Some services use a variant of this system in which each rank above rank "C" has an additional narrow stripe. This should be avoided for several reasons, including:
a. it is excessive – subtracting a narrow stripe wouldn't hinder the differentiating of these ranks;
b. it results in an unnecessary gap in the sequence; and
c. the illogically superfluous additional stripe makes the designs susceptible to being mistaken for those of higher ranks.
Specifications by rank:
Rank A. 1 narrow stripe.
Rank B. 2 narrow stripes.
Rank C. 3 narrow stripes.
Rank D. 1 semi-broad stripe.
Rank E. 1 semi-broad stripe + 1 narrow stripe.
Rank F. 1 semi-broad stripe + 2 narrow stripes.
Rank G (non-AGM). 1 semi-broad stripe + 3 narrow stripes.
Example:
N.A.G.M.C.R. SYSTEM 3: DIFFERENT DEVICES FOR DIFFERENT RANK CLASSES
Notes:
1. Current users include the Philippine army and air force, and the armed forces of Singapore, Israel and Indonesia.
2. In this system each rank in a rank class is represented by one or more identical devices that are unique to each rank class.
Specifications by rank:
Rank A. 1 company officer device.
Rank B. 2 company officer devices.
Rank C. 3 company officer devices.
Rank D. 1 field officer device.
Rank E. 2 field officer devices.
Rank F. 3 field officer devices.
Rank G (non-AGM). 4 field officer devices.
Example:
• In this case bars are used exclusively for company officer ranks and leaves exclusively for field officer ranks.
N.A.G.M.C.R. SYSTEM 4: STARS WITH RANK CLASS INDICATOR
Notes:
1. Current users include the armies and air forces of Bolivia, Colombia, Japan (GSDF and ASDF), Norway and Turkey, and the armed forces of mainland China.
2. Ranks are represented using stars with ranks of different rank classes having the same number of stars. To distinguish ranks that have the same number of stars from each other there is something else (or an absence thereof) that is distinctive to a particular rank class that does not on its own represent an individual rank (referred to here as a "rank class indicator"). A "rank class indicator" may consist of one or more components and designs vary greatly.
3. The lowest rank class to which this system is applied may be denoted by a rank class indicator or by the absence of one. The latter has greater efficiency and clarity and is therefore preferable. The fact that stars are used on their own for company officer grades in other systems (thus providing considerable and convenient commonality) also makes this arrangement more appealing.
4. Stars could be supplanted by devices of a different design that are used in the same way (but generally stars are less prone to misinterpretation).
5. Either all company officer grades are represented according to "option I" or "option II", not a mixture.
6. See additional notes regarding rank class indicators.
Specifications by rank:
Rank A. Option I. 1 star.
Rank A. Option II. Company officer rank class indicator + 1 star.
Rank B. Option I. 2 stars.
Rank B. Option II. Company officer rank class indicator + 2 stars.
Rank C. Option I. 3 stars.
Rank C. Option II. Company officer rank class indicator + 3 stars.
Rank D. Field officer rank class indicator + 1 star.
Rank E. Field officer rank class indicator + 2 stars.
Rank F. Field officer rank class indicator + 3 stars.
Rank G (non-AGM). Field officer rank class indicator + 4 stars.
Examples:
1.
• In this case company officer grades are distinguished by the absence of a rank class indicator.
2.
• In this case company officer grades are distinguished by a rank class indicator.
N.A.G.M.C.R. SYSTEM 5: BRITISH ARMY-STYLE
Notes:
1. Current users include Commonwealth armies and services of Arab League members.
2. This is possibly the system for distinguishing field officer and company officer grades that is least prone to misinterpretation. This degree of recognisability and its efficiency and adaptability to different countries (with a wide variety of crowns, national emblems and stars being possible without hindering recognition) make this system particularly appealing.
3. This system is not applicable to a navy or air force that does not have army field and company officer rank titles (e.g. with this system rank "D" should be either Major or translated as Major, not Lieutenant-Commander, Squadron Leader or other equivalent).
4. The "national emblem" used in these designs cannot be a star.
5. Technically crowns/emblems and stars could be supplanted by devices of a different nature, but such variation would be unnecessary and impede clarity (e.g. confusion with NAGMCR System 4), so this should not occur.
Specifications by rank:
Rank A. 1 star.
Rank B. 2 stars.
Rank C. 3 stars.
Rank D. 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics).
Rank E. 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics) + 1 star.
Rank F. 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics) + 2 stars.
Rank G (non-AGM). 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics) + 3 stars.
Examples:
1.
• Applies to a service of a nation that has does not have a reigning monarch, hence the national emblem.
2.
• Applies to a service of a nation that has a reigning monarch, hence the crown.
N.A.G.M.C.R. SYSTEM 6: FRENCH-STYLE
Notes:
1. This system is used in France and a number of its former territories (significantly modified in some cases, which is not recommended).
2. The rank of Aspirant is normally included in addition to and immediately below rank "A". (Officer ranks below rank "A" are beyond the scope of this article.)
3. There is no design for a non-AGM rank "G" (though six stripes would be the obvious choice if such a rank were to exist).
4. The gap between the third and fourth stripes from the bottom is normally greater than the gap between the others.
5. What is described below is the usual colour scheme. It is traditional in parts of certain services that use this system to use silver instead of gold and vice versa (see images below). Both versions are acceptable.
6. Colours may vary for operational clothing, e.g. black instead of silver and brown instead of gold.
Specifications by rank:
Rank A. 1 narrow gold stripe.
Rank B. 2 narrow gold stripes.
Rank C. 3 narrow gold stripes.
Rank D. 4 narrow gold stripes.
Rank E. 3 narrow gold stripes + 2 narrow silver stripes. The silver stripes are 2nd from the top and 2nd from the bottom (as is traditional).
Rank F. 5 narrow gold stripes.
Examples:
1.
2.
N.A.G.M.C.R. SYSTEM 7: UNITED STATES
Notes:
1. Because it's so distinctively American, has an irregular format and significant potential for misidentifying ranks were it to be adapted to other countries, this system should not be applied to non-US services. It is included here because its application in US services is a steadfast tradition and it is well-known enough internationally in connection with US services for modification to be unwarranted.
2. There is no design for a non-AGM rank "G".
3. Note that silver bars and leaves represent higher ranks than gold bars and leaves respectively.
4. Colours may vary for operational clothing, e.g. black instead of silver and brown instead of gold.
Specifications by rank:
Rank A. 1 gold bar.
Rank B. 1 silver bar.
Rank C. 2 silver bars.
Rank D. 1 gold leaf.
Rank E. 1 silver leaf.
Rank F. 1 silver spread eagle clutching olive branch and arrows with shield superimposed.
Example:
A.G.M. SYSTEM 1: STRIPES
Notes:
1. Current users include most navies and many air forces.
2. This system is mainly for use with NAGMCR System 1.
3. This system is unusual in that the rank "G" design is applicable to an equivalent AGM rank (see NAGMCR System 1). This may seem illogical and odd given that other systems have different designs for a non-AGM rank "G" and its AGM equivalent, but it's a widespread, long-standing and steadfast tradition in this system. Note that elements in addition to the broad stripe often differ between the non-AGM rank and AGM equivalent (e.g. the ring above a commodore's stripe may be smaller than the ring above a flotilla admiral's stripe). Having the broad stripe does not entitle equivalent non-AGM officers to insignia and other uniform items that are supposed to be distinctive to AGM ranks.
4. Normally this system isn't applied to services that have general ranks with a marshal rank, so there is no provision for a design for a marshal rank of such a service. However, an extra-broad stripe (as in AGM System 2) or other distinctive marshal rank design is possible. If such a service uses such a design, the same or very similar and equivalent design may be used for rank "K" in other services of the same nation (except for services in which rank "K" is a general rank).
Specifications by rank:
Rank G. 1 broad stripe. (Applicable to non-AGM equivalent also, but accompanying elements may differ.)
Rank H. 1 broad stripe + 1 medium stripe.
Rank I. 1 broad stripe + 2 medium stripes.
Rank J. 1 broad stripe + 3 medium stripes.
Rank K. 1 broad stripe + 4 medium stripes.
Example:
A.G.M. SYSTEM 2: STRIPES
Notes:
1. This system is mainly for use with NAGMCR System 2.
2. The South African Air Force (bizarrely) used a variant of this system in which each general rank had an additional narrow stripe. This should be avoided for several reasons, including:
a. it is excessive – subtracting a narrow stripe wouldn't hinder the differentiating of these ranks;
b. it results in an unnecessary gap in the sequence;
c. the illogically superfluous additional stripe makes the designs susceptible to being mistaken for those of higher ranks; and
d. not having the superfluous stripe means that the number of stripes is equal to that specified for AGM System 1, providing commonality and eliminating potential for error if this system were to be mistaken for AGM System 1.
3. For services that have general ranks a distinctive marshal rank design not of this system is possible. If such a service uses such a design, the same or very similar and equivalent design may be used for rank "K" in other services of the same nation (except for services in which rank "K" is a general rank).
Specifications by rank:
Rank G (AGM). 1 broad stripe.
Rank H. 1 broad stripe + 1 narrow stripe.
Rank I. 1 broad stripe + 2 narrow stripes.
Rank J. 1 broad stripe + 3 narrow stripes.
Rank K. Option I. 1 broad stripe + 4 narrow stripes. Not applicable to a marshal rank of a service that also has general ranks.
Rank K. Option II. 1 extra-broad stripe. Applicable to a marshal rank of a service that also has general ranks. If such a service uses such a design, the same or very similar and equivalent design may be used for rank "K" in other services of the same nation. Not applicable to a general rank under any circumstances.
Examples:
1.
2.
• Applies to a service that has a marshal rank with general ranks.
A.G.M. SYSTEM 3: STARS
Notes:
1. Current users include the armed forces of the United States.
2. Stars could be supplanted by devices of a different design that are used in the same way (but generally stars are less prone to misinterpretation).
3. There are other systems that represent AGM ranks by stars alone, but with more or fewer stars than is specified here. These systems ought to be abolished because they conflict with (and are therefore susceptible to being confused with) this system. Where stars without additional devices are used to represent AGM ranks, the lowest possible number of stars should be for the lowest possible AGM rank.
Specifications by rank:
Rank G (AGM). 1 star.
Rank H. 2 stars.
Rank I. 3 stars.
Rank J. 4 stars.
Rank K. Option I. 5 stars. Not applicable to a marshal rank of a service that also has general ranks.
Rank K. Option II. Distinctive marshal design. Applicable to a marshal rank of a service that also has general ranks. If such a service uses such a design, the same or very similar and equivalent design may be used for rank "K" in other services of the same nation. Not applicable to a general rank under any circumstances.
Examples:
1.
2.
• Applies to a service that has a marshal rank (batons) with general ranks (stars).
A.G.M. SYSTEM 4: STARS WITH RANK CLASS INDICATOR
Notes:
1. Ranks are represented using stars with ranks of different rank classes having the same number of stars. To distinguish ranks that have the same number of stars from each other there is something else (or an absence thereof) that is distinctive to a particular rank class that does not on its own represent an individual rank (referred to here as a "rank class indicator"). A "rank class indicator" may consist of one or more components and designs vary greatly.
2. Stars could be supplanted by devices of a different design that are used in the same way (but generally stars are less prone to misinterpretation).
3. For services that have general ranks a distinctive marshal rank design not of this system is possible. If such a service uses such a design, the same or very similar and equivalent design may be used for rank "K" in other services of the same nation (except for services in which rank "K" is a general rank).
4. See additional notes regarding rank class indicators.
Specifications by rank:
Rank G (AGM). AGM rank class indicator + 1 star.
Rank H. AGM rank class indicator + 2 stars.
Rank I. AGM rank class indicator + 3 stars.
Rank J. AGM rank class indicator + 4 stars.
Rank K. Option I. AGM rank class indicator + 5 stars. Not applicable to a marshal rank of a service that also has general ranks.
Rank K. Option II. Marshal rank class (excluding general ranks) indicator + 1 star. Applicable to a marshal rank of a service that also has general ranks. If such a service uses such a design, the same or very similar and equivalent design may be used for rank "K" in other services of the same nation. Not applicable to a general rank under any circumstances.
Example:
• In this case company officer grades are distinguished by an absence of a bar and field officer grades have one bar. This example applies to a service that has a marshal rank with general ranks. The size of stars is immaterial as far as representing rank is concerned and the marshal's star is larger than the others in this example only to emphasise the seniority and special status of the rank.
A.G.M. SYSTEM 5: STARS WITH BRANCHES
Notes:
1. This system is effectively the same as AGM System 3 except that one star is supplanted by two branches (with leaves) meeting in the centre (or 'semi-wreath').
2. There is no provision for an AGM rank "G". If an AGM rank "G" were to be introduced, a different insignia system would be adopted.
3. This system is included for services in which it is traditional to wear fewer stars than in AGM Systems 3 or 4 that would rather not have a "gap" in their rank insignia scheme that results from not having an AGM rank "G" (e.g. services of countries that maintain Soviet-style rank insignia).
4. Stars could be supplanted by devices of a different design that are used in the same way (but generally stars are less prone to misinterpretation).
5. Different services currently use different devices instead of branches. However, commonality is required to ensure recognisability, in particular to prevent this system from being mistaken for AGM System 3 or 4. Application of this proposal would also necessitate the removal or replacement of such a device where it is used in conjunction with a different system.
6. The distinctive device is suggested because the most prominent user (by far) of this arrangement (the PLA) uses such a (or at least very similar) motif; it's distinctive but generic, having a typical military-style appearance; depiction can vary without the device ceasing to be recognisable; and it can be applied very easily, regardless of variation in uniform traditions. However, a device of a different design could be used, but, likewise, to avoid misinterpretation it would have to be virtually identical for all users of this system and not be used in conjunction with other systems.
Specifications by rank:
Rank G. No AGM rank.
Rank H. Branches + 1 star.
Rank I. Branches + 2 stars.
Rank J. Branches + 3 stars.
Rank K. Option I. Branches + 4 stars. Not applicable to a marshal rank of a service that also has general ranks.
Rank K. Option II. Distinctive marshal design. Applicable to a marshal rank of a service that also has general ranks. If such a service uses such a design, the same or very similar and equivalent design may be used for rank "K" in other services of the same nation. Not applicable to a general rank under any circumstances.
Example:
• Doesn't apply to a service that has a marshal rank with general ranks.
A.G.M. SYSTEM 6: BRITISH ARMY-STYLE
Notes:
1. Current users include Commonwealth armies and services of Arab League members.
2. This system applies only to general ranks and a rank "K" marshal rank (e.g. with this system rank "H" should be either Major-General or translated as Major-General, not Rear Admiral, Air Vice-Marshal or other equivalent).
3. That the sword and baton device is highly distinctive and is unique to general ranks means that officers wearing this device can be identified as generals with the greatest of ease and certainty. Likewise, that crossed batons are associated with marshal ranks means that officers wearing this motif can be identified as marshals with the greatest of ease and certainty. This degree of recognisability and its efficiency and adaptability to different countries (with a wide variety of crowns, national emblems and stars being possible without hindering recognition) make this system particularly appealing.
4. The idea that the number of stars for ranks could be increased without causing misrepresentation is a misconception (to which a number of services have unfortunately capitulated recently). The number of stars cannot be the same as for AGM System 3 – rank isn't represented by stars alone. (See this page for more information about this issue.)
5. The rank "I" and "J" versions with the crown/emblem are the traditional versions.
6. A marshal rank is traditional and usual for rank "K", and therefore preferable.
7. Though the crown/emblem may be physically separate from the wreath and batons, in effect they constitute a single device.
8. The "national emblem" used in these designs cannot be a star.
Specifications by rank:
Rank G (AGM). Crossed Mameluke sword and baton.
Rank H. Crossed Mameluke sword and baton + 1 star.
Rank I. Option I. Crossed Mameluke sword and baton + 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics).
Rank I. Option II. Crossed Mameluke sword and baton + 2 stars.
Rank J. Option I. Crossed Mameluke sword and baton + 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics) + 1 star.
Rank J. Option II. Crossed Mameluke sword and baton + 3 stars.
Rank K. Option I. 2 crossed batons on a wreath below 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics). Marshal rank only.
Rank K. Option II. Crossed Mameluke sword and baton + 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics) + 2 stars. General rank only.
Rank K. Option III. Crossed Mameluke sword and baton + 4 stars. General rank only.
Examples:
1.
• Applies to a service of a nation that has does not have a reigning monarch, hence the national emblem.
• Applies to a service that has a marshal rank with general ranks, hence the batons on a wreath beneath a national emblem.
2.
• Doesn't apply to a service that has a marshal rank.
A.G.M. SYSTEM 7: ROYAL NAVY-STYLE SHOULDER-BOARDS
Notes:
1. Current users include Commonwealth navies.
2. This system applies only to admiral ranks (e.g. with this system rank "I" should be either Vice-Admiral or translated as Vice-Admiral, not Lieutenant-General, Air Marshal or other equivalent).
3. That the sword and baton device with crown/national emblem is highly distinctive and is unique to admiral ranks means that officers wearing this device can be identified as admirals with the greatest of ease and certainty. This degree of recognisability and its efficiency and adaptability to different countries (with a wide variety of crowns, national emblems and stars being possible without hindering recognition) make this system particularly appealing.
4. The idea that the number of stars for ranks could be increased without causing misrepresentation is a misconception (to which a number of services have unfortunately capitulated recently). The number of stars cannot be the same as for AGM System 3 – rank isn't represented by stars alone. (See this page for more information about this issue.)
5. Though the crown/emblem may be physically separate from the wreath and batons, in effect they constitute a single device. Likewise, the crown/emblem, sword and baton are in effect a single device (unlike in AGM System 6, in which the sword and baton and the crown/emblem are two separate things).
6. The "national emblem" used in these designs cannot be a star.
7. There are similar designs for non-admiral ranks (using stars, anchor and crown/emblem). However, these designs are worn very rarely and are unnecessary, and their abolition (at least as far as uniforms are concerned) is recommended.
Specifications by rank:
Rank G (AGM). Crossed naval sword and baton below 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics).
Rank H. Crossed naval sword and baton below 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics) + 1 star.
Rank I. Crossed naval sword and baton below 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics) + 2 stars.
Rank J. Crossed naval sword and baton below 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics) + 3 stars.
Rank K. Option I. Crossed naval sword and baton below 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics) + 4 stars. Applicable regardless of equivalent ranks of other services.
Rank K. Option II. 2 crossed batons on a wreath below 1 crown (monarchies) or national emblem (republics). Applicable where army equivalent is a marshal rank.
Examples:
1.
2.
• It's traditional for the star of the rank "H" design to be larger than those of the higher ranks.