Can You Skip 2nd Lieutenant?

In the modern army, it is not possible to skip the rank of second lieutenant in the traditional sense, but there are enlistment options that allow individuals to start at a higher pay grade, which can apply to both officers and enlisted personnel. The closest exception to this rule is for flag officers, where there are special cases that may permit skipping certain ranks under specific circumstances.

Understanding the Rank of 2nd Lieutenant

The rank of second lieutenant is the lowest ranking commissioned officer in the British Army and the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, with first lieutenant ranking above them, followed by captain.

Role and Responsibilities

Second lieutenants generally serve in administrative support roles to higher-level officers, with their responsibilities varying between different career fields. Some aviators may bypass this rank due to prior enlisted service and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is second lieutenant a high rank? No, in the British Army and the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, a second lieutenant is the lowest ranking commissioned officer.
2. How long does it take for a second lieutenant to become a 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.
3. How long does it take to get to second lieutenant? To become a second lieutenant in the army, one must complete a four-year degree program, attend Officer Candidate School (OCS), and complete Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC), which can take anywhere from four to six years.
4. Do 2nd lieutenants salute 1st lieutenant? Yes, in the Armed Forces, junior ranks always salute senior officers.
5. What is 2nd Lieutenant equivalent to? It is equivalent to the rank of ensign in the Navy, Coast Guard, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps.
6. Which military branch pays the best? In terms of base pay, there is no fundamental advantage to opting for one branch of service over another, as military pay is based on pay grade and years of service.
7. What rank should you be after 20 years in the Marines? Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol) (O5), who commands from 300-1,000 Marines at a given time.
8. Can a lieutenant date a captain? Yes, officers are allowed to fraternize with one another and are normally on a first-name basis with each other.
9. Does a 2nd LT outrank a SGT major? Yes, lieutenants outrank all enlisted troops, including Sergeant Major.
10. Who does a 2LT outrank? A 2LT outranks the highest rank in the enlisted corps, including Sergeant Major.
11. Do 2nd lieutenants see combat? Yes, second lieutenants are usually placed in command of all-purpose ground combat units and lead infantry soldiers into combat.
12. Can you salute a lower rank? While not required, you can salute anyone, but saluting a military junior in error will likely be laughed off, and accidentally saluting an NCO may result in being called on it.
13. At what rank do you stop seeing combat? The highest on-field rank is brigadier, and above that, generals are not required for combat duty.
14. Do you get kicked out of the military if you don’t get promoted? According to 10 U.S. Code § 631, § 632, O2s, O3s, and O4s who have twice failed for promotion shall be discharged.
15. Is 29 too late to join Marines? To enlist as a Marine, you must be between 17 and 28 years old, and to commission as a Marine Officer, you must be between 20 and 28 years old, making 29 too late to join under standard conditions.