Major (United States)
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- Please see "Major" for other countries that use this rank
Major is a rank used in the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, and is the equivalent of a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard.
The insignia consists of a gold oak leaf. The rank of major is considered the first field grade officer and warrants gold trim worn on the visor of the cap.
An Army major typically serves as the battalion commander, battalion executive officer, or as the primary staff officer for brigade and task force command regarding personnel, logistical and operational missions. In addition, majors command augmented companies in Combat Service and Service Support units.
An Air Force major typically has duties as a senior staff officer at the squadron level. In flying squadrons majors are generally flight commanders or assistant directors of operations. In the mission support and maintenance groups majors may occasionally be squadron commanders. In the medical group a major may be the head of a clinic or flight.
The rank is also used in some police departments.
