Which rank is directly above Major?

Which rank is directly above Major?

• A. Captain
• B. Major
• C. Lieutenant Colonel
• D. Colonel

Answer: (C)

Understanding how Army officer ranks progress helps answer this. Major is a field-grade officer at the fourth pay grade (O-4). The next rank higher is Lieutenant Colonel (O-5). In practice, a Lieutenant Colonel often commands a battalion and handles broader leadership responsibilities, while a Major typically serves as a staff officer or battalion executive officer, preparing for that larger role. The ranks below and above follow the familiar ladder: Captain sits above First Lieutenant and below Major, and Colonel sits above Lieutenant Colonel. So the rank that directly follows Major in the progression is Lieutenant Colonel.

Understanding how Army officer ranks progress helps answer this. Major is a field-grade officer at the fourth pay grade (O-4). The next rank higher is Lieutenant Colonel (O-5). In practice, a Lieutenant Colonel often commands a battalion and handles broader leadership responsibilities, while a Major typically serves as a staff officer or battalion executive officer, preparing for that larger role.

The ranks below and above follow the familiar ladder: Captain sits above First Lieutenant and below Major, and Colonel sits above Lieutenant Colonel. So the rank that directly follows Major in the progression is Lieutenant Colonel.