Major (United Kingdom)

Major(Maj) is a military rank which is used by both theBritish ArmyandRoyal Marines.The rank is superior tocaptainand subordinate tolieutenant colonel.The insignia for a major is acrown.The equivalent rank in theRoyal Navyislieutenant commander,andsquadron leaderin theRoyal Air Force.

Major
Army and Royal Marines insignia
Country	United Kingdom
Service branch	British Army Royal Marines
Abbreviation	Maj
NATOrank code	OF-3
Next higher rank	Lieutenant colonel
Next lower rank	Captain
Equivalent ranks	Lieutenant commander(RN) Squadron leader(RAF)

History

By the time of theNapoleonic wars,aninfantrybattalionusually had two majors, designated the "senior major" and the "junior major". The senior major effectively acted assecond-in-commandand the majors often commanded detachments of two or morecompaniessplit from the main body. The second-in-command of a battalion orregimentis still a major.

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  1856 to 1867 major's collar rank insignia
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  1867 to 1880 major's collar rank insignia
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  1881 to 1902 major's shoulder rank insignia

During World War I, majors wore the following cuff badges:

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  1902 to 1920 major's sleeve rank insignia (general pattern)
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  1902 to 1920 major's sleeve rank insignia (Scottish pattern)

During World War I, some officers took to wearing similar jackets to the men, with the rank badges on the shoulder, as the cuff badges made them conspicuous to snipers. This practice was frowned on outside the trenches but was given official sanction in 1917 as an alternative, being made permanent in 1920 when the cuff badges were abolished.

From 1 April 1918 to 31 July 1919, the Royal Air Force maintained the rank of major. It was superseded by the rank of squadron leader on the following day.

ByWorld War I,majors were often commanding independent companies,squadrons,andbatteries,but those that were organically part of a regiment or battalion were still usually commanded by captains. AfterWorld War II,major became the usual rank held byofficers commandingall companies, squadrons, and batteries. In the 21st century British Army, officers normally attain the rank after around eight to 10 years of commissioned service. A common job for a major is the command of a sub-unit of 120 or fewer junior officers and soldiers.

See also

• British and U.S. military ranks compared
• British Army Other Ranks rank insignia
• British Army officer rank insignia