Military ranks of the Philippines

The Military ranks of Philippines are the military insignia used by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Introduction

The current Philippine military ranks are inspired partially by the first military insignia used by the military forces during the Philippine Revolution of 1896 and the Philippine–American War, and the insignia used by the Philippine Constabulary raised in 1902 during the final days of the Philippine–American War, which was basically the same style of insignia used by the United States Army at that time. Elements of both the US army ranks and the old Philippine Army appear in the current ranks; this was reflected at the general officers insignia and enlisted ranks that resembled those of the US military, the field officers, whose insignia are suns, use those insignia used by general officers of the Revolutionary Army. Company rank insignia, consisting of a silver triangle, are a recent creation. Both company grade and field grade officer insignia have the baybayin letter ka in the middle, another throwback to the days of the war for independence, and even in the medal used by second-level members of the Katipunan during meetings, in which the letter is in the center.

Current ranks

The current AFP insignia used today are a modification of the system first used in 1954–55 as part of the Filipinization of the military forces by then President and former Secretary of National Defense Ramon Magsaysay, ending years of the US-styled rank system in place since 1935. Prior to that period, the Philippines used the same rank insignia of the United States Armed Forces with modifications for Philippine conditions.

Officer ranks

The rank insignia of commissioned officers.

Enlisted personnel ranks

The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.

Historic ranks

Revolutionary Army ranks

These rank insignia for the nascent army were created in late 1896, replacing the earlier rank insignia used by the Katipuneros containing the letter K. Ranks were then worn on the sleeves of all uniforms.
Shoulder epaulette insignia was introduced in late 1898, some time after the declaration of Philippine independence. It is worthy of mention that the insignia for the rank of Second Lieutenant and Major has three silver and gold stars, respectively, and the number of stars are reduced when promoted.

Rank insignia during the Commonwealth and immediate independence period (until 1954)

Army and Air Force

The Philippine Army during the Commonwealth period as well as after independence - as well as the Air Force beginning 1947 - used essentially the same rank insignias as the United States Army. The main difference is the addition of a rank named third lieutenant and the five-star rank of Field Marshal.

Officer

10th Grade	9th Grade	8th Grade	7th Grade	6th Grade	5th Grade	4th Grade	3rd Grade	2nd Grade	1st Grade

General	Lieutenant General	Major General	Brigadier General	Colonel	Lieutenant Colonel	Major	Captain	First Lieutenant	Second Lieutenant
GEN	LTG	MG	BG	COL	LTC	MAJ	CPT	1LT	2LT