Every army of the world has its own structure, and in it the main role is played by a clear hierarchy. It is a system that determines the order of subordination, responsibility, and the level of trust between the military.
In Ukraine, the ranks of the military are coordinated with NATO standards. They reflect the position, experience, and competence. In 2025, the updated structure continues to operate, which includes new military ranks of the AFU, a reformed sergeant vertical, and NATO codes (OR/OF).
If you are planning military service, are interested in army reforms, are proud of your relatives in uniform, or simply want to understand who is who in the Ukrainian army – this article is precisely for you. The information presented below will help to figure out how the system of military ranks of the AFU is built and how the structure of the army is coordinated with NATO standards.
Rank-and-File and Sergeant Composition
This is the first level of the military hierarchy. It is precisely from it that the path of every warrior begins. Here are formed the units that carry out combat tasks and ensure the main might of the Armed Forces.
The rank-and-file composition is recruits, soldiers, and senior soldiers. They directly carry out the orders of commanders, hold the defense, work with equipment, and wage battle.
The sergeant composition is the backbone of the army. Sergeants are responsible for the training, discipline, and order among subordinates. They command squads and are the connecting link between soldiers and officers. They help junior fighters to master the rules of service, coordinate the actions of units, and maintain combat spirit even in the most difficult conditions.
| Rank | NATO code | Category |
| Recruit | OR-1 | Rank-and-file composition |
| Soldier | OR-2 | |
| Senior Soldier | OR-3 | |
| Junior Sergeant | OR-4 | Junior sergeant and petty-officer composition |
| Sergeant | OR-5 | |
| Senior Sergeant | OR-6 | Senior sergeant and petty-officer composition |
| Chief Sergeant | OR-7 | |
| Staff Sergeant | OR-8 | |
| Master Sergeant | OR-9 | Higher sergeant and petty-officer composition |
| Senior Master Sergeant | ||
| Chief Master Sergeant |
Junior and Senior Officer Composition
After sergeants come officers. They lead units, are responsible for the planning of combat operations and the making of decisions.
Junior officers (junior lieutenant, lieutenant, senior lieutenant, captain) directly lead the military on the battlefield. These are the commanders of platoons and companies who maintain the connection between the staff and the soldiers.
Senior officers (major, lieutenant colonel, colonel) control battalions, staffs, and large formations. Their task is strategic management, analysis, and the coordination of operations.
Such a division helps to clearly determine responsibility. Junior officers work directly with subordinates, while senior officers are responsible for the overall strategy and the management of large units.
| Rank | NATO code | Category |
| Junior Lieutenant | OF-1 | Junior officer composition |
| Lieutenant | ||
| Senior Lieutenant | ||
| Captain | OF-2 | |
| Major | OF-3 | Senior officer composition |
| Lieutenant Colonel | OF-4 | |
| Colonel | OF-5 |
Higher Officer Composition
This is the peak of military service. Generals lead large associations, make strategic decisions, and determine the direction of operations at the level of the state.
Generals are the commanders of corps, the commanders of directions, and strategic planners. They are responsible for the coordination of various branches of the troops and the overall leadership of the army.
| Rank | NATO code | Category |
| Brigadier General | OF-6 | higher officer composition |
| Major General | OF-7 | |
| Lieutenant General | OF-8 | |
| General | OF-9 |
The conferral of general ranks is carried out by a decree of the President of Ukraine, after the submission of the Ministry of Defense.
Read more about the procedure in our article: Conferral of military ranks during martial law
Naval Ranks of the AFU (Navy)
Naval ranks differ in names but correspond to the same NATO levels (OF/OR). They are worn by the military of the Naval Forces of Ukraine.
These are officers and petty officers who serve on ships, in ports, naval units, and the Marine Corps. They have their own unique terminology: «captain», «petty officer», «admiral».
Read in detail about the structure of naval ranks in our article: Naval ranks in Ukraine
New Military Ranks of the AFU After the Reforms
In the 2020s, Ukraine brought the military system into correspondence with NATO standards. That is precisely why new military ranks of the AFU appeared, and some Soviet terms disappeared.
The main changes:
- The terms «warrant officer», «michman» were canceled.
- Added: «recruit» – the first rank before soldier.
- NATO codes (OR/OF) were preserved in order to simplify integration into allied structures.
These changes made the Ukrainian army more transparent, modern, and understandable for NATO partners.
Conclusion
The system of ranks is the framework of the Armed Forces. It determines the subordination, the level of responsibility, and the requirements for preparation at each level. Updated in the 2020s and coordinated with NATO standards (codes OR/OF), it made career trajectories transparent, and interaction with partners predictable.
The rank-and-file form the basis of combat units, sergeants ensure discipline and the management of small groups, officers plan and conduct operations, and the generalship is responsible for strategy at the level of the state. A separate naval nomenclature preserves the traditions of the fleet, while at the same time remaining fully compatible with the overall hierarchy.
