Q and A
ABBREVIATIONS
(Also see RANKS, below.)
What does GI stand for when referring to military personnel?
It originally meant government issue.
How should I abbreviate short-sleeve?
You shouldn't.
CAPITALIZATION
Is Tricare capitalized in AP style?
Yes; it is a proper noun.
RANKS
What are the Navy ranks, lowest to highest?
Navy enlisted ranks are: seaman recruit, seaman apprentice, seaman, petty officer third class, petty officer second class, petty officer first class, chief petty officer, senior chief petty officer and master chief petty officer.
Navy warrant officer ranks are warrant officer and chief warrant officer. Chief warrant officer has three pay grades.
Navy commissioned officer ranks are ensign, lieutenant junior grade, lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, captain, rear admiral lower half, rear admiral upper half, vice admiral and admiral. "Fleet admiral" is reserved for wartime use.
What are the U.S. military ranks, lowest to highest?
See separate pages for enlisted and officer rank charts.
How is brigadier general abbreviated?
Brig. Gen., when used before a name. command sergeants major
What is the plural for command sergeant major?
What is AP style to abbreviate sergeant?
When used before a name, abbreviate as Sgt.
Sgt. Maj., when used before a name.
What's the plural for sergeant major?
sergeants major