General Information
This site was originally created in 1990 by Robb Mavins as an internal
document that served several purposes.
Education of Canadian Forces Cadet Instructor List officers in allied &
NATO rank structures.
Education of UN posted officers in allied & NATO rank structures.
Collecting information for publication.
The author was at the time part of a UN consulting group creating an international
standard for rank insignia discussions and notes.
Basically this site is dedicated to study of rank insignia and military
organization.
You will
find drawings or pictures of the insignia of most of the world's armed
forces including Canada, United States, Mexico, most of South America,
Europe & Asia
The original focus of this site was sea and naval forces. This includes
sea auxiliary, marine, merchant navy and coast guard forces. Information
included is on historical as well as current forces.
Also you will find links to some of the best resources on the net, a
bibliography and links to the services featured herein.
Note on Rank Grades
To aid in understanding how a particular rank fits in the hierarchy, there
is a rank grading system. This gives the reader an idea of where and how
the rank compares to other countries. The notes by each rank on the
National pages explain further details where known, such as duties
and regular posting. Rank Grade System
I do not generally translate ranks or use equivalencies. Instead
I try to always use the actual rank title in the original language. If
the alphabet is a non western (English) then I provide where possible an the
"official" English language term.
By example, I mean:
If the Russian Navy rank title is actually Kапитан 3-го ранга
, then I would give it and the English literal term Kapitan Tretyego Ranga
rather than "Commander".
The Israeli rank of ןגס would be
Rav-Seren rather than "Lieutenant Commander".
submit suggestions.
About the Insignia
Unless otherwise noted, the majority of insignia on this site have been drawn
by the author and/or come from official sources. If insignia comes from
another source it is acknowledged and noted on the actual page
User contributions & updates are welcomed.
This
site is for informational and research use only and may be distributed and
copied freely, in its entirety, for such use. All original author and copyright
information must remain intact.
This is a hobby - Any sales or other uses of this document are
expressly forbidden, without the specific consent of the author. If you
need further information see Contacts.
As noted, most of the insignia on this site have been drawn by the author
and/or come from official sources. If insignia comes from another source
it is acknowledged and noted on the actual page.
