• Private
• Corporal
• Sergeant
• CQMS
• CS
• BQMS
• BSM

• Second Lieutenant
• Lieutenant
• Captain
• Commandant
• Lieutenant Colonel
  

Private (Pte G1, 2*, 3*)

Equivalent NATO Code: OR-1/2/3

Private (Pte) (Saighdiúr Singil in Irish), is the lowest enlisted rank in the Irish Army. Soldiers enlist as recruits (Grade 1) then undergo a basic course of instruction. There are three grades of Private in the Army. After basic training the soldier is upgraded (rather than promoted) to Private 2 Star (Pte 2*) (Saighdiúr Singil, 2 Réalta). After more Corps Specific Training the Soldier is upgraded to Private 3 Star (Pte 3*) (Saighdiúr Singil, 3 Réalta). All are usually just addressed as "Private".

In corps units the rank designation changes. In the Artillery the rank is known as Gunner (Gnr), but usually only after the completion of a Gunners Course, and in the Cavalry it is known as Trooper (Tpr). Communications and Information Services Privates are known as Signalman. Medics are sometimes referred to as Medic, although this can apply to Privates and Corporals.

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Corporal (Cpl)

Equivalent NATO Code: OR-4

Corporal (Cpl) (Ceannaire in Irish) is the lowest rank of non-commissioned officer within the Irish Army and Air Corps. The Naval equivalent is Leading Seaman (LS).

The Army rank insignia consists of two winged chevrons (or "stripes"). The Dress Uniform being red chevrons with a yellow border. The main role of an infantry Corporal is to either command a section as the section commander, to command the Fire Support Group (FSG) of a section as the 2I/C or command a weapons platoon detachment. Another role is that of training NCO of a section, as all Corporals must be qualified instructors.

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Sergeant (Sgt)

Equivalent NATO Code: OR-5/6

Sergeant (Sgt) (Sáirsint in Irish) is the second rank of non-commissioned officer within the Irish Army. The Naval equivalent is Petty Officer (PO).

The Army rank insignia consists of three winged chevrons (or "stripes"). The Service Dress Insignia consists of three wavy red chevrons 3½ inches wide bordered in yellow. The main infantry role of a Sergeant is as Second in Command of a platoon or commander of a Fire Support Section of a weapons platoon, such as an anti-tank or mortar platoon. Another role is that of Company Clerk and Instructor. There are higher ranks of Company Sergeant and Company Quartermaster Sergeant.

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Company Quartermaster Sergeant (CQMS)

Equivalent NATO Code: OR-7

The rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant (CQMS) (Ceathrúsháirsint Complacht in Irish) is also used in the Irish Army. It is an actual rank and is subordinate to the Company Sergeant (equivalent to a Company Sergeant Major). The CQMS is in charge of supplies, transport, stores, weapons, ammunition and accommodation.

The title of Company Quartermaster Sergeant is used in the infantry and most corps units. However, in the artillery the rank is known as Battery Quartermaster Sergeant (BtyQMS, not to be confused with the higher rank of Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant (BQMS), which is equivalent to a Warrant officer), and in the cavalry it is known as Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant (SQMS).

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Company Sergeant (CS)

Equivalent NATO Code: OR-8

Company Sergeant (CS) (Sáirsint Complachta in Irish) is a non-commissioned officer rank in the Irish Army equivalent to a First Sergeant in the United States Army and a Staff Sergeant or Colour Sergeant in the British Army.

The insignia of a Company Sergeant for service dress is three 1/4 inch wide winged chevrons in red, with a 1/8 inch yellow border; 1/2 inch above is an army badge embroidered in red. The entire insignia is 3 1/2 inches wide. The subdued rank insignia has smaller chevrons, and the badge is in larger proportion to avoid confusion with other ranks.

Irish ranks derive from the British system at the foundation of the Irish Free State in 1922. In the Irish Army the rank was always known as Company Sergeant, but originated in the British appointment of Company Sergeant Major. The CS is the senior NCO of a company, responsible for administration and training along with the company second-in-command, who is a Captain.

In the Artillery Corps, the rank is known as Battery Sergeant (Bty Sgt or BS) and in the Cavalry Corps it is known as Squadron Sergeant (SS).

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Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant (BQMS)

Equivalent NATO Code: OR-9

Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant (BQMS) (Ceathrúsháirsint Cathláin in Irish) is a rank in the Irish Army and Irish Air Corps equivalent to Warrant Officer Class 1 (NATO OR-9) in the British Army. The equivalent in the Artillery Corps is Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (RQMS).

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Battalion Sergeant Major(BSM)

Equivalent NATO Code: OR-9

Sergeant-Major is the senior non-commissioned appointment in an army unit. The sergeant-major of a unit is directly responsible to the Commanding Officer (CO) for all matters pertaining to dress, deportment, discipline, and morale of the enlister personnel.

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Second Lieutenant (2/Lt)

Equivalent NATO Code: OF-1

Second Lieutenant (2/Lt) (Dara-Leifteanant in Irish), is the lowest officer rank in the Irish Army. The main infantry role of a Second Lieutenant (pronounced leftenant) is Platoon Commander. It is essentially a training rank as Second Lieutenant's are not sent on operations overseas.

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Lieutenant (Lt)

Equivalent NATO Code: OF-1

Second Lieutenant (Lt) (Leifteanant in Irish), is the second lowest officer rank in the Irish Army. The main infantry role of a Lieutenant (pronounced leftenant) is Platoon Commander.

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Captain (Capt)

Equivalent NATO Code: OF-2

Captain (Capt) (Captaen in Irish) (Captain in Irish) is a rank held usually by the second of command of a company, platoon commander of a Support Company Platoon, or an officer at battalion headquarters (e.g. operations officer, adjudant). A Captain may sometimes be acting as company commander.

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Commandant (Comdt)

Equivalent NATO Code: OF-3

Commandant (Comdt) (Commandant in Irish), corresponding to a Major in most other armies. A Commandant usually commands an infantry company or similar sized sub unit in the Irish Army, or second in Command of a Battalion. A reserve infantry battalion or similar sized unit is commanded by a regular army (PDF) Commandant.

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Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)

Equivalent NATO Code: OF-4

A Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) (Leifteanant-Coirneal in Irish), usually commands an infantry battalion or similar sized unit in the Irish Army. Lieutenant Colonel is the highest rank a reservist can reach and they do not command battalions. They act as Executive Officer (EO) of each reserve (RDF) brigade and of the DFTC.

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