Ranks
"FIDES ANTE BELLUM" - Trust Before Battle.
Every Commando starts somewhere. Where you go from there is earned. Rank within Nº10 Commando is intended to recognise experience, reliability, leadership and contribution to the unit. Nobody is expected to arrive as an expert, and promotion is not based simply on how long somebody has been here. Complete your training, get involved where you can, support the people around you and demonstrate that you can be relied upon and the opportunities to progress will follow.
PRIVATE
Abbreviation: Pte.
Upon successfully completing the Commando Course, a Recruit earns their place as a fully-fledged Commando and is assigned to a Troop.
This is the foundation of the unit. Privates make up the fighting strength of Nº10 Commando and are encouraged to develop their skills, find their preferred roles and become dependable members of their section.
Insignia: No rank chevrons.
LANCE CORPORAL
Abbreviation: L/Cpl.
Identified by a single chevron, Lance Corporal is the first step into leadership.
L/Cpls may act as a Second-in-Command to a Section, assisting more senior NCOs or develop responsibility within specialist roles such as communications, weapons, administration or training.
Promotion to L/Cpl marks somebody beginning to demonstrate leadership potential and a willingness to help others.
CORPORAL
Abbreviation: Cpl.
Identified by two chevrons, Corporal is an established Non-Commissioned Officer rank.
Corporals can be trusted with the leadership of a Section, organising their soldiers and ensuring that the orders and intentions of the Troop leadership are carried out effectively.
A good Corporal leads from the front and sets the standard for the Commandos around them.
Abbreviation: Sgt.
Identified by three chevrons, Sergeants form an important part of the experienced leadership of a Troop.
A Sergeant may support the Troop Commander as a senior NCO, coordinate sections, assist with training and organisation or hold responsibility for a specialist area of the unit.
By this stage, members are expected not simply to lead themselves, but to help develop those below them.
COLOUR SERGEANT
Abbreviation: C/Sgt.
Identified by three chevrons beneath a crown, the Colour Sergeant is one of the unit’s senior NCO appointments.
Within Nº10 Commando, a Colour Sergeant may take responsibility for areas such as training, administration, equipment, discipline and troop organisation, supporting both the Sergeant Major and commissioned leadership.
This rank represents considerable experience and trust within the unit. Form of Address: Colour Sergeant or Colour — never simply Sergeant.
WARRANT OFFICER CLASS II
Abbreviation: WO2
A Warrant Officer Class II stands above the conventional NCO ranks and may hold the appointment of Sergeant Major.
The Sergeant Major helps oversee the day-to-day running of the Commando, including training standards, discipline, organisation and the welfare of its personnel.
They are also an important source of experience for junior commanders and NCOs, maintaining standards while ensuring the unit continues to function as one team.
WARRANT OFFICER CLASS I
Abbreviation: WO1
Identified by the Royal Coat of Arms, the WO1 represents the highest level of non-commissioned rank, holding the appointment of Troop Sergeant Major.
The Troop Sergeant Major is the senior commando of the unit and is responsible for maintaining its standards, traditions and discipline.
It is a position reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional reliability, leadership, experience and commitment to the people within Nº10 Commando.