United States Naval Academy - Rank Structure

Rank Structure

The student body is known as the Brigade of Midshipmen. Students attending the U.S. Naval Academy are appointed to the rank of Midshipman and serve on active duty in that rank. A naval academy midshipman is classified as an officer of the line, though their exercise of authority is limited by their training status. Legally, midshipmen are a special grade of officer that ranks between Warrant Officer (W-1) and the lowest grade of Chief Warrant Officer (W-2). However, midshipmen are not entrusted or authorized to exercise Title 10 or Title 50 authority as specified in United State Code.

Midshipmen are classified not as freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, but as fourth class, third class, second class, and first class.

A member of the entering class—the Fourth Class, the lowest rank of midshipman—is also known as a "plebe" (plural, "plebes"). Because the first year at the Academy is one of transformation from a civilian into a military officer, plebes must conform to a number of rules and regulations not placed on their seniors—the upper three classes of midshipmen—and have additional tasks and responsibilities that disappear upon promotion to midshipman third class.

Third class midshipmen have been assimilated into the brigade and are treated with more respect because they are upperclassmen. They are commonly called "youngsters". Because of their new stature and rank, the youngsters are allowed such privileges as watching television, listening to music, watching movies, and napping.

Second class midshipmen are charged with training plebes. They report directly to the first class, and issue orders as necessary to carry out their responsibilities. Second class midshipmen are allowed to drive their own cars (but may not park them on campus) and are allowed to enter or exit the Yard (campus) in civilian attire (weekends only).

First class midshipmen have more freedoms and liberty in the brigade, and the most challenging responsibilities. While they must maintain mandatory sports, activities, and academics, they are also charged with the leadership of the brigade. They are commonly called "firsties". Firsties are allowed to park their cars on campus, and have greater leave and liberties than any other class.

The brigade is divided into two regiments of three battalions each. Five companies make up each battalion, for a total of 30 companies. The midshipmen command structure is headed by a first class midshipman known as the brigade commander, chosen for outstanding leadership performance. He or she is responsible for much of the brigade's day-to-day activities as well as the professional training of midshipmen. Overseeing all brigade activities is the commandant of midshipmen, an active-duty Navy Captain or Marine Corps Colonel. Working for the commandant, experienced Navy and Marine Corps officers are assigned as company and battalion officers.