Army Cadet Ranks

Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL), NZCF

This is the highest rank an NZCF officer can hold. The rank is reserved for Army Cadet officers holding the appointment of Assistant Commandant. If a Sea Cadet or Air Cadet officer holds the appointment of Assistant Commandant then nobody will hold the rank of LTCOL. LTCOL rankslides contain a single pip below a crown.

Major (MAJ), NZCF

This is a senior rank held by Army Cadet officers with 12+ years experience. Typically officers holding the rank of MAJ act as Area Support Officers (ASOs) or Cadet Unit Commanders (CUCDRs). MAJ rankslides contain a single crown.

Captain (CAPT), NZCF

An officer holding the rank of CAPT will often hold a senior position within a cadet unit such as CUCDR or Executive Officer (XO (2IC)). An officer who holds the rank of CAPT will have at least six years experience as an officer. A CAPT is depicted by three pips on their rankslide.

Lieutenant (LT), NZCF

LTs are junior officers with 2-3 years post-commissioning experience. Generally an officer holding the rank of LT will hold a staff appointment within a unit, or in some cases may be the XO or CUCDR. LTs have two pips on their rankslide.

Second Lieutenant (2LT), NZCF

This is the most junior Army Cadet officer rank held by officers who have completed an NZCF Commissioning Course. 2LTs generally hold junior staff appointments within a cadet unit. 2LT rankslides contain a single pip.

Officer Cadet (OFFCDT)

This rank is held by Army Cadet staff or former cadets undertaking the pre-commissioning process and/or attending an NZCF Commissioning Course. An OFFCDT is identifiable by the thick white stripe on their rankslides.

Under Officer (UO)

UOs are cadets who are completing the pre-commissioning process. The UO rank is currently in the process of being disestablished to be replaced by OFFCDT. The UO rankslide contains a row of horizontal chevrons between two thick red stripes.

Cadet Warrant Officer Class 1 (CDTWO1)

The CDTWO1 rank is reserved for Army Cadets who hold the appointment of National Warrant Officer or one of three Area Warrant Officers. They act as the senior cadet nationally or in their area respectively. The rank insignia is a red New Zealand Coat of Arms. A CDTWO1 is addressed as Sir/Ma'am as appropriate.

Cadet Warrant Officer Class 2 (CDTWO2)

CDTWO2 is the highest NCO rank attainable within a cadet unit and is identifiable by the crown surrounded by laurel leaves on their rankslide. A CDTWO2 will often hold the appointment of Company Sergeant Major (CSM) within a unit. A CDTWO2 is addressed as Sergeant Major (pronounced Sar' Major)

Cadet Staff Sergeant (CDTSSGT)

CDTSSGTs are Senior NCOs with several years of experience as a cadet. CDTSSGTs may hold appointments within a unit such as Platoon Sergeant, Company Quartermaster Sergeant, or may act as the CSM in their absence. The CDTSSGT rankslide contains three chevrons (stripes) below a crown. A CDTSSGT is addressed as Staff.

Cadet Sergeant (CDTSGT)

A CDTSGT is a cadet who has qualified on the Senior NCO Course and has at least three years experience as a cadet. CDTSGTs often act as Platoon Sergeants within a unit, responsible for 2-4 sections of cadets. Their rankslide contains three chevrons. CDTSGTs are addressed as Sergeant.

Cadet Corporal (CDTCPL)

CDTCPLs are Junior NCOs who have at least two years experience as a cadet and have qualified on a Junior NCO Course. CDTCPLs often act as Section Commanders within a unit. Their rankslide contains two chevrons. CDTCPLs are addressed as Corporal.

Cadet Lance Corporal (CDTLCPL)

CDTLCPLs are Junior NCOs who generally have 1-2 years experience as a cadet. They will typically act as Section 2ICs within a unit. LCPLs are identified by the single chevron on their rankslide. A LCPL is addressed as Corporal.

Cadet (CDT)

CDT is the initial rank that cadets hold when they join an Army Cadet unit.