Logbook Magazine style guide
ranks & titles

There is one constant when it comes to abbreviating Ranks & Titles, and that is it is never constant. For each branch of the service - whether U.S. or non-U.S., for each publication, for each school, there is usually a unique style guide on how to abbreviate a rank, each one being a bit different. And, these style guides change - often simply back and forth - over the years, usually based on who is in charge. With that in mind, the editors at LOGBOOK magazine have compiled this style guide. Yes, it may be different than other style guides, but to keep everyone on the same “sheet of music,” please use this one.

Remember: The first time you mention a person’s rank use the entire word, i.e. Captain, Lieutenant Colonel, Staff Sergeant, etc... Also, spell out all numbers, i.e. Second Lieutenant, First Sergeant, Private First Class, etc…

For U.S. military ranks, do not include the abbreviation in parenthesis. For example: Do not write Lieutenant Commander (LtCdr) Smith, rather simply write Lieutenant Commander Smith.

The next time you use the rank, abbreviate it using the abbreviations listed below. For example: LtCdr Smith, or 2Lt Jones.

Remember: If you use a rank in conjunction with a person’s name, then capitalize the rank, i.e. Major Paine, Admiral Smith, etc… If you are just using the rank, then do not capitalize, i.e. “The captain of the ship,” or “A bunch of crazy ensigns.”

Non-U.S. ranks: Some military ranks do not have an exact U.S. equivalent, so the first time you use the rank spell it out in its entirety, and include the abbreviation in parenthesis. Thereafter, use the abbreviation. For example: Oberleutnant (Obltn) Schmidt, Hauptmann (Hptm) Gearhart, Squadron Leader (Sq Ldr) Jones, Flying Officer (Fg Off) Duncan.

Although some non-U.S. rank systems are similar to the U.S. system, always use the system appropriate to the county of the person in your story. If he or she is a French pilot, then use the French ranking system, a British Royal Navy pilot, then use the British Royal Navy rank system.

And Finally: When abbreviating ranks never use periods. For example: Group Captain (Gp Capt) - not (Gp. Capt.).

Ok, so here we go…Please pay close attention to the letter spacing and capitalization.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to drop us a line anytime.