Iraqi Army Ranks Insignia - Officer Ranks

Officer Ranks

Lower officer ranks

• 2nd Lieutenant "MOLAZIM" (ملازم) is the junior officer and the first officer rank. It is portrayed by one star on the shoulder.
• 1st Lieutenant "MOLAZIM AWAL" (ملازم أول) is the second rank of officer. It is portrayed by two stars on the shoulder.
• Captain "NAQEEB" (نقيب) is the third rank of officer. They usually are the start of considerable responsibility level. They are portrayed by three stars on the shoulder.
• Major "RA'ED" (رائد) is the fourth of the officer ranks, it is portrayed by the republican eagle.
• Lieutenant Colonel "MOQADDAM" (مقدم) is the junior grade for colonel and usually holds a great deal of responsibility, especially in the military medical field. It is portrayed by the republican eagle and a star.
• Colonel "AQEED" (عقيد) is the senior officer for the type of officers listed above. It is portrayed by two stars and the republican eagle.

Upper officer ranks (generals)

• Brigadier General "AMID" (عميد) is the lowest general rank. Typically command Brigades. They take command of the direct field operations and are directors of some corps. i.e. Royal maintenance corp. It is portrayed by three stars in a triangle shape with the republican eagle above them.
• Major General "LIWA" (لواء) is the second lowest general rank. Typically command divisions. They are usually responsible in the highest military positions with considerable military authority. It is portrayed by two swords crossing with the republican eagle above them.
• Lieutenant general "FAREEQ" (فريق) it is perhaps the rank with most of the general authority and responsibility. It is usually for direct assistants of the head of joint chiefs of staff of the military. It is portrayed by two crossing swords with a star and the republican eagle above them.
• General or Full General "FAREEQ AWAL" (فريق أول) is usually the head of joint chiefs of staff. He (after the Prime Minister who is the commander-in-chief based on the new Iraqi Constitution) has the most authority over the military and is considered to be the most powerful general. It is portrayed by two swords crossing with two stars and the republican eagle above them.
• Field Marshal "MUHEEB" (مهيب) is the highest military rank and the commander-in-chief of the military until 2003. This rank is reserved for the president. It is portrayed by two crossing swords and two wheat plants around it with the republican eagle above them. However, this rank is no longer in use by the new Iraqi Army, Saddam Hussein was the only one who had this rank during his presidency.
• Staff Officer A RED strip along the outer edge of the shoulder board indicates the officer is a Staff Course graduate. Not automatic with promotion.