United States
In the United States, Second Lieutenant is the normal entry-level rank for most commissioned officers.
In the Army and Marine Corps, a second lieutenant typically commands a platoon-size element (16 to 44 soldiers or Marines). In the Army, until December 1917 the rank bore no insignia other than a brown sleeve braid on blouses and an officer's cap device and hat cord. In December 1917, a gold bar similar to the silver bar of a first lieutenant was introduced.
In the Air Force, depending upon the career field, a second lieutenant may supervise flights (of varying sizes) as a flight commander or assistant flight commander, or may work in a variety of administrative positions at the squadron, group, or wing level.
The corresponding Navy and Coast Guard rank is ensign.
As a result of the gold color of the bars and their usual inexperience as officers, second lieutenants are often colloquially referred to as "Butterbars". Other colloquialisms include "Nuggets" and "2nd Luey."
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