The Definition of Captain:
The word, 'Captain' comes from the word 'chieftain,' which is a Latin word. A 'Captain' is the person in charge of a unit, no matter what kind of unit it is. The unit might function in the air, at sea, or on land. The Captain is the person in the military that is in command of the unit, no matter what the size. It could be the Air Force, Navy, Army or Marine Corps.
The Function of Captain:
In the Navy, the Captain is usually a senior ranking officer and commanding officer on naval bases or larger ships, such as carriers. In the Army, Marine Corps, or Air Force, the Captain holds a position of authority at the company level, and are called company grade officers.
The Types of Captains:
There are different pay grades in the military. For example, in the Navy and Coast Guard, the captain holds a pay grade of 05. He becomes an Admiral when promoted.
The Captain of the Army, Marine Corp, or Airforce, holds a pay grade of 03. When promoted from a junior officer, he would become a Major.
How to Identify a Captain:
On the uniform jacket of a Navy Captain, you will find an eagle with spread wings on their collar. This identifies them as a Navy Captain. On the lower part of their sleeve they will also have four gold strips. To identify the Captain of all other military services, such as the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps, you will find silver twin bars on the sleeve of their uniform.
Abbreviations for Captains:
The Captain of each unit has a different abbreviation as well. For example, CAPT is the official abbreviation for the naval unit. CPT is the official abbreviation for the Army. CPT is the official abbreviation for the Air Force and also the Marines.
A military employment opportunity as a military captain is a military opportunity that offers several opportunities for advancement in the military.
