page_title: South African military ranks
section_title: Army and Air Force ranks
hierarchical_section_title: South African military ranks / Evolution of rank titles / Army and Air Force ranks
caption_attribution_description: English: Badge of rank worn by a Warrant Officer Class 1 in the South African Defence Force i.e. prior to the establishment of the South African National Defence Force in 1994
context_page_description: The South African National Defence Force's rank system is largely based on the British system, with the Air Force sharing the Army rank titles. Rank titles changed over time as did the insignia.
  In 2005 the South African Air Force redesigned its insignia completely, while keeping the Army titles.
context_section_description: General officers
  Field marshal (1923–c1950)
  General (1914– ) (called "commandant-general" 1956–68)
  Lieutenant-general (1914– )
  Major-general (1914– ) (called "combat general" 1960–68)
  Brigadier-general (1912–40, 1998– )
  Field officers
  Brigadier (1937–98) (called "colonel-commandant" 1937–40)
  Colonel (1912– )
  Chief commandant (Used in the Commandos 1968–70)
  Lieutenant-colonel (1912– ) (called "commandant" 1950–94)
  Company / junior officers
  Major (1912– )
  Captain (1912– )
  Lieutenant (1912– ) (called "field cornet" 1960–68)
  Second lieutenant (1918– ) (called "assistant field cornet" 1960–68)
  Warrant officers
  In June 2008 a new series of warrant officer ranks were introduced.
  Warrant officer 1st class (1921– )
  Warrant officer 2nd class (1921– )
  Warrant officer (1912–21)
  Non-commissioned officers
  Staff sergeant (1912– ) (Air Force equivalent "flight sergeant")
  Sergeant (1912– ) (Air Force equivalent called "air sergeant" until 1970)
  Corporal (1912– ) (Air Force equivalent called "air corporal" until 1970)
  Lance-corporal (1912– ) (Air Force equivalent called "leading air mechanic" until 1970)
  Rank and file
  Private (1912– ) (Air Force equivalent called "air mechanic" 1920–70, "private" 1970–82 and "airman" 1982–)
caption: Warrant officer class 1 rank badge 1921–2002
exif: {}