What is the equivalent in the French Army to the British Army rank of Major?
Ranks in the French Army the rank of "commandant" in the French army. Etymologically the "adjudant" is the "adjoint" ("joint (assistant)") of an officer, and the sergeant "serves" (Latin: serviens = English: servant). "Aspirants" are cadet officers still in training. "Sous-lieutenants" are junior officers and are often aided by "adjudants" or "adjudants-chefs", who are experienced NCOs/warrant officers. Full "lieutenants" are experienced junior officers, served by sergeants when commanding their unit. A four chevron "sergent-chef-major" rank existed until 1947. It was a ceremonial rank usually given to the most senior or experienced NCO in a unit, similar to a colour sergeant in the British Army. It
Ranks in the French Army a company ("compagnie") of infantry, a squadron ("escadron") of cavalry or a battery ("batterie") of artillery. A "lieutenant" (lieutenant or first lieutenant) commands a platoon ("section") of infantry, a troop ("peloton") of cavalry, or a "brigade" of the "Gendarmerie". A "Sous-lieutenant" (sub-lieutenant or second lieutenant) commands at the same level as a "lieutenant", but is a more junior officer rank. Note the difference with many army rank systems of other countries where the term "major" is used for a rank above that of "captain". For example, the rank of "major" in the US Army or British army is equivalent to