Origins of Rank Titles

All of the current rank titles originated in Europe during the Dark Ages. That continent was under the thumb of a feudal society and warfare was the way of life. Lords battled for their sovereigns; to gain loot, land, and fame. Knights fought for their liege lords; for loot, shelter, and a measure of loyalty. The common folk went to war for their landlord because they had no choice in the matter. This was long before private, professional, standing armies or nationalistic fervor. If you wanted somewhere to live and something to eat you worked and fought.

Private:	Latin > Middle English;	*having attained no title of rank, a private soldier.*
Corporal:	Latin > Old Italian, Old French;	lowest noncommissioned officer, influenced by 'corps', meaning head or chief.
Sergeant:	Latin > Old French, Middle English;	*slave, to serve, attendant upon a knight in the field.*
Lieutenant:	Latin > Old French, Middle English;	*deputy, to hold in lieu; an officer representing and exercising powers on behalf of his lord.*
Captain:	Latin > Old French, Middle English;	*an officer entrusted with a command or a fortress.*
Colonel:	Latin > Old Italian, French;	*an officer commanding a column of soldiers and support trains.*
General:	Latin > Middle English;	originally, to be of similar social class with the king; more recently, an officer familiar with all facets, no longer a specialist in one area; a general officer.

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