Military ranks of Ukraine

The military ranks of Ukraine were created in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Ukrainian armed forces have two styles of ranks - Army, which is used by Ground forces and the Air Force, and Navy. Ukraine like the Russian Federation eliminated the descriptor "of Aviation" following the Air Force ranks. The rank of a serviceman of a Guards unit, formation or ship may be followed by the word “Guards.” The rank of a serviceman of the legal, medical or veterinary professions shall be followed by the words “of Justice,” “of the Medical service,” or “of the Veterinary service,” to their respective ranks. The rank of a citizen having reserve or retired status shall be followed by the words “Reserve” or “Retired,” respectively.

Modern Ukraine
The independent Ukraine inherited the ranks of the Soviet Union. But there were some changes. The rank of "Єфрейтор" (Efreitor) was changed to the "Senior soldier" and the rank of Private was changed to the "Soldier". Also, Marshall ranks and the Category of Praporshchyks/Midshipmen were abolished.

New insignia of 2009
The first graduates of the Training Centre for Sergeants of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kharkiv at once became the first professional sergeants, who clothed shoulder straps with a fundamentally new insignia. This innovation is aimed at the NATO standards. Until 2009, Ukrainian soldiers used a military rank insignia of the Soviet model. Before the innovation, for example, a Ukrainian Major General could be confused with an ordinary Major, as they both had only one star on the Soviet straps. The new straps of Major General have two stars, like in the most NATO countries. Also, the new system of military insignia makes possible to introduce new ranks, such as Brigade General and new types of Sergeant. New straps of generals have crossed maces (bulawas), which are kleinods (regalia) of Hetman, Colonel and Otaman of the Host.

Sergeant Major (the post of Chief Sergeant)
Chief Sergeant of a branch of the armed forces is a projected post in Ukraine. The Chief Sergeant is a person who know almost all issues what relate to non-commissioned officers. Therefore, the Chief Sergeant of a branch of the armed forces may be adviser to the head of the appropriate level - for example, the Commander of Land Forces of Ukraine. Now, the Ministry of Defence is working to change the statute and, possibly, the new post will be introduced in three or four years. In Airmobile units there is also posts of Chief Sergeant of the Division and Chief Sergeant of the Brigade.