Polish Armed Forces rank insignia

This article involves the ranks of the entire Polish Armed Forces as well as the rank insignia used today.

Origins
The present Polish system of rank insignia is a direct descendant of various systems used in the past in the Polish Army. Some of the grades trace their name back to Middle Ages, for instance the rank of chorąży literally means a flag bearer or an Ensign. Other names of Polish ranks are of foreign origin and were in most cases introduced by 17th century mercenaries serving for the Polish Crown. These include the rank of kapral, which is a derivative of Italian caporale - much like the English equivalent of corporal.

Most rank titles are cognates to the ones in English, with some exceptions. Notably colonel's literal meaning is regimental-leader, likewise plutonowy means platoon-leader. Also, the title equivalent to petty officer is identical to the word for boatswain, so a Bosman may or may not be a bosman.

Until World War II, each of the branches of the Land Forces used a set of different names for the same grades. For instance a sergeant was called sierżant in the infantry, ogniomistrz (literally master of fire) in the artillery and wachmistrz (from German Wachtmeister, or Master of the Guards) in the cavalry. This is similar to the German army calling a cavalry officer which is equivalent to Hauptmann a Rittmeister

Modern polish military practices were heavily influenced by Prussian/German and Russian traditions, as most founding officers after 1918 independence were veterans of those respective armies.

Customs
The Polish language requires the use of a prior honorific before stating the addressee's rank e.g. 'Panie Kapitanie...' (Sir Captain...). This is directly equivalent to French practice where the possessive Mon is pre-pended to the addressee's rank. During the communist period use of the formal 'Pan' (Sir) was frowned upon and 'Obywatel' (Citizen) (as in: Obywatelu Kapitanie!) was used. This has reverted to prior style in the post-communist era.

It is customary to include other titles when referring to an officer in writing. This can lead to some interesting abbreviations. For example, a Lt. Col. in the airforce by the name Nowak who is a pilot and has a M.Sc. in engineering would be written ppłk pil. mgr inż. Nowak. (LtCol plt MEng Nowak)

Uniquely, Polish forces use a two-fingered version of the salute, and the saluting custom insists one is saluting the eagle (pinned to almost all headwear) rather than the counterparty, therefore one doesn't salute superiors if they aren't wearing a cap/beret etc.

Marshal of Poland
Marshal of Poland (Marszałek Polski) is the highest rank in the Polish Armed Forces. It has been granted to only six officers and is not used currently. At present, this rank is equivalent to a Field Marshal or General of the Army (OF-10) in other NATO armies.

Non-commissioned officers and sailors

 * All naval rank and insignia information is referenced from the Official Website of the Polish Navy

Pay Grade changed on July 1, 2004

 * Młodszy chorąży/Młodszy chorąży marynarki: OR-8 to OR-7
 * Starszy chorąży/Starszy chorąży marynarki: OR-8 to OR-9
 * Starszy Kapral/Starszy mat: OR-3 to OR-4

Other

 * Hetman
 * Rotmistrz
 * Regimentarz
 * Strażnik Wielki
 * Strażnik Polny
 * Pisarz Polny
 * Oboźny Wielki
 * Oboźny Polny
 * Towarzysz
 * Bosman floty