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Polish Armed Forces Rank Insignia





ORIGINS

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''. 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'' is a derivate of Italian ''caporale'' - much like the English equivalent of Corporal .

Until the 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 .


LAND FORCES


Officers



Warrant officers


Warrant Officer


AIR FORCES



Officers



Non-commissioned officers and privates


NAVY


Officers



Warrant officers



Non-commissioned officers and privates



HISTORICAL RANKS



Abolished on July 1, 2004



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