This article lists the military ranks and the rank insignia used in the French Imperial Army. Officers and the most senior non-commissioned rank had rank insignia in the form of epaulettes, sergeants and corporals in the form of stripes or chevrons on the sleeves.

Commissioned officer ranks Gold (yellow) or silver (white) stripes and epaulettes were used in accordance with the metal of the uniform buttons of the regiment. Officers of regiments with gold buttons used gold epaulettes, those with silver buttons wore silver epaulettes. The epaulettes of were of contrary metal; gold buttons, silver epaulets etc. Generals and field officers used bullion fringes. Gold and silver were also often used in accordance to the Regiments designation as a Ligne (line) regiment would frequent gold while a Legere (light) regiment would frequent silver.Empire Costume. 2026-08-29.

Rank group General / flag officers Insignia

Rank group Senior officers Insignia UNKNOWN INSIGNIA UNKNOWN INSIGNIA Infantry and artillery Lieutenant-colonel Cavalry and train

Rank group Junior officers Insignia Insignia Infantry, artilleryCavalry and train

Other ranks The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel. Rank group NCOs Senior EnlistedJunior Enlisted Insignia NO INSIGNIANO INSIGNIA Infantry and artillery version of 1808 SoldatRecrut/Conscrit Cavalry and train Cavalier

Physicians, surgeons, and pharmacists Physician Surgeons Pharmacists Pharmacien en chef Médecin sous aide major

Good conduct badges Sergeants, corporals and privates were issued good conduct and long service badges, in the form of chevron on the upper left arm of the uniform coat; one chevron for ten years' service, two for 15 years' service, three for 20 years' service. The chevrons were officially of red cloth for all ranks, except caporal-fourriers who were issued chevrons in yellow or white cloth (depending on the metal colour), as a replacement for the stripe that denoted his rank. In reality, however, the sergeants used chevrons in yellow or white. Sergent-major with 15 years' service Sergent with 15 years' service Caporal-fourrier with ten years' service Caporal with ten years' service

See also Uniforms of La Grande Armée Ranks in the French Army French Army

References