Major - 1930's to present

The present rank of Major does not differ much from the rank of Major in the 1930’s. The only difference is the colour. The rank of Major in the 1930’s was blue in colour while the present is red. On May 1, 1948 the General decided that the rainbow colours of all the ranks combined had to go. He decided that all ranks would conform to the standard red trim that is seen today.

The Major’s trim consists of a black braid encircling a red epaulet with a silver crest.

The lapel insignia consists of two silver “S”’s on red patches which are placed on each lapel of the tunic.

After having completed fifteen years of service as a Captain an Officer is promoted to the rank of Major. Prior to 2001, an Officer would have had to complete 20 years of service prior to this promotion.

There is no specific duration of years within this rank. For most Officer’s, this is the highest current rank that they will obtain. A Major of two years can be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel depending on the position held by the Officer.

The shape of the red patch was standardized in 2011 based on the shape of the patch used in the US Territories. By 2015, a red enamel pin  (red patch and silver “S” combined) replaced the red felt patches and silver “S” pin.