What is the rank associated with the designation O2?

• A. Second Lieutenant
• B. First Lieutenant
• C. Captain
• D. Lieutenant Colonel

Answer: (B)

Understanding officer rank codes helps here: the O- scale (pay grades for commissioned officers) assigns O-2 to a First Lieutenant. This rank sits above the entry-level Second Lieutenant and below Captain, placing it among junior officers who often command a small unit or assist in staff roles. In practical terms, a First Lieutenant is typically responsible for leading a platoon or serving in a key staff position, depending on the branch and unit.

If you compare the other ranks, Second Lieutenant is the entry level (O-1), Captain is the next level up (O-3), and Lieutenant Colonel is higher still (O-5). So the designation O-2 corresponds to First Lieutenant.