alférez

Alférez is a rank used in several Spanish-speaking armed forces and police organizations to denote a junior commissioned officer. It is typically the first officer rank in the army, positioned directly above the most senior non-commissioned officers and below the rank of teniente (lieutenant). The role corresponds to junior officer grades such as ensign or second lieutenant, with variations by country.

Etymology and origin: The term derives from the historic duty of carrying a unit’s standard or banner. The title originally signified the standard-bearer who accompanied an Army unit, and over time it became a formal officer rank in many Spanish-speaking forces.

Usage by country: In Spain and many Latin American countries, alférez is the entry-level commissioned officer rank. The exact status and insignia differ regionally; in some forces it is reached after completing officer training or cadet programs. In certain police or gendarmerie organizations, the term remains the designation for junior officers.

Insignia and duties: Insignia typically consists of a single star, stripe, or bar on the shoulder, collar, or epaulettes, varying by country. An alférez often serves as a platoon leader or as second-in-command of a platoon-sized unit and may act as an adjutant to a higher-ranking officer or perform staff tasks at the squad or company level.

Historical notes: The rank has persisted in many systems, though some reforms have replaced or renamed it in national rank structures. The precise equivalence to other countries’ ranks depends on the specific national army or police service.