Lieutenant vs. Captain — What's the Difference?

A police rank below captain. responsible for supervising officers.

A title for someone in charge of an aircraft.

A junior military officer ranking below a captain.

A police rank above lieutenant. overseeing departments or divisions.

A title for a junior officer in many fire departments.

A military officer ranking above a lieutenant. commanding a company or ship.

In the navy. a rank above lieutenant junior grade. involved in various operational duties.

The leader of a sports team.

An assistant or deputy in various contexts.

In naval terms. a rank commanding a ship or holding significant staff positions.

An officer in a police force

The officer in command of a ship, aircraft, or spacecraft.

A lieutenant (UK: lef-TEN-ənt or US: loo-TEN-ənt abbreviated Lt., Lt, LT, Lieut and similar) is a junior commissioned officer in the armed forces, fire services, police and other organizations of many nations. The meaning of lieutenant differs in different militaries (see comparative military ranks), but is often subdivided into senior (first lieutenant) and junior (second lieutenant and even third lieutenant) ranks.

A precinct commander in a police or fire department, usually ranking above a lieutenant and below a chief.

A deputy or substitute acting for a superior

One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization.

One who holds any of these ranks or a similar rank in another military organization.

An officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

An officer in a police or fire department ranking below a captain.

A commissioned officer in the army, next below a captain.

An officer holding a commissioned rank in the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard; below lieutenant commander and above lieutenant junior grade

A lieutenant is a junior officer below the rank of captain, typically leading smaller units, while a captain is a senior officer commanding larger units or ships.

Promotion from lieutenant to captain requires several years of service, leadership skills, and sometimes additional training or qualifications.

Lieutenants primarily focus on operational and tactical decisions within their units, whereas strategic decisions are more often the purview of captains and higher-ranking officers.

No, lieutenants do not have authority over captains; the hierarchy places captains above lieutenants.

The time varies by service branch and individual performance but usually involves several years of experience and demonstrated leadership ability.

No, commanding a ship is generally the responsibility of a captain or higher-ranking naval officer.

Yes, captains report to higher-ranking officers, such as majors or colonels in the military, or higher police leadership.

The captain is the highest authority on a ship, responsible for its safe navigation, crew management, and adherence to maritime laws.

In the police force, lieutenants supervise officers, manage day-to-day operations, and are involved in planning and administrative tasks.

Captains can command a wide range of ships, from naval vessels to commercial ships, depending on their experience and the context.

Captains may be involved in training new officers, especially in terms of strategic leadership and operational planning.

While the rank of lieutenant is common across military branches, the specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on the branch and unit type.

Yes, lieutenants can issue orders to enlisted personnel within their command.

Yes, with experience, demonstrated leadership, and sometimes additional qualifications, a police lieutenant can be promoted to captain.

Leadership styles can vary based on individual personality, but generally, lieutenants may be more hands-on in day-to-day management, while captains focus on broader strategic leadership.