<p>According to Maria Ross (episode 9, 3:42), all State Alchemists carry a military rank equivalent of Major.</p>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/ewGJF.jpg" alt="Ross: &quot;State Alchemists have the military rank equivalent to major, and all.&quot;"></p>

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2013-07-25T15:12:45.850Z
An aside, some confusion may stem from the fact that Mustang is in the military hierarchy, but Edward is not (hence him not wearing a uniform like others.  And Shou Tucker doesn't wear a military uniform either).  That's why State Alchemists are "equivalent" to a Major, and not actually a Major.
Izkata
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2013-07-25T19:26:28.567Z
So are they basically commissioned as a Major and if they so choose (or required during war) they can opt to rise through the ranks?
Nick T
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2013-07-26T22:44:48.527Z
@NickT As Izkata said (and was correct about), Edward is not actually in the military hierarchy, just has command of a position equivalent to Major. If he chose to join the army ranks, he would have to undergo a different evaluation but would likely start at the rank of a Major upon completion.
Cattua
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-07-25T05:14:57.137Z
2013-07-25T05:14:57.137Z
Cattua
<p>Ed is a State Alchemist, but what's his rank within the military hierarchy?  Col. Mustang explicitly mentions a few times he's his 'superior officer', so he's a bit lower than that, but how does he compare to Maj. Armstrong or some of the staff Lieutenants?</p>

<p>Are State Alchemists commissioned at some rank (e.g. Capt.) a la physicians in the US military?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-12-07T11:35:43.340Z
As an State Alchemist his same as a Major, but in FMAB episode "Looming Shadows" the 2 Briggs soldiers who were escorting Winry referred him as Lieutenant. It's most likely just an error in the English dub though.
user51060
<fullmetal-alchemist-series>
What rank does Edward Elric hold?
# What rank does Edward Elric hold?
Posted by: username_0 on 2013-07-25
Ed is a State Alchemist, but what's his rank within the military hierarchy? Col. Mustang explicitly mentions a few times he's his 'superior officer', so he's a bit lower than that, but how does he compare to Maj. Armstrong or some of the staff Lieutenants?

Are State Alchemists commissioned at some rank (e.g. Capt.) a la physicians in the US military?
**Tags:** fullmetal-alchemist-series
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: As an State Alchemist his same as a Major, but in FMAB episode "Looming Shadows" the 2 Briggs soldiers who were escorting Winry referred him as Lieutenant. It's most likely just an error in the English dub though.  
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## 1 answers
### Answer by username_2 on 2013-07-25. Score: 33
According to Maria Ross (episode 9, 3:42), all State Alchemists carry a military rank equivalent of Major.

![Ross: ](https://i.sstatic.net/ewGJF.jpg)
> **Comments:**
> **username_3** (2013-07-25): An aside, some confusion may stem from the fact that Mustang is in the military hierarchy, but Edward is not (hence him not wearing a uniform like others.  And Shou Tucker doesn't wear a military uniform either).  That's why State Alchemists are "equivalent" to a Major, and not actually a Major.  
> **username_0** (2013-07-25): So are they basically commissioned as a Major and if they so choose (or required during war) they can opt to rise through the ranks?  
> **username_2** (2013-07-26): @NickT As Izkata said (and was correct about), Edward is not actually in the military hierarchy, just has command of a position equivalent to Major. If he chose to join the army ranks, he would have to undergo a different evaluation but would likely start at the rank of a Major upon completion.  
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