What rank is indicated by one gold bar in the Marine Corps?

In the Marine Corps, one gold bar indicates the rank of a Second Lieutenant. This rank is the entry-level officer rank and is typically held by individuals who have recently completed their commissioning programs, such as Officer Candidate School or The Basic School.

The distinct insignia of a single gold bar is recognized across the U.S. Armed Forces for this specific rank. It signifies a position of leadership and responsibility, where the officer begins their journey in military service, often leading junior enlisted personnel and learning the fundamentals of military operations and leadership.

Higher ranks, such as First Lieutenant, Captain, and Major, are represented by additional insignia, indicating increased responsibility and experience within the officer corps. Each rank has its own distinctive insignia to reflect the level of authority and leadership expected within the Marine Corps hierarchy.