Honduras-Ranks, Insignia, and Uniforms

Figure 11. Officer Ranks and Insignia, 1993

Figure 12. Enlisted Ranks and Insignia, 1993

The rank structure of Honduran military officers generally conforms to that used in the United States. Fusep also has a rank structure; it is similar to the army's structure (see fig. 11). Enlisted grades also generally parallel those used in the United States (see fig. 12).

The Armed Forces of Honduras uses insignia developed by the Central American Defense Council (Consejo de Defensa Centroamericana--Condeca) except at the general officer level. Company grade officers of the army, air force, and Fusep wear one gold bar to indicate the rank of second lieutenant, lieutenants wear two bars, and captains, three. The field grades are represented by gold stars--one for major, two for lieutenant colonel, and three for colonel. Honduran brigadier generals wear four silver stars, and major generals wear five. Air force personnel are distinguished from army personnel only by unit insignia and by wings worn on the jacket or shirt pocket. Navy officer insignia are distinct and consist of a gold star combined with yellow bars on black shoulder boards.

The army field uniforms, which are similar to United States Army field dress, are olive green in color and includes cap and black boots. Honduran soldiers sometimes also wear camouflage olive green and khaki-colored field uniforms. The army service uniform consists of beige shirt, beige trousers with a black stripe along the sides, black belt, and black shoes. Officers wear their rank insignia on the collar. Enlisted personnel wear rank insignia on the uniform's upper arm.

The 1982 constitution states that military rank and promotion are to be awarded only through strict application of promotion policies in accordance with the law. Armed forces personnel cannot be stripped of their rank or military honors except according to similarly rigorous application of legal procedures. Promotion of officers through the company grades is conferred by the president of the republic on the recommendation of the chief of the armed forces. Both field and general grades are conferred by congress as jointly recommended by the president and chief of the armed forces. Promotions of enlisted personnel are given through unit commanders and approved by the service branch general staff. Promotions are based on criteria such as minimum time in grade, ability, and existing vacancies.

Promotion is conferred by a promotions board, with the approval of the chief of the armed forces. Officer promotion through captain is generally automatic after a required period of time in each rank; promotion to major and above involves merit, as well as completion of scheduled training. Promotion to lieutenant colonel requires attendance at the Armed Forces Command and General Staff School.

Data as of December 1993