Which rank uses a gold oak leaf insignia?

• A. First Lieutenant
• B. Captain
• C. Lieutenant Colonel
• D. Major

Answer: (D)

Recognizing officer insignia. The gold oak leaf is the symbol for Major—the rank that comes after Captain and before Lieutenant Colonel. Oak leaf insignia denote field-grade officers, with color indicating the grade: gold for Major, silver oak leaf for Lieutenant Colonel. So the rank with a gold oak leaf is Major. Other ranks use different insignia: Captain uses two silver bars, First Lieutenant uses a silver bar, and Lieutenant Colonel uses a silver oak leaf.