In the United States, second lieutenant is typically the entry-level rank for most commissioned officers. The rank falls directly below
First Lieutenant".
In the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps, a second lieutenant typically leads a platoon-size element (16 to 44 soldiers or Marines).
As a result of the gold color of the bars, second lieutenants are often colloquially referred to as Butterbars, Nuggets, Commissioned Privates, or 2nd Luey.
The corresponding United States Coast Guard and United States Navy rank is
Ensign.
