Alférez (rank)

Alférez or alferes is a junior officer rank in the militaries of some Hispanophone and Lusophone countries.

The name originates from al-fāris (الفارس), meaning "the knight", "the horseman" or "the cavalryman". However, today the rank is often translated as ensign, sub-lieutenant or second lieutenant.

The rank was first used by Iberian armies during the reconquista in the Middle Ages, being associated to the officer responsible for the carrying of a unit flag. During that time alférez was the leader of the retinue of a king or high-ranking nobleman. The famous warrior El Cid was the alférez of King Alfonso VI of Castile and Alfonso Núñez was the alférez of Duke Raymond of Galicia.

Argentina
In Argentina, the rank of alférez is used by both the air force and the gendarmerie. It is, however, used differently in the two services. The air force uses the rank for newly qualified officers, while the gendarmerie uses alférez ranks as an equivalent for the army's "lieutenant" ranks.

The other armed forces of Argentina do not use the rank of ensign.

Chile
In Chile, an officer cadet is known as a sub-alférez. On graduating from officer training, he becomes an alférez for a year while carrying out training specific to his branch. After this, the alférez is promoted to sub-lieutenant.

Philippines
The rank of alférez, locally spelled as alpéres, was also used by the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the Philippine Revolution and Philippine–American War. It is the lowest commissioned officer rank and is interchangeable with second lieutenant (segundo teniente; ikalawang tenyente) on the service.

Spain
Alférez is the lowest officer rank in Spain, immediately below lieutenant. It's also the entry level for Voluntary Reservists.