As a subject matter expert in military ranks and hierarchies, I can provide a detailed explanation of the question at hand. In the context of military ranks, particularly within the United States Navy, the question of whether a Lieutenant Commander is higher than a Captain is nuanced and depends on the specific context in which the ranks are being compared.
First, let's clarify the general structure of naval ranks. The United States Navy follows a rank hierarchy that is distinct from other branches of the military. Here is a simplified breakdown of the ranks from lowest to highest:
1. Enlisted ranks (e.g., Seaman Recruit, Petty Officer)
2. Warrant Officers (e.g., Chief Warrant Officer)
3. Commissioned Officers
a. O-1: Ensign (for the Navy and Marine Corps)
b. O-2: Lieutenant Junior Grade (Lieutenant JG)
c. O-3: Lieutenant
d. O-4: Lieutenant Commander
e. O-5: Commander
f. O-6: Captain
g. Flag Officers
i. O-7: Rear Admiral (Lower Half), formerly known as Rear Admiral
ii. O-8: Rear Admiral (Upper Half)
iii. O-9: Vice Admiral
iv. O-10: Admiral

Now, regarding the specific question of whether a Lieutenant Commander is higher than a Captain, it's important to note that a Lieutenant Commander (O-4) is actually a rank below a Captain (O-6) in the hierarchy. The statement provided in the reference material seems to be incorrect or misleading. The correct sequence is that a Lieutenant Commander is followed by a Commander (O-5), and then a Captain (O-6). The ranks progress as follows: Lieutenant Junior Grade, Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander, Commander, and then Captain.

It's also worth mentioning the concept of "flag officers," which are senior officers who hold the rank of Captain and above. Flag officers are authorized to command major formations of the military, and their ranks include Rear Admiral (Lower Half), Rear Admiral (Upper Half), Vice Admiral, and Admiral. The Rear Admiral (Lower Half), which is equivalent to a Brigadier General in the land services, is indeed the next rank above Captain.

In summary, a Lieutenant Commander is not higher than a Captain; rather, it is a rank that precedes the rank of Captain within the United States Navy. The progression from Lieutenant Commander to Captain signifies a promotion through the commissioned officer ranks, and reaching the rank of Captain is a significant milestone in an officer's career.

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The next higher ranks include lieutenant junior-grade, lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander and captain. Above the rank of captain are admirals: the rear admiral rank comes in two forms. The rear admiral, lower half, wears one star and is the equivalent of a brigadier general in the land services.read more >>