A.P.S.L Main Ranks
Consist of associate members whom are gaining knowledge (Preppers) and others whom involve hands on local and dispersed crisis assistance, planning and practice. The ranks are signified by white markings on their shoulder epaulettes. The more white markings, the larger number of members they are in charge of, until they reach Warrant Officers whom are signified by white squares, which oversee all the ranks beneath them. Minimal administrative functions are required and this forms the bulk of our membership who take up actionable positions, in civil defence.
Further: Associate members are collectively known as preppers. Preppers prepare themselves with knowledge, equipment, supplies, or training.
Members who achieve the rank of Cadet (youth) or Private (adults) are then collectively and proudly known as survivalists.
Associate Member
This is the starting point for new members of any age, and it's free for life.
It enables them to commence their prepping journey, by preparing themselves with knowledge, information, equipment and supplies, receive some minimum standard of training and induction, and then go on to upgrade their membership when they are ready. Associates are in full control of their participation, with no obligations to attend. Associate members do not have any rank or insignia and wear no uniforms, just their membership identification as required.
Recruit
A recruit is an adult who has upgraded to a paid membership. Recruits have no insignia since it's not a rank, and they do wear plain uniform whilst under training to qualify as a survivalist.
Private
A private is an adult who has been upgraded to the level of survivalist. This is the result of their prepping efforts, minimum number of basic training units completed and fully inducted. A private does not lead anyone, but aspires to increase their skills and help out in their neighbourhood, or when called upon.
Leader
This is the first adult non commissioned officer rank and is in charge of either their household family or a small number of 2-3 neighbourhood survivalists. Household Leaders are nominated by an agreement or vote, conducted in their own household or neighbourhood. This rank is non centralised, making it the easiest rank to achieve through basic leadership.
(Special consideration is given to solo members who may earn this rank as recognition of their service or contributions.)
Corporal
Corporals are in charge of either their extended family or small groups of individuals in their neighbourhood area. Corporals are appointed by sergeants.
Sergeant
Sergeants are in charge of a neighbourhood. These can be as small as a street, court, road etc. or likely as large as a few of them. It consists of two or more corporals which includes multiple family units or groups of individuals.
Warrant Officer
Warrant Officers are in charge of a community. This consists of 2 or more sergeants. This rank can be awarded for ongoing service and outstanding achievements from being a Sergeant.
Note: Warrant Officers are also appointed in the absence of commissioned officers and where there is a requirement to act in the role for administration committee functions where there is a shortage of commissioned officers to form a quorum in command. Warrant officers are a unique rank in that they can 'sit in' to assist, but are not permanently positioned in command, since they don't hold a commission. Warrant officers may be invited/warranted into command as required.
Senior Warrant Officer
Senior Warrant Officers are in charge of multiple communities (if there is a technical need). This rank is also awarded for ongoing service and outstanding achievements after being a warrant officer for a long period of time.
Note: rank responsibilities and oversight are subject to variability in geographic area make up and leadership needs.