Alférez (rank)

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

[citation needed] However, today the rank is often translated as ensign, sub-lieutenant or second lieutenant.

[citation needed] 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.

[citation needed] In Argentina, the rank of alférez is used by both the air force and the gendarmerie.

It is the lowest commissioned officer rank and is interchangeable with second lieutenant (Spanish: segundo teniente; Tagalog: ikalawang tenyente) on the service.