The Italian military rank of maresciallo (marshal) is classified as a "sub-officer" and is the highest rank of non-commissioned officer in the Italian armed forces, higher than the rank of sergeant but lower than that of ensign/second lieutenant; there are from three to five grades within the rank, according to the different branches of the armed forces. The rank is achieved through merit or attending the Scuola Allievi Marescialli (School of Student Marshals). Marshal is an intermediate rank of the armed forces which is currently granted to NCOs with the training and technical competence to carry out specialised executive roles, and to command smaller and technically complex units.