The second-in-command refers to a Transformer whose status is... well, second to the commander's. A Transformer who is second-in-command is not necessarily ranked Sub-Commander, while a Transformer ranked Sub-Commander is usually the second-in-command. The rank generally varies between factions. For the Autobots and the Maximals, the rank is usually overlooked, but it still receives its own holiday. For the Decepticons and Predacons, choosing a Second-in-Command is a very tough decision. Pick one too loyal, and everyone will ignore him. Pick one too bold, and the leader may find himself scrap.

Autobot seconds-in-command

"I... want him to take command... "
Prowl: "What?! NOOO!!!"

Sub-commander

• Grimlock (G1) ^[1][2]
• Prowl (G1) ^[3]
• Jazz (G1) ^[3]
• Jetfire (Unicron Trilogy)
• Ultra Magnus (G1) ^[4] - To both Optimus Prime and Rodimus Prime
• Sentinel Prime (Animated) - To Ultra Magnus
• Ultra Magnus (WFC)

Lieutenant

• Blacker
• Lightfoot
• Jazz (G1) ^[5]
• Jazz (Movie)
• Cliffjumper (Movie)
• Prowl (G1) - Lieutenant of Generation 1 Sentinel Prime ^[6]
• Red Alert (Unicron Trilogy)
• Slingshot ^[5]

Miscellaneous

• Grandus (G1)
• Ironhide (G1)
• Sky Garry (G1)
• Waver - Second-in-command of Multiforce
• Quickmix (Cybertron) - Right-hand-man to Metroplex
• Ironhide (Movie)
• Sideswipe (Movie)
• Hound (Movie)
• Bumblebee (Movie)
• Ratchet (Animated)
• Jazz (Animated)
• Ratchet (WFC)
• Rodimus (Energon)

Decepticon seconds-in-command

• Starscream (G1)
• Shockwave (G1)
• Soundwave (G1)
• Football coach
• Cyclonus (G1)
• Leozack
• Scourge (RID)
• Scorponok (G1) ^[3]
• Starscream (Unicron Trilogy)
• Demolishor (Unicron Trilogy)
• Thrust (Unicron Trilogy)
• Scourge (Unicron Trilogy)
• Starscream (Movie)
• Shockwave (Movie)
• Thundercracker (Movie) -To Lord Starscream during his reign on Cybertron
• Starscream (Animated)
• Shockwave (Animated)
• Starscream (WFC)
• Soundwave (WFC)
• Shockwave (WFC)
• Knock Out (Prime) -Briefly to Starscream
• Airachnid (Prime)
• Dreadwing (Prime)

Maximal seconds-in-command

Sub-commander

• Apache
• Rhinox (BW) ^[7]
• Triceradon (BM) - Beast Machines Dinobot sub-commander

Lieutenant

• Longrack (BW)
• Mach Kick - Former lieutenant of the Thoroughbred Corps

Miscellaneous

• Cheetor (BW) ^[8]
• Rattrap ^[9]

Predacon/Vehicon seconds-in-command

• Dinobot (BW) - Original second-in-Command to Megatron before he joined the Maximals
• Guiledart
• Sky-Byte (RID)
• Inferno (BW) - Sub-commander (after the death of Scorponok)
• Megastorm
• Scorponok (BW)- Second-in-command following Dinobot's 'departure' from the Predacons.
• Antagony (BW) - Herald Maximo of Shokaract
• Jetstorm (BM) - Second-in-command to Megatron
• Thrust (BM) - Second-in-command after Jetstorm was reformatted into Silverbolt
• Starscream (G1) (briefly to Megatron)

References