The Rank of a Four-Star General in the United States Military

In the U.S. military, a four-star general is one of the highest ranks. This rank is designated as a General (GEN) in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps and as an Admiral (ADM) in the Navy and Coast Guard. The four-star rank is the highest operational rank in the U.S. military, surpassing only the ranks of General of the Army (also a four-star) and Fleet Admiral, which are reserved for wartime and have not been used since World War II.

Addressing a Four-Star General

A four-star general is addressed as "General," following the same protocol as other flag ranks in the U.S. military. The standard titles for various ranks are as follows:

Brigadier General Major General Lieutenant General General (4-star) General of the Army (extremely rare) Fleet Admiral (extremely rare)

In the United States, military ranks are denoted by a numerical system on the pay scale, with a four-star general being labeled as O-10. For context, a 2nd Lieutenant, the lowest officer rank, is an O-1, while a four-star general is nine ranks above that.

Understanding the Rank System in the U.S. Military

The U.S. military ranks are structured in a hierarchical manner, with each rank denoting a specific level of responsibility, expertise, and authority. Here is a breakdown of some of the key ranks:

Two-Star Ranks

Brigadier General (O-6) - The first three-star rank in the U.S. military, typically commanding a division-sized unit. Major General (O-7) - A senior two-star rank, often in charge of an Army Corps or a Marine Division.

Three-Star Ranks

Lieutenant General (O-8) - A senior three-star rank, responsible for large military operations and command over multiple divisions or major commands.

Four-Star Ranks

General (O-10) - The highest operational rank in the U.S. military, responsible for major commands or high-level strategic roles. General of the Army (O-10) - A special four-star rank used only in wartime, with the last appointment made in 1965. Fleet Admiral (O-10) - A special four-star rank used only in peacetime in the U.S. Navy, with the last appointment made in 1945.

Navy-specific Ranks

In the U.S. Navy, a four-star admiral is also referred to as an Admiral (ADM). While the rank is the same numerically, the Navy uses "Admiral" instead of "General" to signify the role. An ensign in the Navy is the lowest commissioned officer rank, corresponding to an officer second lieutenant in the Army.

Conclusion

The rank of a four-star general in the United States military is a highly esteemed position that carries significant responsibilities. These officers are at the highest levels of command, often overseeing large military units and guiding national defense strategies. Understanding the rank system and terminology is crucial for anyone interested in the U.S. military structure.