general of the army

English

Noun

general of the army (plural generals of the army)

1. A commissioned military officer of the highest rank in the United States, ranking directly above a general, and corresponding to marshal or field marshal in other countries. A general of the army is equal in grade or rank to an admiral of the fleet.
2. A military officer of the highest rank in several countries that follow the United States military rank system, including Liberia.

Usage notes

In the United States Army, no officer has been promoted to this rank since Omar Bradley in 1950. General of the army is theoretically junior to the strictly honorary rank General of the Armies, which has only been awarded to George Washington after his death. In the United States Army, this rank is only available during wartime, when congress has declared war.

References

• General of the Army, US Military Information