The highest military ranks vary by country, but generally:
- In the United States, the highest military rank ever held is General of the Armies , which is considered senior to the five-star General of the Army rank. It has been conferred only three times: to John J. Pershing, George Washington (posthumously), and Ulysses S. Grant (posthumously). This rank is sometimes described as a six-star general, although no official six-star insignia exists
. The five-star General of the Army rank was created during World War II for wartime use and is the highest active rank during war
- In the British Army, the highest rank is Field Marshal , which has been an honorary rank since the 1990s but historically was the top rank during wartime and for senior commanders
- In many countries, a four-star general is the highest active rank in peacetime military hierarchies
Thus, the absolute highest rank historically is the U.S. General of the Armies , while the highest commonly held active rank in many armies is a four-star general or equivalent. In the British Army, the highest rank is Field Marshal.
Summary Table
Country/Context| Highest Rank| Notes
---|---|---
United States| General of the Armies| Highest ever, senior to five-star
generals; rare and mostly honorary5
United States| General of the Army (Five-star)| Highest wartime rank, not
currently active48
British Army| Field Marshal| Highest rank, now honorary910
Many countries| Four-star General| Highest active peacetime rank7
This reflects the highest military ranks recognized historically and currently in major military powers.
