Lieutenant general (United States)

Lieutenant general (United States)
Name	Lieutenant general
Caption	Insignia for a lieutenant general
Country	United States
Service branch	United States Army, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, United States Space Force
Abbreviation	Lt Gen
Rank	Three-star
Nato rank	OF-8
Non nato rank	O-9
Formation	1798
Higher rank	General
Lower rank	Major general
Equivalent	Vice admiral

Lieutenant general (United States). A lieutenant general is a three-star commissioned officer rank in the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, and United States Space Force. It ranks above major general and below general, and is equivalent to the rank of vice admiral in the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard. The rank is typically held by officers commanding corps-sized formations or serving in high-level staff positions within the United States Department of Defense or Joint Chiefs of Staff.

History and establishment

The rank of lieutenant general was first established in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, with George Washington appointed to the grade in 1798. For much of the 19th century, the rank was used only as a temporary or brevet appointment, notably during the American Civil War for commanders like Ulysses S. Grant and Winfield Scott. The modern, permanent establishment of the rank was solidified by the National Defense Act of 1917, which authorized multiple three-star positions. Key legislative acts, including the Officer Personnel Act of 1947 and the Defense Officer Personnel Management Act, further codified the rank's permanence and its role within the United States Armed Forces.

Appointment and promotion

Appointment to lieutenant general requires nomination by the President of the United States and confirmation by the United States Senate. Promotion is governed by federal law under Title 10 of the United States Code and policies from the Department of Defense. Officers are typically selected from the pool of major generals and must have significant command experience, such as leading a division or serving on a major staff like the Pentagon. The total number of active-duty lieutenant generals is constrained by statutory limits set by the United States Congress.

Rank insignia and uniform

The rank insignia for a lieutenant general consists of three silver stars, worn in a line on the shoulder boards of the service dress uniform and on the collar or sleeves of other uniforms. In the United States Army and United States Air Force, the stars are worn with a row of oak leaves. The United States Marine Corps prescribes stars on shoulder boards with a scarlet blood stripe on dress trousers. The United States Space Force insignia mirrors the Air Force design. The specific uniform details, including service caps and overcoats, are regulated by each service's uniform code, such as AR 670-1 for the Army.

Duties and responsibilities

Lieutenant generals typically hold positions of great responsibility, often commanding a corps of up to 45,000 personnel or serving as the deputy commander of a Unified combatant command. They frequently occupy senior staff roles, such as the Army Chief of Staff (a four-star billet) or the director of a Joint Staff directorate. Their duties encompass strategic planning, resource allocation, and advising the Secretary of Defense on operations ranging from Operation Enduring Freedom to United States European Command activities.

Notable lieutenant generals

Numerous officers have served as lieutenant generals before achieving higher command or historical fame. George S. Patton commanded the U.S. Seventh Army and later the U.S. Third Army as a lieutenant general during World War II. Lesley J. McNair served as a lieutenant general and commander of Army Ground Forces before his death in Operation Cobra. More recent notable figures include H. R. McMaster, who served as a lieutenant general and National Security Advisor, and Lori Robinson, who commanded United States Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

Equivalent ranks in other services

The rank of lieutenant general is equivalent to vice admiral in the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, and United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. In the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, the equivalent rank is also vice admiral. These ranks share the same pay grade, O-9, under the Uniformed services of the United States pay system. The rank also has direct equivalents among the senior officers of allied militaries, such as lieutenant general in the British Army and Royal Air Force.

Category:Military ranks of the United States Category:United States Army Category:United States Air Force Category:United States Marine Corps