Major general (United States)

Major general (United States). A major general is a two-star general officer rank in the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, and United States Space Force. It ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general. The rank is equivalent to the rear admiral (upper half) in the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps.

History and origins

The rank of major general has its origins in the Continental Army, established during the American Revolutionary War. The Second Continental Congress authorized the rank, with early appointees including George Washington and Horatio Gates. The rank was formalized in the Militia Act of 1792 and has been a permanent part of the United States military structure since. Throughout conflicts like the War of 1812, the American Civil War, and the Spanish–American War, major generals commanded divisions and districts. The rank's prominence grew during the First and Second World Wars, where officers like Omar Bradley and George S. Patton served in this grade before advancing. The National Security Act of 1947 and subsequent creation of the United States Air Force established the rank across modern service branches.

Appointment and promotion

Appointment to the rank of major general is a presidential nomination, subject to confirmation by the United States Senate. The process is governed by Title 10 of the United States Code and involves recommendations from service secretaries and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Promotion typically requires at least three years of service as a brigadier general and a demonstrated record of leadership, often including command of a brigade or equivalent Joint Task Force. The Defense Officer Personnel Management Act establishes competitive selection boards, and appointments are made by the President of the United States. Vacancies are managed within statutory limits set by the United States Department of Defense.

Duties and responsibilities

A major general typically serves as a senior commander or staff officer. Common command assignments include leading a division of 10,000–15,000 soldiers, a Numbered Air Force, a Marine Expeditionary Force brigade, or a major combatant command component. At the Pentagon, they may hold positions such as director of a Joint Staff directorate or deputy chief of staff for a service branch. They are key advisors to combatant commanders like those at United States Central Command or United States European Command. Responsibilities encompass strategic planning, operational execution, and oversight of major acquisition programs or training institutions like the United States Army War College.

Rank insignia and uniform

The rank insignia for a major general consists of two silver stars, worn on the shoulder boards of service dress uniforms and the collars of utility uniforms. The stars are arranged in a line. On the Army Green Service Uniform, stars are worn on epaulets. The Air Force service dress uniform and Space Force dress uniform feature two-star insignia on shoulder boards. The Marine Corps service uniform displays stars on shoulder boards and collar points. The Army Combat Uniform, Air Force OCP, and Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform show two-star rank via tab insignia on the chest. The traditional service cap features a chinstrap with gold leaves and a senior officer cap device.

Notable major generals

Numerous prominent figures have held the rank, including Anthony Wayne of the Legion of the United States, Winfield Scott during the Mexican–American War, and William Tecumseh Sherman early in the American Civil War. In the 20th century, John J. Pershing was a major general before commanding the American Expeditionary Forces, and Dwight D. Eisenhower held the rank prior to his promotion to General of the Army. Other notable holders include Benjamin O. Davis Sr., the first African American general officer; Michele M. Johnson, the first female United States Army Adjutant General; and Charles Q. Brown Jr., who served as a major general at Pacific Air Forces before becoming Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Category:United States military ranks Category:General officers of the United States