Major-general

Major-General is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of Sergeant Major General. The disappearance of the "sergeant" in the title explains the apparent confusion of a lieutenant general outranking a major general and a major outranking a lieutenant.

History

The rank of Major-General has a history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally, the title was known as Sergeant Major General, a rank that was first used during the 16th century in various European armies. The term "Major-General" was shortened from the original "Sergeant Major General" in the 18th century.

Usage by country

United Kingdom

In the British Army and Royal Marines, the rank of Major-General is below Lieutenant-General and above Brigadier, and is thus equivalent to the naval rank of Rear Admiral. In the Royal Air Force, the comparable rank is Air Vice-Marshal.

United States

In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general.

See also

• Military rank
• General officer
• Comparative military ranks