Major General

Major General

A Major General is a senior rank in the military, typically commanding a division-sized unit of 10,000 to 20,000 soldiers. This rank is used in many countries around the world and is often considered a two-star general officer rank. The rank of Major General is above Brigadier General and below Lieutenant General.

History

The rank of Major General has its origins in the 17th century. It was first used in the New Model Army of the English Civil War. The term "Major General" was derived from the earlier rank of "Sergeant Major General," which was a senior rank in the armies of the 16th and 17th centuries. Over time, the "Sergeant" part of the title was dropped, and the rank became known simply as "Major General."

Responsibilities

A Major General typically commands a division, which is a large military unit consisting of several brigades. The responsibilities of a Major General include:

• Planning and executing military operations at the division level.
• Coordinating with other divisions and higher command structures.
• Managing the logistics, training, and administration of the division.
• Leading and inspiring soldiers under their command.

Insignia

The insignia for a Major General usually consists of two stars. However, the specific design and placement of the stars can vary between different countries' military forces. For example, in the United States Army, the insignia is two silver stars worn on the shoulder or collar.

Promotion

Promotion to the rank of Major General is a significant achievement in a military officer's career. It typically requires many years of service, demonstrated leadership ability, and successful completion of advanced military education. Officers are usually selected for promotion to Major General by a board of senior officers and must be confirmed by the appropriate governmental authority.

Notable Major Generals

Throughout history, many notable individuals have held the rank of Major General. Some of these include:

• Major General George S. Patton - A prominent U.S. Army officer during World War II.
• Major General Charles George Gordon - A British Army officer known for his role in the Siege of Khartoum.
• Major General John Sedgwick - A Union Army officer during the American Civil War.

Also see

• Brigadier General
• Lieutenant General
• General officer
• Military rank