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Major general
Major general
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Major general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general.[1]

In English-speaking countries, when appointed to a field command, a major general is typically in command of a division consisting of around 6,000 to 25,000 troops (several regiments or brigades). It is a rank that is subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the rank of brigadier or brigadier general. In the Commonwealth, major general is equivalent to the navy rank of rear admiral. In air forces with a separate rank structure (Commonwealth), major general is equivalent to air vice-marshal.

In some countries including much of Eastern Europe, major general is the lowest of the general officer ranks without brigadier general rank.

Countries

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Major general ranks by country

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Australia

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Bangladesh

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Brunei

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In the sultanate of Brunei, the rank of Major general (Malay: Mejar jeneral) is used by the Royal Brunei Land Force and the Royal Brunei Air Force. The rank is held by the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.[2]

Canada

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In the Canadian Armed Forces, the rank of major-general (MGen) (French: major-général) is both a Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force rank equivalent to the Royal Canadian Navy's rank of rear-admiral. A major-general is a general officer, the equivalent of a naval flag officer. The major-general rank is senior to the ranks of brigadier general and commodore, and junior to lieutenant-general and vice admiral. Prior to 1968, the Air Force used the rank of air vice-marshal, instead.

The rank insignia for a major-general in the Royal Canadian Air Force is a wide braid under a single narrow braid on the cuff, as well as two silver maple leaves beneath a crossed sword and baton, all surmounted by St. Edward's Crown. In the Canadian Army, the rank insignia is a wide braid on the cuff, as well as two gold maple leaves beneath a crossed sword and baton, all surmounted by St. Edward's Crown. It is worn on the shoulder straps of the service dress tunic, and on slip-ons on other uniforms. On the visor of the service cap are two rows of gold oak leaves.

Major-generals are initially addressed as 'general' and name, as are all general officers; thereafter by subordinates as 'sir' or 'ma'am' as applicable in English (French: mon général). Major-generals are normally entitled to staff cars.

India

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Myanmar

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In Myanmar, a Major General rank is usually held by someone that is a Regional Military Command General Officer Commanding (Regional Commander or တိုင်းမှူး) or a Director such as Director of Defence Service Intelligence (Khin Nyunt for example)

New Zealand

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In the New Zealand Army, major-general is the rank held by the chief of army (formerly the chief of general staff). The more senior rank of lieutenant-general is reserved for when an army officer holds the position of chief of defence force, who commands all of New Zealand's armed forces. This position is subject to rotation between the heads of the New Zealand Air Force, New Zealand Army, and New Zealand Navy.

Pakistan

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Major general in the Pakistan Army is equivalent to rear admiral in the Pakistan Navy and air vice marshal in the Pakistan Air Force. It is the lowest of the general officer ranks, ranking between brigadier and lieutenant general.

Portugal

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The rank of major-general was reintroduced in the Portuguese Army, Portuguese Air Force, and Portuguese National Republican Guard in 1999, replacing the former rank of brigadier in the role of brigade commander. As a rank, it had previously been used in the Army only for a brief period (from 1862 to 1864). It is equivalent to the rank of contra-almirante (rear-admiral) in the Portuguese Navy. In 2015, the rank of major-general was moved up one level, with the role of brigade commander being assumed by the below rank of brigadier-general.

In most of the 19th and first half of the 20th century, major-general was not used as a rank in the Portuguese military, but as an appointment title conferred to the general officer that acted as the military head of a service branch. The roles of Major-General of the Navy (Major-General da Armada) and Major-General of the Army (Major-General do Exército) became extinct in 1950, with their roles being unified in the then created Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.

Russia

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In the Russian Army, the rank 'major general' is known as Russian: генера́л-майо́р, romanizedgenerál-mayór. It is equivalent to a British brigadier or an American brigadier general.[3]

Sri Lanka

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Turkey

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The Turkish Army and Air Force refer to the rank as tümgeneral. The Turkish Navy equivalent is tümamiral. The name is derived from tümen, the Turkish word for a military division (tümen itself is an older Turkish word meaning 10,000). Thus, linguistically, it is similar to the French equivalent for a major general, French: général de division.

United Kingdom

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United States

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In the United States, the rank of major general exists in the United States Air Force, United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Space Force.

Generalmajor

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Generalmajor is the Germanic variant of major general, used in a number of Central and Northern European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, and Sweden.

Insignia

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Army

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A major general is a senior used in the armed forces of many nations, particularly in English-speaking countries and member states, denoting a two-star who typically commands division-sized units or holds equivalent high-level staff positions. This rank, abbreviated as Maj. Gen. or MG in the U.S. Army and Maj Gen in the , sits above (or ) and below in the hierarchy of general officers. It is equivalent to (upper half) in naval services and major general in air forces across various countries. The rank originated in the from the older title of "," a position responsible for troops, with the "sergeant" prefix gradually dropped as ranks formalized in European armies, including the British. In the United States, the modern of two silver stars for major generals was established on June 18, 1780, during the Revolutionary War, distinguishing it from the single star of a . Responsibilities vary by nation and service branch but generally involve leading large formations—such as divisions of 10,000 to 16,000 personnel in the U.S. —or overseeing training academies and strategic headquarters, as seen in the where major generals command divisions, brigades, or the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In the U.S. Armed Forces, major generals ( O-8) fill roles as commanders, deputies, or key staff in organizations managing significant resources and operations, with 90 authorized in the as of 2024. While the rank's structure is standardized in Commonwealth nations like the and , where it commands divisions or serves in the , variations exist internationally; for instance, in some Eastern European militaries, major general is the lowest rank without a separate level. typically features two stars, or a crossed and baton surmounted by a star in British tradition, or silver stars on the shoulders in U.S. uniforms, reflecting its prestige and operational authority.

Definition and History

Definition

A major general is a two-star rank in many armed forces, positioned as the lowest grade above (or ) and below in standard military hierarchies. This rank, denoted by the O-8 in the United States and equivalent systems, signifies senior command authority, typically involving oversight of divisions or equivalent large-scale units. The title "major general" derives from the historical rank of "," an early modern administrative role responsible for coordinating logistics, marches, and operations under the ; over time, the prefix "sergeant" was dropped as the position evolved into a distinct commissioned grade. In member nations, the major general rank is standardized under the code OF-7 to facilitate among allied forces, ensuring consistent recognition in operations without altering national titles. It is primarily used in and contexts, where it corresponds to two silver stars on the , in contrast to naval equivalents such as (upper half), which holds the same but uses naval and terminology.

Historical Origins

The rank of major general originated in 17th-century , evolving from the earlier title of "," which denoted a senior administrative and deputy command role under the in formations. In the , this predecessor role emerged around the mid-1600s as armies professionalized, with the "sergeant" prefix gradually dropped by to simplify the designation to major general, reflecting its status as the third-highest rank below and general. A key milestone in its formalization occurred during the (1642–1651), when the rank was employed to signify command over multiple regiments, often in the context of the established in 1645, where officers like Philip Skippon served as sergeant major generals overseeing forces. By a royal warrant in 1699, the rank was stabilized in the , with the Major General of the Ordnance exemplifying its integration into permanent staff structures. The rank spread across European armies during the (1799–1815), where it influenced standardized hierarchies; in , the equivalent général de division commanded divisions, while in , Generalmajor held a similar divisional leadership role, facilitating coordinated large-scale operations amid the era's expansive campaigns. In colonial contexts, it was adopted in the (1775–1783), becoming a standard rank by 1775, with appointing major generals and prescribing two-star epaulettes for them in 1780 to denote their authority over brigades or departments. In the , the major general evolved to typically command divisions in major conflicts, as seen in where British and American major generals led divisions on the Western Front, and in where U.S. major generals such as those heading armored or divisions directed combined-arms operations in theaters like and .

Role and Responsibilities

Command Structure

The major general is a two-star rank, typically denoted by two silver stars or equivalent symbols on the , and serves as the highest permanent peacetime rank in many armed forces. In this capacity, a major general usually commands a division-sized unit comprising 10,000 to 15,000 personnel, or equivalent formations such as air wings in air forces, providing operational over combined-arms forces. Within the military hierarchy, major generals are subordinate to lieutenant generals (three-star) who command or higher echelons, while exercising authority over colonels and brigadier generals (one-star) in subordinate roles. They frequently serve as deputies to lieutenant generals in larger commands or lead joint task forces integrating multi-service elements for specific operations. A major general's typically encompasses oversight of 2 to 4 brigades, along with integrated support elements for , , and , ensuring cohesive execution across the formation. This structure allows for effective management of diverse capabilities, from maneuver units to sustainment resources, in alignment with broader strategic objectives. Roles for major generals differ between peacetime and wartime contexts. In peacetime, they often occupy staff positions at major headquarters or lead training and readiness commands to maintain force preparedness and administrative efficiency. During wartime, the emphasis shifts to direct field command of divisions or task forces, focusing on tactical execution, rapid decision-making, and combat leadership to achieve mission success.

Modern Applications

In contemporary military contexts, major generals frequently lead operations within multinational frameworks, particularly under or UN mandates established in the post-Cold War period from the onward. These officers coordinate diverse forces from multiple nations, ensuring operational and strategic alignment in missions ranging from crisis response to stabilization efforts, often serving on staffs or as commanders in combatant commands. For example, major generals have directed -led initiatives in the during the , adapting alliance structures to new security challenges beyond traditional collective defense. Major generals have been instrumental in major conflicts such as those in and (2001-2021), commanding divisions and task forces. In these theaters, they oversaw tactical execution, , and troop welfare for units comprising 10,000 to 20,000 personnel, integrating conventional and to counter insurgencies and secure objectives. In the , major generals continue to play key roles in contemporary operations, such as leading multinational task forces in NATO's enhanced forward presence in and supporting U.S. Command initiatives. Similarly, in UN missions in , major generals serve as force commanders, managing multinational contingents to maintain ceasefires and protect civilians; for instance, Major General Fida Hussain Malik led the UN-African Union Hybrid Operation in (UNAMID) starting in mid-2017, coordinating approximately 16,000 military personnel across . Beyond combat roles, major generals handle significant administrative duties in the 21st century, including oversight of military districts, training institutions, and specialized units focused on emerging threats like cyber and hybrid warfare. They manage regional commands that integrate civil-military relations, resource allocation, and infrastructure development, often in non-combat zones to enhance readiness. Examples include commanding training academies such as the Joint Forces Staff College, where they direct professional military education for joint operations, or leading cyber centers like the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence, responsible for developing doctrines and capabilities against digital threats. Promotion to major general generally requires 25 to 30 years of commissioned service, with typical eligibility after approximately 26 years, alongside completion of advanced military education such as attendance at war colleges to foster . Candidates must also demonstrate proven through successive command assignments and joint duty experience, with selections made by promotion boards considering performance evaluations and operational impact, often confirmed by legislative bodies in democratic militaries. This rigorous process ensures that major generals possess the expertise needed for high-stakes responsibilities in evolving global security environments.

International Variations

Commonwealth Nations

The rank of major general in the originated in the as part of the evolving hierarchy, with the title reflecting command over major formations during the period's expanding military campaigns. Today, it holds OF-7 status in the rank structure, typically involving command of a division or serving as at higher , such as in the . In , the rank has functioned as a two-star position since the nation's federation in 1901, aligning with British traditions while adapting to the Australian Army's operational needs. The insignia features a pip of the above crossed and baton, with "Australia" inscribed below. A notable example occurred in 1999 during the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) operation, where Major General commanded multinational peacekeeping forces to restore stability amid post-referendum violence. Canada's usage incorporates bilingual terminology, with the rank designated as "major-général" in French alongside "major general" in English, reflecting the Canadian Armed Forces' official language policy established to promote equity. As a founding member since 1949, integrates major generals into alliance structures, where they often command regional land force areas, such as the former Land Force Western Area responsible for operations across western provinces. Following independence in 1947, the retained the major general rank from its British colonial structure, employing it for divisional commands and oversight of training at corps level, including preparation for major conflicts. During the Indo-Pakistani wars of and , major generals played critical roles in frontline operations, such as coordinating defensive maneuvers in during the 1965 and supporting the rapid advance in the eastern theater that led to Bangladesh's creation in 1971. New Zealand and Pakistan maintain similar structures rooted in British influence but scaled for their respective force sizes and strategic priorities. In New Zealand, major generals lead the small but agile , often as Chief of Army, focusing on joint operations and Pacific partnerships suited to a force of around 9,000 personnel. In Pakistan, post-Partition in , the rank emphasizes border security commands, with major generals heading key like X Corps along the , adapting inherited British divisions to immediate threats from the northwest and east.

United States

In the United States, the rank of major general was first formalized in the Continental Army on July 4, 1775, when the Continental Congress appointed officers such as , Charles Lee, , and to the position to organize and lead forces against British troops during the Revolutionary War. This two-star rank, designated as pay grade , is currently authorized across the U.S. , , Marine Corps, and Space Force under Title 10 of the , which outlines the structure and authority of the armed forces. The for a major general consists of two silver worn on the shoulder epaulets or boards of the , a standardized in 1832 following earlier regulations from 1780 that introduced silver for general officers to denote rank visually on the and in formal settings. Officers in this rank receive a base monthly pay ranging from approximately $13,380 for those with over two years of service to about $18,000 for those with 30 or more years, depending on longevity and adjustments under the 2025 military . Major generals typically hold key command positions tailored to their branch, such as leading an division of 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers in operational theaters, commanding an wing responsible for air operations and maintenance, or overseeing Marine Corps districts that manage training and logistics for expeditionary forces. In the , established on December 20, 2019, major generals direct orbital commands focused on satellite operations, space surveillance, and defense of space assets, reflecting the branch's emphasis on domain awareness and warfighting in orbit. A notable historical example is General , who served as a temporary major general starting April 4, 1941, commanding the 2nd Armored Division and later leading major armored operations in , including the Sicilian campaign and the advance across . (Note: This links to Army historical resources on Patton's service.) Promotions to major general require Senate confirmation under 10 U.S.C. § 601, ensuring oversight of senior leadership selections, with boards evaluating candidates based on performance, command experience, and strategic potential; the average age at promotion is typically in the late 40s to mid-50s, reflecting 25 to 30 years of service.

Other Countries

In , the rank of major general was retained from the British colonial era following in 1971 and typically commands infantry divisions within the . Major generals have been prominently involved in operations since the army's first deployment in to monitor the Iran-Iraq , with officers at this rank frequently appointed to high-level positions such as force commanders in missions across and the . In , known as the , the major general rank is a two-star position equivalent to NATO's OF-7, responsible for leading regional commands that oversee territorial defense and internal security operations. Since the 2021 coup, major generals have directed responses to widespread civil conflicts, including clashes with ethnic groups in border regions, amid ongoing insurgencies that have resulted in the capture or loss of several high-ranking officers. Portugal's major-general rank, established in the as part of the army's modernization efforts, aligns with standards and involves commanding brigades or divisions in multinational operations. Portuguese major generals have participated in military missions, such as those in the Western Balkans and , contributing to NATO's collective defense framework through joint exercises and rapid deployment forces. In , the equivalent rank of general-major functions as OF-7 under codification and was introduced in the 18th century during military reforms under to lead corps or divisions. Since the 2022 invasion of , Russian general-majors have commanded frontline units and operational groups, with significant casualties reported among them due to targeted strikes on command structures in contested areas like and . Sri Lanka adapted the major general rank post-independence in 1948 from its British colonial structure, using it to lead task forces during the counter-insurgency campaign against the from 1983 to 2009, where officers at this level coordinated offensives in the northern and eastern provinces to dismantle insurgent strongholds. In , major generals in the Land Forces, integrated into since 1952, command mechanized or infantry brigades, often deploying in alliance-led missions such as in and joint exercises to enhance interoperability with European partners. Brunei's , formed upon independence from Britain in 1984, employ the major general rank for the overall command of the , encompassing ceremonial duties like national parades as well as operational responsibilities in territorial defense and regional cooperation through exercises with partners.

Equivalents and Insignia

Branch Equivalents

In the United States and member nations, the major general rank—typically a two-star, position in land forces—has direct equivalents in other military branches to maintain uniform command levels across services. In the naval forces, this corresponds to (upper half), a who commands carrier strike groups, flotillas, or major shore establishments such as naval districts. This equivalence ensures seamless joint operations, where a major general's authority over a division aligns with a rear admiral's oversight of comparable naval assets. For air forces within , including the U.S. Air Force, the rank is major general, unchanged since the U.S. Air Force's establishment as a separate branch on September 18, 1947, under the National Security Act. Major generals in air forces command numbered air forces, major commands, or large installations, such as air operations centers or training wings, paralleling the divisional leadership in ground forces. In the U.S. Marine Corps, major generals hold the same two-star rank and lead Marine expeditionary forces, divisions, or groups in amphibious and expeditionary operations, emphasizing rapid deployment and integrated capabilities. Similarly, the U.S. Space Force, created in December 2019 as the sixth armed service, employs major generals as two-star officers to direct space deltas or major space commands, focusing on orbital warfare, operations, and . Internationally, branch equivalents reflect national structures but align with NATO's Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 2116, which codifies officer grades (OF codes) for interoperability in multinational operations. Under STANAG 2116's OF-8 category, a major general in land or air forces equates to a rear admiral (upper half) in most NATO navies, facilitating joint command in coalitions. For example, in Russia, the naval counterpart to the army's general-major (a two-star equivalent) is admiral, used for commanding fleets or naval districts, though the system compresses grades compared to NATO standards. In France, the vice-amiral serves as the naval equivalent to the army's général de division (OF-8 alignment), overseeing squadrons or naval commands in joint exercises. These equivalences underscore STANAG's role in enabling cross-branch and multinational coordination without altering national hierarchies.

Insignia Designs

The insignia for the rank of in contexts typically consists of two silver stars, as established in the United States since 1780, when regulations prescribed this on epaulettes for major generals to distinguish them from generals, who wore one . In nations influenced by British traditions, the features a crossed and baton surmounted by a , a formalized in the early on epaulettes. These epaulettes, introduced across European armies in the , originally incorporated for officers, evolving from decorative ornaments to structured rank indicators by the late 1700s. Variations exist in other armies; for instance, the Russian general-major rank uses two large stars on rectangular boards, a design retained from Soviet-era reforms and adapted post-1991 with national emblems. In the , the mirrors the British crossed and baton with a star but incorporates the lion capital emblem above it, added after independence in 1947 to reflect national symbolism. These insignia are integrated into uniforms on shoulders via epaulettes or slides, collars for , or sleeves in some historical contexts, allowing visibility during ceremonies or field operations. Over time, designs have shifted from ornate 18th-century in European armies to subdued black or olive-drab versions on combat uniforms, standardized in the U.S. Army after the to reduce visibility in tactical environments. In adaptations, major generals wear similar two-star , but in subdued or metal on flight suits and shoulder patches, ensuring compatibility with gear while maintaining rank distinction.

References

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