The rank that has never been worn in the Marine Corps is the O-11, or "five-star" General rank.
Understanding Marine Corps Ranks
The United States Marine Corps, like other branches of the U.S. military, has a distinct rank structure for its enlisted personnel, warrant officers, and commissioned officers. These ranks define authority, responsibility, and pay grade. While the Marine Corps shares some general rank structures with the Army and Air Force (such as the four-star General), it has never seen an officer promoted to the rank of "five-star" General.
The Five-Star General Rank Explained
The "five-star" general rank, officially known as General of the Army or General of the Air Force, and Fleet Admiral in the Navy, is an extremely rare and historically significant rank within the U.S. armed forces. It is typically reserved for wartime and extraordinary circumstances, representing the highest possible command level.
Key aspects of this unique rank include:
- Designation: In the Army and Air Force, this is "General of the Army" or "General of the Air Force." For the Navy, it's "Fleet Admiral."
- Grade: This corresponds to an O-11 pay grade.
- Creation: The rank is not part of the standard promotion hierarchy but rather requires specific congressional authorization. It has historically been created during major conflicts like World War II.
- Historical Context: Only a select few individuals in U.S. military history have held this grade. Prominent examples include General George C. Marshall, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
- Marine Corps Absence: Despite its existence in other branches, no Marine Corps officer has ever been appointed to this O-11 "five-star" rank. While it is theoretically possible for Congress to create such a rank for the Marine Corps in the future, it has not occurred to date. The highest rank currently held by a Marine Corps officer is General (O-10), which is a "four-star" rank.
Commissioned Officer Ranks in the Marine Corps (O-1 to O-10)
To provide context, here's a general overview of the commissioned officer ranks, with the O-11 being the theoretical next step:
| Pay Grade | Rank Insignia | Marine Corps Rank Title |
|---|---|---|
| O-1 | Second Lieutenant | |
| O-2 | First Lieutenant | |
| O-3 | Captain | |
| O-4 | Major | |
| O-5 | Lieutenant Colonel | |
| O-6 | Colonel | |
| O-7 | Brigadier General | |
| O-8 | Major General | |
| O-9 | Lieutenant General | |
| O-10 | General | |
| O-11 | (Never Worn) |
Note: The O-11 "five-star" rank is a hypothetical designation for the Marine Corps, as it has never been established or worn.
This absence highlights the unique historical trajectory and organizational structure of the Marine Corps within the broader U.S. military framework.
For more detailed information on Marine Corps ranks and their insignia, you can refer to official resources like the U.S. Marine Corps' official website.
