The five-star general rank still exists in the U.S. military, though no officer currently holds it. The rank has not been abolished but remains an active, albeit unoccupied, grade that can be awarded under specific circumstances.
The Enduring Status of the Five-Star Rank
Despite the perception that the rank no longer exists, the five-star grade, also known as General of the Army or Fleet Admiral, remains a valid part of the U.S. military's rank structure. The reason no officers currently hold this distinction is simply that no one has been promoted to it since the last appointments.
The last U.S. officer to hold a five-star rank was General Omar N. Bradley, who was promoted to General of the Army in September 1950. Upon his death in 1981, the rank became vacant. No U.S. officers have held a five-star rank since then. The authority to promote a general or admiral to five-star rank rests with the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. This discretionary power means the rank can be reactivated and bestowed at any time, should the President and Congress deem it necessary.
Historical Context and Purpose
The five-star rank was established during World War II, primarily to grant U.S. commanders parity with their allied counterparts who held equivalent ranks. It was intended for officers who commanded vast forces over multiple theaters during times of national emergency or major global conflicts. Its rarity underscores its significance, reserved only for those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and strategic genius on an unprecedented scale.
Notable Five-Star Generals and Admirals
Historically, only a select few individuals have ever attained this prestigious rank. These officers led the U.S. military during its most challenging periods, particularly World War II and the Korean War.
| Rank Held | Name | Service | Year Promoted (Examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General of the Army | George C. Marshall | Army | 1944 |
| General of the Army | Douglas MacArthur | Army | 1944 |
| General of the Army | Dwight D. Eisenhower | Army | 1944 |
| General of the Army | Henry H. Arnold | Army | 1944 |
| General of the Army | Omar N. Bradley | Army | September 1950 |
| Fleet Admiral | William D. Leahy | Navy | 1944 |
| Fleet Admiral | Ernest J. King | Navy | 1944 |
| Fleet Admiral | Chester W. Nimitz | Navy | 1944 |
| Fleet Admiral | William F. Halsey Jr. | Navy | 1945 |
Why No Current Appointments?
The primary reason for no current five-star appointments is the lack of a large-scale global conflict comparable to World War II. The criteria for promoting an officer to this rank are exceptionally high, typically requiring command of multiple service branches across entire theaters of war, often in coordination with allied forces. While U.S. forces have been involved in significant conflicts since 1981, none have reached the scale and scope that historically warranted the appointment of a five-star general or admiral. The rank remains a contingency, ready to be utilized should future global circumstances necessitate such a high level of command.
