General (O-10)

How to read it

DA Pamphlet 670-1 describes the general’s insignia as four silver-colored, five-pointed stars, each 1 inch in diameter. The Department of Defense lists the grade as O-10. The Army’s ranks page says a general typically has over 30 years of experience and service; the chief of staff of the Army, for example, is a four-star general. A Lieutenant general (O-9) wears three stars. The one grade above, General of the Army, with five stars, is reserved for wartime; the Army’s ranks page says the last officers to hold it served during and immediately after the Second World War.

Also searched as: four-star general, GEN.

How a general is addressed

Army Regulation 600-20 gives “General” as the title of address for every general officer grade, from brigadier general to General of the Army. The Army Recruiting Command’s customs training says general officers are addressed as “Sir” or “Ma’am” in person, and as “General” with the last name when others speak of them.