Major general (O-8)

How to read it

DA Pamphlet 670-1 describes the major general insignia as two silver-colored, five-pointed stars, each 1 inch in diameter. The Department of Defense lists the grade as O-8. The Army’s ranks page says a major general typically commands a division of 10,000 to 16,000 soldiers, assisted by two brigadier generals as assistant division commanders. A major general outranks a Brigadier general (O-7) (one star), though a lieutenant general outranks both; above the major general is the Lieutenant general (O-9), with three stars.

Also searched as: MG, two-star general.

Major general or lieutenant general?

A Lieutenant general (O-9) is the higher rank: O-9, with three stars, against the major general’s O-8 and two stars. The Army Institute of Heraldry dates the major general’s two stars, and the brigadier general’s one, to 18 June 1780.

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.