The Six-Star General (Redux)

Early History

The evolution of military ranks in the United States has been shaped by historical needs and circumstances. Gary Arndt explains that for much of its history, the U.S. military was relatively small, and there was no need for a complex hierarchy. For instance, George Washington's highest rank was lieutenant general, a three-star rank by today's standards 1. The rank of general of the army, first awarded to Ulysses S. Grant, marked a significant development, though it lacked a standardized insignia initially 1.

   

World War Changes

World War I and II necessitated changes in the U.S. military's ranking system. The creation of the five-star rank of general of the army was a response to the need for a rank equivalent to the British field marshal 2. During WWII, four men were promoted to this rank, including Dwight Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur 2. The concept of a six-star general emerged with the rank of general of the armies, awarded to John Pershing and later George Washington 3.

   

Six-Star Rank

The rank of general of the armies, considered equivalent to a six-star general, has been awarded only twice. Gary Arndt notes that John Pershing was the first to receive this rank in 1919, followed by George Washington posthumously in 1976 3. In 2022, Ulysses S. Grant was also posthumously promoted to this rank, making him the third person to hold it 4.