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A General is a commissioned officer in the United States Army. They receive their commission upon appointment by President of the United States by recommendation of the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of the Army.

Generals, distinct in their own right as the rank of General and separate from the other grades of general despite each being addressed as general, serve in the grade of O-10.

Generals are often referred to as “four-stars,” the number of stars worn on their uniform to signify their rank, in order to make clarify from the start the type of general officer being referred to.

The grade and rank of General is the highest-ranking position an Army officer can achieve while serving since the rank of General of the Army is reserved for total war situations (i.e. World War II).

Generals hold commands at the highest levels of the Army, such as in TRADOC or Forces Command; in addition, they can serve as the Chief of Staff of the Army or as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

No officer in the Army, and no soldier save Command Sergeants Major, have more experience, technical or tactical competence, or leadership capability than Generals.

Cited Sources: U.S. Army Ranks List - Lowest to Highest. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.federalpay.org/military/army/ranks