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Brigadier general

A brigadier general is a senior commissioned officer rank in many armed forces worldwide, positioned immediately above the rank of colonel and below that of major general, typically commanding brigades or serving in deputy roles for larger units. In the NATO standardization agreement STANAG 2116, the rank corresponds to code OF-6, with equivalents including "brigadier" in the United Kingdom and "général de brigade" in France, among others used by member nations such as the United States, Canada, Belgium, Germany, and Italy. The rank emphasizes leadership over tactical units of approximately 3,000 to 5,000 personnel, reflecting its historical association with brigade-level command. In the United States Armed Forces, the brigadier general is a permanent one-star rank designated as O-7, held in the , , Marine Corps, and , while the Navy and use the equivalent "rear admiral (lower half)." U.S. brigadier generals often serve as deputy commanders of divisions (10,000–15,000 soldiers), principal staff officers at higher echelons, or commanders of brigades and other specialized units, assisting in mission planning, coordination, and execution. The insignia consists of a single worn on the shoulder epaulets or collar, a dating back to June 18, 1780, when the Continental Congress prescribed one star for brigadier generals to distinguish them from major generals with two stars. The rank's origins trace to 17th-century Europe, evolving from the French "brigadier des armées du roi," a permanent rank created in 1667 for brigade commanders during the reign of Louis XIV, which influenced British and later American military structures. In the U.S., it was established by the Continental Congress in 1775 as the second-highest rank after major general, temporarily serving as the senior rank from 1802 to 1812 when major general was abolished, and was made permanent in the Army in 1901 after earlier fluctuations during the Civil War era. Internationally, variations persist, such as the non-general "brigadier" in Commonwealth nations, but the brigadier general title underscores its general officer status in countries like the U.S. and several NATO allies.

Definition and Role

Origins and Etymology

The rank of brigadier general traces its etymology to the French term brigadier-général, derived from brigade, which originated in the Italian brigata (a troop or company of soldiers) and ultimately from the Latin briga, meaning strife or contention, reflecting the command over fighting units. This nomenclature emphasized oversight of a brigade, a tactical formation typically comprising multiple regiments, evolving in the 17th century as armies professionalized and required intermediate command structures beyond regimental colonels. In European armies, particularly French, the rank emerged as a temporary wartime appointment to address the need for specialized brigade leadership during conflicts like the Thirty Years' War and the Fronde. The first formal creation occurred on June 8, 1657, with the appointment of brigadiers in the cavalry to command ad hoc brigades of several regiments, marking a shift from purely regimental to broader tactical commands. This was extended to infantry on March 17, 1668, establishing the brigadier des armées du roi as an intermediate senior officer role between mestre de camp (equivalent to colonel) and higher general ranks, though not yet a full general officer position. The variant, or general de brigada, is used to denote brigade commanders. Initially temporary and merit-based, these ranks evolved from wartime necessities into permanent positions, laying the conceptual foundation for modern one-star general officers responsible for -level operations.

Responsibilities and Command Structure

A brigadier general serves as a one-star , typically responsible for commanding certain brigade-sized units or acting as commanders within larger divisions; such brigades comprise approximately 3,000 to 5,000 troops, which often include multiple battalions organized for operations such as , armor, and integration. In this capacity, the officer directs tactical maneuvers, ensures during engagements, and coordinates to support mission objectives on the . Alternatively, brigadier generals frequently act as commanders within larger divisions, assisting major generals in overseeing broader operational strategies while maintaining direct involvement in subordinate unit performance. Key responsibilities encompass tactical planning, where the brigadier general develops and refines operational schemes to integrate , maneuver elements, and intelligence for effective outcomes, often exemplified in leading brigade combat teams during joint exercises or deployments. They also provide oversight for training programs, evaluating readiness through simulations, live-fire drills, and to prepare forces for diverse scenarios, including and high-intensity conflicts. Additionally, brigadier generals serve as vital liaisons between brigade-level execution and higher echelons, relaying critical feedback on resource needs and adjusting plans in response to evolving threats from or commanders. Within the NATO rank structure, the holds the OF-6 code, positioning it as a senior field-grade officer equivalent to the naval rank of (lower half), which facilitates among allied forces in multinational operations. to this rank is highly selective, typically requiring 20 or more years of commissioned service, demonstrated leadership in command roles, successful completion of senior-level education such as the , and endorsement by promotion boards assessing strategic potential and duty experience.

Historical Evolution

Early Usage in Europe

The rank of brigadier general first emerged in under King in 1667, initially as a temporary appointment for commanders during the (1667–1668). Created in June of that year for the and extended to the in March 1668, the grade of brigadier de cavalerie and brigadier d'infanterie served as an intermediate position between senior colonels and higher general officers, allowing for more flexible command of tactical units without granting full general authority. This innovation reflected Louis XIV's efforts to centralize and professionalize the amid expansionist campaigns, with the role proving essential for coordinating smaller formations in the conflict against Spanish forces in the . The concept quickly spread to the Iberian Peninsula in the late 17th century, influenced by French military practices during the ongoing wars. In Spain, Philip V formalized the rank of brigadier in 1702 through an ordinance that positioned it as the entry-level general officer role, responsible for leading brigades and bridging the gap between colonels and field marshals. Portugal followed suit in 1707, when King João V established the brigadeiro as a permanent rank for both infantry and cavalry via royal decree, marking a shift from ad hoc brigade leadership to a structured hierarchy that supported the kingdom's involvement in European conflicts. These adoptions helped standardize brigade command across allied or rival armies, drawing on the French model to enhance operational efficiency. By the , the rank underwent further evolution in , particularly in amid the . Following the devastating defeat at Jena-Auerstedt in 1806, Prussian military reforms under leaders like introduced the position of Brigadegeneral in 1808 as a functional title for brigade commanders, evolving into a formalized rank that solidified its place as the lowest tier of general officers. This change, part of broader efforts to modernize the army's structure for large-scale maneuvers, influenced subsequent standardizations across German states and emphasized the brigadier general's role in integrating , , and at the brigade level. The etymological roots trace to military terminology, where "brigadier" denoted a brigade overseer.

Development in the Americas

The rank of brigadier general was first introduced in during the (1775–1783), where it served as a key command position for leading brigades in the Continental Army. The Continental Congress appointed eight initial brigadier generals on June 22, 1775, including , who oversaw quartermaster operations and tactical maneuvers in critical campaigns such as the defense of and the southern theater. This usage drew briefly from British military precedents, adapting the rank to coordinate dispersed militia and regular units amid the fight for independence. Following U.S. independence, the rank was formalized in the peacetime U.S. Army through the Military Peace Establishment Act of 1802, which reorganized the forces and temporarily abolished the higher rank of , making brigadier general the senior grade until its restoration in 1812 ahead of the War of 1812. In parallel, Latin American nations emerging from colonial rule adopted similar structures during their independence struggles, often mirroring Spanish or Portuguese models to build professional armies. In , the of 1810 prompted the to establish patriot militias and appoint officers, incorporating the rank of brigadier general (general de ) for brigade commanders in the Army of the North under leaders like , who led expeditions against royalist forces in the northwest. Brazil followed suit upon declaring independence in 1822, when Emperor Pedro I commissioned the with ranks inherited from Portuguese colonial forces, including brigadeiro (brigadier) as a divisional leadership role to expel remaining Portuguese troops during conflicts like of . By the 20th century, the evolved further in response to revolutionary upheavals and state-building efforts. In , the 1917 Constitutional Army reforms, enshrined in the new federal , transformed the revolutionary forces into a permanent national institution, elevating (general de brigada) to a standardized, enduring within the to professionalize command structures and ensure loyalty to the constitutional regime. These adaptations across the reflected a shift from wartime appointments to institutionalized hierarchies, enabling more cohesive military responses to internal and external threats.

Variants and Equivalents

Brigadier General

A brigadier general is a senior employed in the armed forces of the , various Latin American nations such as and , and select Asian militaries including the , where it serves as a one-star grade positioned above and below . This rank denotes the entry level among general officers, typically indicated by a single star in rank hierarchy systems, and is associated with command authority over units of approximately 3,000 to 5,000 personnel. In non-Commonwealth contexts, it emphasizes operational leadership at the brigade , bridging tactical execution and higher-level coordination without extending into full divisional or theater command. Distinguishing the brigadier general from higher ranks like major general or lieutenant general involves more limited scope and duration of authority; while senior generals oversee and multi-division operations, brigadier generals concentrate on brigade-level tactics, including , integration, and for engagements involving forces. Their command tenures are generally shorter, lasting 2 to 4 years in key billets, allowing for rotation to maintain fresh perspectives and align with career progression timelines. This focus on tactical proficiency equips brigadier generals to execute missions such as rapid deployment or defensive operations within a larger framework, rather than shaping overarching . A notable historical feature of the rank in the U.S. Army was its temporary nature during wartime expansions prior to , when appointments were often and reverted post-conflict, limiting long-term institutional roles. The Army Reorganization Act of February 2, , marked a shift by authorizing six permanent brigadier general positions in the line, enabling sustained peacetime leadership and professionalization of the officer corps. This permanence facilitated more consistent command structures, influencing similar evolutions in allied militaries. The U.S. variant shares equivalence with the single-word "brigadier" rank in the , though the latter employs distinct non-star symbology.

Brigadier

The rank of emerged in the during the as a response to the temporary nature of the brigadier-general appointments used during for commanding brigades. Following the abolition of brigadier-general in 1921, the single-word title "" was reintroduced on 1 as a temporary rank to replace earlier designations like colonel-commandant, allowing senior colonels to lead formations without status. This change positioned as the highest field officer rank, equivalent to code OF-6, deliberately omitting the "general" suffix to differentiate it from (OF-7) and limit entitlements associated with full general officers. Brigadiers typically command brigades in expeditionary or field operations, serving as a bridge between regimental colonels and divisional in the command structure. The rank became a substantive, permanent position in the on 1 November 1947, enabling career progression and fixed pay scales for officers in this grade. Post-World War II, this structure was standardized across former militaries, including in following independence in 1947, where the retained the brigadier as its OF-6 equivalent for brigade-level commands. Similarly, South Africa's Union Defence Force adopted the brigadier title from 1937 onward, solidifying its use in post-war reorganization as a field rank aligned with practices. In air forces of these Commonwealth nations, the equivalent OF-6 rank is , reflecting parallel command responsibilities over or -sized units without the general designation. The brigadier's historical roots trace briefly to 17th-century European commands, which the formalized for tactical flexibility in expeditionary forces.

Brigade General

The term "" serves as the English translation for various non-Anglophone ranks denoting the lowest level of , typically equivalent to the NATO officer rank code OF-6 and responsible for commanding a or equivalent formation adapted to national organizational sizes. In the French Army, the rank of général de brigade—literally "brigade general"—was established during the in 1793 as a redesignation of the prior maréchal de camp, retaining its two-star insignia and focusing on brigade-level command. This structure persisted through the and was formalized by decree on February 28, 1848, with the rank holder wearing two stars on the uniform sleeve and képi. The two-star designation for this entry-level general rank created occasional international confusion with higher equivalents like , particularly before mid-20th-century standardizations that emphasized distinctions in command scope and insignia. Similarly, in the , generale di brigata translates directly to brigade general and aligns with OF-6, entailing command of a while incorporating Italy's modular structures for operational flexibility. In the German , Brigadegeneral functions as the brigade general rank at OF-6, distinct from the superior (OF-7), and is tasked with leading in ground forces operations. Belgium's adoption of général de brigade in 1830, upon gaining independence, reflected the Napoleonic model's influence from its prior integration into French military administration, establishing a brigade-command framework that evolved through 20th-century reorganizations to fit modern NATO alignments.

Usage by Country

United States

The rank of brigadier general was first established in the Continental Army in 1775, when the Continental Congress appointed eight major generals and 27 brigadier generals to organize the initial force under George Washington. This temporary wartime rank provided brigade-level command during the Revolutionary War, with appointments such as Benedict Arnold's commission on January 10, 1776, reflecting its early use for operational leadership. Following the war, the rank lapsed but was reinstated in various forms; it became a permanent part of the U.S. Army structure with the Act of March 3, 1815, which authorized two major generals and four brigadier generals in the regular establishment to maintain a standing force. Today, brigadier general serves as the one-star rank (O-7 ) in the United States , , Corps, and , denoting senior leadership typically over brigades, divisions, or specialized commands. The , established in 2019, adopted the same rank structure as the , with brigadier generals overseeing space operations and mission areas. These positions are subject to statutory caps under 10 U.S.C. § 525, which limit the total number of general officers to ensure efficient force management. Promotions to brigadier general are governed by Title 10 of the U.S. Code, particularly sections 611–619 and 624, which outline the selection board process convened by the service secretaries to recommend officers from eligible colonels based on performance, seniority, and needs of the service. The nominates selectees, but confirmation is required under Article II, Section 2 of the and 10 U.S.C. § 624, ensuring ; for example, recent brigadier general nominations are transmitted to the for . This process prioritizes merit while maintaining civilian control over the military. A notable historical feature of the rank during the (1861–1865) was the widespread use of brevet commissions, which granted temporary higher ranks like brigadier general for gallantry or meritorious service without increasing permanent pay or billet, allowing officers such as James W. Ripley to lead at elevated levels while reverting to lower ranks postwar. Over 1,600 such brevets to brigadier general or higher were awarded by war's end, recognizing contributions without expanding the . The Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 further shaped the role by mandating duty assignments—service in unified combatant commands or other interservice positions—as a prerequisite for promotion to brigadier general and higher ranks, aiming to foster integrated operations across branches. Under 10 U.S.C. § 668, officers must complete at least one , typically lasting two to four years, to qualify for selection boards, with exceptions granted by the Chairman of the ; this reform has increased brigadier generals' involvement in joint billets, such as deputy commanders in combatant commands.

United Kingdom

In the , the of serves as the senior field officer in the and , positioned above and below , with a code of OF-6. Originally designated as brigadier-general and functioning as the lowest , it was used on a temporary basis for commands during wartime or specific operations until its abolition in 1921 following the First World War, when the formation was temporarily discontinued as a standard tactical unit. The was revived in as "brigadier" on a temporary basis to replace the appointments of and on the staff, reflecting the reintroduction of permanent structures in the . This change emphasized its status as a field officer role rather than a one, distinguishing it from the U.S. brigadier general, which retains the "general" designation and status.) Post-Second World War reforms solidified the rank's structure, with brigadier becoming a substantive (permanent) rank in , allowing officers to hold it beyond temporary appointments and aligning it more closely with peacetime command needs. Further adjustments occurred in the late , including a 1997 review of ranks that formally mapped brigadier to the OF-6 grade, ensuring interoperability in multinational operations such as those under frameworks. In these structures, brigadiers typically command brigades comprising 3,000 to 5,000 personnel, integrating , armor, , and support elements for operations. Appointments to the rank of are made by the on the advice of the Secretary of State for Defence, formalizing commissions through royal warrants that emphasize the role's seniority in operational and staff capacities. As of July 2025, the has 211 general officers (OF-6 and above), many serving in commands, directorates for capability development, or joint headquarters roles across Forces. Equivalent ranks exist in the other services: in the Royal Air Force (also OF-6) for commanding wings or groups, and in the Royal Navy (two-star equivalent) for flotillas or shore establishments, maintaining parity in seniority and responsibility.

Canada

In the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the rank of brigadier-general traces its origins to the colonial militia in , where it was employed as the most junior rank for commanding brigades prior to . Following the passage of the Act in 1868, which formalized Canada's post- military structure in 1867, the rank was established within the Permanent Active to oversee district-level commands and training. This early usage reflected British Commonwealth influences on Canadian . The unification of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force into the single on February 1, 1968, reinstated the rank as "Brigadier-General" in English and "Général de brigade" in French, aligning with Canada's bilingual federal structure. It functions as a one-star rank (NATO code OF-6) primarily in the and , where incumbents serve in senior staff roles or tactical commands rather than routine leadership, which often falls to colonels. Brigadier-generals lead specialized operations within the , such as implementing aspects of Operation HONOUR, the initiative launched in 2015 to eliminate sexual misconduct through policy enforcement and cultural reform. They also command contingents in missions, including roles as national military representatives at (). Promotions to this rank occur through the Canadian Forces Professional Development System, which emphasizes competency-based assessments, mandatory education like the Joint Command and Staff Programme, and merit selection boards; ministerial approval is required on the Chief of the Defence Staff's recommendation. As of January 2025, approximately 50–60 officers hold the rank of brigadier-general, forming the base of the 's general and cadre of 145 positions.

Australia

In the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the rank of brigadier has been utilized since 1912, initially as a temporary appointment modeled on the United Kingdom's variant for commanding brigades during the First World War, before becoming a permanent one-star rank in the Australian Army. This title replaced the earlier "brigadier general" designation used prior to 1922, aligning with British reforms to streamline senior officer nomenclature. In the Royal Australian Air Force, the equivalent rank is air commodore, while the Royal Australian Navy uses commodore, reflecting the unified rank structure across the ADF established under the Defence Act 1903. Brigadiers in the Australian Army typically command brigades comprising 3,000 to 5,000 personnel or serve in senior staff roles, such as directors general in Army Headquarters, with responsibilities spanning personnel, operations, and career management. Promotions to this rank are authorized under the Defence Act 1903, which defines the corresponding ranks across services and enables joint operational roles within the , particularly in integrated commands for missions. The Treaty of 1951 further shaped these roles by fostering interoperability with U.S. and forces, emphasizing brigade-level contributions to regional security exercises like Talisman Sabre. As of 2023, the Australian Army maintains approximately 58 active brigadiers to support these demands. During the Second World War, the rank expanded significantly through temporary appointments to meet operational needs in the Pacific Theater from 1942 to 1945, with brigadiers leading formations such as the 7th and 9th Divisions in key campaigns including Kokoda, Buna-Gona, and . These wartime expansions, often held by lieutenant colonels acting in higher capacity, underscored the rank's flexibility in responding to Japan's advance across the Southwest Pacific, where Australian brigades coordinated with Allied forces under General . Post-war, the rank's structure was formalized to sustain such brigade commands in alliance-driven operations.

France

The rank of général de brigade originated during the in 1793, when it replaced the pre-revolutionary title of maréchal de camp as part of the reorganization of the army's command structure to align with republican principles and brigade-level operations. Initially a two-star rank, it became essential in the for leading brigades in expansive campaigns across , emphasizing tactical flexibility and rapid maneuver. This grade persisted through the , with its formal establishment as a distinct confirmed by on 28 February 1848 under the Second Republic, standardizing the of general officers amid broader reforms to consolidate authority post-monarchy. Following the and into the , the rank evolved with France's republican forces, retaining its two-star insignia and focus on command. A significant occurred during the post-World War II demobilization in 1945, led by figures like Minister Edmond Michelet, which drastically reduced the overall officer corps from over 1.1 million personnel to approximately 500,000, including streamlining promotions and retirements among généraux de brigade to adapt to peacetime needs and budgetary constraints. By the mid-20th century, the rank aligned with standards as OF-6, maintaining its position as the entry-level grade without altering the insignia, though operational roles expanded to include colonial and international commitments. In the contemporary , général de brigade officers typically command brigades comprising 5,000 to 10,000 troops, such as those in the —where they oversee specialized units like parachute or infantry brigades—or in overseas territories, including deployments to or for territorial defense and projection of power. Promotions to this rank are governed by the Code de la défense, requiring inscription on an advancement list and final approval via presidential decree on the government's proposal, ensuring selections based on merit, experience, and strategic needs. Approximately 100–150 such officers remain active in the Army, with additional roles in multinational frameworks like EU Battlegroups, where French-led contingents under their command contribute to rapid reaction forces for crisis response across Europe and beyond.

Other Selected Countries

In , the rank of has been utilized since the country's independence in , serving as a one-star position above and below , with responsibilities including the command of brigades, such as those specialized in along the Himalayan borders. This rank was formalized as a permanent position in 1950 to align with the independent structure of the armed forces under the Indian Army Act, 1950, reflecting the transition from British colonial influences. As of 2024, there are 1,162 active Brigadiers in the , forming part of the officer cadre that oversees tactical formations in diverse terrains, including high-altitude operations. In , the rank equivalent to a Brigadier General is , a one-star OF-6 grade introduced with the creation of the in 1955 to standardize with allied forces and facilitate brigade-level command in a defensive posture. While serves as the two-star OF-7 rank for higher divisional roles, officers functionally lead s in operational planning and execution, emphasizing rapid response and multinational interoperability post-Cold War restructuring. This adaptation marked a shift from pre-1945 structures, where was the lowest general rank without a dedicated brigade equivalent. In , the rank of General de , the lowest among general officers, was established as a permanent position following the proclamation of the Republic in , with formal reorganization of ranks occurring in to replace imperial designations like . These officers command brigades within the Brazilian Army, particularly in the expansive region, where they oversee units and operations aimed at border security, environmental protection, and counter-narcotics efforts under the Amazon Military Command.

Insignia and Uniform Distinctions

Army and Ground Forces

In army and ground forces contexts, the insignia for a brigadier general emphasizes simplicity and visibility to denote command authority at the level. In the United States Army, the rank is represented by a single worn on shoulder boards or epaulettes, a design established on June 18, 1780, when the Continental Congress prescribed one star for brigadier generals to distinguish them from higher-ranking major generals who wore two. For combat and field uniforms, a subdued version consisting of one black star embroidered directly onto the fabric replaced the polished silver to minimize reflection and enhance tactical concealment, introduced in the late 1960s for fatigue and camouflage uniforms during the Vietnam era. Commonwealth armies adopted a more heraldic approach, featuring crossed and baton symbols to evoke martial command, often surmounted by a for royal authority. In the , the standard includes a above crossed and baton, worn on epaulettes or slides; this design was formalized following the reinstatement of the in 1928 after the abolition of the brigadier-general in 1921, to align with the non-general officer status of brigadiers. The Australian Army employs a similar configuration—crossed and baton under a —adapted from British precedents but incorporating an "Australia" identifier band on certain uniform slides, reflecting shared imperial heritage while denoting . Historically, army general officer insignia evolved from elaborate pre-1900 designs using gold lace embroidered on scarlet epaulettes for formal dress, which provided ornate distinction but proved impractical in combat, to modern embroidered cloth or metal patches optimized for durability and low observability in field environments. Brigadier generals bearing these insignia typically lead brigade-sized ground units or advise in operational planning for terrestrial forces.

Air Force and Aviation Branches

In and , the equivalent to brigadier general typically features adaptations that reflect aerial or aviation themes, distinguishing it from designs while maintaining equivalence to the one-star army . The U.S. brigadier general consists of a single centered on an blue background, a design adopted following the service's separation from the U.S. Army in 1947 under the National Security Act, which established the independent Department of the . This blue field symbolizes the sky and aviation heritage, with the embroidered in silver thread for formal uniforms and subdued for attire. In the U.S. , the brigadier general employs the same single-star configuration on a service-specific background, as of 2025, without integrated delta emblems in the core , though the service appears elsewhere on uniforms. The Royal Air Force (RAF) , established as the one-star equivalent on August 1, 1919, during the RAF's formation from the Royal Flying Corps and , features shoulder with a surmounting crossed sword and baton, worn on boards for air officers. This design emphasizes the branch's aerial focus and has influenced air forces. The Royal Canadian Air Force air commodore mirrors the RAF pattern, using similar and crossed sword and baton elements on a blue background to denote the rank's aviation command role. Likewise, the Royal Australian Air Force employs an analogous for its air commodore, retaining the crown with crossed sword and baton to align with RAF traditions while adapting for Australian service standards. In the U.S. Corps, which maintains integrated ground and components, the brigadier general for units displays a single on a (red) background, a color signifying the Corps' historical blood stripes and combat legacy. The emblem—adopted in as the official Marine device—flanks or integrates with the star on shoulder boards and collars, particularly for leaders of brigades like Marine Wings, underscoring the dual and aerial mission. This configuration ensures visibility and distinction in contexts, such as command of fixed-wing or rotary-wing assets.

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