Military star ranking is military terminology, used in mainly English speaking countries, to describe general and flag officers. Within NATO's armed forces, the stars are equal to OF-6–10.[1]
A one-star rank is usually the lowest ranking generalorflag officer.[2] In many Commonwealth countries, the one-star army rank of Brigadier is considered the highest field officer rank.[3]
A two-star rank is usually the second lowest ranking generalorflag officer.[4]
A three-star rank is usually the third highest generalorflag officer.[5]
A four-star rank is usually the highest or second highest ranking generalorflag officer.[6]
A five-star rank is usually the highest ranking generalorflag officer.[7] This rank is usually a field marshal, general of the army, admiral of the fleetormarshal of the air force.
In the United States Armed Forces, a six-star rank is a proposed rank immediately superior to a five-star rank, possibly to be worn by the General of the ArmiesorAdmiral of the Navy; however, this proposal was never officially recognized by the military or by Congress.