What is the highest military rank ever used in the U.S. Army?

• A. O-11; General of the Army (five-star)
• B. O-10; General
• C. O-9; Lieutenant General
• D. O-12; General of the Armies

Answer: (A)

The highest rank ever used in the U.S. Army is the five-star general, General of the Army (O-11). This rank was created during World War II to allow a single officer to hold authority above the four-star generals and to provide parity with allied leaders in large, joint operations. Because it was actually awarded and worn by several wartime leaders, it represents the peak of the Army’s regular general officer hierarchy in practical use. (Note: there is a separate historic title, General of the Armies, which is considered above the five-star rank in theory, but in terms of the standard Army rank hierarchy that’s been used and worn, the five-star General of the Army is the highest.)