Why is major general below lieutenant general

BAH Calculator. Military Dictionary. Military Occupational Specialties. Army Ranks. Army Major General. O-7 BG Previous. Next O-9 LTG. Who was Joe Bloggs? Where did the "rule of thumb" come from?

What block are popular movies purported to bust? Is white chocolate an oxymoron? What is the origin of the Irish greeting "Top of the morning to you! Email your answers, or any questions you want answered, to bigquestions smh. Why does a major-general rank below a lieutenant-general? Please try again later. The Sydney Morning Herald. August 16, — Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later.

Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size. Stephen Chapman, Baulkham Hills. Sometimes referred to as two-star generals , major generals wear an insignia on their shoulders bearing two stars. The rank was first established by the Army at its inception in but was abolished in The rank of major general was restored not long after, ahead of the War of The rank of major general is a permanent one, and it is the highest possible rank an officer can achieve during peacetime.

Any ranks above major general are considered temporary and linked to a given role, such as commanding a division during wartime. The Army's major general is the equivalent rank to a rear admiral in the Navy or Coast Guard. Major generals serve as commanders of divisions, which have between 10, and 16, soldiers. They perform major tactical operations and conduct sustained battles and engagements.

Two-star generals also serve as high-level officers at major commands and the Pentagon. Fewer than 0. This is an Army job for experienced officers who have shown bravery and valor and are considered outstanding leaders. Promotions occur as vacancies open within commissioned officer ranks.

Boards composed of senior officers determine which officers are promoted based on achievement, years of service and the number of open positions. A lieutenant general commands an army corps , made up of typically three army divisions , and consisting of around 60, soldiers. The term major general is a shortened version of the previous term sergeant major general , which was also subordinate to lieutenant general.

This is why a lieutenant general outranks a major general, whereas a major is senior to a lieutenant. In many countries, the rank of corps general has replaced the earlier rank of lieutenant general e.

France, Italy. However, for convenience, this is often translated into English as lieutenant general. In a number of states, the rank of lieutenant general is the highest army rank in use. In Lithuania and Latvia, the chief of defense is a lieutenant general, and in the Irish Defence Forces and Israeli forces the Chief of Staff holds this rank. It is very good post and very difficult post.