Lately, I've been thinking a lot about pursuing a military path after high school. I'm curious about the ranks though - what are the highest attainable ranks in each branch of the military?
The highest attainable ranks in each branch of the United States military are as follows:
- In the Army and Air Force, the highest rank is General (four-star General to be specific). General is an officer rank and the highest rank an officer can achieve during peacetime.
- In the Navy and Coast Guard, the highest rank is Admiral, which is the equivalent to the rank of General in the Army or Air Force.
- In the Marine Corps, the highest rank is General as well. Like the Army and Air Force, a four-star General is the highest rank an officer can achieve during peacetime.
- In the U.S. Space Force, which is the newest branch of the U.S. military, the highest rank is also General.
It's also worth noting that each branch of the military has a rank known as a five-star rank that is only used during war time. These ranks include General of the Army, Fleet Admiral in the Navy, and General of the Air Force, but these ranks are rarely used.
Remember, while achieving a high rank is commendable and can be a long-term goal, it's essential to focus on the day-to-day duties, responsibilities, and experiences that a military career entails. Each branch of the military offers unique experiences and paths to advancement, so it may be beneficial to research each branch extensively before making a decision.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.