BrigadierGeneral

Brigadier General is a senior military rank used by many armed forces. It is typically a one-star general officer rank, ranking above colonel and below major general. In some countries the equivalent rank is called Brigadier.

Usage and roles vary by nation. In the United States, a Brigadier General usually commands a brigade (consisting of several thousand soldiers) or serves in high-level staff positions at division or higher levels. In Commonwealth and other armies, the related rank Brigadier is used instead of Brigadier General and may perform similar brigade-level commands or senior staff duties; while still a general officer rank, the title reflects local tradition and organizational structure.

Insignia and designation also differ by country. In the United States, the rank is signified by a single star. In other states, especially within the Commonwealth, the insignia and exact title may differ, with some using a Brigadier or other one-star equivalents. Officers at this level are typically addressed as General or Brigadier, depending on national norms.

History and etymology. The term Brigadier General originated in the 17th century to designate a general officer who commanded a brigade. Over time, some militaries retained the combined title Brigadier General, while others adopted Brigadier as a separate rank. The distinction often reflects historical organizational practices rather than a fixed international standard.