RearAdmiral

A rear admiral is a senior naval officer rank, typically ranking above a commodore and below a vice admiral. The rank is used in several navies around the world, though its exact position in the hierarchy and the insignia associated with it can vary by country. In many navies, a rear admiral is considered a two-star rank, indicating a high level of command responsibility.

The origins of the rank trace back to the 16th century, when naval officers were often promoted based on their command experience rather than a fixed hierarchy. The term "rear admiral" emerged as a way to designate an admiral who commanded a secondary fleet or division, distinct from the senior admiral in command. Over time, the rank became standardized in many navies, particularly in the Royal Navy, where it was first formally established in the 18th century.

In the United States Navy, the rank of rear admiral (lower half) is a two-star rank, while rear admiral (upper half) is a three-star rank. The lower half is often abbreviated as RDML, and the upper half as RADM. The insignia for both ranks consists of three stars for the lower half and four stars for the upper half. In the United Kingdom, the rank is denoted by a single star and is considered a two-star rank, equivalent to a major general in the British Army.

Rear admirals typically command major naval units, such as carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, or fleet squadrons. They may also serve in staff positions, such as deputy chief of naval operations or other high-level administrative roles. The rank requires extensive experience in naval operations, leadership, and strategic planning.

Promotion to rear admiral is usually contingent on meeting specific criteria, including years of service, command experience, and performance evaluations. The exact requirements vary by navy but generally reflect the need for officers to demonstrate competence in complex operational and administrative roles before assuming such a high-level position.