colonelgeneral

Colonel general is a senior military rank used in several countries, typically a three-star level that sits above lieutenant general and below the highest general ranks in the same system, though the exact place in the hierarchy varies by country. The title often reflects a long tradition of high command and is commonly rendered in other languages as Generaloberst in German contexts or translated as colonel general in Russian and related languages.

Historically, the German form Generaloberst was used in the German Empire and later in the Wehrmacht, where it functioned as a top general rank below the ceremonial rank of field marshal (Generalfeldmarschall). The designation also appeared in East Germany, where the Nationale Volksarmee used Generaloberst as a senior rank in its general staff hierarchy. In these contexts the position typically encompassed command of large formations or high-level staff duties.

In the Soviet Union and in the Russian Federation, the equivalent rank is polkovnik-general (генерал-полковник), a three-star rank placed between lieutenant general (генерал-лейтенант) and the four-star general of the army (генерал армии). The rank is widely used in post-Soviet militaries with similar status and insignia, commonly represented by three stars on shoulder boards.

Duties associated with colonel general typically involve high-level command or strategic responsibilities, such as commanding a major composite formation, a military district or fleet command, or serving in senior defense ministry or ministry of emergency management roles. Promotion to colonel general reflects extended service, substantial command experience, and selection by senior defense leadership.