Is Commander Higher Than General?

The terms "Commander" and "General" are both military ranks, but they are used in different contexts and have different levels of authority. The answer to this question depends on the specific military organization and its rank structure.

Understanding Military Ranks

In the military, ranks are used to denote a person's level of authority, responsibility, and expertise. The rank structure varies across different military organizations, but most follow a similar hierarchy. The most common ranks in the military, from lowest to highest, are:

Enlisted ranks (e.g., Private, Corporal, Sergeant)
Warrant Officer ranks (e.g., Warrant Officer, Chief Warrant Officer)
Officer ranks (e.g., Second Lieutenant, Captain, Major)
General Officer ranks (e.g., Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General)

Commander vs. General

In the US military, "Commander" is a rank that is typically used in the Navy and Coast Guard, while "General" is a rank used in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

In the Navy and Coast Guard, a Commander is a senior officer rank that is equivalent to a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. A Commander is typically in charge of a ship or a shore-based unit.
In the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, a General is a high-ranking officer who has achieved the highest level of authority and responsibility. A General is typically a four-star officer who has served in a variety of leadership positions and has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic thinking.

Rank Comparison

In terms of rank, a General is typically higher than a Commander. Here is a rough equivalent of the ranks:

Commander (Navy/Coast Guard) ≈ Lieutenant Colonel (Army/Air Force/Marine Corps)
Brigadier General (Army/Air Force/Marine Corps) ≈ Rear Admiral (Lower Half) (Navy)
Major General (Army/Air Force/Marine Corps) ≈ Rear Admiral (Upper Half) (Navy)
Lieutenant General (Army/Air Force/Marine Corps) ≈ Vice Admiral (Navy)
General (Army/Air Force/Marine Corps) ≈ Admiral (Navy)

Commander as a Title

In some cases, "Commander" is used as a title rather than a rank. For example, a Commander-in-Chief is the highest authority in a military organization, and this title is typically held by a General or an Admiral. In this context, the title "Commander" is higher than the rank of General.

Conclusion

In summary, while a Commander is a senior officer rank in the Navy and Coast Guard, a General is a higher rank in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. However, the title "Commander" can be used in different contexts, and in some cases, it may be higher than the rank of General. It's essential to understand the specific rank structure and terminology used in different military organizations to avoid confusion.

FAQs

What is the highest rank in the US military?

The highest rank in the US military is General of the Army (for the Army) and Admiral of the Navy (for the Navy). These ranks are typically reserved for wartime and are rarely awarded.

What is the difference between a Commander and a General?

A Commander is a senior officer rank in the Navy and Coast Guard, while a General is a high-ranking officer rank in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. A General is typically higher in rank than a Commander.

Can a Commander be higher than a General?

In some cases, the title "Commander" can be used in a context where it is higher than the rank of General. For example, a Commander-in-Chief is the highest authority in a military organization, and this title is typically held by a General or an Admiral.