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Military & Defence vocabulary · Ranks & Personnel

General

Meaning in military & defence, with examples

/ˈdʒenrəl/nounCore term

In military & defence, general means: An officer of one of the highest ranks in an army or air force, who commands large formations or works at the top of the defence organisation.

In Turkish: general, orgeneral

How it is used

Used for the group (general officers) and for the top rank itself. The US ladder is brigadier general, major general, lieutenant general, general. Navies use 'admiral' for the same levels. Written 'Gen' before a name.

Example sentences

  1. The general visited the logistics centre to see the new warehouse system.

  2. Two generals attended the closing ceremony of the exercise.

Common collocations

  • four-star general
  • brigadier general
  • major general
  • general officer
  • colonelA senior officer rank above lieutenant colonel; a colonel may command a regiment or brigade, or hold an important headquarters post.
  • rankA person's official level in the military hierarchy, shown on the uniform, which decides their authority, duties and pay.
  • commanderThe officer in charge of a unit, ship, base or operation, who has the authority and responsibility to make decisions and give orders.
  • General StaffThe senior headquarters of the armed forces, made up of high-ranking officers who plan and coordinate military activity and advise the government.

More terms: Ranks & Personnel

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