Colonel General: History and Usage Across Global Military Ranks
The rank of colonel general is a senior military grade utilized by various nations throughout history. While its meaning and seniority vary significantly depending on the military tradition—ranging from a high-level administrative office to a standard step in general officer progression—it consistently represents a position of significant authority.
In Western traditions, particularly in Germany, the rank was often positioned above a full general but below a field marshal. Conversely, in systems based on the Soviet model, the colonel general is typically comparable to a lieutenant general in the United States or Commonwealth forces.
Key Facts
- German Tradition: Known as Generaloberst, it was historically higher than a full General.
- Soviet/Russian Model: A standard rank between lieutenant general and army general.
- Hungary: The rank of vezérezredes is currently the highest rank in the Hungarian Defence Forces.
- Georgia: It serves as the highest general officer rank in the Defence Forces.
- North Korea: The sangjang rank is held by commanders of units along the DMZ and the Pyongyang Defense Command.
The German and Austro-Hungarian Tradition
In the Prussian Army, the rank of Generaloberst was introduced in 1854. Initially, it was used as "Colonel General with the rank of Field Marshal" because field marshal promotions were typically reserved for wartime or members of the royal family. Over time, it became a distinct rank adopted by other state forces of the German Empire.
This rank remained in use through the Reichswehr of the Weimar Republic and the Wehrmacht. It also persisted in East Germany's National People's Army until 1990. However, the modern Bundeswehr does not use the rank, designating "General" as its highest grade.
Following the German model, the Austro-Hungarian Army introduced the rank of colonel general (Generaloberst or vezérezredes) in 1915. It served as the second-highest rank until the end of World War I, after which it was dropped by the Austrian Army of the Republic.
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The Soviet and Russian Model
The Soviet Union established the rank of colonel general (general-polkovnik) on May 7, 1940, replacing the "Army Commander 2nd rank." Unlike the rare German Generaloberst, the Soviet version is a standard career progression step between a two-star lieutenant general and a four-star army general.
Historically, Soviet colonel generals wore four stars on collar patches until 1943, after which they transitioned to three stars on shoulder straps. This rank is typically assigned to army, front, or district commanders, as well as deputy ministers of defense. In some post-Soviet states, such as Belarus, colonel general is the highest possible rank, often held by the Minister of Defense.
Usage in Other Nations
Hungary
Hungary continues to use the rank of vezérezredes (literally "Chief regimental commander"). In the early 1940s, it replaced specialized ranks for infantry, cavalry, and artillery generals. Since 1991, it has been the highest rank in the Hungarian Defence Forces and is officially translated as "General."
Ukraine
Ukraine introduced the rank in 1920. While it was a higher rank than lieutenant general and lower than general of the Army, it became obsolete on October 1, 2020. Current holders retain the rank until they are promoted to general. To distinguish them from the new rank of general, colonel generals' stars are arranged in a diamond pattern on their shoulder straps.
Georgia and Mongolia
Georgia adopted Soviet designations in 1991; the colonel general is the highest rank in the Defence Forces and the highest rank in the Patrol and Border Police. In Mongolia, the rank was used until 2006, with only nine people ever receiving the title.
North Korea
In North Korea, the rank of sangjang (colonel general) sits between jungjang (lieutenant general) and daejang (general). It is commonly held by the commanding general of the KPA Pyongyang Defense Command and officers stationed at the Panmunjom security zone.
France and the United Kingdom
In France, under the Ancien régime, "colonel general" was not a rank but an office of the Crown given to the officer in nominal command of all regiments of a specific branch. In the United Kingdom, the title appeared during the English Civil War, where it often denoted a senior colonel rather than a general officer.
Comparative Summary of Colonel General Ranks
| Country/System | Local Term | Relative Seniority | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany (Historical) | Generaloberst | Above General, Below Field Marshal | Obsolete |
| Russia/Soviet | General-polkovnik | Above Lt. General, Below Army General | Active |
| Hungary | Vezérezredes | Highest Rank | Active |
| Ukraine | Heneral-polkovnyk | Below General of the Army | Obsolete (since 2020) |
| North Korea | Sangjang | Between Lt. General and General | Active |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a colonel general the same as a lieutenant general?
In the Soviet and Russian systems, the colonel general is a higher rank than a lieutenant general. However, in terms of international equivalence, the Russian colonel general is often compared to a U.S. lieutenant general because both typically wear three stars.
Why is the rank called "Colonel General"?
The term often reflects a transition between the highest field officer rank (Colonel) and the general officer ranks. In some historical contexts, such as the English Civil War, it referred to a senior colonel.
Does the modern German army use this rank?
No. The modern German Bundeswehr does not use the rank of Generaloberst; the highest rank currently available is General.
What is the equivalent naval rank for a colonel general?
In most systems that utilize the colonel general rank, such as Russia and Ukraine, the corresponding naval rank is Admiral.