There are currently 160 active-duty three-star officers in the uniformed services of the United States: 52 in the Army, 19 in the Marine Corps, 37 in the Navy, 41 in the Air Force, five in the Space Force, four in the Coast Guard, one in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, none in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, and one in the United States Maritime Service.
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Office of the Joint Staff | ||||
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Director of the Joint Staff (DJS) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Douglas A. Sims II [10] |
![]() U.S. Army |
Joint Staff directorates | ||||
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Director for Intelligence (J-2), Joint Staff | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Dimitri Henry [11] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
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Director for Operations (J-3), Joint Staff | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich [12] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Director for Logistics (J-4), Joint Staff | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Leonard J. Kosinski [13] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Director for Strategy, Plans and Policy (J-5), Joint Staff and Senior Member, United States Delegation to the United Nations Military Staff Committee |
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Lieutenant General Joseph P. McGee [14] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Director, Command, Control, Communications and Computers and Cyber and Chief Information Officer (J-6), Joint Staff |
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Lieutenant General David T. Isaacson [15] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Director for Joint Force Development (J-7), Joint Staff | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M. Anderson [16] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Director of Force Structure, Resources and Assessment (J-8), Joint Staff | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Sara A. Joyner [17] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
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Deputy Commander, U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General John W. Brennan Jr. [18] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Commander, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Charles B. Cooper II [19] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Deputy Commander, U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General William J. Hartman [20] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Steven L. Basham [21] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Deputy Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Stephen D. Sklenka [22] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
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Deputy Commander,
U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and Vice Commander, U.S. Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) |
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Lieutenant General Thomas M. Carden Jr. [23] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Military Deputy Commander, U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Alvin Holsey [24] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Deputy Commander, U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Thomas L. James [25] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Sean M. Farrell [26] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Vice Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Francis L. Donovan [27] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
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Deputy Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Richard A. Correll [28] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Deputy Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General John P. Sullivan [29] |
![]() U.S. Army |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
National Guard | ||||
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Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau (VCNGB) [a] | ![]() |
Vacant | |
Sub-unified commands | ||||
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Commander,
Alaskan Command (ALCOM) and Commander, Eleventh Air Force (11 AF) |
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Lieutenant General David S. Nahom [30] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Japan Commander, U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) and Commander, Fifth Air Force (5 AF) |
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Lieutenant General Ricky N. Rupp [31] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Commander,
Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and Commander, Joint Special Operations Command Forward, U.S. Special Operations Command |
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Vice Admiral Frank M. Bradley [32] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Special activities (domestic) | ||||
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President, National Defense University (NDU) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Michael T. Plehn [33] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Program Executive Officer, F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Michael J. Schmidt [34] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Director's Advisor for Military Affairs, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Michele H. Bredenkamp [35] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Associate Director for Military Affairs, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General John D. Caine [36] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Special activities (international) | ||||
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Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee (DCMC) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Andrew M. Rohling [37] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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U.S. Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee (USMILREP) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Shoshana S. Chatfield [38] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Commander, NATO Special Operations Headquarters (NSHQ) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Antonio M. Fletcher [39] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Capability Development, Headquarters Allied Command Transformation (ACT) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Jeffrey W. Hughes [40] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Germany Commander, Security Assistance Group–Ukraine (SAG–U) |
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Lieutenant General Antonio A. Aguto Jr. [41] |
![]() U.S. Army | |
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Israel United States Security Coordinator, Israel-Palestinian Authority |
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Lieutenant General Michael R. Fenzel [42] |
![]() U.S. Army |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Office of the Secretary | ||||
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Director of Hypersonics, Directed Energy, Space and Rapid Acquisition, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Robert A. Rasch Jr. [43] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Military Deputy for Budget to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Paul A. Chamberlain [44] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Inspector General of the United States Army (IG) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Donna W. Martin [45] |
![]() U.S. Army |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Army Staff | ||||
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Director of the Army Staff (DAS) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Laura A. Potter [46] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (G-1) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Douglas F. Stitt [47] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G-2) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Anthony R. Hale [48] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Training (G-3/5/7) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Patrick E. Matlock [49] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (G-4) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Heidi J. Hoyle [50] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Command, Control, Communications, Cyber Operations and Networks (G-6) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General John B. Morrison Jr. [51] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs (G-8) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Karl H. Gingrich [52] [53] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Installations (G-9) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Kevin Vereen [54] |
![]() U.S. Army |
Judge Advocate General's Corps | ||||
Judge Advocate General of the United States Army (TJAG) and Dean, U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School |
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Lieutenant General Stuart W. Risch [55] |
![]() U.S. Army | |
Army commands (and subordinated units) | ||||
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Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Stephen G. Smith [56] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Chief of the
United States Army Reserve (CAR) and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) |
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Lieutenant General Jody J. Daniels [57] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Commanding General for Combat Development, U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Richard R. Coffman [58] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Commanding General for Futures and Concepts,
U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC) and Director, Futures and Concepts Center (FCC) |
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Lieutenant General David M. Hodne [59] [60] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Commanding General,
U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC), Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command and Senior Commander, Redstone Arsenal [61] |
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Lieutenant General Christopher O. Mohan [62] Acting [63] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Commanding General, U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Omar J. Jones IV [64] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Commanding General and Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) |
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Lieutenant General Maria R. Gervais [65] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Commanding General,
U.S. Army Combined Arms Center (USACAC), Commandant, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) Executive Vice Chancellor, Army University (ArmyU) and Commanding General, Fort Leavenworth |
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Lieutenant General Milford H. Beagle Jr. [66] |
![]() U.S. Army |
Army service component commands | ||||
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Commanding General,
U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) and Commanding General, Coalition Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC) |
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Lieutenant General Patrick D. Frank [67] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Commanding General,
U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) and Commander, Joint Force Headquarters - U.S. Army Cyber Command (JFHQ-ARCYBER) |
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Lieutenant General Maria B. Barrett [68] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) | ![]() |
Vacant |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General James B. Jarrard [69] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Commanding General,
U.S. Army North (ARNORTH) and Senior Commander, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis |
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Lieutenant General John R. Evans Jr. [70] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Commanding General, U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Jonathan P. Braga [71] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Commanding General,
U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/U.S. Army Forces Strategic Command (USASMDC/ARSTRAT) and Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense (JFCC IMD) [72] |
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Lieutenant General Sean A. Gainey [73] [74] |
![]() U.S. Army |
Direct reporting units | ||||
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Principal Military Deputy to the
Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) and Director, U.S. Army Acquisition Corps (AAC) |
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Lieutenant General Robert M. Collins [75] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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United States Army Chief of Engineers (COE) and Commanding General, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) |
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Lieutenant General Scott A. Spellmon [76] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Surgeon General of the United States Army (TSG), Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) and Chief, Army Medical Department (AMEDD) |
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Lieutenant General Mary K. Izaguirre [77] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Superintendent of the United States Military Academy (USMA) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Steven W. Gilland [78] [79] |
![]() U.S. Army |
Operating forces | ||||
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Commanding General, First Army | ![]() |
Vacant |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Commanding General,
Eighth Army and Chief of Staff, ROK/U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) |
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Lieutenant General Christopher C. LaNeve [80] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Commanding General,
I Corps and Commanding General, Joint Base Lewis-McChord |
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Lieutenant General Xavier T. Brunson [81] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Commanding General,
III Armored Corps and Commanding General, Fort Cavazos |
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Lieutenant General Sean C. Bernabe [82] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Commanding General, V Corps | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Charles D. Costanza [83] |
![]() U.S. Army |
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Commanding General,
XVIII Airborne Corps and Commanding General, Fort Liberty |
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Lieutenant General Christopher T. Donahue [84] |
![]() U.S. Army |
Army National Guard | ||||
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Director, Army National Guard (ARNG) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Jon A. Jensen [85] |
![]() U.S. Army |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Office of the Secretary | ||||
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Principal Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Francis D. Morley [86] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Naval Inspector General (NAVIG) and Special Assistant for Inspection Support (N09G) |
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Vice Admiral John V. Fuller [87] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Judge Advocate General of the Navy (JAG), Special Assistant for Legal Services (N09J) and Department of Defense Representative for Ocean Policy Affairs (REPOPA) |
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Vice Admiral Darse E. Crandall Jr. [88] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Headquarters Marine Corps | ||||
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Director of the Marine Corps Staff (DMCS) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Gregg P. Olson [89] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
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Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (DC M&RA) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General James F. Glynn [90] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
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Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations (DC, PP&O) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General James W. Bierman Jr. [91] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
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Deputy Commandant for Aviation (DCA) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Bradford J. Gering [92] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
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Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics (DC I&L) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Edward D. Banta [93] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
![]() ![]() |
Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration (DC, CD&I) and Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Karsten S. Heckl [94] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
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Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources (DC P&R) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General James H. Adams III [95] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
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Deputy Commandant for Information (DCI) and Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Strategic Command (MARFORSTRAT) |
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Lieutenant General Matthew G. Glavy [96] Retiring [97] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
Supporting establishment | ||||
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Commanding General, U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command (TECOM) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Kevin M. Iiams [98] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
Operating forces | ||||
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Commander,
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM), Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Northern Command (MARFORNORTH) and Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT) |
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Lieutenant General Brian W. Cavanaugh [99] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
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Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General David A. Ottignon [100] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
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Commander,
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC) and Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (FMFPAC) |
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Lieutenant General William M. Jurney [101] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
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Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Japan (MARFORJ) and Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) |
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Lieutenant General Roger B. Turner Jr. [102] [103] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
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Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Michael S. Cederholm [104] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
Marine Forces Reserve | ||||
![]() ![]() |
Commander,
Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) and Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South (MARFORSOUTH) |
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Lieutenant General Leonard F. Anderson IV [105] |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations | ||||
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Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Education (N1/NT) and Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) |
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Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman Jr. [106] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare (N2/N6) and Director of Naval Intelligence (DNI) |
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Vice Admiral Karl O. Thomas [107] [108] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Eugene H. Black III [109] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Installations and Logistics (N4) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Jeffrey T. Jablon [110] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development (N7) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Daniel W. Dwyer [111] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral John B. Skillman [112] [113] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (N9) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral James E. Pitts [114] [113] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Chief of
Navy Reserve (N095) and Commander, Navy Reserve Force (CNRF) |
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Vice Admiral John B. Mustin [115] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Type commands | ||||
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Commander, Naval Air Forces (COMNAVAIRFOR) and Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVAIRPAC) |
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Vice Admiral Daniel L. Cheever [108] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Commander, Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Kelly A. Aeschbach [116] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Commander,
Submarine Forces (COMSUBFOR), Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT), Commander, Allied Submarine Command (ASC), Commander, Task Force 114 (CTF-114), [117] Commander, Task Force 88 (CTF-88) and Commander, Task Force 46 (CTF-46) |
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Vice Admiral Robert M. Gaucher [118] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Commander, Naval Surface Forces (COMNAVSURFOR) and Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC) |
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Vice Admiral Brendan R. McLane [119] [120] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Operating forces (and subordinated units) | ||||
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Deputy Commander,
U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF), Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command (NAVNORTH), Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Strategic Command (NAVSTRAT) and Commander, Task Force 80 (CTF-80) |
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Vice Admiral John E. Gumbleton [121] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Commander,
U.S. Second Fleet (C2F), Commander, Joint Force Command – Norfolk (JFC-NF) and Director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Center of Excellence (CJOS COE) |
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Vice Admiral Douglas G. Perry [122] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Commander,
U.S. Sixth Fleet (C6F), Commander, Task Force Six, Commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (COMSTRIKFORNATO), Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (CNE-CNA) and Joint Force Maritime Component Commander Europe |
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Vice Admiral Thomas E. Ishee [123] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (USPACFLT) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Blake L. Converse [124] [125] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Commander, U.S. Third Fleet (C3F) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral John F.G. Wade [126] [127] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet (C7F) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Frederick W. Kacher [128] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Commander,
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet (C5F) and Commander, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) |
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Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff [129] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Commander,
U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (FCC), Commander, U.S. Tenth Fleet (C10F), Commander, U.S. Navy Space Command (NAVSPACECOM) and Commander, Joint Force Headquarters - U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (JFHQ-FCC) |
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Vice Admiral Craig A. Clapperton [130] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Shore establishment | ||||
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Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral James P. Downey [131] [132] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Carl P. Chebi [133] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Christopher S. Gray [134] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Director for Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Johnny R. Wolfe Jr. [135] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
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Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy (USNA) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Yvette M. Davids [136] |
![]() U.S. Navy |
In transit | ||||
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Vice Admiral Michael E. Boyle |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Office of the Secretary | ||||
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Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SAF/AQ) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Dale R. White [137] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() |
Inspector General of the Department of the Air Force (DAF/IG) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Stephen L. Davis [138] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Air Staff | ||||
![]() |
Director of Staff of the United States Air Force (AF/DS) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Scott L. Pleus [139] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services (A1) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Caroline M. Miller [140] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations (A2/6) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Leah G. Lauderback [141] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (A3) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Adrian L. Spain [142] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection (A4) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Tom D. Miller [143] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Futures (A5/7) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General David A. Harris Jr. [144] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs (A8) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Richard G. Moore Jr. [145] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration (A10) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Andrew J. Gebara [146] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
United States Air Force Judge Advocate General (AF/JA) and Judge Advocate General of the United States Space Force (SF/JA) |
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Lieutenant General Charles L. Plummer [147] |
![]() U.S. Air Force | |
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Surgeon General of the United States Air Force (AF/SG) and Surgeon General of the United States Space Force (SF/SG) |
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Vacant |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Direct reporting units | ||||
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Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) | ![]() |
Vacant |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Air Force major commands (and subordinated units) | ||||
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Deputy Commander, Air Combat Command (ACC) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Michael G. Koscheski [148] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Commander,
First Air Force (Air Forces Northern/AFNORTH and Air Forces Space/AFSPACE) (1 AF), Commander, Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR), Combined Force Air Component Commander for North American Aerospace Defense Command and Joint Force Air Component Commander for U.S. Northern Command |
![]() |
Lieutenant General Steven S. Nordhaus [149] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() ![]() |
Commander,
Ninth Air Force (9 AF), Commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command (USAFCENT) and Combined Forces Air Component Commander, U.S. Central Command |
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Lieutenant General Derek C. France [150] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Commander,
Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber/AFCYBER) (16 AF) and Commander, Joint Force Headquarters – Cyber (Air Force) (JFHQ-C) |
![]() |
Lieutenant General Kevin B. Kennedy [151] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() |
Commander, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Brian S. Robinson [152] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() |
Commander and President, Air University | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Andrea D. Tullos [153] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() |
Deputy Commander,
Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and Deputy Commander, Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command |
![]() |
Lieutenant General Michael J. Lutton [154] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() |
Deputy Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Linda S. Hurry [155] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() |
Commander,
Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) and Program Executive Officer for the Rapid Sustainment Office |
![]() |
Lieutenant General Donna D. Shipton [156] [157] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() |
Commander, Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Stacey T. Hawkins [158] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() |
Chief of Air Force Reserve (AF/RE) and Commander, Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) |
![]() |
Lieutenant General John P. Healy [159] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() |
Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Tony D. Bauernfeind [160] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() |
Deputy Commander, Air Mobility Command (AMC) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Randall Reed [161] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() |
Deputy Commander,
Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and Deputy Theater Air Component Commander to the Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command |
![]() |
Lieutenant General Laura L. Lenderman [162] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() ![]() |
Commander,
Seventh Air Force (Air Forces Korea) (7 AF), Commander, Air Component Command, United Nations Command (UNC), Commander, Air Component Command, ROK/U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) and Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) |
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Lieutenant General David R. Iverson [163] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
![]() ![]() |
Deputy Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General John D. Lamontagne [164] |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Air National Guard | ||||
![]() |
Director, Air National Guard (ANG) | ![]() |
Vacant |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Space Staff | ||||
![]() |
Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear (S3/4/6/7/10) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General DeAnna M. Burt [165] |
![]() U.S. Space Force |
![]() |
Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs, Requirements, and Analysis (S5/8) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Shawn N. Bratton [166] |
![]() U.S. Space Force |
Field commands | ||||
![]() |
Commander, Space Operations Command (SpOC) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General David N. Miller Jr. [167] |
![]() U.S. Space Force |
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Commander, Space Systems Command (SSC) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Philip A. Garrant [168] |
![]() U.S. Space Force |
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Commander,
U.S. Space Forces – Space (S4S) and Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander, U.S. Space Command |
![]() |
Lieutenant General Douglas A. Schiess [169] |
![]() U.S. Space Force |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Headquarters support units | ||||
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Deputy Commandant for Operations (DCO) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Peter W. Gautier [170] |
![]() U.S. Coast Guard |
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Deputy Commandant for Mission Support (DCMS) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Paul F. Thomas [171] |
![]() U.S. Coast Guard |
Area commands | ||||
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Commander,
Coast Guard Atlantic Area (USCGLANTAREA) and Director, Department of Homeland Security Joint Task Force – East (JTF-E) |
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Vice Admiral Nathan A. Moore [172] |
![]() U.S. Coast Guard |
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Commander,
Coast Guard Pacific Area (PACAREA) and Commander, Defense Force West |
![]() |
Vice Admiral Andrew J. Tiongson [173] |
![]() U.S. Coast Guard |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Office of the Surgeon General | ||||
![]() |
Surgeon General of the United States (SG) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy [174] |
![]() U.S. Public Health Service |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Office of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere | ||||
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Deputy Under Secretary for Operations, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DUSO) | ![]() |
Currently held by a civilian [175] |
![]() NOAA Commissioned Corps |
Position insignia | Position | Photo | Incumbent | Service branch |
---|---|---|---|---|
United States Merchant Marine Academy | ||||
![]() |
Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Joanna M. Nunan [176] |
![]() U.S. Maritime Service |
Current position | Designated position insignia | Designated position | Photo | Name | Service branch | Status and date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Joint assignments | ||||||
Commanding General, U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence (CCoE) and Commanding General, Fort Eisenhower |
![]() ![]() |
Director,
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and Commander, Joint Force Headquarters Department of Defense Information Network (JFHQ-DoDIN) |
![]() |
Major General Paul T. Stanton |
![]() U.S. Army |
Nomination sent to the Senate 13 June 2024 [177] [178] |
Director, Supply, Ordnance and Logistics Operations Division (N41), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations | ![]() |
Director for Logistics (J-4), Joint Staff | ![]() |
Rear Admiral Dion D. English |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Confirmed by the Senate 2 May 2024 [179] [180] |
Deputy Commanding General - Sustainment,
U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and Commanding General, 8th Theater Sustainment Command |
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Deputy Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) | ![]() |
Major General Jered P. Helwig |
![]() U.S. Army |
Confirmed by the Senate 23 May 2024 [181] [182] |
Commander, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center (USAFWC) | ![]() ![]() |
Commander,
Alaskan Command (ALCOM) and Commander, Eleventh Air Force (11 AF) |
![]() |
Major General Case A. Cunningham |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Confirmed by the Senate 2 May 2024 [183] [184] |
Commander, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command (JECC) | ![]() ![]() |
Commander,
U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) and Commander, Fifth Air Force (5 AF) |
![]() |
Major General Stephen F. Jost |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Confirmed by the Senate 2 May 2024 [185] [184] |
United States Army | ||||||
Commanding General,
11th Airborne Division and Deputy Commander, Alaskan Command (ALCOM) |
![]() |
Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (G-1) | ![]() |
Major General Brian S. Eifler |
![]() U.S. Army |
Nomination sent to the Senate 14 May 2024 [186] [187] |
Director of Architecture, Operations, Networks and Space, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Command, Control, Communications, Cyber Operations and Networks (G-6) |
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Deputy Chief of Staff for Command, Control, Communications, Cyber Operations and Networks (G-6) | ![]() |
Major General Jeth B. Rey |
![]() U.S. Army |
Nomination sent to the Senate 4 June 2024 [188] [189] |
Deputy Judge Advocate General of the United States Army (DJAG) |
Judge Advocate General of the United States Army (TJAG) and Dean, U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School |
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Major General Joseph B. Berger III |
![]() U.S. Army |
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar 12 June 2024 [190] [189] | |
Commanding General, 81st Readiness Division | ![]() ![]() |
Chief of the
United States Army Reserve (CAR) and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) |
![]() |
Major General Robert D. Harter |
![]() U.S. Army |
Nomination sent to the Senate 4 June 2024 [191] [189] |
Chief of Staff, U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) | ![]() ![]() |
Deputy Commanding General,
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Commanding General, U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training (USACIMT) |
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Major General David J. Francis |
![]() U.S. Army |
Nomination sent to the Senate 13 June 2024 [192] [178] |
Commanding General,
III Armored Corps and Commanding General, Fort Cavazos |
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Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Sean C. Bernabe |
![]() U.S. Army |
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar 12 June 2024 [193] [187] |
Special Assistant to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) | ![]() |
Commanding General, First Army | ![]() |
Major General Mark H. Landes |
![]() U.S. Army |
Nomination sent to the Senate 13 June 2024 [194] [178] |
Deputy Commanding General, I Corps | ![]() |
Commanding General,
I Corps and Commanding General, Joint Base Lewis-McChord |
![]() |
Major General Matthew W. McFarlane |
![]() U.S. Army |
Nomination sent to the Senate 13 June 2024 [195] [178] |
In transit | ![]() |
Commanding General,
XVIII Airborne Corps and Commanding General, Fort Liberty |
![]() |
Major General Gregory K. Anderson |
![]() U.S. Army |
Confirmed by the Senate 23 May 2024 [196] [182] |
United States Marine Corps | ||||||
Commandant, National War College (NWC) | ![]() |
Director of the Marine Corps Staff (DMCS) | ![]() |
Major General Paul J. Rock Jr. |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
Confirmed by the Senate 2 May 2024 [197] [198] |
Commanding General, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing | ![]() |
Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (DC M&RA) | ![]() |
Major General Michael J. Borgschulte |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
Confirmed by the Senate 2 May 2024 [199] [198] |
Deputy Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) | ![]() |
Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics (DC I&L) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Stephen D. Sklenka |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
Confirmed by the Senate 23 May 2024 [200] [182] |
Commanding General, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing | ![]() ![]() |
Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration (DC, CD&I) and Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) | ![]() |
Major General Eric E. Austin |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
Confirmed by the Senate 23 March 2024 [201] [202] |
Deputy Director for Combat Support, Cybersecurity Directorate, National Security Agency (NSA) | ![]() |
Deputy Commandant for Information (DCI) and Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Strategic Command (MARFORSTRAT) |
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Major General Melvin G. Carter |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar 12 June 2024 [203] [97] [204] |
Commanding General, 1st Marine Division | ![]() |
Commanding General, U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command (TECOM) | ![]() |
Major General Benjamin T. Watson |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar 12 June 2024 [205] [204] |
Legislative Assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Commander,
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM), Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Northern Command (MARFORNORTH) and Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT) |
![]() |
Major General Roberta L. Shea |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
Confirmed by the Senate 2 May 2024 [206] [198] |
In transit | ![]() |
Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) | ![]() |
Major General Calvert L. Worth Jr. |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
Confirmed by the Senate 23 May 2024 [207] [182] |
Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (DC M&RA) | ![]() |
Commander,
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC) and Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (FMFPAC) |
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Lieutenant General James F. Glynn |
![]() U.S. Marine Corps |
Confirmed by the Senate 2 May 2024 [208] [209] |
United States Navy | ||||||
Program Executive Officer for Strategic Submarines | ![]() |
Principal Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) | ![]() |
Rear Admiral Scott W. Pappano |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar 12 June 2024 [210] [211] |
Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy (DJAG) and Deputy Department of Defense Representative for Ocean Policy Affairs (REPOPA) |
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Judge Advocate General of the Navy (JAG), Special Assistant for Legal Services (N09J) and Department of Defense Representative for Ocean Policy Affairs (REPOPA) |
![]() |
Rear Admiral Christopher C. French |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar 12 June 2024 [212] [211] |
In transit | ![]() |
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5) | ![]() |
Vice Admiral Michael E. Boyle |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Confirmed by the Senate 2 May 2024 [213] [214] |
Commandant,
Naval District Washington (NDW) and Deputy Commander, Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region (JFHQ-NCR) |
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Chief of
Navy Reserve (N095) and Commander, Navy Reserve Force (CNRF) |
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Rear Admiral Nancy S. Lacore |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar 12 June 2024 [215] [211] |
Commander,
Fleet Information Warfare Command Pacific (FIWC Pacific) and Information Warfare Task Force, Pacific (TF-501) |
![]() |
Commander, Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) | ![]() |
Rear Admiral Michael J. Vernazza |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Confirmed by the Senate 23 May 2024 [216] [217] |
In transit | ![]() ![]() |
Commander,
U.S. Sixth Fleet (C6F), Commander, Task Force Six, Commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (COMSTRIKFORNATO), Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (CNE-CNA) and Joint Force Maritime Component Commander Europe |
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Rear Admiral Jeffrey T. Anderson |
![]() U.S. Navy |
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar 12 June 2024 [218] [211] |
United States Air Force | ||||||
Director of Programs, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs (A8P) | ![]() |
Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs (A8) | ![]() |
Major General David H. Tabor |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar 12 June 2024 [219] [187] |
Deputy Surgeon General of the United States Air Force (AF/DSG) | ![]() |
Surgeon General of the United States Air Force (AF/SG) and Surgeon General of the United States Space Force (SF/SG) |
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Major General (Dr.) John J. DeGoes |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar 12 June 2024 [220] [187] |
Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) | ![]() |
Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) | ![]() |
Lieutenant General Tony D. Bauernfeind |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar 12 June 2024 [221] [187] |
Vice Commander, Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber/AFCYBER) (16 AF) | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Commander,
Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber/AFCYBER) (16 AF) and Commander, Joint Force Headquarters – Cyber (Air Force) (JFHQ-C) |
![]() |
Major General Thomas K. Hensley |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar 12 June 2024 [222] [187] |
Director of Operations, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) | ![]() |
Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) | ![]() |
Brigadier General Michael E. Conley |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar 12 June 2024 [223] [187] |
Director of Operations (J-3), U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) | ![]() ![]() |
Deputy Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) | ![]() |
Major General Jason T. Hinds |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Confirmed by the Senate 23 May 2024 [224] [225] |
Acting Director,
Air National Guard (ANG) and Deputy Director, Air National Guard |
![]() |
Director, Air National Guard (ANG) | ![]() |
Major General Duke A. Pirak |
![]() U.S. Air Force |
Nomination sent to the Senate 14 March 2024 [226] [209] |
United States Coast Guard | ||||||
Director of Operations (J-3), U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) | ![]() |
Deputy Commandant for Mission Support (DCMS) | ![]() |
Rear Admiral Thomas G. Allan Jr. |
![]() U.S. Coast Guard |
Confirmed by the Senate 2 May 2024 [227] |
United States Public Health Service | ||||||
Surgeon General of the United States (SG) | ![]() ![]() |
Surgeon General of the United States (SG) and U.S. Representative, Executive Board of the World Health Organization (USREPWHO) |
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Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy |
![]() U.S. Public Health Service |
Nomination sent to the Senate 8 January 2024 [228] [229] [230] |
NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps | ||||||
Director,
NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and Director, NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) |
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Deputy Under Secretary for Operations, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DUSO) | ![]() |
Rear Admiral Nancy A. Hann |
![]() NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps |
To assume office August 2024 [231] |
As with four-star officers, the U.S. Code explicitly limits the number of three-star officers that may be on active duty at any given time. The total number of active-duty general or flag officers is capped at 219 for the Army, 150 for the Navy, 171 for the Air Force, 64 for the Marine Corps, and 21 for the Space Force. [232] Statute also sets the total number of three-star officers allowed in these services, [233] which equates to about 23% of each service's total active-duty general or flag officer pool. [d] The number is set at 46 three-star Army generals, [233] 17 three-star Marine Corps generals, [233] 34 three-star Navy admirals, [233] 44 three-star Air Force generals, [233] seven three-star Space Force generals, [233] and five three-star Coast Guard admirals. [234]
While a number of these positions are set by statute, most do not have the accompanying statutory three-star rank. By convention, however:
The president may also designate positions of importance and responsibility to other agencies in the executive branch aside from the Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to be held by an officer with the rank of vice admiral, with corresponding pay and allowance. [234]
Exceptions exist that allow for the appointment of three-star officers beyond statutory limits. The secretary of defense can designate up to 68 three-star officers, [257] who do not count against any service's general or flag officer limit, [257] to serve in one of several joint positions. [258] For three-star officers, these include senior positions on the Joint Staff such as the director of the Joint Staff and deputy commanders of unified combatant commands. [259] Officers serving in certain intelligence positions are not counted against statutory limits, including the deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency, [260] associate director for military affairs of the Central Intelligence Agency, [260] and the advisor for military affairs to the director of National Intelligence. [258] [260] The president can appoint additional three-star officers in any one service, in excess of that service's three-star limit, as long as they are offset by reducing an equivalent number of three-stars from other services. [233] Finally, all statutory limits may be waived at the president's discretion during time of war or national emergency. [261]
Like with four-stars, three-star grade of ranks are temporary in nature; officers may only achieve three stars if they are appointed to positions that require or allow the officer to hold the rank. [262] Their rank expires with the expiration of their term of office, which is normally set by statute. [262] The president nominates three-star officers from any eligible officers holding one-star rank and above who also meet the other requirements for the position, based on the advice of their respective executive department secretary, service secretary, and if applicable the Joint Chiefs. [262] The nominee must be confirmed via majority by the Senate before the appointee can take office and thus assume the rank. [262] [e]
While it is rare for nominations to face even token opposition in the Senate, nominations that do face opposition due to controversy surrounding the nominee in question are typically withdrawn. [264]
Nominations that are not withdrawn are allowed to expire without action at the end of the legislative session, with said nominations being returned to the President. [264] [284]
Additionally, events that occur after Senate confirmation may delay or even prevent the nominee from assuming office, necessitating that another nominee be selected and considered by the Senate.
Any billet in the armed forces may be designated as a position of importance requiring the holder of the position to be of three-star or four-star rank. [262] One-star and two-star billets may be elevated to three-star or four-star level as appropriate, either by act of Congress, or within statutory limits by the services at their discretion. Congress may propose such elevations or reductions to the president and Department of Defense. [298]
An officer leading a command or office elevated to three-star rank can be promoted while in their present position, reassigned to another office of equal rank, or retire if another nominee is selected as their replacement.
A lower-level billet may be elevated to three-stars, in accordance with being designated as a position of importance, to highlight importance to the defense apparatus or achieve parity with equivalent commands in the same area of responsibility or service branch.
A four-star billet may also be reduced to three-stars, usually to compensate for another billet being elevated to four-star level and thus remain within statutory limits.
The standard tour length for a three-star officer is three years, specifically a two-year term with a one-year extension. Unlike with four-star ranks, many three-star positions have stipulated term lengths in the U.S. Code:
All appointees serve at the pleasure of the president. Extensions of the standard tour length can be approved, within statutory limits, by their respective service secretaries, the secretary of defense, the president, and/or Congress but these are rare, as they block other officers from being promoted. Some statutory limits of tour length under the U.S. Code can be waived in times of national emergency or war. [317] [318] Three-star grades may also be given by act of Congress but this is extremely rare.
Besides voluntary retirement, statute sets a number of mandates for retirement. A three-star officer may serve for a maximum of 38 years of commissioned service unless reappointed to rank to serve longer or appointed to a higher rank. [321] Three-star officers on reserve active duty must retire after five years in grade or 30 days after completion of 38 years of commissioned service, whichever is later, unless reappointed to rank to serve longer. [322] Three-star reserve officers of the Army and Air Force can have their retirements deferred by their service secretary until the officer's 66th birthday, [323] which the secretary of defense may do for all active-duty officers, [324] and the president can defer it until the officer's 68th birthday. [324] Otherwise all general and flag officers must retire the month after their 64th birthday. [324] Officers that served several years in the enlisted ranks prior to receiving their commission typically don't make it to the 38 years in commission mark, because they are still subject to the age restrictions for retirement.
By statute, any three-star officer assigned as superintendent of the United States Military Academy, [325] superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, [326] and superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy [327] must retire upon completion of their assignment, [328] [326] [329] unless a waiver is granted by the secretary of defense. [330] [331] [332] The secretary of defense must also notify the House and Senate Armed Services committees and include a written notification of intent from the president to nominate the officer for reassignment. [330] [331] [332] If a waiver is granted, the subsequent nomination and appointment of such officer having served as superintendent of the Academy to a further assignment in lieu of retirement shall be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. [330] [331] [332]
Senior officers typically retire well in advance of the statutory age and service limits, so as not to impede the upward career mobility of their juniors. The higher number of available three-star slots overall (ranging from around 100 to 200) means that lateral promotion is more likely for three-star officers before they either retire or are appointed to a higher rank. [n] An officer who vacates a position bearing that rank has no more than 60 days to be appointed or reappointed to a position of equal or greater importance, including positions of four-star rank, before involuntary retirement. [262]
A three-star officer may also be reduced to their permanent rank, and equivalent pay grade, in circumstances where reappointment to three-star rank is delayed. Historically, officers leaving three-star or four-star positions were allowed to revert to their permanent two-star ranks to mark time in lesser jobs until statutory retirement, but now such officers are expected to retire immediately to avoid obstructing the promotion flow.
To retire at three-star rank, or pay grade of rank, an officer must accumulate at least three years of satisfactory active-duty service in that rank, as determined by the secretary of defense. [341] The president and Congress must also receive certification by either the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, the deputy under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, or the secretary of defense that the retiree served satisfactorily in rank. [341] The secretary of defense may reduce this requirement to two years, but only if the officer is not being investigated for misconduct. [342] The president may also reduce these requirements even further, or waive the requirements altogether, if he so chooses. [341] [342] Three-star officers who do not meet the service-in-rank requirement will retire at the last permanent rank satisfactorily held for six months. [341] The retiree may also be subject to congressional approval by the Senate before the retiree can retire in grade. It is extraordinarily rare for a three-star or four-star officer not to be certified to retire in grade or for the Senate to seek final approval.
Officers who are under investigation for misconduct typically are not allowed to retire until the investigation completes, so that the secretary of defense can decide whether to certify that their performance was satisfactory enough to retire in their highest grade. [341]
Furthermore, all retired officers may still be subjected to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and disciplinary action, including reduction in retirement grade, by the secretary of defense or the president if they are deemed to have served unsatisfactorily in grade, after their retirement. [359]
Officers holding a temporary three-star or four-star rank typically step down from their posts up to 60 days in advance of their official retirement dates. Officers retire on the first day of the month, so once a retirement month has been selected, the relief and retirement ceremonies are scheduled by counting backwards from that date by the number of days of accumulated leave remaining to the retiring officer. During this period, termed transition leave or terminal leave, the officer is considered to be awaiting retirement but still on active duty.
A statutory limit can be waived by the president with the consent of Congress if it serves national interest. However, this is extremely rare. Only two four-star officers have been granted such a waiver in American history: General Lewis B. Hershey, who served as director of the Selective Service System from 1941 to 1970, and Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, who served as director of Naval Reactors from 1949 to 1982.