| General | |
|---|---|
 The GEN insignia of theTudor Crown above a star of theOrder of the Bath above a crossed sword and baton, with the word 'Australia' at the bottom. | |
| Country | Australia |
| Service branch | Australia |
| Abbreviation | GEN |
| Rank | Four-star |
| NATOrank code | OF-9 |
| Non-NATO rank | O-10 |
| Formation | 1917 |
| Next higher rank | Field marshal |
| Next lower rank | Lieutenant general |
| Equivalent ranks | Admiral (RAN) Air chief marshal (RAAF) |
General (abbreviatedGEN) is the second-highest rank, and the highest active rank, of theAustralian Army and was created as a direct equivalent of theBritish military rank of general; it is also considered afour-star rank.
Prior to 1958, Australian generals (andfield marshals) were only appointed inexceptional circumstances. In 1958, the position which is currently calledChief of the Defence Force was created, and since 1966, the rank of general has been held when an army officer is appointed to that position.
General is a higher rank thanlieutenant general, but is lower than field marshal. General is the equivalent ofadmiral in theRoyal Australian Navy andair chief marshal in theRoyal Australian Air Force.
A general's insignia isSt Edward's Crown above a star of theOrder of the Bath (or 'pip') above a crossed sword and baton, with the word 'Australia' at the bottom.[1][Note 1]
This along with the * (asterisk) indicates that the officer was subsequently promoted tofield marshal.
This along with the + (plus sign) indicates that the officer was promoted to the honorary rank of general.
The following have held the rank of general in the Australian Army:
| Name | Date promoted | Senior command(s) or appointment(s) in rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sir William Birdwood+ | 29 January 1920 | General Officer CommandingAustralian Imperial Force (1915–20) | [2][Note 2] |
| Sir Harry Chauvel | 11 November 1929 | Inspector-in-Chief Volunteer Defence Corps (1940–45),Chief of the General Staff (1923–30) | [3] |
| Sir John Monash | 11 November 1929[Note 3] | [3] | |
| Sir Brudenell White | 18 March 1940 | Chief of the General Staff (1920–23, 1940) | [4] |
| Sir Thomas Blamey* | 24 September 1941 | Commander of Allied Land Forces,South West Pacific Area (1942–45),General Officer Commanding-in-ChiefAustralian Military Forces (1942–45), Deputy Commander-in-ChiefMiddle East Command (1941–1942) | [5] |
| Sir John Wilton | 1 September 1968 | Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (1966–70) | [6] |
| Sir Frank Hassett | 24 November 1975 | Chief of the Defence Force Staff (1976–77), Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (1975–76) | [7] |
| Sir Arthur MacDonald | 21 April 1977 | Chief of the Defence Force Staff (1977–79) | |
| Sir Phillip Bennett | 13 April 1984 | Chief of the Defence Force (1984–87) | |
| Peter Gration | 1987 | Chief of the Defence Force (1987–93) | |
| John Baker | 1995 | Chief of the Defence Force (1995–98) | |
| Sir Peter Cosgrove | 2002 | Chief of the Defence Force (2002–05) | |
| David Hurley | 2011 | Chief of the Defence Force (2011–14) | |
| Angus Campbell | 2018 | Chief of the Defence Force (2018–24) |
In addition,Sir John Northcott held the honorary rank of general while acting as Governor-General of Australia in 1951 and 1956.[8] The Australian-bornSir John Hackett also attained the rank ofgeneral in the British Army.
