Field Marshal

A Field Marshal (sometimes incorrectly spelled Marshall) is a military officer of the highest rank, one step above a full General, Army General or Colonel General. It is of a comparable rank to the similar position of General of the Army. The rank of Marshal dates to the early Middle Ages, originally meaning the keeper of the King's horses (mare scalci) from the time of the early Frankish Kings.

Some nations use the title of Marshal instead. The Air Force equivalent is Marshal of the Air Force. While there is no exact corresponding naval rank, Fleet Admiral, Grand Admiral and Admiral of the Fleet are close approximations.

Until the end of World War II, Japan also bestowed the honorary title of Field Marshal (元帥 gensui) on successful generals and admirals; they would, however, retain their ranks of general and admiral.

Contents 1 Field Marshal ranks 2 Fictional Field Marshals 3 Other meanings 4 See also

Field Marshal ranks

• Field Marshal (Australia)
• Generalfeldmarschall (Germany and Austria)
• Field Marshal (Egypt)
• Field Marshal (India)
• Field Marshal (Malaysia)
• Field Marshal (New Zealand)
• Field Marshal (Pakistan)
• Field Marshal (Philippines)
• Field Marshal (Russia)
• Field Marshal (South Africa)
• Field Marshal (Uganda)
• Field Marshal (United Kingdom)

Fictional Field Marshals

The rank of Surface Marshal is a science fiction equivalent to the present day rank of Field Marshal, and is found in several science fiction sources, most notably Star Wars.

The rank of Grand Marshal is another title which has appeared in some science fiction sources and also rarely in the militaries of actual countries. The title of Grand Marshal may also be found in several fraternity organisations, normally held by the head of the organisation.

The rank of Sky Marshal is featured in Robert Heinlein's science fiction novel, Starship Troopers. In the book, a potential Sky Marshal is required to rise through the ranks in both the Army and the Navy before consideration for Sky Marshal.

Other meanings

• "Marshal" and "Marshall" are both common surnames, held by such notable figures as William Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke, and George C. Marshall, the United States Army Chief of Staff during World War II.
• A Marshal is also the name for a law enforcement officer, such as members of the United States Marshals Service, or Sky marshals who serve as undercover law enforcement onboard commercial aircraft.
• In the Royal Air Force and other air forces which use their rank system, Air Vice-Marshal, Air Marshal and Air Chief Marshal are equivalent ranks to Major General, Lieutenant General and General respectively.
• The Field Marshall is a model of agricultural tractor. The badge shows a Marshal's baton held by an arm.

See also

• List of Field Marshals

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