The question of whether a Commander is higher than a General is a matter of context, as it depends on the specific branch of the military, the country, and the situation. In general, the rank of Commander and General are both high-ranking positions, but they have different levels of authority and responsibility.
Understanding Military Ranks

In the military, ranks are used to denote the level of authority, responsibility, and seniority of an individual. The ranks are typically divided into three categories: junior, senior, and flag/officer ranks. The junior ranks include Enlisted personnel, such as Private, Corporal, and Sergeant. The senior ranks include Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), such as Staff Sergeant, Sergeant First Class, and Master Sergeant. The flag/officer ranks include Commissioned Officers, such as Second Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General, and General.
Commander Rank
A Commander is typically a senior officer rank in the military, and it is often considered a mid-to-senior level rank. In the US Navy, for example, a Commander is a rank above Lieutenant Commander and below Captain. A Commander typically serves as the commanding officer of a ship, a squadron, or a small unit. They are responsible for making tactical decisions, leading their unit, and executing missions.
General Rank
A General, on the other hand, is a high-ranking officer rank in the military, and it is often considered a senior level rank. In the US Army, for example, a General is a rank above Lieutenant General and below General of the Army. A General typically serves as the commanding officer of a large unit, such as a division, corps, or army. They are responsible for making strategic decisions, leading their unit, and executing large-scale missions.
Military Rank | Level of Authority |
---|---|
Commander | Mid-to-senior level |
General | Senior level |

Comparing Commander and General Ranks

In terms of authority and responsibility, a General typically has more authority and responsibility than a Commander. A General is often responsible for making strategic decisions and leading large-scale missions, while a Commander is responsible for making tactical decisions and leading smaller units. However, the specific responsibilities and authorities of a Commander and General can vary depending on the situation and the branch of the military.
Key Differences
Some key differences between a Commander and a General include:
- Level of authority: A General typically has more authority and responsibility than a Commander.
- Scope of responsibility: A General is often responsible for larger units and more complex missions, while a Commander is responsible for smaller units and more tactical decisions.
- Rank structure: The rank of General is typically above the rank of Commander in the military rank structure.
Key Points
- The rank of Commander and General are both high-ranking positions in the military, but they have different levels of authority and responsibility.
- A General is typically considered a higher rank than a Commander, as they have more authority and responsibility.
- The specific responsibilities and authorities of a Commander and General can vary depending on the situation and the branch of the military.
- A Commander is typically responsible for making tactical decisions and leading smaller units, while a General is responsible for making strategic decisions and leading larger units.
- The rank structure of the military can vary between branches and countries, but in general, the rank of General is above the rank of Commander.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether a Commander is higher than a General is a matter of context, as it depends on the specific branch of the military, the country, and the situation. However, in general, a General is considered a higher rank than a Commander, as they have more authority and responsibility. It’s worth noting that the rank of Commander and General are not always directly comparable, and the specific responsibilities and authorities of each rank can vary depending on the situation and the branch of the military.
What is the difference between a Commander and a General?
+A Commander is typically a mid-to-senior level rank, while a General is a senior level rank. A General has more authority and responsibility than a Commander, and is often responsible for making strategic decisions and leading larger units.
Is a Commander higher than a General?
+No, a General is typically considered a higher rank than a Commander. However, the specific responsibilities and authorities of each rank can vary depending on the situation and the branch of the military.
What are the key differences between a Commander and a General?
+Some key differences between a Commander and a General include level of authority, scope of responsibility, and rank structure. A General typically has more authority and responsibility than a Commander, and is often responsible for larger units and more complex missions.