Who is the highest ranking woman in the military?

The highest-ranking woman in the U.S. military changes with appointments, but recent history highlights leaders like Admiral Lisa Franchetti (first female Chief of Naval Operations/Joint Chief) and Admiral Linda Fagan (first female Service Chief for the Coast Guard), while General Laura Richardson leads U.S. Southern Command. Historically, General Lori Robinson was the first woman to command a major combatant command, and General Ann Dunwoody was the first female four-star general, showing a progression of women reaching top leadership across different branches.

What is the highest-ranking woman in the Army?

The highest-ranking female officer in the US Army is General Laura Richardson, who is currently in command of Southern Command. She joined the Army in 1986 and has 37 years of service. She is from Kansas City, Missouri, and is 60 years old. She earned a Combat Action Badge while serving with the 101st Airborne in Iraq.

Who is the only female 4 star general?

Ann Elizabeth Dunwoody (born January 14, 1953) is a retired general of the United States Army. She was the first woman in U.S. military and uniformed service history to achieve a four-star officer rank, receiving her fourth star on November 14, 2008.

Who is the only 7 star general?

8.0 Introduction. No person have ever been awarded or promoted to a seven-star rank, although some commentators might argue that General George Washington posthumously became a seven-star general in 1976 (see Part Seven).

Are there any female SEALs?

Yes, female seals (the marine mammals) exist and have distinct personalities, but in the context of the U.S. military's elite Navy SEALs, no woman has completed the full SEAL training pipeline to become a certified Navy SEAL yet, though women have successfully completed related special warfare training (SWCC) and entered the assessment process for SEALs. While combat roles were opened to women in 2016, the rigorous selection for SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) teams remains a significant hurdle. 

The 4 highest-ranking women in the U.S. military speak about their experiences

Has a girl ever became a Navy SEAL?

To date, no women have completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training.

Who was the best U.S. general ever?

There's no single "greatest," but George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, George S. Patton, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Winfield Scott are consistently ranked among America's top generals for their transformative leadership, battlefield success, and impact on the nation's military history, from founding the Continental Army to commanding Allied forces in World War II.
 

Does an O-1 outrank an E-9?

Yes, formally, an O-1 (Second Lieutenant/Ensign) always outranks an E-9 (Master Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer/etc.), as all officers outrank all enlisted personnel, but in practice, the highly experienced E-9 holds significant informal authority and respect, and a smart O-1 relies on the E-9's expertise rather than strictly "barking orders," understanding the command structure and "soft power" of senior enlisted leaders. 

What is the salary of a U.S. general?

A U.S. Army General (O-10) earns substantial pay, with 2025 basic pay around $18,491/month ($221,900/year), plus allowances (housing/food) and potential bonuses, but top general pay is capped, while other high-ranking officers (O-9, O-8) earn slightly less but still over $150k-$220k+ total comp; civilian "general" roles vary widely, from high-level federal (SES) to corporate, with military general pay exceeding many civilian jobs but adjusted for extensive experience and responsibility. 

Are there any female rangers in the U.S. Army?

Yes, there are female Army Rangers; Ranger School opened to women in 2015, and many have since earned the prestigious Ranger Tab, with some even serving in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, with notable achievements like the first woman competing in the Best Ranger Competition in 2025. 

Who is the highest ranking female in the U.S. Navy?

Lisa Franchetti, the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Navy, is the second top female military officer to be fired by the Trump administration.

Who is the youngest four-star general?

The youngest four-star general in U.S. Army history was Mark W. Clark, promoted at age 48 during World War II, though records sometimes vary with Alfred Gruenther, who became one at 53, and others like Curtis LeMay, who was 44 when he received his fourth star in the Air Force, making him the youngest American four-star general since Ulysses S. Grant, highlighting different service branches and eras for the distinction. 

Who is the best Army girl?

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin is the first woman to serve as Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) and the highest-ranking woman officer in the history of the Indian Armed Forces. First woman to be elevated to three-star rank. Later moved to the Indian Navy and held the rank of Vice Admiral.

What is the hardest military branch for females?

The hardest military branch for females (and generally for anyone) in terms of physical rigor, demanding lifestyle, and combat focus is often considered the Marine Corps, followed by the Army, due to their intense training and ground combat roles, though the Air Force can be tough to get into due to high education standards. However, "hardest" is subjective, depending on a woman's goals (physical vs. technical), as all branches present unique challenges, from the Navy's ship life to the Space Force's high-tech focus.
 

Is there a female sergeant major?

At 35, she is a Sergeant Major — the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Army — overseeing instructors at the Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Sergeant Major Janina Simmons. She's traveled to Okinawa, Japan, Kuwait and Qatar, and served on U.S. bases in Texas, Oklahoma, North and South Carolina.

What is the rarest rank in the Army?

The rarest rank in the U.S. Army is arguably Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5), as it's the highest technical rank, held by less than 1% of warrant officers who are master-level experts, or ranks that only exist for a single person at a time, like the Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA), a singular position with immense responsibility, or historical/wartime ranks like General of the Armies (six-star), which is rarely bestowed. 

How much does an O-1 get paid?

"O1 Pay" refers to the basic monthly salary for the U.S. military's first officer pay grade, Second Lieutenant (O-1), which starts around $3,998 to $4,000 for less than two years of service in 2025, increasing with experience, plus allowances like BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) and BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence). An O-1 with more experience (e.g., 6 years) earns significantly more, and those with prior enlisted time get even higher rates (O-1E).
 

Why does silver outrank gold in the military?

Silver outranks gold in the U.S. military due to a mix of historical tradition, logistical decisions, and evolution of insignia, stemming from early choices like silver eagles for colonels (linked to general officers wearing silver stars) and eventually setting silver as the color for higher field-grade officers (Lt. Colonel) and junior officers (Lieutenants) over gold for majors and captains, creating a system where higher placement or a more prominent silver item (like leaves) signified seniority, despite gold's inherent value. 

Which general never lost a battle?

Several famous generals are known for never losing a battle, with prominent examples including Alexander the Great, Khalid ibn al-Walid (the "Sword of Allah"), Russia's Alexander Suvorov, and the American Civil War's Union General George H. Thomas (the "Rock of Chickamauga"), highlighting different eras and military traditions. 

Who is the only 5 star general?

There have been five 5-star generals: George C. Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Henry H. Arnold, and Omar Bradley.

Who is the black 4 star general?

Gen. Michael E. Langley has made history as the first Black four-star general in the Marine Corps' 246- year history. Commissioned in 1985, Langley has served with distinction across multiple commands.

Why do girls use 444?

444 Tattoo Meaning with personal stories or experiences

For her, the tattoo symbolizes the presence of guardian angels and divine guidance, offering comfort and reassurance during challenging times.

Are there a lot of black Navy SEALs?

Discover why only 3 in 100 Navy SEALs are Black, as explained by a Navy SEAL. Explore the challenges and representation in elite military forces.

Why do Navy SEALs use box breathing?

This technique, known as combat or tactical breathing, is an excellent way to reduce your stress and calm down. This breathing strategy has been used by first responders, the military and athletes to focus, gain control and manage stress. In addition, it appears to help control worry and nervousness.