Which of these is a military rank of the highest degree in most countries?

Generalissimo is a military rank of the highest degree, superior to field marshal and other five-star ranks in the states where they are used.

The word generalissimo, an Italian term, is the absolute superlative of generale ('general') thus meaning "the highest-ranking of all generals". The superlative suffix -issimo itself derives from Latin -issimus, meaning "utmost, to the highest grade". Similar cognates in other languages include generalísimo in Spanish, generalíssimo in Portuguese, généralissime in French, and generalissimus in Latin.

Historically this rank was given to a military officer leading an entire army or the entire armed forces of a state, usually only subordinate to the sovereign. Other usage of the rank has been for the commander of the united armies of several allied powers and if a senior military officer becomes the head of state or head of government of a nation like Chiang Kai-Shek in China, and Francisco Franco in Spain.

The rank Generalissimus of the Soviet Union would have been a generalissimo but some sources assert that Joseph Stalin refused to accept the rank. In fact the grade was established by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet which did not need the "approval" of Stalin. The rank of Generalissimo for Stalin was used also by Western diplomacy.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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19 Comments

Denise Currie

I have never heard of a Generalissimo (I thought it was a coffee maker ha ha). We don't have them in the UK, I would imagine that this is an Italian or Latin American term, certainly not British

Helga U. Williams

In most countries? I don't agree! 🙄

Bill Campbell

That rank is not found in most countries. In fact it is rare.

Pat Salloum

Not used in most countries including UK, US and Canada.

Babita Goyal

Where does this clown come from? What is meant by the most countries? Can he specify the percentage of countries where the rank exists?

Christopher Skinner

Field Marshal is, I believe, the equivalent of Generalissimo in the UK and Commonwealth Armies. As indicated, the term is Latin and relates to Latin style Governments in Europe, South America and other Romance languages outposts.

Marc Chabot

Not in all countries.

Lawanta

Denise Currie, NOT an American term either!

Paul Greenslade

In most countries? I don’t think so.

Blairly21

Never heard of such a title and I come from military backgrounfd

Judith Chandler

I believe Franco of Spain was called generalissimo

Judith Chandler

A bit of guessing and I picked the superlative.

michael d engels

I would have answered Major General if I had not used the 50/50 option to guide me to the right answer

Nicholas Miernicki

There are few countries with armies of the size that would require a field marshal or the US equivalent, a General of the Army, in the world now a day. Though in some places if you have command of 100 troops, you are a colonel, 200 will make you a general and with 500 you become "El Supremo' or something glorious like that.