The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff holds which grade?

• A. General or Admiral
• B. Lieutenant General
• C. Major General
• D. Colonel

Answer: (A)

The highest-ranking officer in the U.S. armed forces is the Chairman, and that position is held at a four-star level. In practical terms, the Chairman is a General in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps, or an Admiral in the Navy (and sometimes in the Space Force). Four-star ranks are above three-star ranks (lieutenant general or major general) and well above a colonel, which is a one-star-equivalent of the general/flag structure. The role requires coordinating with all service chiefs and serving as the principal military advisor, a responsibility that corresponds to the top rank.