The use of stars as shoulder insignia to identify General Officers dates back to the Revolutionary War, when the highest military position was the two-star rank of Major General. Today, stars are used as shoulder insignia in all five branches of the United States Armed Forces to represent General Officers or, in the case of seagoing forces, Flag Officers.
But while Lieutenant Generals in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps and Rear Admirals (upper half) in the Navy and Coast Guard share the same type of pin-on metal rank insignia—three one-inch stars worn point to point—the types of uniforms on which it is worn varies widely between the services. Use the quick reference chart below to see on which uniforms the pin-on metal version of the three-star rank insignia is worn:
Branch | Worn With | Wear Guidance |
Army | AGSU Coat
Black All-Weather Coat
Black Windbreaker | On a bar: Bar centered on shoulder loop
Individual stars: Equidistant from the outside edge of loop and outer edge of shoulder loop button |
Navy | Blue All-Weather Coat
Black or Blue Jacket
Khaki Jacket | Place ¾ of an inch from squared (shoulder) end of shoulder strap (loop) |
Marine Corps | All uniforms except evening dress, combat utility uniform, field clothing in field environments | Equidistant from front and rear edges of shoulder straps; stars equally spaced between armhole seam and shoulder-strap button or collar edge (whichever is closer) |
Air Force | Service Dress Uniform Jacket
General Officer Lightweight Blue jacket
Topcoat
All-Weather Coat | Stars centered and equally spaced between epaulet button and sleeve seam |
Coast Guard | Windbreaker
Trench Coat | Same as Navy |