MILITARY BRASS

The differing ranks among generals offering briefings have confused readers and viewers unfamiliar with military rank. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the U.S. commander of Desert Storm , and Colin L. Powell, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, both are four-star generals.

NAVY BRASS 1 star: Rear Admiral (lower)

2 stars: Rear Admiral (upper)

3 stars: Vice Admiral

4 stars: Admiral

5* (rare) : Fleet Admiral

ARMY BRASS 1 star: Brigadier General

2 stars: Major General

3 stars: Lieutenant General

4 stars: General

5* (rare) : General of the Army

MARINE CORPS BRASS 1 star: Brigadier General

2 stars: Major General

3 stars: Lieutenant General

4 stars: General

AIR FORCE BRASS 1 star: Brigadier General

2 stars: Major General

3 stars: Lieutenant General

4 stars: General

* There have been only five U.S. five-star generals: Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower, George Marshall, Hap Arnold and Omar Bradley--and only four five-star admirals: William Leahy, Ernest King, Chester Nimitz and William Halsey. There is no extra pay for the fifth star; generals max out at $101,829.60 after 26 years and four stars.