why is a lieutenant general Senior to a major general? It seems backwards because a major his senior to a lieutenant.
The rank of Major General is a shortened title. Historically it was Sergeant-Major General. Somewhere along the way in the 18th century, the sergeant part of the name was dropped.
The Short Answer
The rank of Major General is a shortened title. Historically it was Sergeant-Major General. Somewhere along the way in the 18th century, the sergeant part of the name was dropped. It could easily have been the major part that was dropped and that would have made more sense. Sergeant-Major means "sergeant-leader" or "greater sergeant" and is an enlisted rank, greater than a sergeant but junior to a Lieutenant. As the Major-General rank is named after the enlisted rank of Sergeant-Major and not the commissioned rank of Major, it is the most junior of General ranks. So next time, think "Sergeant General" instead and it will make more sense. Edit: a word as I can't grammar today
Analysis
Key Concepts: Rank, general, sergeant
This explanation focuses on rank, general, sergeant and spans 116 words across 8 sentences. At 61% above the average Biology explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “The rank of Major General is a shortened title.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 8 connected points.
How This Compares in Biology
Ranked #83 of 500 Biology questions by answer depth (top 17%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why a lieutenant general senior to a major general? it seems backwards because a major his senior to a lieutenant.?
The rank of Major General is a shortened title. Historically it was Sergeant-Major General. Somewhere along the way in the 18th century, the sergeant part of the name was dropped. It could easily have been the major part that was dropped and that…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Biology questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 116 words, ranked #83 of 500 Biology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are rank, general, sergeant.
What approach does this answer take to explain a lieutenant general senior to a major general? it seems bac?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 116 words. It is categorized under Biology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.