Specifically, what is General of the Armies?

Question

General of the Armies is the highest military rank in the U.S.A. But why "Armies" versus General of the "Army"? I don't understand the difference.

Answer 1

An "Army" is a group of two or more "Corps". Sometimes, "Armies" will be part of an "Army Group".

The name "Army" comes from the original Continental Army, but it has at times included many Armies. For example, there were 13 Armies, grouped into 3 Army Groups, that took part in the campaign in France circa 1944.

Answer 2

There have only been five in the history of the United States. Those were instances in which a General Officer was given control of massed armies. A General of the Armies is a five-star rank. Under other circumstances, the office of General rises only to four stars. The rank begins with Brigadier, who wears one star. Next is a Major General, with two stars. Then comes Leutenant General, with three, and General, with four stars. The naval equivalents are Commodore, Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral and Admiral. There is no five-star rank in the navy and never has been - Eisenhower had the authority, though he was army, to direct the activities of the navies in the Atlantic.
When the Allies were preparing the big invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe during World War Two, all Allied armies were placed under the control of one man, who once their own national administrations agreed, was elevated to five-star rank. That man was General of the Armies Dwight D. Eisenhower. The next step down from his rank could only command the armed forces of his own country. Eisenhower so impressed the American people that he later became President of the United States.

Answer 3

A 'General of the Army' is a five star general. This rank is equivalent to a European 'Field Marshal' and is only held during wartime.

The rank of 'General of the Armies' was awarded to George Washington. By tradition George Washington will always remain as the senior US military officer - thus the higher rank.