Marshal

A marshal, depending on the country and the context, may be a law enforcement or court officer, a high-ranking military officer, or some other official charged with security-related duties.

Military rank[edit]

Army[edit]

In many countries, Marshal or Field Marshal is a rank in the army, usually the highest rank available. It is generally equivalent to General of the Army in the United States Army.

In some cavalry units of the French Army, Marshal-of-Lodgings is a non-commissioned officer rank equivalent to Sergeant. This should not be confused with the title of Marshal of France, a military distinction (not, strictly speaking, a rank) which is granted to generals for exceptional military achievements.

Some well-known examples of Marshal ranks:

• Field Marshal (United Kingdom and Commonwealth)
• Marshal of France
• Marshal of the Soviet Union

Air force[edit]

The Royal Air Force and some Commonwealth air forces use the term "Marshal" for their highest ranks (equivalent to various grades of General in the United States Air Force). The senior ranks of the Royal Air Force are structured as follows:

• Marshal of the Royal Air Force
• Air Chief Marshal
• Air Marshal
• Air Vice-Marshal

Law enforcement[edit]

In the United States, the term Marshal is used for various law enforcement officials. At the federal level, the United States Marshals Service provides enforcement and security services to the federal court system, and is responsible for transporting federal prisoners.^[1] Many states also have marshals as local law enforcement officers (equivalent to a sheriff) or as courtroom security officers.

Other uses[edit]

The United Kingdom has an Earl Marshal, a hereditary unpaid officer of the royal household. The office is held by the Duke of Norfolk and dates back to the medieval period. It is not the same as an army Field Marshal.

See also[edit]

• Federal Air Marshal Service

References[edit]