The rank of brigadier general has existed in the U.S. military since the inception of the Continental Army in June 1775.

[1] Later, on June 18, 1780, it was prescribed that brigadier generals would instead wear a single silver star on each epaulette.

[1] At first, brigadier generals were infantry officers who commanded a brigade; however, over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, the responsibilities of the rank expanded significantly.

[2][3] The insignia for a brigadier general is one silver star worn on the shoulder or collar, and has not changed since the creation of the rank two centuries ago.

U.S. law explicitly limits the total number of general officers who may be on active duty.

[10] The President may nominate any eligible officer who is not on the recommended list if it serves in the interest of the nation, but this is uncommon.

For all five uniformed services, because the grade of brigadier general is a permanent rank, the nominee may still be screened by an in-service promotion board.

As a result, General and flag officers typically retire well in advance of the statutory age and service limits, so as not to impede the upward career mobility of their juniors.