While the US Army structure is based on the British military tradition, the History of Army Officers dates back to the 18th century. The categorisation of Privates and Commissioned Officers required distinction among the ranks, which called for the introduction of badges of distinction – this was followed up with the introduction of two stars for major generals and one star for brigadier generals, in 1780. The commissioned officers of the Army of United States were called the “General of the Armies of the United States”. By 1798, three stars were introduced to indicate Lieutenant Generals, while four stars were awarded to the rank of General, in 1866.

The “General and Commander-in-chief of the Army of the United Colonies” appointed in 1775 was George Washington, on the instance of the Revolutionary War, holding his post till 1783 under a Commission. George Washington was supposed to have been conferred the “Commander of the Army of the United States” and his position of “Lieutenant General” was to be abolished, but George Washington died while still under the commission of Lieutenant General.
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