Flag Officer

A Flag Officer is a naval term for the most senior ranks, usually OF-6 and above. This is similar to a General Officer in other forces.

Whilst the term Flag Officer is generally applied to all General Officers in any force, there is a legal distinction in the US Navy and Royal Navy. Whilst officers may have been promoted to "flag rank" (Rear Admiral or above), only a select few are actually authorised to fly their flags and thus become Flag Officers.