General of The Salvation Army

General is the title of the International Leader of The Salvation Army, a Christian denomination with extensive charitable social services that gives military rank to its ministers.

The officer elected to be General is the supreme command of the Army throughout the world. All appointments are made, and all regulations issued, under the General's authority. Unlike a Pope, a General must usually "retire" at age 70.

The General is elected by the High Council of The Salvation Army when his predecessor retires or is "promoted to Glory."

The High Council is made up of the Chief of the Staff, all active commissioners, except the spouse of the General, and all territorial commanders.

List of Generals of The Salvation Army

(1878-1912) William Booth
(1912-1929) Bramwell Booth
(1929-1934) Edward J. Higgins
(1934-1939) Evangeline Booth
(1939-1946) George Carpenter
(1946-1954) Albert Orsborn
(1954-1963) Wilfred Kitching
(1963-1969) Frederick Coutts
(1969-1974) Erik Wickberg
(1974-1977) Clarence Wiseman
(1977-1981) Arnold Brown
(1981-1986) Jarl Wahlström
(1986-1993) Eva Burrows
(1993-1994) Bramwell Tillsley
(1994-1999) Paul Rader
(1999-2002) John Gowans
(2002-current) John Larsson

Rank system of The Salvation Army

Rank - Adopted - Current Status

General - 1878 - active
Chief of the Staff - 1880 - active
Commissioner - 1880 - active
Lieutenant-Commissioner - 1920 - discontinued 1973
Colonel - 1880 - active
Lieutenant-Colonel - 1896 - active
Brigadier - 1889 - discontinued 1973
Senior-Major - 1948 - discontinued 1959
Major - 1879 - active
Staff-Captain - 1881 - discontinued 1931
Field-Major - 1921 - discontinued 1931
Commandant - 1916 - discontinued 1931
Adjutant - 1888 - discontinued 1948
Ensign - 1888 - discontinued 1931
Senior-Captain - 1948 - discontinued 1959
Captain - 1877 - active
Lieutenant - 1879 - active
First Lieutenant - 1948 - discontinued 1959
Second Lieutenant - 1948 - discontinued 1959
Probationary Lieutenant - 1917 - discontinued 1973
Cadet - 1880 - active