At what rank does a commissioned officer become a "flag officer"?

A commissioned officer is designated as a "flag officer" at the rank of O-7 or above. This rank includes positions such as Rear Admiral (lower half) and higher. Flag officers typically hold significant command responsibilities and are often involved in higher-level strategic decisions within the military.

The terms "flag officer" and "general officer" are often used interchangeably, and they refer to officers who wear a flag insignia or have a higher rank, thus engaging in leadership roles that influence the direction of military operations. The rank of O-7 does not just signify a promotion; it also represents the officer’s capability to lead large units or commands, often involving multiple subordinate units and considerable operational authority.

Lower ranks, specifically O-5 and O-6, while they do include senior leadership roles such as Captain and Commander, do not qualify as flag officers. Similarly, ranks classified as O-4 and below do not reach the flag officer designation, as they fall short of the seniority and command responsibilities associated with O-7 and higher. Therefore, understanding the ranking structure and when officers transition to flag officer status is essential for both navigating military hierarchies and comprehending the responsibilities that accompany higher command positions.