a title that since the adoption of the Constitution has been reserved for the (civilian) President. The five star officers of World War II are technically considered the most senior officers in U.S. history (with the exception of the two "super ranks" previously mentioned), yet are often considered historically junior to the military leaders of the 19th century, especially the inaugural holders of senior military ranks. Most historical seniority lists also omit three star officers, with some rare exceptions (such as Winfield Scott), and typically avoid comparing two star ranks and below, which are permanent ranks held by hundreds of officers over the past two centuries. In these cases, standard methods of seniority are used. Since 1981, the highest rank held by any officer in the U.S. armed forces is four stars, or a pay grade of "O-10". Modern-day admirals and generals are typically not considered in lists of historical seniority, except for extreme cases such as leaders of wars or other wide scale armed conflicts. See also List of presidents of the United States by military rank List of active duty United States four-star officers List of United States Air Force four-star generals List of United States Army four-star generals List of United States Marine Corps four-star generals List of United States Navy four-star admirals List of United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps four-star admirals List of United States Space Force four-star generals References American military personnel United States military leaders by military rank United States leaders by rank Military history of the United States Military ranks of the United States Rank Military personnel by rank