Brigadier

Brigadier, or BRIGADIER-GENERAL, is the commander of a Brigade (q.v.). His rank in the United States army is next below major-general, but in most foreign armies and in the British army when on active service it is that of major-general. The infantry brigades at Aldershot, the troops at Chatham, the Curragh, and Belfast, are also under major-generals holding the rank of brigadier-general. But when battalions are temporarily brigaded, the command is often given to the senior colonel, who becomes the brigadier for the time being, and reverts to the command of his battalion when the brigade is broken up. In India, the sub-districts called brigade commands are under colonels with the temporary rank of brigadier-general, which they hold for a term of five years, or until promoted to major-general.