When are ranks executed to distinguish a small number of leaders, such as a Fleet Admiral, General of the Air Force, or a General of the Army?

The ranks of Fleet Admiral, General of the Air Force, or General of the Army are typically conferred in a military context primarily during wartime. These ranks are considered special or high-level appointments that reflect a significant requirement for leadership and coordination at the highest echelons during conflict. The purpose of designating such ranks is to ensure that a singular, highly experienced leader is in place to make critical decisions and manage large-scale military operations efficiently.

In wartime, the chaotic and dynamic nature of military engagement often necessitates clear command structures, and these top-level ranks help to establish authority and oversight across vast military operations. While such ranks could theoretically be awarded at other times, the historical precedent aligns their promotion with periods of significant military need, where the strategic oversight and unity of command are paramount to success in operations.