List of United States Army lieutenant generals since 2020

Statutory limits, elevations and reductions

The U.S. Code states that no more than 46 officers in the U.S. Army may hold the rank of lieutenant general on the active duty list, aside from those on joint duty assignments.^[32] Three-star positions can be elevated to four-star grade or reduced to two-star grade when necessary, either to highlight their increasing importance^[s] to the defense apparatus (or lack thereof) or to achieve parity with equivalent commands in other services or regions. Few three-star positions are set by statute, leading to their increased volatility as they do not require congressional approval to be downgraded.

Senate confirmations

Military nominations are considered by the Senate Armed Services Committee. While it is rare for three-star or four-star nominations to face even token opposition in the Senate, nominations that do face opposition due to controversy surrounding the nominee in question are typically withdrawn. Nominations that are not withdrawn are allowed to expire without action at the end of the legislative session.

• For example, the nomination of Ryan F. Gonsalves for promotion to lieutenant general and assignment as commanding general of U.S. Army Europe was withdrawn in November 2017^[33] after an investigation was launched into the general's inappropriate comment to a female Congressional staffer.^[34] As a result, Gonsalves was administratively reprimanded and retired in May 2018.^[34][35][36]

Additionally, events that take place after Senate confirmation may still delay or even prevent the nominee from assuming office.

• For example, John G. Rossi, who had been confirmed for promotion to lieutenant general^[37] and assignment as the commanding general of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command in April 2016^[38] committed suicide two days before his scheduled promotion and assumption of command.^[39] As a result, the then incumbent commander of USASMDC, David L. Mann, remained in command beyond customary term limits until another nominee, James H. Dickinson was confirmed by the Senate.^[40]