What the Field Marshal rank really means for Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir

Dubai: What it really means to be a Field Marshal?

Topic started trending after the Pakistan Government promoted Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, the highest possible military designation, reserved for exceptional service and wartime leadership.

The decision was approved by Pakistan’s federal cabinet on May 20, following what officials described as General Munir’s ‘brilliant strategic leadership’ during Operation Banyanun Marsoos, Pakistan’s military campaign against India earlier this month. The promotion makes Munir only the second Field Marshal in Pakistan’s history, after General Ayub Khan promoted himself to this rank in 1959. General Khan Khan, a graduate of the British Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, took over power through a coup in October 1958, and in 1965, he was elected as Pakistan President.

A title of rare prestige, not power

The title of Field Marshal is a five-star rank that sits above General and is largely ceremonial in nature. Originating in the British military system, which both the Indian and Pakistani armies inherited, the rank is awarded not for administrative command, but to honour extraordinary service, especially in wartime.

Field Marshals do not hold active command after retirement, yet they remain on the “active list for life”, entitled to wear their uniform, display five stars on their insignia and vehicles, and salute with a special baton.

The rank carries no constitutional powers or operational authority beyond that of a General.

Gen. Munir’s military journey

General Munir began his military career at Mangla Officers Training School and received the prestigious Sword of Honour. He has commanded forces in critical areas like the Northern Areas, and held top intelligence roles as Director General of both Military Intelligence and ISI. He became Army Chief in November 2022.

His promotion to Field Marshal follows the culmination of Operation Bunyanun-Marssoo, during which Pakistan claims to have successfully countered India’s Operation Sindoor.

Constitutional boundaries

While highly prestigious, the rank of Field Marshal in Pakistan does not convey political authority. Under the constitution, the President is the ceremonial commander-in-chief of the armed forces, while the Prime Minister holds executive control over military appointments and policy.

Unlike in 1959 when Ayub Khan promoted himself while in power, Munir’s promotion came through formal civilian channels.

Global parallels

Globally, the Field Marshal rank is rarely conferred. India has had two so far: General Sam Manekshaw, who led the 1971 war, and General K.M. Cariappa. In the UK, military giants like Montgomery and William Slim held the title during WWII. In most cases, the rank is bestowed as a symbol of lifelong distinction, not additional command.

Field Marshals from India

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw (1973)

First Indian Field Marshal. Led India to victory in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa (1986)

First Indian Commander-in-Chief post-independence. Honoured for lifelong service and leadership.

Field Marshals from the United Kingdom

Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery (1944)

British commander during World War II, noted for victory at the Battle of El Alamein.

Field Marshal Douglas Haig (1917)

Senior British commander during World War I, including the Battle of the Somme.

Field Marshal William Slim (1944)

Led the British Fourteenth Army in Burma during WWII.

Field Marshal Harold Alexander (1944)

Commander in WWII; later became Governor General of Canada.

Field Marshals from Other Countries

Field Marshal Erwin Rommel (Germany)

Known as the “Desert Fox,” Rommel was a respected German commander in North Africa during WWII.

Field Marshal Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim (Finland)

Commander-in-Chief during WWII and later President of Finland.

Field Marshal Prince Khalid bin Sultan (Saudi Arabia) (Honorary)

Played a key role in the Gulf War; held the rank ceremonially.