Generals of The Salvation Army

General of The Salvation Army
Incumbent André Cox since 3 August 2013
Style	General
Residence	London, United Kingdom
Appointer	High Council Elected by the High Council of The Salvation Army by secret ballot
Term length	Four years, which may be extended up to a maximum of three more years, depending upon the age at time of election. But must be under 70 years old
Inaugural holder	William Booth 1878

General is the title of the international leader of The Salvation Army, a Christian denomination with extensive charitable social services that gives quasi-military rank to its ministers (who are therefore known as officers). André Cox is currently the General of The Salvation Army. Its founder William Booth was the longest serving general. There have been 20 generals as of 2016, 10 of which were from Great Britain.

Usage of the term General began with the Founder of The Salvation Army, William Booth. His wife, Catherine Booth, became known as the "Mother" of The Salvation Army. General Booth passed on the command to his eldest son, Bramwell Booth, but all Generals after Bramwell Booth have been elected.

The office of General is not restricted by gender. Evangeline Booth, William's daughter, was elected fourth General of the Army, and Australian Eva Burrows was elected the thirteenth General. On January 31, 2011 Commissioner Linda Bond, a Canadian national, was named General-Elect of The Salvation Army and assumed office on April 2, 2011 following the retirement of General Shaw Clifton.

The Officer of The Salvation Army who is elected General is the worldwide spiritual leader of The Salvation Army. Since The Salvation Army maintains a quasi-military structure, all appointments are made, and all regulations issued, under the General's authority. Since the results of the 1929 High Council, and with the passage of The Salvation Army Act in the British Parliament in 1931, a General must "retire" at age 70. As of October, 2016, there are 5 retired Generals still living.