Marshal

For other uses, seeMarshal (disambiguation).

Not to be confused withMarshall.

Marshalis a term used in several official titles in various branches ofsociety.As marshals became trusted members of the courts ofMedievalEurope, the title grew in reputation. During the last few centuries, it has been used for elevated offices, such as inmilitary rankand civilianlaw enforcement.

In most countries, the rank ofMarshalis the highestArmyrank (equivalent to a five-starGeneral of the Armyin theUnited States).

Etymology

"Marshal" is an ancientloanwordfromNorman French(cf. modern Frenchmaréchal), which in turn is borrowed fromOld Frankish*marhskalk(= "stable boy, keeper, servant" ), being still evident inMiddle Dutchmaerscalc,marscal,and in modern Dutchmaarschalk(= "military chief commander"; the meaning influenced by the French use).

It iscognatewithOld High Germanmar(ah)-scalc"id.", modern German(Feld-)Marschall(= "military chief commander"; the meaning again influenced by the French use).

It originally and literally meant "horse servant", from Germanic*marha-"horse" (cf. Englishmareand modern GermanMähre,meaning "horse of bad quality" ) and*skalk-"servant" (cf. Old Engl.scealc"servant, soldier" and outdated GermanSchalk,meaning "high-ranking servant" ).This "horse servant" origin is retained in the current French name forfarrier:maréchal-ferrant.

The late Roman and Byzantine title ofcomes stabuli( "count of the stables" ) was acalqueof the Germanic, which became Old Frenchcon(n)estableand modernconnétable,and, borrowed from the Old French, the English word "constable".Finally, in Byzantium, a marshal with elevated authority, notably a borderlands military command, was also known as anexarch.

Military

See also:Field Marshal

In many countries, the rank of marshal, cf.field marshal,is the highestarmyrank, outranking othergeneral officers.The equivalentnavyrank is oftenadmiral of the fleetorgrand admiral.

Marshals are typically, but not exclusively, appointed only inwartime.In many countries, especially inEurope,the special symbol of a marshal is abaton,and their insignia often incorporate batons.

In some countries, the term "marshal" is used instead of "general" in the higherair force ranks.The four highestRoyal Air Forceranks aremarshal of the Royal Air Force,air chief marshal,air marshalandair vice marshal(although the first named, which has generally been suspended as apeacetimerank, is the only one which can properly be considered a marshal). Thefive-star rankofmarshal of the Air Forceis used by someCommonwealthandMiddle Easternair forces.

In theFrench Armyand most National Armies modeled upon the French system,maréchal des logis( "marshal-of-lodgings" ) is acavalryterm equivalent tosergeant.

Some historical rulers have used special "marshal" titles to reward certain subjects. Though not strictly military ranks, thesehonorary titleshave been exclusively bestowed upon successful military leaders, such as the famousgrand marshalof AyacuchoAntonio José de Sucre.Most famous are theMarshals of France(Maréchaux de France), not least underNapoléon I.Another such title was that ofReichsmarschall,bestowed uponHermann GöringbyAdolf Hitler,although it was never a regular title as it had been "invented" for Göring who was the only titleholder in history. InEnglandduring theFirst Barons' Warthe title "Marshal of the Army of God and Holy Church"was bestowed uponRobert Fitzwalterby election.

Both theSoviet UnionandRussiahavearmy generalas well as "marshal" in their rank system.

Marshal ranks by country

The following articles discuss the rank of marshal as used by specific countries:

• Marshal of Bolivia
• Marshal (Brazil)
• Marshal of the Realm (Denmark)
• Marshal of Finland
• France
  • Marshal of France(includesMarshal of the Empire,both equivalent to a six-star general)
  • Maréchal des logis(equivalent to sergeant)
• Marshal of the German Democratic Republic
• Italy
  • Marshal of Italy
  • Marshal (Italy)– awarrant officerrank
• Marshal of the Mongolian People's Republic
• Marshal of Peru
• Marshal of Poland
• Marshal (Portugal)
• Mareșal (Romania)
• Russia
  • Marshal of the Russian Federation
  • Marshal of the Soviet Union
  • Chief marshal of the branchwas used in five Soviet military branches: the air force, artillery, armoured troops, engineer troops, and signal troops.
  • Marshal of the branchwas used in five Soviet military branches – the air force, artillery, armoured troops, engineer troops, and signal troops. Marshal of the branch is considered equivalent to the rankgeneral of the army,which was used in theinfantryand themarines.
• Marshal of the Realm (Sweden)
• Mareşal (Turkey)
• Marshal of the Royal Air Force
• Yugoslavia
  • Vojvoda (Serbia and Yugoslavia)
  • Marshal of Yugoslavia

Marshal equivalents

These ranks are considered the equivalent to a marshal:

• Chom Phon(Thailand)
• General of the army,fleet admiralandgeneral of the Air Force(United States)
• Arteshbod(Iran)
• Mushir(Arab countries)
• Protostrator(inFrankish Greece,deriving from theByzantine Empire,likewise deriving from the post of "stable-master" )
• Stratarches(modern Greece)
• Vojvoda(Kingdom of SerbiaandKingdom of Yugoslavia)
• Vrhovnik(Croatia)
• Wonsu(North KoreaandSouth Korea)
• Yuan Shuai(modern China)
• Sima(ancient China)
• Gensui(Japan)
• Nguyên soái(Vietnam)

Military police

The name is also applied to the leader of military police organizations.

• Provost marshal– a term used in many countries
• Provost Marshal General– head of the military police in the United States

Ceremonial and protocol

Usually in monarchies, one or several of the senior dignitaries wear the title ofMarshalor a compound such asCourt Marshal(not related tocourt martial,therefore usually calledMarshal of the Courtto prevent confusion) or more rarelyGrand Marshal.

The function of theMarshal of the Courtvaries according to national tradition, but frequently he is the chief of staff of the monarch's household (meaning the palace and other domains). Often, the charge includes also the honorary privilege as chief of the protocol to announce formally the arrival of VIP guests at audiences, state dinners, and conferences in the monarch's premises. This office was often madehereditaryin the high nobility, e.g., the EnglishEarl Marshal,or the ScotsEarl Marischal.

Civilian

The term is also used in more ordinary contexts, such as modernpageantry;for example, thegrand marshalof a parade is often an honored guest or dignitary.

In the United States, many colleges and universities have marshals. In some cases, there is a single "faculty marshal," appointed to the post on a more or less permanent basis. In other cases, there are one or several faculty marshals, and often one or several student marshals appointed for a single occasion. In all cases, the post is one of honor given to a senior faculty member or outstanding student, and the functions are generally limited to leading processions or parts of processions duringcommencementexercises, academicconvocations,encaeniaand similar events. These marshals often carrymaces,staffs or wands of office.

A chief usher at a large wedding is sometimes called awedding marshal.In addition to coordinating other ushers in attending guests, the wedding marshal may be a messenger between parties to signal the impending start of the service or communicate delays. In a church wedding, particularly a nuptial mass, these functions may be assumed by averger.The wedding marshal is a position of honor and trust, often filled by a close friend or relative.

Political

Dignitaries of Poland

For other historical uses of the word, seeMarszałek.

Apart from its military uses, the Polish wordmarszałek(marshal) also refers to certain political offices:

• Marszałek SejmuandMarszałek Senatu:the respectivespeakersof the lower house (Sejm) and upper house (Senate) of Poland'sparliament,usually nominated by the governing party orcoalition;
• Marszałek Województwa(voivodeship marshal): since 1999, the leader of the executive of avoivodeship(one of Poland's 16 provinces), elected by the regional assembly (sejmik), and co-existing with the government-appointedvoivode(governor).

Demonstration marshal

Demonstration marshals, also calledstewards,are used by the organizers of large or controversialdemonstrations,rallies andprotests,to help ensure the safety of the participants.They are especially important for preventing infiltration byagents provocateurs.

Sports

Racing and other competitions

Inmotorsports,such asauto racing,motorcycle racing,andrallying,thetrack marshalswave theracing flagsand assist crashed or broken-down vehicles and their drivers, while pit marshals watch over the procedures in the pits, andfire marshalsassist in the event of a fire on the track or in the pit. TheFIAprovides general rules and recommendations on marshalling.In the1977 South African Grand Prix,1977 Japanese Grand Prix,2000 Italian Grand Prix,2001 Australian Grand Prix,and2013 Canadian Grand Prix,track marshals were victims of fatal accidents.

In some organized competitions, such as the endurance competition "Tough Guy,"officials seeing to the observance of the rules are styled marshals. Inroad runningraces, in particular,course marshalsenforce rules of competition and assist runners as needed.

Games

The marshal is the highest playing piece in the board gameStratego.

Law enforcement

The wordMaréchausséederives from the French wordMaréchal(pluralMaréchaux), which was the second highest military charge in feudal France afterConnétable(Constable), the militaryCommander-in-Chief of the Royal Armed Forcesuntil 1627, when the charge of Constable was abolished. The Constable and the Marshals had also jurisdictional powers, at first only over members of the armed forces. The additional conferring of police powers led to the creation of the "Corps of theMaréchaussée"(" Marshalcy "; the forerunner of the modernGendarmerie) and to an Ancien Régime Court of Justice called the "Tribunal of theConstableand theMarshals of France"which was competent for judging military personnel and civilians alike in cases of petty violations of the law.

The termMaréchausséewas also used for theContinental Army's military police during theAmerican Revolution.

In the present-day Netherlands, theKoninklijke Marechaussee( "Royal Marshalcy" ) is a nationalmilitary policeforce with civilian competences, similar to the FrenchGendarmerie nationale.

United States

In the United States,marshalis used particularly for various types of law enforcement officers.

Federal marshals

United States Marshals Service

Thefederal court systemin the United States has 94 federaljudicialdistricts, each with a court (with one or morejudges), aUnited States Attorneywith assistants such asprosecutorsand governmentlawyersand a marshal, appointed by thepresident,in charge of federal law enforcement. The courts are part of the independent judicial branch of the government, while the marshals and U.S. attorneys are part of theDepartment of Justicein theexecutivebranch. The U.S. marshal for the district primarily oversees court security and has a unit of appointed deputies and special deputies. (Other law enforcement operations and the federal prison system are handled by other federal police agencies.) TheUnited States Marshals Serviceis a professional,civil serviceunit offederal police,part of the system of marshals, made up of career law enforcement personnel rather than the appointed district marshals. The U.S. Marshals Service assists with court security and prisoner transport, asset forfeiture, servesarrest warrantsand seeksfugitives.

Federal Air Marshal Service

TheFederal Air Marshal Serviceis a separate armed federal law enforcement service employed to protect commercialairlinersfrom the threat ofaircraft hijacking.These air marshals work for theTransportation Security Administrationof theU.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Marshal of the United States Supreme Court

TheU.S. Supreme Courtmaintains its own, separateMarshal of the United States Supreme Court,who also controls the U.S.Supreme Court Police,asecurity policeservice answerable to the court itself, rather than to the president orattorney general.It handles security for the Supreme Court building and for the justices personally, and undertakes whatever other missions the court may require or assign.

State and local marshals

In many U.S. states, marshals can be found acting at the state, local ormunicipallevel; marshals can be courtbailiffsorprocess servers,or even fully sworn police officers. In some states, they may be swornpeace officers,however their job is, in certain cases, entirely civil rather than criminal law enforcement. In other states, some communities maintain a Town or City Marshal who is responsible for all general law enforcement within the respective jurisdiction, as well as court duties, while others are strictly court officers. This is especially true in communities with both police and marshals. The position of marshal vastly differs from state to state. At least one local railroad servicing company's part-time public safety staff, which are both fire and police trained, is supervised by a chief marshal.

American Old West(for example,Arizona TerritoryandTexasof the 1880s): Marshals, usually calledtown marshalsorcity marshals(since the larger cities were often punctilious about their titles), were appointed or electedpolice officersof small communities, with powers and duties similar to those of a police chief; these powers generally ended at the border of the community. By contrast, federal marshals (U.S. marshals) worked in a larger territory, especially in pioneer country, and this area could potentially overlap with the state or territorial office ofcounty sheriff(who then, as now, policed communities, as well as areas between communities). The wordmarshalis still used in this sense, especially in theAmerican Southwest.(SeeList of Western lawmen.) Town or city marshal is still the name for the head officer of some community police forces.

Arizona:Cities and towns decide whether to appoint or elect a marshal, or have the board, council, orcity managerhire achief of policeas the top criminal law enforcement official for their jurisdiction (as in the town ofTombstone). Marshals are elected by the trustees to serve a fixed term, and chiefs of police can be fired at will by whoever hired them, just like any other employee.

California:Several urban counties (includingLos Angeles,San Bernardino County, California,andSan Diego) once maintained separate county marshal's offices, which served as court officers similar to U.S. marshals orconstables,but mainly for the municipal court system. This system was abolished by state law in 2000, when the sheriffs of those counties announced that those counties' marshals would be absorbed into their departments. Therefore, many have been merged into or taken over by the local county sheriff's office, with the exceptions ofShasta CountyandTrinity Countyboth located in Northern California. As of 2010, the marshal ofSan Benito Countyhas been disbanded as an independent organization, with its employees becoming part of the sheriff's office. California also has fire marshals and deputy fire marshals, who may work for the State of California Fire Marshal's Office, or various county, city or special districts throughout the state. Fire marshals and deputy fire marshals are full-time sworn peace officers throughout the state, with powers of arrest statewide under section 830.37 of theCalifornia Penal Code.Their responsibilities include fire andarsoninvestigation, bomb and explosives investigation, general law enforcement, as well as enforcement of thefire code.

Colorado:Cities, towns and villages decide whether to appoint or elect a marshal, or have the board, council, or city manager hire a chief of police as the top criminal law enforcement for their jurisdiction. Marshals are elected by the trustees to serve a fixed term, and chiefs of police can be fired at will by whoever hired them, just like any other employee.

Connecticut:In 2000, Connecticut eliminated the county sheriff system, and replaced it with two types of marshals.Statemarshals operate out of the executive branch of state government. They are sworn peace officers who perform a wide range of duties, including service of process, seizing money and property under court order, evictions, serving tax warrants, and arresting individuals onbench warrants.Judicialmarshals are employed by the judicial branch. They are sworn peace officers who perform court security and transport detainees to and from court.

Georgia:The marshal is a commissioned armed and uniformed law enforcement officer of the county state courts which have jurisdiction over civil matters and state ordinances. In the Atlanta metro counties, marshal's offices enforce evictions, foreclosures, subpoenas, civil forfeitures, judgements, seizure, liens, repossession, and garnishment. With a few exceptions, elsewhere in Georgia, the sheriff's office is responsible for enforcement of these duties, with some sheriffs' offices having an assigned unit or personnel for these duties.

Indiana:Indiana Town Marshals are fully-sworn,ILEAcertified police officers who act as the chief police officer of atown.General police terms in Indiana vary by what local government one works for; for example: counties have Sheriff's/deputies, cities have Police Departments/Officers and Towns have Marshals/deputies. In Indiana, a town is managed by a council without an electedmayor,whereas acityhas a mayor and, thus, a city police department.Marshals are responsible for all law enforcement in their respective town, and their primary duties are the enforcement of local and state laws orordinancesas well as code enforcement. The Town Marshal may also be the town'shumane law enforcement officer.Town marshals are fully sworn state certified police officers though theIndiana Law Enforcement Academy,having law enforcement authority statewide; therefore, it is not at all uncommon for Town Marshals to be seen outside of their bailiwicks assisting other police agencies. Some town marshal agencies in Indiana can be quite large. A Town Marshal can appoint any number of unpaid deputy town marshals or reserve officers who may exercise full police powers in the state. Indiana Town Marshals are authorized to enforce not only city/town code, but also county ordinances; this differs from city police departments where a city police officer may only enforce city code or a sheriff's deputy, who may only enforce county code.Indiana Coderecognizes Town Marshals as Police Officers, therefore it is very common for Indiana Town Marshal's Offices to go simply by "Police Department".

UnderIndiana CodeIC36-5-7 the marshal is described as "the chief police officer of the town and has the powers of other law enforcement officers in executing the orders of the legislative body and enforcing laws. The marshal or his deputy:

1. shall serve all process directed to him by the town court or legislative body;
2. shall arrest without process all persons who commit an offense within his view, take them before a court having jurisdiction, and detain them in custody until the cause of the arrest has been investigated;
3. shall suppress breaches of the peace;
4. may, if necessary, call the power of the town to his aid;
5. may executesearch warrantsandarrest warrants;and
6. may pursue and jail persons who commit an offense. "

Maine:The State Marshal Service provides physical security and law enforcement duties to the judicial system, as well as protection of all state judges. Deputy marshals are fully sworn state law enforcement officers with statewide authority.

Missouri:There are two types of marshal:

State marshals provide physical security and law enforcement duties to the judicial system, as well as protection of all state judges. Deputy marshals are fully sworn state law enforcement officers with statewide authority.

City marshals, at the local level in the State of Missouri, are elected chief law enforcement officers of a city. They have the same police powers as a regular police officer within the city limits. The amount of training to be a city marshal is far less than a regular municipal police officer; as such, a marshal's jurisdiction is strictly limited to the city limits of the city to which they are elected. Even if they witness a violation of the law in their city, they cannot pursue a person who flees beyond the city limits. The position of city marshal is rare in the state of Missouri and is only found in very small rural cities that do not have the budget to maintain a police department.

Nevada

Las Vegas City Marshalsunits parked just outside of theFremont Street Experience.

City marshals and deputy city marshals have, by law, the same authority as a municipal (town or city) police officer. However, those municipalities, such as Las Vegas, that have both a police force as well as a city marshal's office, often utilize the police as the general law enforcement agency of the municipality, while public property security and misdemeanor detention services are provided by the city marshal's office. In municipalities that do not have a police department, the county sheriff's office would serve as the agency that provides general law enforcement services to residents.

Las Vegashas two types of marshal:

Municipal court marshals who serve the municipal court by serving warrants and subpoenas and to make arrests for offenses under the jurisdiction of the municipal court; and to maintain order in the court and escort personnel to court and jail.

City marshals who provide law enforcement services to city employees, residents and tourists utilizing city facilities located within the city limits, specifically those located on property owned, leased, operated or otherwise under the control of the city of Las Vegas. Conduct special operations aimed at reducing certain criminal activity in specific areas of the city, for example, traffic enforcement in neighborhoods, abatement of illegal solicitors at intersections and the removal of abandoned vehicles. Conducting security and safety evaluations requested by city departments at various facilities, buildings and workplaces.

Henderson has Marshals as well:

Municipal Court Marshals work for the courts by serving warrants and to make arrests for offenses under the jurisdiction of the municipal court; and to maintain order in the court and escort personnel to court and jail.

New York:There are two levels of marshals:

City marshals are the elected chief law enforcement officers of a city or town. They have the same police powers as a regular police officer within the city limits. The amount of training to be a city marshal is far less than for a regular municipal police officer; as such a marshal's jurisdiction is strictly limited to the city limits of the city to which they are elected. Even if they witness a violation of the law in their city, they cannot pursue a person who flees beyond the city limits. The position of city marshal is rare in the State of New York and is now only found in very small rural cities that do not have the budget to maintain a police department.

New York City Marshalsare appointed by theMayor of New York Cityto five-year terms, but receive no salary from the city. The city's statutes specify that no more than 83 city marshals shall be appointed by a mayor. Marshals primarily enforce orders from civil court cases, including collecting on judgments, towing, seizing utility meters and carrying outevictions.Marshals collectively perform approximately 25,000 evictions per year. They are regulated by theNYC Department of Investigationbut, unlike thecity sheriff,they are not city employees. Marshals collect fees, which are set by statute, from private litigants when they are called on to enforce judgments, and they also retain five percent of any money they collect onjudgments.City marshals may, depending on the court order brought to them by the winning litigant, seize money, movable property (for instance, inventory from a business), vehicles; as is the case with unpaidparking tickets,and return possession of rental premises to the landlord, (also known as eviction), and more. On an annual basis city marshals must pay the City of New York $1,500 plus 4.5 percent of the fees they receive for collecting judgments.

Ohio:The termvillage marshalhas been used for the same function, often filled without colleagues, directly under the mayor.

Texas:City marshals and deputy city marshals have, by law, the same authority as a municipal (village, town, or city) police officer. However, municipalities (likeFort Worth), that have both a police force as well as a city marshal's office, often utilize the police as the general law enforcement agency of the municipality, while court security and process service is provided by the city marshal's office. In municipalities that do not have a police department, the city marshal's office sometimes serves as the agency that provides general law enforcement services to residents.

Washington State:The city ofSeattleemploys marshals in their municipal court, with the senior officer holding the title of chief marshal and the subordinate officers known as deputy marshals. Seattle Marshals provide court security and law enforcement services within the court. They handle arrests of out-of-custody defendants within the courthouse and transport in custody defendants to and from court hearings.TheKing County Sheriff's Office(county seat in Seattle) also employs court marshals, which is a unit under the sheriff's office. In the Old-West themed town ofWinthrop,the municipal police force is headed by a town marshal, consistent with the Old West restoration of the buildings and tourist attractions.

Wisconsin:The village marshal shall execute and file an official bond. The marshal shall possess the powers, enjoy the privileges and be subject to the liabilities conferred and imposed by law upon constables, and be taken as included in all writs and papers addressed to constables. The marshal shall obey all lawful written orders of the village board. The marshal is entitled to the same fees prescribed for sheriffs in s. 814.70 for similar services, unless a higher fee is applicable under s. 814.705 (1) (c); for other service rendered the village, compensation as the board fixes.

61.28(2) (2) A village marshal who is given law enforcement duties by the village board, and who meets the definition of a law enforcement officer under s. 165.85 (2) (c), shall comply with the minimum employment standards for law enforcement officers established by the law enforcement standards board and shall complete training under s. 165.85 (4) (a) 1..

United Kingdom

England

Further information:Earl MarshalandKnight Marshal

City Marshal of the City of London, on duty at the Lord Mayor's Show.

The hereditary title of "marshal" at one time designated the head of household security for theKing of England.William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke,served four kings in this office, ultimately becoming one of the most powerful men in Europe; by the time he died in 1219, people throughout Europe (not just England) referred to William Marshal simply as "the marshal".The office of hereditary Marshal (orEarl Marshal) thus evolved into that of aGreat Officer of State.

The task of maintaining law and order within the king's court then devolved upon the office ofKnight Marshal(established in 1236). Together with his officers, the King's (or Queen's) Marshalmen, the Knight Marshal continued to have restricted powers of arrest within a 12-mile (19 km) radius of the sovereign's palace until 1846, when the office was abolished.

In 1595,Queen Elizabeth Iissuedletters patentgiving powers to a marshal to maintain order within theCity of London.Later, an under-marshal and six city marshalmen were appointed to assist the marshal in his duties. As a result of the Police Acts of 1829 and 1839, the marshal's role changed significantly. As of 2009,one city marshal, currently Colonel Billy King-Harman,CBE,still acts as peacekeeper to theLord Mayor of London,leading processions and representing the Lord Mayor at all Entries of Troops (challenging and then escorting those fewregimentsentitled to march though the City of London).

Scotland

Further information:Earl MarischalandKnight Marischal

The office of "Marischal of Scotland" (marascallus Scotieormarscallus Scotie) had been held heritably by the senior member of theKeithfamily sinceHervey de Keith,who held the office of marischal underMalcolm IVandWilliam I.The descendant of Herveus, Sir Robert de Keith (d. 1332), was confirmed in the office of "Great Marischal of Scotland" byRobert Brucearound 1324.

Robert de Keith's great-grandson, William, was raised to the peerage as Earl Marischal byJames IIin about 1458. The peerage died out when George Keith, the 10th Earl, forfeited it by joining theJacobite Rising of 1715.

The marischal was to serve as custodian of the RoyalRegalia of Scotland,and protect the king's person when attendingparliament.The former duty was fulfilled by the 7th Earl during theWars of the Three Kingdoms,who hid the Royal Regalia atDunnottar Castle.The role of regulation of heraldry carried out by the EnglishEarl Marshalis carried out in Scotland by theLord Lyon King of Arms.

The separate office ofKnight Marischalwas first created for the Scottish coronation ofCharles Iin 1633. The office is not heritable, although it has been held by members of the Keith family.

France

MarshalFoch,circa 1920.

In France, theMaréchaussée( "Marshalcy" ) was the forerunner of theFrenchGendarmerie.A military corps having such duties was first created in 1337, placed under the command of theConstable of France(the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Armed Forces), and named theConnétablie.In 1627 after the abolition of the title ofConnétable,it was put under the command of the "Marshals of France," and renamed theMaréchaussée.Its main mission was to protect the roads fromhighwaymen.

TheMaréchausséewas a mountedmilitary policeforce organised and equipped along military lines. The force wore uniforms similar to those of thedragoonsof the regular army and carried the same muskets and sabres. While its existence ensured the relative safety of French rural districts and roads, theMaréchausséewas regarded in contemporary England (which had no effective police force of any nature) as a symbol of foreign tyranny.

In 1789, on the eve of theFrench Revolution,theMaréchausséenumbered 3,660 men divided into small detachments calledbrigades.By law dated 16 February 1791, this force was renamed theGendarmerie Nationale,though at first its personnel remained unchanged. Later many of them died under the guillotine, especially the members of the nobility.

The new designation "Gendarmerie" was derived from the termgens d'armes(gentlemen/people at arms) who were originally heavy cavalry regiments (called at firstOrdonnances royales) which were part of the King's household, the equivalent of the English "Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms".

The title "Marshal of France"is aDignité d'État( "State Dignity" ) in the contemporary French Republic, not only amilitary rank.It is granted togeneralsfor exceptional achievements, especially in times of war or national crisis.

However, the Marshal of France was one of theGreat Officers of the Crown of Franceduring theAncien RégimeandBourbon Restorationand one of theGreat Dignitaries of the Empireduring theFirst French Empireand theSecond French Empire(when the title was not "Marshal of France" but "Marshal of the Empire")

A Marshal of France displays seven stars and is equivalent to a six star general in armies of other countries. The marshal also receives abaton,a blue cylinder with stars, formerlyfleurs-de-lisduring the monarchy andEaglesduring the First French Empire and Second French Empire. It has the Latin inscription:Terror belli, decus pacis,which means "terror in war, ornament in peace".

The position in the French Navy (Marine nationale) equivalent to the "Marshal of France" is calledAmiral de France( "Admiral of France" ). The title has not been conferred since 1869. Theoretically, the equivalent title in the French Air Force isGénéral de France( "General of France" ), but it has never been conferred to anyone yet.

Six Marshals of France have been given the even more prestigious rank of "Marshal General of the King's Armies and Camps":Biron,Lesdiguières,Turenne,Villars,Saxe,andSoult.This rank and title no longer exists in present-day republican France.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, theKoninklijke Marechausseeare thegendarmerieforce created by KingWilliam Ito replace the Frenchgendarmerieon October 26, 1814. The wordgendarmeriehad gained a negative connotation, so William called the new force "marechaussée"(an alternate French word forgendarmerie). At that time, themarechausseewas part of the army (landmacht). Themarechausseeperformed police duties for the army, as well as civilian police work as a part of the national police (rijkspolitie). Themarechausseeformed the only police force in many small cities like Venlo, especially in the southern provinces of Limburg and North Brabant. As of 1998, themarechausseeis a separate branch of the Dutch military, and is assigned both military and civilian police tasks.

See also

• Earl Marshal
• Generalissimo
• Constable
• Sheriff
• Seneschal
• Fire marshal
• Magister equitum
• Mareșal (tank destroyer)