# brigadier > old disused rank of the Spanish army, replaced by that of General de Brigada (Brigadier General) **Wikidata**: [Q107262095](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107262095) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/brigadier-q107262095 ## Summary Brigadier was an old, disused military rank within the Spanish army, established in 1702 by Philip V of Spain. This rank, which was part of the general officer corps and directed a brigade, has since been terminated and replaced by other ranks, notably General de Brigada (Brigadier General) and Contralmirante. As a "former entity," it represents a historical classification that no longer operates in its original capacity. ## Key Facts * **Inception:** The rank of brigadier was established in 1702. * **Founder:** It was founded by Philip V of Spain. * **Country:** The rank was specific to Spain and its Armed Forces. * **Status:** It is an old, disused rank, classified as a "former entity" because it no longer operates or is terminated. * **Classification:** It is an instance of a military rank of the Armed Forces of Spain and a former entity. * **Replacement:** The rank was replaced by Brigadier General (General de Brigada) and Contralmirante. * **Hierarchy (Next Lower Rank):** The rank immediately below brigadier was coronel. * **Hierarchy (Next Higher Rank):** The rank immediately above brigadier was mariscal de campo. * **Part Of:** It was part of the rank structure for generals of Spain. * **Aliases:** It was also known as brigadier (España), OF-6, general de brigada (España), and general de brigada. * **Associated Command:** The office or position of brigadier directed a brigade in Spain. ## FAQs **What was the brigadier rank in the Spanish army?** The brigadier was an old, disused military rank within the Spanish army, established in 1702. It was a general officer rank responsible for directing a brigade. **When was the brigadier rank established and by whom?** The rank of brigadier was established in 1702 by Philip V of Spain, marking its inception within the Spanish military hierarchy. **What ranks were above and below brigadier in the Spanish army?** In the Spanish military hierarchy, the rank immediately below brigadier was coronel, while the rank immediately above it was mariscal de campo. **What replaced the brigadier rank in Spain?** The brigadier rank in Spain was replaced by the General de Brigada (Brigadier General) and Contralmirante ranks, signifying a restructuring of the military hierarchy. **What organization was directed by a brigadier?** A brigadier, by virtue of their office or position, was responsible for directing a brigade within the Spanish Armed Forces. **How is the brigadier rank classified in terms of its operational status?** The brigadier rank is classified as a "former entity," meaning it no longer operates or is terminated. Its existence is now strictly historical, distinguishing it from currently active military ranks. ## Why It Matters The brigadier rank holds significance as a historical component of the Spanish military's command structure, reflecting the evolution of its armed forces over centuries. Its establishment by Philip V in 1702 marks a specific point in the development of Spanish military organization, illustrating the historical roles and responsibilities within the general officer corps. The subsequent replacement of this rank by General de Brigada and Contralmirante highlights shifts in military doctrine and nomenclature, providing insight into how national armies adapt and modernize their hierarchies. Furthermore, its classification as a "former entity" is crucial for accurate historical record-keeping and data integrity. This distinction prevents confusion with active ranks, allowing historians and researchers to precisely track the temporal existence and operational status of military positions, ensuring that historical data remains clear and unambiguous. ## Notable For * **Specific Inception and Founder:** Uniquely established in 1702 by Philip V of Spain, marking its precise origin within the Spanish military. * **Disused Historical Status:** Represents a terminated military rank, providing a clear example of a "former entity" within a national armed force. * **Defined Hierarchical Position:** Held a distinct place between coronel and mariscal de campo, illustrating a specific historical structure of general officers. * **Directorial Command:** Explicitly associated with the command of a brigade, defining its operational role within the Spanish army. * **International Equivalence:** Classified as an OF-6, providing an international standard for its historical seniority. ## Body ### Historical Context and Inception The rank of brigadier was a significant, albeit now disused, military position within the Spanish army. Its establishment dates back to 1702, a pivotal year in Spanish history, and it was formally founded by Philip V of Spain. This inception marked the introduction of a new layer within the general officer ranks, reflecting the evolving military strategies and organizational needs of the time. The rank was integral to the Armed Forces of Spain for a considerable period, playing a role in the command structure of its land forces. ### Rank Structure and Hierarchy Within the Spanish military hierarchy, the brigadier occupied a specific position among the general officers. It was formally considered "part of" the broader category of ranks held by generals of Spain. Its placement was clearly defined relative to other senior ranks: the rank immediately below brigadier was coronel, while the rank immediately above it was mariscal de campo. This hierarchical arrangement ensured a clear chain of command and operational structure within the Spanish army during the period it was active. ### Classification and Status The brigadier is classified as an instance of a military rank of the Armed Forces of Spain. Crucially, it is also categorized as a "former entity." This classification signifies that the rank no longer operates or is terminated; it has ceased to function or exist in its original capacity. As a "former entity," its characteristic of "existence" is qualified specifically as belonging to the "past," distinguishing it from any currently active or proposed military ranks. This status is fundamental for accurate historical record-keeping and data integrity, preventing ambiguity between historical and contemporary military structures. The concept of a former entity ensures that the historical record remains precise by explicitly marking the "end time" of the rank's active existence. ### Aliases and International Equivalents The brigadier rank was known by several aliases and had international equivalents. In Spanish contexts, it was referred to as "brigadier (España)" and sometimes generically as "general de brigada (España)" or "general de brigada," although it was later replaced by the latter. Internationally, it was recognized by the NATO rank code OF-6, which denotes a brigadier or brigadier general equivalent, providing a standardized classification across different armed forces. ### Associated Command and Replacement The office or position of brigadier was directly associated with the command of a specific military unit: the brigade in Spain. This meant that an officer holding the rank of brigadier was responsible for directing a brigade, a key operational formation within the army. Over time, the Spanish military underwent reforms, leading to the discontinuation of the brigadier rank. It was subsequently replaced by other ranks, most notably that of General de Brigada (Brigadier General) for land forces and Contralmirante for naval forces, reflecting a modernization and restructuring of the Spanish Armed Forces' command hierarchy.