Marshal
Marshal (more seldom spelled Marshall) is a word used in several official titles of various branches of society. The word derives from Old Germanic marah "horse" and scalc "servant", and originally meant "stable keeper". As marshals became betrusted members of the courts of mediaeval Europe, the title grew in reputation. During the last few centuries, it has been used for the most elevated offices.
Military
In many countries, Field Marshal is the highest Army rank, outranking a General. Field Marshals are very sparsely appointed, and typically only in war-time (although this need not be the case). Their special symbol is a baton, and so their insignia often incorporate batons. Because they are one rank above four-star Generals, they may also have five stars. The United States Army has an equivalent rank, but calls it General of the Army. The naval equivalent of a Field Marshal is often called a Fleet Admiral.
In some countries, the word Marshal is also used instead of General in the highest Air Force ranks. The four highest Royal Air Force ranks are Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal, Air Marshal and Air Vice Marshal (although the first has been abolished as a peace-time rank). Most air forces, however, use the ranks of General, Lieutenant General and Major General instead.
Some historical rulers have used special Marshal titles to award certain subjects. Though not strictly military ranks, these honorary titles have been exclusively bestowed upon successful military leaders. Most famous are the Marshals of France (Marécheaux de France), not least under Napoleon I. Another such title was that of Marshal of the Empire (Reichsmarschall), that was bestowed upon Hermann Göring by Adolf Hitler.
Law enforcement
Particularly in the United States, Marshal is used for various kinds of law enforcement officers with specialist status. There are Marshals protecting the security of the courts and justice system. In the case of federal courts, the highest such office is that of United States Marshal. In the case of local or municipal courts, Marshals are petty court officers similar to Constables.
In the American Old West, Marshals were appointed or elected police officers of small communities. The word is still used in this sense, especially in the southwest United States.
Sky Marshals are armed security police officers employed to protect commercial airliners from the threat of Skyjacking. (Though sometimes called Air Marshals, they are completely unrelated to the military rank mentioned above, and are not to be confused with it.)
