general staff

American  

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a group of officers who are without command and whose duty is to assist high commanders in planning and carrying out orders in peace and war.

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general staff British  

noun

1. officers assigned to advise commanders in the planning and execution of military operations

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Example Sentences

The army's general staff said explosions and a fire were recorded in the area.

From BBC

Regular meetings have also been held between the minister, chief of general staff, the Army and officials, according to the statement.

From BBC

Pollard said he had made this statement after receiving written confirmation from the chief of the general staff and the national armaments director saying Ajax was "demonstrably safe to operate".

From BBC

When Picquart presented the evidence to the general staff of the French army, he himself was driven out of the military and jailed for a year, while Esterhazy was acquitted.

From Barron's

The signatories include three former chiefs of the general staff, a former chief of the air staff and former deputy supreme allied commanders of NATO.

From Barron's