The term "general adjutant" is usually used in military circles to refer to the officer who is responsible for administering the affairs of a general's staff. There are several synonyms that can be used to describe this role, including chief of staff, aide-de-camp, executive officer, or adjutant-general. Each of these terms emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the general adjutant's responsibilities: chief of staff implies a leadership role, while aide-de-camp suggests a close personal relationship with the general in question. Executive officer emphasizes the administrative side of the position, while adjutant-general connotes a broader set of duties within a larger military organization.