Expert: Jason Grabill - 5/14/2004

Question
Why is a 3-star general a lieutenant general and a 2-star is a major general?   confusing, since a major outranks a lieutenant

Why don't lt. generals ever get to command in the navy?  I guess Gen. Myers and Gen. Pace  have some authority over the navy but have never served there at lower ranks.  This wouldn't happen in business.

Answer
David:

 Lt General ranking higher than a Major General is basically just long tradition.  George Washington was the first LtGen in American History, and the rank was then not used again until about WWII (Pershing was the first 'General of the Armies').  In the Civil War, Major General was the highest rank, until Congress wanted to honor U S Grant, they then promoted him to 'Lt General', in honor of Washington.

  During WWII, because of the rapid expansion of US Forces, officer ranks expanded to meet the demand;  consequently, the Army Chief of Staff, along with the president, decided to add the 'hierarchy' of Generals that we have today.   Lt General was originally the highest rank in the Army, but then was superceded by "General" (4 Stars), and then "General of the Army" (5 Stars).

  Generals don't command the Navy because the Navy has Admirals to do it.  Admirals are exactly like Generals as far as the number of stars they wear.

  Each service branch has a CinC, this makes up the Joint Chiefs of Staff; then, whomever is picked to command them all is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  Currently, it's an Air Force General who commands the JCS.  However, as I said, each branch has it's own commander.

 Some officers do come up from the ranks, but all start at the bottom of the officer ranks, at either 2nd Lt or Ensign.  I would say that the military is far more equal than business will ever be;  nepotism runs rampant in business, from big corporations to mom and pop stores.  In the military, it doesn't matter who you are related to, you still start at the bottom of your respective rank structure.  Case in point is Ranger Tillman, KIA Afganistan.  He had a college degree, and could have enlisted as a commissioned officer, but would still have started as a 2nd Lt.  He chose instead to enlist as a private.  Compare him with some of the big names in football who've retired, and gone on to do commercials, broadcasting, and movies..without ever once having to spend a day in acting or journalism school.  

  So, hope that answers your question!

  Semper Fi,

    Sgt G