Posted on Feb 20, 2015
Are General Officers being treated like political figures? In what way?
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It appears that when General Officers speak things get done now. Regardless of the power and influence that one might have, our military has rules to follow and they are there to ensure it's done accordingly. Has anyone been an aid to a General Officer?
Posted in these groups: 
Politics
General Officers
Politics General Officers
Posted 11 y ago
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General in the 3-4 star billets are political appointees. I haven't been an aide, but I ran the exec comm flight for a MAJCOM and NAF for 6 years so I did tons of direct GO support to included TDY support.
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I have not been an aide to general officer but I have worked and supported an Army MACOM (4 Star) CG Commo team for many years. Each GO is different some are what we call low maintenance and then their are the opposites. My opinion of the GO/FO community is the good ole boy/girl and very political. I know a MG who should have made three star based on his knowledge and experience but his candor and up front personality derailed him.
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MAJ David Vermillion
It's a shame that happened to him, but there are personalities that are more favorable to some than others. Great comment.
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Um. Being an officer is politics in the first place, but until a certain point it's primarily politics within and associated with your chain of command.
However once you make O7 and up, with your level of responsibility and authority, you are in essence a politician.
However once you make O7 and up, with your level of responsibility and authority, you are in essence a politician.
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MAJ David Vermillion
I guess we are all trying to rise above, but hopefully not stepping on backs to get there . Thank you.
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I haven't been an aid to a General Officer, but I do believe that many Generals are political figures, especially the more senior ones in the DoD. I guess it doesn't take a keen eye to discern that. The senior military leaders in DoD are, in my opinion, caught between a rock and a hard place. First, they must advocate for their "constituency," the men and women who serve under them. Second, they must answer to their political bosses. Are they treated like political figures? Most likely, yes, because they are political figures.
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GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad
I agree CW5 (Join to see) --- I think it goes with the territory. Some are just "better" at it than others. Of course, then there are those who forget that they are officers first and political figures second.
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MAJ David Vermillion
I was an Aide for a US Army Lieutenant General (3 star). Not sure I understand your comment or question.
I was an Aide for a US Army Lieutenant General (3 star). Not sure I understand your comment or question.
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