Are there any special perks or privileges after reaching O-7?

2019-01-04T11:58:04-05:00

I was curious to know if officers get certain privileges once they're promoted to the General ranks. I can only imagine the hard work and dedication to obtain that first star.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2019 12:15 PM

2019-01-04T12:15:13-05:00

Lol they sure do. They get this nice special red flag with a star on it.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 4 at 2019 1:01 PM

2019-01-04T13:01:25-05:00

Cpl Kevin Henderson They are authorized
- Flag Officer Belt
- Flag with their rank
- special issue sidearm which they may purchase when they retire. https://www.army.mil/article/6938/general_officer_pistol_program_has_rich_history

After two star, they no,longer recieve OERs, they get a letter on their performance.

There are some commands, specified by billet, that are authorized a variety of personal staff, representation funds, and certain quarters as they are required to entertain as part of their official duties. This is usually three and four stars. It is specified by duty billet and not an automatic.

Some GO billets are specified to have drivers and vehicles to and from quarters for Force protection purposes.

General officer pistol program has rich history

When Gens. Omar N. Bradley, George S. Patton and Dwight D. Eisenhower retired, they purchased the pistols they were issued when they were on active duty. And still today, when general officers retire they can buy the pistols they were issued. The Ge...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2019 1:33 PM

2019-01-04T13:33:40-05:00

They get to hang out in the Distinguished Visitor (DV) room when waiting for Space-A travel and they have DV rooms for overnight stays at military lodging.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2019 4:19 PM

2019-01-04T16:19:25-05:00

They get the good parking spots at the commissary.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 4 at 2019 8:54 PM

2019-01-04T20:54:44-05:00

(this may be outdated but applied while I was in, 20~ years ago) Not really a "perk" per se, but General Officers don't go through the same "check in" processes at SCIFs. All General Officers have a TS clearance, just like all Officers are required to hold a minimum of a Secret, so when visiting a SCIF certain courtesies are followed (basically the General's aide, CoS, or driver handles everything in advance for the General).

All that said, it's not like we didn't know them by sight (and had the USMC GO pictures on the wall at the SCIF).

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Jan 4 at 2019 10:37 PM

2019-01-04T22:37:47-05:00

Everywhere they go people offer them refreshments.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 5 at 2019 7:46 PM

2019-01-05T19:46:10-05:00

A few more than an O-6. An Aide. Tend to get driven around. Personal secretary. We think of these as perks but when you look at the job the flag has to do, personal staff helps get it all done. When I was doing stuff with ANZUS, O-6 types are really rare, hence I was provided an aide and driver. Took some getting used to but I learned to quickly give them full reign on helping me be where and do what needed to be done. Unlike the movies, they don't do shoes or skivvies. The other thing is when you take good care of these folk, they watch your Six. Other aides get the word you're a good one, so they'll make sure you get in to see the Flag when he's in a better mood. Whatever. And then I was back in the States.... sigh. That said, with perks come constraints. You're senior now so you better not be night putting someone else's wife. If you get dinged in the media for whatever reason, you're gone. With the increased visibility, you have to be more careful on how you're perceived. I remember the billets where if you're married, the spouse must go with you. Lots of tweaks. Nothing compared to Meghan and Harry though.

Response by SGT Jason Keefer made Jan 5 at 2019 9:08 PM

2019-01-05T21:08:21-05:00

Well, there's definitely that ability to "get retired" for something that would land a CPL in a court martial....