Entourages that gravitate around Field Grade Officers - are they excessive? or not?

There are very few officers that move with an entourage. Those that do, do so out of necessity. GEN Odierno, GEN Allyn, GEN Campbell...these officers need to stay plugged into their staffs every minute of the working day whether they are at home or on TDY. I've seen other general officers leave their Aide de Camp at home station while on TDY. Recently, there has been a push to limit TDY expenses and cutting out strap-hangers is one way. Field grade officers...hrmph...I was a Squadron Commander and there was never a gaggle following me around. When I show up at a range or at training or on the battlefield, someone needs to link up with me and give me the SITREP and answer some questions, but after that, they have work to do, and nowhere on their support form does it say, "Apple polisher for the boss when he shows up." Don't get me wrong, I know a few questionable people who continue to gravitate around general officers. Still competent individuals, but when the rank and file are taking the hard jobs, they are busy polishing a GO's belt and making sure his car arrives on time. Not that it isn't hard, but when you keep going back to the well...you get a reputation...usually it is well deserved.

I always avoided these adventures, and I scratched my head wondering why all the frenzy to be close to the boss. I generally tried to avoid this. I always was focused on letting my actions speak for me vs. my ability to show/tell the boss I am there if he needs me...

As a Field Grade, I can't really say I've seen much of an entourage. I've seen Generals that have an assistant, but I can't really say I've seen anything excessive.

CPT(P) (Join to see), if I use myself as an example, the entourage that gravitated around this field grade officer was not excessive. In fact, it was quite the contrary! From the other perspective, I really wasn't so inclined. If a senior officer and I were friends, we spent time together as was available. Otherwise, no.

It would depend, from my viewpoint, what the rank was, what the purpose served by those with them was: security? assistant? etc?

I've seen little of this with General/Flag Officers and Senior Executive Service (GO/FO/SES). I haven't seen any field grade officers, with possible exception of some Commander O-6s, with a large "following." My observation is based on my time as an Air Force executive jet pilot and headquarters staff officer at two- and four-star headquarters.

Overall I haven't seen a "gaggle" of people regardless of grade. Some three and four star officers travel with one executive assistant or aide. On long overseas trips I know four star commanders normally travel with one officer and one enlisted aide. I'm guessing CJCS or Service Chief of Staff/CNO/Commandant travel with a larger train. I had the pleasure of being the "bag boy" for a two-star visit to several military installations once, but it was just me--no aide or enlisted aide. In the Air Force, O-6 wing commanders may travel with "their pilot" if they are flying themselves--wise idea to have an instructor pilot flying with the "old man." In a two-star headquarters, we had several people in the command group, but only one was the officer aide (1LT) to the CG. CG had a secretary, but she didn't travel. I just don't see any of this as excessive considering the level of responsibility of the officers involved.

In the private sector, senior corporate officers such as an Executive Vice President, often traveled with two or three senior level managers from corporate headquarters when visiting field sites. The senior level managers, such as the Chief of Human Resources, normally had presentations to give at each field site, so it wasn't entirely a boondoggle. However, golf was played.

Now if you're talking about the number of people who try to "suck up" to more senior officers, well that's a very different matter.

CPT(P) (Join to see)

I have not observed this to be a problem.

A bigger problem that has developed over time is the Personal Security Detail (PSD) for certain officers. While certainly necessary for some key positions, it has, in many regards, turned into a "status symbol" of sorts for some and has gotten out of control.

I never really saw it. And I saw A LOT of General Officers coming through my building.

Usually it was the GO, his driver, and his assistant. The Assistant had his schedule of events, phone, and everything else, but I never really saw an "entourage."

Occasionally, there were conferences where we knew a specific General was going to be speaking, and folks would slide in for "standing room only." It was Marine Corps University after all, but I think that's a little different.

My wife did a Quantico Band Trip to Ireland however... and an "Entourage" developed on that one. Somehow the BN Commander ended up going, as well as a few others who had no previous interest in Band Activities. Probably 5-6 folks of various "Field Grade" rank.

Everybody needs somebody

The Only thing I can do is Relate my Own Experience. All Flag Officers (Admirals) are entitled to their Own Cook (Mess Management Specialist) when I was in and their Own Master at Arms (Cop/Security) Cook requires some training. Master at Arms. Any NCO (Preferably E-5 and above) could be assigned such duties. I was assigned as Divo SPAWARS 6211/CNO WWMCCS Technical Control. Well the 2 Star Chief of Staff wouldn't delegate NJPs down to the O-6s. He reserved them for himself. So he needed mostly a Court Bailiff and I got Volunteered by my Project Officer (O-6). Provided me great deals of Entertainment. It was a riot to see my Dept Head O-3 Preening over me while I stood on a stool before I would go downtown (Crystal City) to present a Mast Case to the Admiral.