How are assignments determined for 3-Star and 4-Star Generals/Admirals?

2016-01-08T12:31:50-05:00

Technically speaking, how are assignments determined for really senior Officers (3-star, 4-star)? Are there branch managers for people that senior and if so, what pay grade are they? Among a pool of top-performing Officers like this (the extreme top of the pyramid), competing for such few slots at these pay grades -- how does the assignment machine actually work?

Please don't just say, "It's all about networking, who you know, etc." -- yes, I know networking is super important at these levels, I'm more so looking for a technical answer on how this process works as it's always intrigued me.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/07/world/middleeast/obama-to-nominate-joseph-votel-as-head-of-us-central-command.html?_r=0

Obama to Nominate Joseph Votel as Head of U.S. Central Command

The move reflects the Obama administration’s pivot to fighting abroad with American Special Operations troops.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 8 at 2016 12:43 PM

2016-01-08T12:43:47-05:00

Without having any inside information, I have always heard that it is a political decision by those at the top - with the CINC making the final decision.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 8 at 2016 12:46 PM

2016-01-08T12:46:06-05:00

CPT Aaron Kletzing, I thought the General Officer Management Office (GOMO) had a lot to do with general officer assignments (Army).

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 12:50 PM

2016-01-08T12:50:21-05:00

No idea ... I would think is all depend on the President. I would think they would properly tell the president this is the list of qualified candidates ... and he pick one.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 8 at 2016 12:51 PM

2016-01-08T12:51:01-05:00

Take a look at the Harry Potter series. There is magic involved.
Said in a light hearted moment.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Jan 8 at 2016 12:58 PM

2016-01-08T12:58:50-05:00

I think it is a dark and scary underground bunker, where Berkshire Hathaway, Lockheed Martin, JP Morgan and Boeing get votes, and the President and John McCain get a vote, but the JCS and Service Chiefs do not. I'm not sure, but I don't think there's a technical answer. Power bases shift over time and with new administrations.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 8 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-01-08T13:02:30-05:00

Collin Powell revealed in his book that the Generals will be managed by senior Generals. Sounds like the good ole boy system to me.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jan 8 at 2016 1:26 PM

2016-01-08T13:26:59-05:00

CPT Aaron Kletzing - Something I learned from being both an Aide and an XO to an Army three-star and physically watched the process develop (as well as having family members who are General Officers and have discussed it with them).

Promotions and assignments for General Officers (GO) are, for the most part, managed by more senior GO. While the promotion board for BG/0-7 is more similar to the board process used for non-GO than for selection to MG/0-8, the GO family plays a very large part in the board results by direct input to members of the selection board. Of course, branch and other requirements dictate the number promoted by specialty, to a large degree, especially in the smaller specialties, to ensure specialty slots can be manned by the appropriate ranked person. In addition, the "social engineering" goals ( race, sex, etc.) must also be achieved.

For promotion to MG/0-8, there is a board convened but all active LTG/0-9 get a "vote" via a form sent out listing all BG being considered. Each of the LTG/0-9 gets to vote "yes" or "no" (or no vote if they do not know them). The results of that vote is provided to the selection board.

LTG/0-9 are selected by GEN/0-10.

Of course, all selections must be approved by the Senate before they are validated and the list published.

Assignments work in a similar manner, with tremendous input for GO responsible for the positions assignments are being made (i.e., CINCs, MACOMs, etc.). Key assignments (and at that level, most are) also get input from the service secretaries and defense secretary.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 8 at 2016 1:30 PM

2016-01-08T13:30:48-05:00

Actually Joe Votel is an old friend of mine CPT Aaron Kletzing. The man most likely to succeed him at SOCOM is also a classmate and friend of mine. Both of these men are two of the most honorable men i have ever known.
One thing I know about both of these men and the other three and four star generals I am personally acquainted with is that they are very professional.
Since each flag officer needs Senate approval, any Senator can stop a promotion. Not deliberately offending a congress member is a requirement for consideration at the highest level. Since many of those at the three and four-star level have commended a significant organization based in one or more states [Fort campbell is in TN and KY for instance]. I have seen good officers careers cut short because of difficulties beyond their control which took them out of the graces of their state congressional delegations.
Getting to the top and being able to perform well there takes many skills and a great staff support network. Having a supportive spouse is critical.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Jan 8 at 2016 1:54 PM

2016-01-08T13:54:26-05:00

A few thoughts:
- The number of GOs in the Army to about 400 total: 10-12 four stars, 50 or so three stars, 140 or so two stars, and about 200 one stars.
- One and two stars go through a promotion board process as I understand it. Senate confirmation is required for all officer promotions but normally approved as a list, not individuals. A GO must be promoted within 5 years or must retire and must hold the rank for a year before being eligible for the next rank. Three and four stars are nominative positions which means the President nominates and the Senate must confirm individually. If the President nominates a GO for a new position but does not nominate the GO in that position for a new job then the GO is effectively retired.
- Promotion board members consist of officers 1-3 ranks higher than the personnel packets going through the boards. I am told this is similar to senior GOs. The current 2 and 3 stars are on the one star board; current 3 and 4 stars are on the two star board. Don't know if there is a 3 star board but do think the current 4 stars are the ones making the recommendation for SECDEF and POTUS.
- The short story is that the numbers are smaller for 3 and 4 stars so the process can be a bit more informal but the same basic rules apply as for lower ranks just with more formality due to greater numbers. Have great performance, show good potential to serve at the next higher level, have a good professional reputation, and be a team player.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 2:16 PM

2016-01-08T14:16:03-05:00

I don't know, but I bet their assignment managers are more responsive then mine.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 3:59 PM

2016-01-16T15:59:54-05:00

Aaron,

A lot of folks already sent in some responses. There is A LOT to it for both three and four-star, and two-star commands. CSA/SECARMY gets a vote (along with their other service counterparts and CJCS) if it is a Joint billet. SECDEF picks most and POTUS endorses. POTUS actually chooses CCMD and CJCS plus service chiefs. Interviews, etc. At that level, reputation and personal fit with SECDEF and POTUS. Each key billet will have its constituency.

There is actually a four-star quarterly (maybe semiannually) get together and they conduct a board, there is a special room in the Pentagon for this with voting machines a la HRC boards, to select fills for key billets at the two and three star level.