Why hasn't LTG McMaster been nominated for promotion to GEN? Considering the responsibilities of his position it seems warranted to promote?

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 13:55:35 -0400

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 2:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 14:00:40 -0400

He hasn't because of the complexity of his position, National Security Advisor and the slot of course for a 4 star general. Plus, you're essentially giving a 4 star general the power to supersede the SECDEF. Not saying LTG McMaster would do that, but this opens up a lot of chain of command issues, not to mention the political aspects that are involved.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 2:05 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 14:05:15 -0400

I think it's politically motivated. Democrats have been slamming everybody associated with President Trump and they don't want it to look like they're playing favorites.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Sep 15 at 2017 2:29 PM

CW4 Guy Butler — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 14:29:22 -0400

Good question. The Army is limited to a grand total of 7 full generals under 10 USC 525, and are normally include the CSA, VCSA, FORSCOM, TRADOC, AMC, and USARPAC. There are exceptions; the SECDEF can authorize up to 20 more total 4-star positions for joint commands above the service limit. The President could approve him as a 4-star, but the Army would have to give up a star somewhere else out of their pool of 231 total stars.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/525

10 U.S. Code § 525 - Distribution of commissioned officers on active duty in general officer and...

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–81, §502(b)(2)(A)–(C), substituted “46” for “45” in par. (1)(B), “44” for “43” in par. (2)(B), and “33” for “32” in par. (3)(B).

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 4:27 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 16:27:49 -0400

Isn't he acting in a civilian capacity National security Advisor is not an Active Military position it's Civilian posting.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2017 8:59 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 20:59:12 -0400

Genreral Colin Powell and Admiral Poindexter also served as NSA as 3 stars. But NSA is normally a civilian position, so it wouldnt make sense to promote a military officer for occupying a civilian position, as the rank is not related to the authority of the position.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 16 at 2017 1:14 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 01:14:53 -0400

I took in all the comments. Apparently it's OK for an AD member to serve in certain positions and remain on AD. The Senate did have to approve the deal of assigning the General to a specific "billet" and allow him to remain at the same rank. if a 4th star was in mind, that would have been the time to do it. Don't know if that would have been a poison pill though. The Senate has to approve those promotions anyways. My preference would be for the Flag to retire and assume the position as a civilian getting paid under the ES system. It's just a head case thing with me preferring a brighter line between civilian authority over military. For the service, that Star is taking up a slot and gapping something somewhere because the flag structure is fixed.