How to Become a General in the Military?
Have you ever dreamed of earning a star and becoming a General in the military? Being a General is a revered and respected position, both within the military and out in the civilian world. To achieve this prestigious ranking, you’ll need to embark on a challenging career path that requires dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to your country. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps required to become a General in the military.
Overview of the Military Ranks
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s quickly review the military ranking system. The military ranking system is hierarchical, with ranks ranging from Enlistee to General. Below are the main ranks for comparison:
| Rank | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Enlisted Ranks | Perform hands-on tasks, follow instructions |
| Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) | Lead by example, supervise Enlistees |
| Commissioned Officers | Make decisions, issue orders, lead operations |
| General Officers | Oversee entire units or departments, make strategic decisions |
Step 1: Enlist or Be Commissioned
To start your journey to becoming a General, you’ll need to enlist in the military or be commissioned as a commissioned officer. Here’s how:
- Enlisted Ranks: As an Enlistee, you’ll start at a low rank (E1-E3) and can progress to higher ranks with time and experience. *Commissioned Officers:** Complete Officer Candidate School (OCS) or attend the Military Academy (West Point).
- Commission: After completing OCS, receive a commission as an officer (O-1).
- Service Assignments: Serve in combat roles, support roles, or staff positions.
**Step 2: Gain Experience
Lengthy Service: Spend more years in service to:
- Gain Experience in Combat and Support Roles:
- Combat tours and deployments
- Unit leadership positions
- Develop Leadership Skills: Assume leadership roles, earning your first command
- Battalion-level command to senior leadership positions
|h4|Step 3: Attend Senior Colleges and Courses
Blast Off: Attend various training programs to enhance:
- War College/Maize: Study doctrine, strategy, and geopolitics
- Senior War College: Focus on Joint Operations and Inter-service perspectives
- Staff Colleges: Develop staff knowledge, planning, and administration
- Executive Branch Leadership: Study leadership from top-down perspective
| { | Table 1: Time in Service and Education required | Time in Service | Education | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-10 years | No Bachelor’s | O-6 (Colonel/Pixel) | |||
| 15-20 years | Master’s | O-8 (Brig Gen/Lt Gen) |
Step 4: Prepare for General Officer Development
General Officer Orientation:
- Network with Senior Officers: build connections and learn from successful Gens
- Research and Study: Investigate the General Officer Branch (GOB) & Strategic Planning
- Read and Learn: Enhance knowledge of military art and science
**Step 5: Get Selected for Higher Ranking**
**Selection to Lieutenant General (O9)**
* **Apply and Interview:** Submit proposal to become a LtGen and undergo an interview at Pentagon
* **Staff Experiences:** Gain HQ duty, Joint Staff service, and Senior Command opportunities
{| Table 2: General Officer Selection Steps |
| Step | Criterion |
| — | — |
| 1st Round | Leadership, Mentality, and Performance assessments |
| 2nd Round | Strategic thinking and Execution, Leadership, Military Professionalism |
**General Officer Development**
**Reside in the Pentagon’s ‘GOB’:** Get assigned to the GoB, where you will receive:
* **Additional Education:** Attend the most elite military institutions
* **Mentorship:** Guidance from experienced High-Level Officers
* **Briefings and Meetings:** Direct access to top-ranked generals
**Step 6: Finalize Senior Leader Development**
**Service Director:** Serve as Secretary-level positions, such as Defense Secretary or Joint Staff Chairman
* **Chief Staff Officer:** Oversee day-to-day operations; represent the Service
* **Commander:** Heads military units, commands staff departments
**Conclusion:** The path to becoming a General in the military takes a lifetime of dedication to hard work, continuous improvement, and strategic planning.
Keep in mind that career timelines may vary depending on personal performance, service options, and military needs, among other factors. Some additional tips to keep you going:
* **Lead from the Front:** Provide excellent leadership, mentor aspiring generals
* **Master Critical Skills:** Develop abilities, such as strategic warfare planning, diplomacy, language expertise
* **Influence and Build Relationships: **Network, build mentorships, and foster leadership ties
**Final Question: Are You Ready?**
