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Insight Horizon Media

How do you become a general in the Army?

Author

Emma Martin

Published Feb 13, 2026

How do you become a general in the Army?

While it’s possible for a general to have around 20 years of service in the Army before being promoted, most have at least 30 years’ experience before reaching this milestone. The highest-ranking officer in the Army is General of the Army. This is an O-10 but only assigned during a time of war.

How much does a 4 star general make in the Army?

The 2020 four-star general pay is $16,441.80 per month, which does not include amounts for a housing allowance and other benefits. The base yearly four-star general pay is $197,302.

How many years does it take to become a general in the military?

A general will be promoted to that rank somewhere between 20 and 30 years of military service.

How many 6 star generals are there?

So yes, there is an equivalent of a six-star general rank on the books in the US Military, but it has only been given to two people in history: John J. Pershing and George Washington, Generals of the Armies of the United States of America.

Do generals fight?

Superior generals may win a tactical or operational victory by overmatching an opponent in a day of battle or a campaign, but in the protracted fighting that marks major wars among modern nations and coalitions, they do not deliver strategic victory.

How are generals chosen?

Generals are nominated for the appointment by the President from any eligible officers holding the rank of brigadier general or above who meet the requirements for the position, with the advice of the Secretary of Defense, service secretary (Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Navy, or Secretary of the Air Force).

What military job pays the most?

What are some of the highest paid military jobs?

  1. Military police. National average salary: $41,245 per year.
  2. Pilot. National average salary: $43,482 per year.
  3. Drone pilot. National average salary: $44,858 per year.
  4. Combat engineer. National average salary: $46,201 per year.
  5. Interpreter.
  6. Translator.
  7. Army officer.
  8. Captain.

Who is a 7 star general?

No person have ever been awarded or promoted to a seven-star rank, although some commentators might argue that General George Washington posthumously became a seven-star general in 1976 (see Part Seven).

Do army generals have bodyguards?

The generals’ personal staff include drivers, security guards, secretaries and people to shine their shoes and iron their uniforms. When traveling, they can be accompanied by police motorcades that stretch for blocks.

How many years does it take to become an army general?

Answer Wiki. In the United States Army, one must become commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant through West Point (4 years) , one of the Reserve Officer Training Programs ( ROTC ) at a University (Minimum 2 years ) or Officer Candidate School (OCS), a 14 Week Program for enlisted men and women.

What are the requirements to become an US Army?

Fundamental Requirements. Army enlistment guidelines stipulate that you must be between the ages of 17 and 34, with at least a high school diploma. However, joining prior to age 18 requires consent from a parent or legal guardian. You must be in good physical health and pass a series of tests to prove it.

How to become major in Army?

To become a Major in Army, the candidates first need to join National Defence Academy (NDA) or Combine Defence Services (CDS). To join National Defence Academy/Combine Defence Services a candidate…

How do you become officer in Army?

Education Required to Join the Army. In general, the Army requires all recruits to have at least a high school diploma; in addition, officer candidates must have a bachelor’s degree. If you enlist with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you may start at a somewhat higher rank, generally as corporal or specialist.