New Development in Scottish "Super-Regiment" Story

[Mike n NC]

The reason why we (the Marines) dont use the 5 star rank is simple. We are just that good, and we dont need to advance a general to such rank to perform better during time of war. We are the fines fighting organization in the world. ( Sorry, bootcamp knowledge never goes away).

You are absolutely right my brother and I was never prouder than when a Marine would smile and say "thanks doc" and never sadder than when I couldn't save one. :sad:

Mike

[GatorUK]

The Goldwater-Nichols DOD Reorganization Act of 1986 effectively got rid of that. The 5 star rank is gone. Although you can equate being named Chairman is equivalent to ascending to the 5 star rank. It is an actual promotion within the 4 star grade. There is no Flag Office on the JCS that could say "hey, your not handling this right, I've got more time in grade and I'm taking the helm." General Pace isn't exactly what you would call a boot 4 star either. He has 5 years time in grade, which is when a lot of 4 stars are ending their careers.
Now for a little 5 star trivia: As you know the "5 star" British Title is Field Marshal. The US was going to adopt that, but didn't because The first Army Officer that was going to receive the rank refused to be known as Field Marshal Marshall, so it was redesignated General of the Army.