ANDOVER — Massachusetts Peace Action and Merrimack Valley People for Peace held a peace protest Thursday outside defense contractor Raytheon’s plant, 362 Lowell St.
The two groups were stationed outside the plant’s front gate as a statement against nuclear weapons and Raytheon’s involvement in developing weapons for the U.S. military.
Planned protests mark the International Days of Action Against Nuclear Weapons.
Another protest is set from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday in Shawsheen Square at the intersection of Routes 28 and 133.
SALEM — Salem State University announced this week that it received a $624,437 grant to establish and operate a cybersecurity training facility on campus.
The grant is part of the state’s Security Operations Center (SOC) Cyber Range Initiative, a program managed by Mass Tech’s MassCyberCenter that aims to help build a diverse generation of cybersecurity professionals through education, training and workforce development, according to a news release.
“Massachusetts is committed to leading in cybersecurity and ensuring that all communities have the skills, resources and capacity to protect their businesses and residents,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “Congratulations to Salem State on this award and their efforts to grow the cyber workforce.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said how proud she is, “as Salem’s former mayor and a Salem State graduate … of the work the university is doing to teach students critical cybersecurity skills.
“Cybersecurity affects every part of our community whether you are a small business, elementary school or local government office. The more cybersecurity professionals we have, the more we can ensure our communities are protected online,” Driscoll said.
“Salem State is grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the MassCyberCenter for selecting us for this important partnership,” Salem State President John Keenan said. “This type of investment and professional relationships are a win-win for everyone involved.
“Like our nursing and occupational therapy simulation labs, the CyberRange will imitate real-world problems for students to solve in real time,” he said.
The funding is expected “to promote cybersecurity while also ensuring Massachusetts stays competitive in modern economic development,” said Yvonne Hao, state secretary of economic development and board chair of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.
Salem State will join Bridgewater State University, Springfield Technical Community College and MassBay Community College as a critical part of a statewide network of cybersecurity educators, MassCyberCenter Director John Petrozzelli said.
The award will support capital expenditures to construct the CyberRange and expenditures for the first year of operations.
The center is expected to promote the Massachusetts cybersecurity ecosystem by working to build a strong cyber talent pipeline and to strengthen the defense of local communities.
Danvers native and Coast Guard Rear Adm. Edward “Teddy” St. Pierre will be joining more than 250 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans at the 14th annual Department of Defense Warrior Games Challenge later this month in Florida.
The event, which runs June 21-30 at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, will see athletes representing the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the Coast Guard, such as St. Pierre, competing in cycling, indoor rowing, swimming, and track.
The Warrior Games are hosted each year by the U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command, highlighting the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of seriously wounded, ill, and injured active-duty and veteran service members. The event celebrates personal tenacity, perseverance, and the triumph of human spirit.
The Navy Wounded Warrior’s adaptive athletics program is designed to meet the abilities of injured or ill individuals with competitions that help build self-esteem, lower stress levels, and invite service members to rejoin a supportive team environment.
St. Pierre has served in the Coast Guard for nearly 30 years, with 16 duty stations throughout his career, according to an announcement. As he was approaching retirement, he received a diagnosis of atypical early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
St. Pierre enrolled in the Navy Wounded Warrior at Naval Medical Center San Diego, which helped him and his family prepare for transition to retirement in Florida. He attended his first adaptive sports camp in February 2023, rekindling his competitive spirit. St. Pierre previously competed in the 2023 Warrior Games Challenge and medaled in swimming and track.
For more information about the 2024 Warrior Games Challenge, visit dodwarriorgames.com.
The US Military is structured into several branches, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force. Each branch has a specific hierarchy of officer ranks, and at the top of this structure are the general officers.
US Army generals is 231
US Navy generals is 162
US Air Force generals is 198
US Marine Corps generals is 62
Totaling of 653
General officers hold ranks from one-star brigadier generals to four-star generals in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, while the Navy equivalents are rear admirals lower half to full admirals.
These officers possess substantial responsibilities which include leading large units, making strategic decisions, and overseeing military operations. They also represent the military’s highest level of command and have considerable influence over military policy and national defense.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. military, comprising five branches, is led by 653 general officers.
Generals are pivotal in leadership, strategic decision-making, and overseeing operations.
Becoming a general involves paths like the USMA, ROTC, OCS, and direct commission.
The highest military rank, four-star general, is for those in key positions, selected through a rigorous process involving the President and Department of Defense.
Civilian oversight of the military is maintained through legislative actions.
Generals have historically and currently played crucial roles in military strategy.
US Military Structure
The United States military is a complex organization structured to provide national defense across various domains—land, sea, air, and space. It consists of five main service branches:
Army
Navy
Air Force
Marine Corps
and the recently established Space Force.
Each branch serves a specific operational role but works in conjunction under the coordinated oversight of the Department of Defense (DoD).
The Army is the oldest and largest branch, responsible for ground-based military operations.
It is complemented by the Navy, which handles warfare at sea and has the unique ability to project power across the oceans.
Marine Corps, often working closely with the Navy, specializes in amphibious operations and rapid response.
Air Force focuses on air superiority, space operations, and strategic deterrence, while the Space Force, as the newest branch, is tasked with organizing, training, and equipping space forces.
Organizationally, these branches fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense, headed by the Secretary of Defense and further subdivided into various departments and commands.
Strategic direction is provided by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a body of senior military leaders advising the President and the Secretary of Defense according to this Gov source.
Each service branch also maintains its own civilian-led executive department, ensuring civilian control over military operations as highlighted by JSTOR. Together, they form an integrated and adaptive military structure capable of responding to a spectrum of global challenges.
Rankings of General Officers
1. Brigadier General
Serving as the second-in-command to the Commanding General of a division, the Brigadier General assists in overseeing the planning and execution of all missions as noted by Military Rankings. In the context of an infantry brigade, this role is filled by the Brigadier General as the unit commander, with a Colonel serving as the deputy commander. In the Navy, they are known as rear admirals, lower half.
The role of Lieutenant General encompasses commanding corps-sized units, which include 20,000 to 45,000 soldiers. Additionally, a Lieutenant General might hold a senior staff officer position within major command headquarters or operate as a department head at the Pentagon. The Navy equivalent of this rank is vice admiral.
Interesting Fact: Superintendents of US service academies hold the rank of lieutenant general.
4. General
A General oversees all military operations within a designated geographical area and occupies the most senior position within the Department of Defense (DoD). Key positions for Generals include Chief of Staff and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Throughout the history of the US Army, there have been 248 individuals who have reached the rank of 4-star general as noted by CFR. Of these, 234 were promoted during their active duty in the branch, 8 received their rank upon retirement, 5 were posthumously promoted, and 1 served in the Continental Army, the predecessor of the US Army.
Interesting Fact: George Washington holds the distinction of being the sole General appointed in the Continental Army.
The 248 4-star generals also joined the Army from different routes.
157 were commissioned through the USMA (US Military Academy)
50 through the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) at a civilian institution
16 through direct commission, 13 through OCS (Officer Candidate School)
8 through ROTC at a senior military institution
1 through ROTC at a junior military institution
1 through direct commission in the ARNG (Army National Guard)
1 through the aviation cadet initiative, and
1 through battlefield commission
5. Four-Star Generals
Four-star generals hold the highest rank typically attainable in the U.S. military. This rank is reserved for officers holding positions of significant responsibility, and there are only a select number of these positions available, making this rank quite exclusive. In the Navy, officers of this rank are known as admirals.
General officers are the pinnacle of military leadership and command. They are responsible for large units and have a broad scope of influence over their service’s operations. These highly ranked officers lead from the front, setting standards for discipline, training, and combat readiness.
Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals, and full Generals typically oversee thousands of personnel and large military installations or divisions, each progressively responsible for larger and more complex formations.
Joint Positions and Combatant Commands
At the joint level, General officers may serve as Combatant Commanders or in senior positions within the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They manage joint military efforts across different branches, ensuring interoperable and coordinated actions in various operational theaters.
The U.S. military’s unified combatant commands, such as U.S. Space Command, Africa Command, Central Command, Cyber Command, Pacific Command, European Command, Northern Command, and Special Operations Command, are each led by a four-star General or Admiral who reports directly to the President and Secretary of Defense according to DOD.
Strategic Planning and Advice
General officers are instrumental in strategic planning and providing military advice to national leaders. They analyze potential threats, create military strategies to deter or contain conflicts, and ensure the U.S. military remains a dominant force globally. Generals engage in complex evaluations of geopolitical situations and defense resources, offering expert advice to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council to shape the nation’s military and security policies.
How To Become A General?
Individuals may obtain a commission in the United States Army, Air Force, and other branches through several avenues. The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point and the Air Force Academy offer rigorous four-year programs culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant.
Alternatively, students may enroll in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at civilian colleges, leading to a commission upon graduation. There’s also the Officer Candidate School (OCS) that serves college graduates who did not participate in ROTC or attend a military academy.
Promotion and Advancement
The trajectory from officer to general is marked by successive promotions, typically beginning as a second lieutenant. Officers are evaluated on their leadership abilities, job performance, and potential to handle greater responsibilities.
Promotion to general officer ranks— brigadier general, major general, lieutenant general, and general—requires a demonstrated record of exceptional service, leadership, and the endorsement of senior military leadership.
Each promotion brings increased responsibility and typically involves a selection board process.
Senior Leadership Selection
To reach the general officer ranks in the United States military, officers must distinguish themselves markedly from their peers.
The selection for one-star general and above is a highly competitive process, influenced by an officer’s service record, leadership performance, education, and professional military education.
These selections are often approved at the highest levels, including the Department of Defense and the President of the United States. Advancement to four-star general requires nomination by the President and confirmation by the Senate.
The roles and responsibilities of general officers vary significantly across different services and commands within the Army and the Air Force.
The United States Army has had many generals who played pivotal roles in shaping world history through their military leadership and strategic acumen. During World War II, General Dwight D. Eisenhower served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Western Europe, orchestrating the successful D-Day invasion and subsequently the defeat of Nazi Germany as per National Archives.
Another significant figure was General George C. Marshall, who, as Army Chief of Staff during World War II, oversaw the U.S. Army’s expansion from a modest force to one of the most powerful in history. He later served as Secretary of State, crafting the Marshall Plan which helped to rebuild Europe after the war.
Moving towards a more contemporary context, General Lloyd J. Austin’s pioneering leadership merits mention.
First African American combat brigade commander in Iraq, opposed Islamic State
General Vincent K. Brooks, as the Commander of the U.S. Army Pacific, had a significant role in managing military relations with China, ensuring regional security through diplomatic and military channels.
Generals of the United States Army have been essential in executing wartime strategies and maintaining global peace and security. Their roles often transcended beyond mere combat, impacting diplomatic and geopolitical landscapes worldwide.
Retirement and Post-Military Careers
Upon retiring from the military, many generals transition to new career paths, leveraging their leadership experience and extensive networks. Retirement from military service often comes with a transition period where these leaders must navigate their entry into civilian roles.
Career Paths
A significant number find opportunities within the defense industry. Many retired four-star officers take on roles as board members or advisers to various defense contractors.
Some generals pursue federal civil service positions, which allow them to continue contributing to government operations outside of uniformed service.
Statistics
While definitive numbers vary, reports indicate a pattern of military leaders joining the defense industry. For example, a Government Accountability Office report noted that over 1,700 military and government officials transitioned to the defense sector over five years according to Responsible Statecraft.
Challenges and Considerations:
The transition from military to civilian roles, especially in the defense industry, is often scrutinized to ensure ethical compliance and the avoidance of conflicts of interest.
Adapting to the civilian sector can be challenging, requiring generals to acclimate to different organizational cultures and operational tempos.
Military and Defense Budget
The pay grade of military personnel, including generals, is an integral part of the defense budget. Generals are at the top of the military pay scale, receiving salaries under their rank and years of service. In addition to the base pay, they are eligible for various allowances and benefits, which can include housing, healthcare, and retirement plans.
These compensations are part of the overall budget managed by the Department of Defense and are factored into the annual financial planning for the military.
Funding for these expenses comes from the overall defense budget, which includes both the base defense budget and supplemental war funding.
The Defense Health Agency, for instance, is responsible for the administration of healthcare benefits to service members, which is a significant line item in the overall budget. Pay grades and associated allowances are categorized and standardized across the military branches to ensure uniformity and equity in compensation.
Legislative and Civilian Oversight
The Senate Armed Services Committee plays a critical role in overseeing the U.S. military, including its general officers.
This committee is responsible for holding hearings that review and evaluate military activities and policy, and it also considers nominations of the President for positions such as Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff as reflected in this source.
Detailed discussions and testimonies can focus on the appropriateness of the number of generals based on current defense strategies and global commitments.
National Defense Authorization Act
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a key piece of legislation that specifies the budget and expenditures of the Department of Defense. One of its purposes is to regulate the size and structure of the military, which may include a stipulation on the number of generals.
For example, the 2017 NDAA included a provision to reduce the number of generals, aiming to streamline military efficiency and adapt to modern needs.
Role of the President
The President of the United States, as Commander-in-Chief, wields direct authority over the military but works within the constraints of policies and laws enacted by Congress. The President’s influence extends to appointing the most senior military leaders, upon the advice and consent of the Senate, thereby influencing military practices and the culture of leadership. Civilian control is further maintained by the President’s ability to set broader defense-related policies that shape military operations and strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different ranks of generals in the U.S. Military?
In the U.S. Military, the general officer ranks are categorized loosely from one-star to four-star: Brigadier General (one-star), Major General (two-star), Lieutenant General (three-star), and General (four-star). The U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps use this ranking structure, whereas the Navy equivalent would be Rear Admiral lower half to Admiral.
How many officers attain the rank of 5-star general?
The five-star rank, formally known as General of the Army or Fleet Admiral, is a special wartime designation with only nine individuals ever promoted to this level in U.S. history. No officers currently hold this rank as it was last awarded in the mid-20th century, following World War II.
What is the total number of active 4-star generals currently serving?
The exact number of active four-star generals fluctuates based on retirements and new appointments. As of the last publicly available information, there are generally around 40 to 44 active four-star officers across all military branches.
Who holds the highest command position in the U.S. Military?
The highest military command position in the U.S. Military is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This position is held by a four-star general or admiral who serves as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council.
How does the number of 1-star and 2-star generals compare in the U.S. Army?
In the U.S. Army, there tends to be a larger number of one-star and two-star generals compared to their three-star and four-star counterparts. For instance, there are over a hundred in each rank of one-star and two-star generals, with precise numbers varying due to changes in military structure and retirements.
Has there ever been a 6-star general, and if so, who was it?
The rank of a six-star general has never been authorized or used in the U.S. Military. However, it’s worth noting that General George Washington was posthumously awarded the title of General of the Armies of the United States, which is often informally mentioned as equivalent to a six-star rank to honor his leadership during the Revolutionary War.
Final Words
General officers in the U.S. Military are pivotal to national defense and global security. Their strategic leadership, extensive responsibilities, and commitment to service underpin the effectiveness and readiness of the armed forces.
As defense challenges evolve, so will the roles of these high-ranking officers, ensuring the U.S. Military remains adaptable and capable of addressing future threats.
BEIJING — China strictly adheres to its policy of no first use of nuclear weapons “at any time and under any circumstances,” its Defense Ministry said Tuesday in a scathing response to a U.S. report alleging a major buildup in Beijing’s nuclear capabilities.
The Pentagon last week released an annual China security report that warned Beijing would likely have 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035, and that it has provided no clarity on how it plans to use them.
That report “distorts China’s national defense policy and military strategy, makes groundless speculation about China’s military development and grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs on the issue of Taiwan,” ministry spokesperson Tan Kefei said in a statement.
Tan accused the U.S. of being the “biggest troublemaker and destroyer of world peace and stability,” and repeated that Beijing has never renounced the use of force to conquer self-governing Taiwan, a U.S. ally that China considers part of its territory.
Tan did not directly address the report’s allegations about a Chinese nuclear buildup, but blamed the U.S. for raising nuclear tensions, particularly with its plan to help Australia build a fleet of submarines powered by U.S. nuclear technology, which the French president has described as a “confrontation with China.”
Australia has said it will not seek to arm the submarines with nuclear weapons. Tan also accused the U.S. of having the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, although that title is actually held by Russia, a close Chinese military, economic and diplomatic partner.
As of 2022, Russia possesses a total of 5,977 nuclear warheads compared to 5,428 in the U.S. inventory, according to the Federation of American Scientists. China currently has 350 nuclear warheads, according to the federation.
China has long adhered to what it calls a purely defensive national security strategy, including a claim that it will never be the first to use nuclear weapons in a conflict. That stance has frequently been challenged at home and abroad, particularly if it comes to a confrontation over Taiwan.
“What needs to be emphasized is that China firmly pursues the nuclear strategy of self-defense and defense, always adheres to the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstances, and maintains its nuclear force at the minimum level required for national security,” Tan said in the statement, which was posted on the ministry’s website.
His remarks came days after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. is at a pivotal point with China and will need military strength to ensure that American values, not Beijing’s, set global norms in the 21st century.
Austin’s speech Saturday at the Reagan National Defense Forum capped a week in which the Pentagon was squarely focused on China’s rise and what that might mean for America’s position in the world.
China “is the only country with both the will and, increasingly, the power to reshape its region and the international order to suit its authoritarian preferences,” Austin said. “So let me be clear: We will not let that happen.”
Austin was on hand Friday for a dramatic nighttime rollout of the U.S. military’s newest nuclear stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, which is being designed to beat the quickly growing cyber, space and nuclear capabilities of Beijing.
The bomber is part of a major China-centric nuclear overhaul underway that the Congressional Budget Office has estimated will cost $1.2 trillion through 2046.
Already-tense relations between Washington and Beijing soured even more in August when U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan. China responded by firing missiles over the island and holding wargames in what was seen as a rehearsal for a possible blockade of the island.
While the U.S. and Taiwan have no formal diplomatic relations in deference to Beijing, the U.S. maintains informal relations and defense ties with Taiwan, along with a policy of “strategic ambiguity” over whether the U.S. would respond militarily if the island were attacked.
Despite some moves to improve relations, China has shown an increasingly hard line on military affairs. Following a rare meeting last month between Austin and his Chinese counterpart, Wei Fenghe, the Chinese side issued a statement saying, “The responsibility for the current situation facing China-U.S. relations is on the U.S. side, not on the Chinese side.”
In his remarks on Taiwan, Tan warned that, “The Chinese military has the confidence and capability to thwart any external interference and separatist plots for ‘Taiwan independence’ and realize the complete reunification of the motherland.”
