....for a rating in the Army (eg, Private), to one day reach the rank of general?
Whilst this is a common theme in old war stories (crusty old WW2 General who was a wee lad fighting the boers when he joined up...etc etc), I've recently been told that ratings can never actually get a promotion, presumable meaning they'd never get to lieutenant, let alone General- how true is this?
Thanks!
PS, this is regarding UK armed forces so I'm not sure how accurate a statement it is if you are in the USA or elsewhere...
2006-06-28 07:09:07 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Yes, it is possible, though rare.
To do this, an enlisted man would need to get a battlefield promotion to the officer rankings, such as Audie Murphy being promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant during WW2. From there, they'd have to be good enough to continue to move up the ranks to wear stars.
Another option would be for an enlisted man to go through Officer Candidate School (OCS) to become an officer, then . . .
2006-06-28 09:47:18 · answer #1 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A private can be promoted up to WO1 (Warrant officer class 1) aka Regimental Sergeant Major. If the soldier is good enough, he will then be comissioned up to the rank of Captain. I doubt if he could reach General, but never say never......
2006-06-29 15:16:40 · answer #2 · answered by Paul T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think the highest rank a listed soldier can reach is colour sergeant.Higher ranks can only be obtained by going through officer training at the likes of Sandhurst
2006-06-28 14:16:14 · answer #3 · answered by Mick H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The simple answer is no.
A private is can attain the rank of WOI which is the highest rank a non-commissioned individual can go.
If you wish to rise to the ranks of General you will have to attend Sandhurst and be commissioned by the Queen
2006-06-28 14:13:01 · answer #4 · answered by ogenglishman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of the Generals on the Western Front in World War I, I think replying from memory his name was Robertson, had risen from the ranks.
2006-07-03 14:39:07 · answer #5 · answered by Philosophical Fred 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea in the UK, but in the US, a Private can reach General if he or she wants it that bad. I have met many Generals that started as Privates.
2006-06-29 00:51:09 · answer #6 · answered by Mark W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if they were commisiond directly from the ranks, and even then it is very doubtful. If they progress through all the ranks inbetween, there is a cap at (i think) LTCOL. or COL
2006-07-04 19:08:04 · answer #7 · answered by mand0wn 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is quite possible but it might take a long time though
2006-06-28 14:14:22 · answer #8 · answered by wanlangphart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Richard Sharpe made it!!!
2006-06-28 14:13:51 · answer #9 · answered by karen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋