2006-12-01 02:24:21 · 7 answers · asked by mrada6 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
A five star flag officer (general or admiral), is a special appointment by the president, and is temporary. In times of war, a five star would act as supreme commander (a little auspicious, but it works), and would be the overall commander. For instance, Admiral Chester Nimitz was appointed a 5-star admiral and was Commander-in-Chief, Allied Forces, Pacific Theater.
The 5-star rank offers no additional pay or benefits, but removes the question of authority. According to US Army custom, General George Washington, First President, Commander, Colonial Army, was only a General (At the time, one star), but by tradition, is the highest ranking General in Army history.
2006-12-01 05:53:50 · answer #1 · answered by The_moondog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tenure makes any general reach that level however, he or she will have the same power as the president and can at times challenge the president orders (McCarthur). Thats why not longer exist a 5 star general and mostly everyone is 4 stars. Thats how new positions where created in the pentagon and each department of the armed forces
2006-12-01 10:33:31 · answer #2 · answered by SemperLeader 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
5 star Generals do not normally exist. They are created during major wars to provide a superior commander to the large 4 star commands in use. Since we have no need for more than one 4 star command in action in one part of the world, we don't need a 5 star.
2006-12-01 10:28:20 · answer #3 · answered by rekset 1 · 6⤊ 0⤋
The obvious answer is that he has 5 stars on his collar. This rank is typically not assigned to a general except during time of war. It is the highest ranking position that an officer can hold. They are typically incharge of an entire fleet or the entire service.
2006-12-01 10:29:28 · answer #4 · answered by RayCATNG 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the commander in chief is the only one who can make a 5 star gen.
2006-12-01 12:03:18 · answer #5 · answered by sand runner 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a its the highest ranking official among the army. they limit it to five stars so the general gets five, below him gets 4 and so on
2006-12-01 10:27:58 · answer #6 · answered by lambs 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
A lot of butt kissing :) just kidding
2006-12-01 10:25:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋