What will it take for me to be a general?

Question

honestly if i could be anything i want to be a general. ever since i was young, im 18 now

Answer 1

Start with a college degree. West Point would certainly be a plus. If you plan on going to college (you must have a degree to be an officer) try the ROTC. If you should by some act of GOD make it through all of your training, and schooling, bear this in mind. You need to hold positions in both combat arms, and combat support MOSs to even be considered to make senior officer. Take every military school you can get, and try to get through a school that offers a tab (ie: special forces, ranger, etc.). After that, just kick back and work your butt off and be the best you can for another 20 years or so, and you should be there. Simple, right?

Answer 2

First, acceptance at one of the military academies is a virtual must. While some folks have made it via ROTC or OCS, they are few and far between the majority of 'ring-knockers'.

I can't speak for the Navy, I was Army. You will need to be in the Combat arms, and hold a string of leadership positions successfully. Platoon Leader, then Company, then Battalion commands, and well enough to be considered for Brigade Command (as a Colonel).

Next, a stint at senior staff jobs without ticking any superiors off. (Beyond the rank of Major, it is *very* political.) Your best route for staff work is as close to the flagpole as you can get -- 'field troopers' are notoriously scarce in the upper ranks. " Mustangs" -- those who started out enlisted, but later opted for a commission -- are virtually non-existent in the flag ranks. (i.e., General)

Assignment in Washington, D.C. is a must. Preferably, find and marry some Senator's daughter, and keep her happy.

Political? Yes, there hasn't been a major war since 1945. Battlefield promotions are history.

That said, a good life and career can be had without ever seeing flag rank.

The military is a chance to go places and see things you will never do otherwise.

Give it a shot!

wsulliva

Answer 3

1) The best choice would be to apply to a service academy. If you aren't accepted into one (which I will assume is the case since you are currently 18). Attending a service academy is as beneficial for officer advancement as attendance at an Ivy League school is for civilians. However, there are other options
2) Attend a college with a ROTC program (This is the route Colin Powell took).
3) Complete college without going to ROTC, and apply for OCS.

Once you do become an officer, there are many other things that are necessary to reach that rank. Successful command in a combat situation is obviously a major plus (nearly all of the top male generals have it).
Attendance at elite schools, such as ranger, special forces, etc.
Awards and achievements during your service.
Continuing education, including Masters Degrees, etc.
Mastery of foreign languages and other special skills help.
Above all, excellent networking. It is important to follow orders and set examples for the soldiers that you lead. The greatest officers lead from the front. As mentioned, this will easily take at least 25 years in the military to achieve. To become a Major requires a minimum of 10 years of service, and a successful Company command.
I hope this helps.

Answer 4

A whole lot of connections, I've talked to quite a few LT Col. and majors, they all say from Lt Col up it's political, you got to know the right people, done the right things and have said the right things
Other than that you'd need at least a four year degree, a remote tour, and depending on which branch of service you'll have to face several review boards.
Public speaking and great communication skills are a must
Other than the above, passion seems like an absolute necessity.

Answer 5

A big plus would be graduating from West point or Annapolis.But you DO need a degree, plus perhaps a Masters or MBA.
Then, add about 25 years of outstanding service, a stint at Carlisle War College, and a spotless record.
A general, if he were a civilian, would have a PhD.
He would have to have excellent leadership, and command a battalion or an Army post,
In short, he would have to be one of the very best.

Answer 6

Best you join the military now then because, should you be cleared for promotion and be successful and not want to get out after all the political wrangling, you'd have 25 plus years under your belt to survive.

Besides, you would have to be mighty good at what you do these days.

Work hard, have a good work ethic and demonstrate your leadership ability, educational prowess, and be excellent in everything you do and maybe one day you will be suitable for such a position.

Answer 7

What branch, If Army, get your Senator to get you accepted at West Point, from there, provided you make all the perfect decisions in your life and have a strong character, moral and physical, take on the toughest assignments, prove yourself to the nation that you got what it takes to lead men and women anywhere in the world, and after years of hard work,, and dedication to your country, General may come along, but dont be discouraged if you dont get it, its a highly political area, and that is a game that must be learned correctly and tactfully, and remember, once there, dont forget to take some time and talk with the troops, while most will feel intimidated by your rank, they have huge respect for the Generals that visit them and talk with them, so work hard my friend, your life is full of opportunities.

Answer 8

A College Degree. Acceptance to OCS. 20-25 years of service that shows you have strong leadership skills and can play politics.

Answer 9

Defiantly start out in college, most officers need to have a degree. Pick course work in military sciences.

Answer 10

Getting the rank of general literally takes an act of Congress. First you would need to be nominated by the president and then Congress would need to affirm the nomination.