If you could have any military rank.... what rank would you chose?

Question

Kekionga - you're right. However I sort of meant if you have it by working towards it and getting it on merit. Not by a magic genie.

Interesting answers all. Theres so many good ones worthy of best answer, especially from those enlisted and those now veterans.

Answer 1

CW5, I'm a WO1 currently, CW2 in a couple of months, and I can honestly say being a warrant has by far the best advantages. I don't get screwed with by anyone, I don't have to be in charge of anyone. The pay is good, and all that is expected of me, is to be proficient at my job.

Answer 2

I don't think rank has anything to do with it. I think it's respect. And that doesn't come with rank. It's earned.

I knew what kind of leader I'd want to follow, and that was the kind of leader I tried to be for my men. Men will do just about anything, if they understand that it's something that has to be done, and why. Sometimes the explanation has to be withheld. But if the officer is pretty open with his troops, they'll understand.

I've served with junior officers I'd follow into hell because I knew they would get me out. I've served under senior officers I wouldn't want to follow anywhere because I had no faith in their command ability.

One of the wisest men I ever knew was an ENC (E-7). I was a junior officer on my first tour at the Pentagon. Chief Wasson would get calls from congressmen. He was tne only enlisted man on policy boards aside from the Master Chief Petty of the Navy. If it weren't for him, I might not have found Pentagon duty nearly as bearable... even enjoyable.

One of the best skippers I ever served under was a mustanger. I think he retired as an Admiral. He'd do just about anything for his men. When he was transferred, his replacement was one of the worst skippers I've had the misfortune of serving under. Everything was by the book. If it wasn't in the book he didn't have the brains to figure out how to do it. He probably retired an Admiral too, although, in my opinion, he should have never gotten above LCDR. He was not a leader.

The senior enlisted have the knowledge to keep the military running smoothly. Junior officers should learn from them and, whenever possible, implement their suggestions.

Officers, LCDR (O-4) and above, have been around a while, and, if they're smart, will have picked up some stuff from their men. They will have learned to build rapport with their men. They will know that they're not directors, but facilitators. Sure, they have to pull rank on occasion, but the men realize that can't be helped, and, if the matter is not classified, the officer might let the senior enlisted know the basis of his decision.

Answer 3

Sgt USMC.

Best Rank You Can Be.

Trust me I was one for several years before I got out. I was just able to avoid the desk job stage of my career with it.

That would have driven me nuts, much better with a wrench or a warhead in my hand.

IYAOYAS

Answer 4

I want Chief Petty Officer- Highest general entry ranking I wouldnt want to be anything else

Answer 5

Veteran!

Answer 6

I would be a Sgt Major, that is the top enlisted rank, and in my experience earned the most respect from the troops

Answer 7

If you're in the Navy E-5 is the place to be.
You don't have to do the crap work, but at the same time you don't have to deal with the Chiefs' BS.

You just come in and get to do your job...which hopefully you enjoy!

Answer 8

General-President /Dictator for Life of some Banana country!
that is an ally to the USA!

Answer 9

C W O 4...best rank there is.

Answer 10

Reichsführer