Can you be a General and never have been in COMBAT?

Answer 1

Yes, we are over run with book smart Generals that have never fired a shot in anger. We in fact are very short on Patton style Generals that will even get close to combat, much less engage in personal combat. It is sad but it is the way the system is set up.

Answer 2

Sure, General David Petraeus had never been in Combat, untill he lead the 101st Airborne into combat in Iraq in 2003, as commander of the 101st AirBorne Division.

Most general officers had not been in combat, untill Afghanistan and Iraq.

Several had combat experience from Vietnam, but not many.

And several others had combat experience during Desert Storm in 1991, but again, not many.

Answer 3

Yup, there is no requirement for anyone to have been in combat for them to get promoted, however, if one has been to combat, they more than likely will get promoted before someone who hasn't.

Depends on who they know.

It's very political when it reaches the senior officer level.

Answer 4

Yes. One four star general comes to mind: General Alexander Haig.

Answer 5

Yes, you can. There are different jobs for officers that don't directly involve combat, and they can promote up to general.

Answer 6

Y E S, depends on the job that the General officer
has had during his/her military career!

Answer 7

Yes, but far easier if you;ve been airborne rather thann chairborne. )"chairborne' is a derogatory term for someone who spends their military career behind a desk.

Answer 8

Only with Affirmative Action.
See Jocelyn Elders. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joycelyn_Elders

Note how she only has two ribbins. She is but one of many reasons why people can't stand Bill Clinton.

Answer 9

NOT IN TODAYS ARMY YOU CANT.

MAYBE AIR FORCE OR NAVY WILL THOUGH.