Three-star reserve officers and the chief of the National Guard Bureau testify before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on 17 April 2018.
Three-star reserve officers and the chief of the National Guard Bureau testify before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on 17 April 2018.

There are currently 162 active-duty three-star officers in the uniformed services of the United States: 49 in the Army, 18 in the Marine Corps, 37 in the Navy, 46 in the Air Force, six in the Space Force, four in the Coast Guard, one in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and one in the United States Maritime Service.

List of designated three-star positions

Department of Defense

Office of the Secretary of Defense

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
Direct reporting officers
Office of the Secretary of Defense
Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense
Lt. Gen. Ronald P. Clark (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Ronald P. Clark
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
National intelligence agencies
Defense Intelligence Agency
Director, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
LTG Scott D. Berrier (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Scott D. Berrier
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
Vice Adm. Frank D. Whitworth III (2).jpg
Vice Admiral
Frank D. Whitworth III
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Defense Agencies
Defense Contract Management Agency
Director, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
Army Lt. Gen. David G. Bassett.jpg
Lieutenant General
David G. Bassett
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Defense Health Agency
Director, Defense Health Agency (DHA)
LTG Telita Crosland.jpg
Lieutenant General
Telita Crosland
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Defense Information Systems Agency
Joint Force Headquarters Department of Defense Information Network
Director, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and
Commander, Joint Force Headquarters Department of Defense Information Network (JFHQ-DoDIN)
Lt Gen Robert J. Skinner.jpg
Lieutenant General
Robert J. Skinner
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Defense Logistics Agency
Director, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Vice Adm. Michelle C. Skubic (2).jpg
Vice Admiral
Michelle C. Skubic
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Missile Defense Agency
Director, Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
Vice Adm. Jon A. Hill.jpg
Vice Admiral
Jon A. Hill
Retiring[1]
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy

Joint Staff

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
Office of the Joint Staff
Joint Staff
Director of the Joint Staff (DJS)
James J. Mingus (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
James J. Mingus
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Joint Staff
Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (ACJCS)
Portrait gray.png
Vacant
Joint Staff directorates
Joint Staff
Director for Intelligence (J-2), Joint Staff
LtGen Dimitri Henry.jpg
Lieutenant General
Dimitri Henry
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Joint Staff
Director for Operations (J-3), Joint Staff
LTG Douglas A. Sims II.jpg
Lieutenant General
Douglas A. Sims II
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Joint Staff
Director for Logistics (J-4), Joint Staff
Lt Gen Leonard J. Kosinski.jpg
Lieutenant General
Leonard J. Kosinski
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Joint Staff
Director for Strategy, Plans and Policy (J-5), Joint Staff and
Senior Member, United States Delegation to the United Nations Military Staff Committee
Vice Adm. Stephen T. Koehler.jpg
Vice Admiral
Stephen T. Koehler
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Joint Staff
Director, Command, Control, Communications and Computers and
Cyber and Chief Information Officer (J-6), Joint Staff
Lt Gen Mary F. O
Lieutenant General
Mary F. O'Brien
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Joint Staff
Director for Joint Force Development (J-7), Joint Staff
Lt Gen Dagvin R. M. Anderson.jpg
Lieutenant General
Dagvin R.M. Anderson
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Joint Staff
Director of Force Structure, Resources and Assessment (J-8), Joint Staff
Vice Adm. Sara A. Joyner.jpg
Vice Admiral
Sara A. Joyner
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy

Unified Combatant Commands

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
Unified combatant commands
U.S. Africa Command
Deputy Commander, U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM)
Lt Gen Kirk W. Smith.jpg
Lieutenant General
Kirk W. Smith
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
U.S. Central Command
Deputy Commander, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM)
Lt Gen Gregory M. Guillot (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Gregory M. Guillot
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
U.S. Cyber Command
Deputy Commander, U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM)
Lt Gen Timothy D. Haugh (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Timothy D. Haugh
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
U.S. European Command
Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command (USEUCOM)
Lt Gen Steven L. Basham (3).jpg
Lieutenant General
Steven L. Basham
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
Deputy Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM)
Lt Gen Stephen D. Sklenka.jpg
Lieutenant General
Stephen D. Sklenka
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Northern Command
North American Aerospace Defense Command
Deputy Commander, U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and
Vice Commander, U.S. Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
LTG A. C. Roper, Jr. (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
A.C. Roper Jr.
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Southern Command
Military Deputy Commander, U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)
VADM Alvin Holsey (2).jpg
Vice Admiral
Alvin Holsey
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
U.S. Space Command
Deputy Commander, U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM)
Lt Gen John E. Shaw (3).jpg
Lieutenant General
John E. Shaw
U.S. Space Force

U.S. Space Force
U.S. Special Operations Command
Deputy Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
Vice Adm. Collin P. Green.jpg
Vice Admiral
Collin P. Green
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
U.S. Special Operations Command
Vice Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
LtGen Francis L. Donovan.jpg
Lieutenant General
Francis L. Donovan
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Strategic Command
Deputy Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)
VADM Richard A. Correll.jpg
Vice Admiral
Richard A. Correll
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
U.S. Transportation Command
Deputy Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)
LTG John P. Sullivan.jpg
Lieutenant General
John P. Sullivan
U.S. Army

U.S. Army

Other joint positions

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
National Guard
Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau
Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau (VCNGB)
Lt. Gen. Marc H. Sasseville (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Marc H. Sasseville
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Sub-unified commands
Alaskan Command
Eleventh Air Force
Commander, Alaskan Command (ALCOM) and
Commander, Eleventh Air Force (11 AF)
Lt Gen David S. Nahom (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
David S. Nahom
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
U.S. Forces Japan
Fifth Air Force
Japan
Commander, U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) and
Commander, Fifth Air Force (5 AF)
Lt Gen Ricky N. Rupp.jpg
Lieutenant General
Ricky N. Rupp
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Combined Joint Task Force–Space Operations
Commander, Combined Joint Task Force–Space Operations (CJTF–SO)
Portrait gray.png
Vacant
Joint Special Operations Command
Commander, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and
Commander, Joint Special Operations Command Forward, U.S. Special Operations Command
Vice Adm. Frank M. Bradley.jpg
Vice Admiral
Frank M. Bradley
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Special activities (domestic)
Joint Task Force Red Hill
Commander, Joint Task Force Red Hill (JTF-RH)
VADM John F.G.Wade.jpg
Vice Admiral
John F.G. Wade
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
National Defense University
President, National Defense University (NDU)
Lt Gen Michael T. Plehn (3).jpg
Lieutenant General
Michael T. Plehn
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office
Program Executive Officer, F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office
Lt Gen Michael J. Schmidt (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Michael J. Schmidt
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Director's Advisor for Military Affairs, Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Kruse.jpg
Lieutenant General
Jeffrey A. Kruse
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Central Intelligence Agency
Associate Director for Military Affairs, Central Intelligence Agency
Lt Gen John D. Caine.jpg
Lieutenant General
John D. Caine
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Special activities (international)
Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee
Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee (DCMC)
Lt Gen Lance K. Landrum.jpg
Lieutenant General
Lance K. Landrum
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
NATO Military Committee
U.S. Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee (USMILREP)
Edwin J. Deedrick, Jr.jpg
Lieutenant General
E. John Deedrick Jr.
Retiring[2]
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
NATO Special Operations Headquarters
Commander, NATO Special Operations Headquarters (NSHQ)
Lt. Gen. Antonio M. Fletcher.jpg
Lieutenant General
Antonio M. Fletcher
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Allied Command Transformation
Deputy Chief of Staff for Capability Development, Headquarters Allied Command Transformation (ACT)
Lt Gen David J. Julazadeh.jpg
Lieutenant General
David J. Julazadeh
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Israel-Palestinian Authority
Israel
United States Security Coordinator, Israel-Palestinian Authority
Lt. Gen. Michael R. Fenzel (cropped).jpg
Lieutenant General
Michael R. Fenzel
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Germany
Commander, Security Assistance Group–Ukraine (SAG–U)
Lt. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto Jr. (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Antonio A. Aguto Jr.
U.S. Army

U.S. Army

Department of the Army

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
Office of the Secretary
United States Army Rapid Capabilities Office
Director of Hypersonics, Directed Energy, Space and Rapid Acquisition, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology)
LTG Robert A. Rasch Jr.jpg
Lieutenant General
Robert A. Rasch Jr.
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller)
Military Deputy for Budget to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller)
Lt. Gen. Paul A. Chamberlain.jpg
Lieutenant General
Paul A. Chamberlain
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Inspector General of the United States Army
Inspector General of the United States Army (IG)
Lt. Gen. Donna W. Martin (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Donna W. Martin
U.S. Army

U.S. Army

United States Army

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
Army Staff
Director of the Army Staff
Director of the Army Staff (DAS)
Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt (3).jpg
Lieutenant General
Walter E. Piatt
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (G-1)
Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (G-1)
LTG Douglas F. Stitt.jpg
Lieutenant General
Douglas F. Stitt
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G-2)
Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G-2)
LTG Laura A. Potter.jpg
Lieutenant General
Laura A. Potter
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans, and Training (G-3/5/7)
Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans, and Training (G-3/5/7)
Lt. Gen. Patrick E. Matlock.jpg
Lieutenant General
Patrick E. Matlock
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (G-4)
Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (G-4)
Portrait gray.png
Vacant
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Deputy Chief of Staff for Cyber (G-6)
Deputy Chief of Staff for Command, Control, Communications, Cyber Operations and Networks (G-6)
Lt. Gen. John B. Morrison, Jr.jpg
Lieutenant General
John B. Morrison Jr.
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs (G-8)
Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs (G-8)
Lt. Gen. Erik C. Peterson (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Erik C. Peterson
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Deputy Chief of Staff for Installations (G-9)
Deputy Chief of Staff for Installations (G-9)
LTG Kevin Vereen.jpg
Lieutenant General
Kevin Vereen
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Judge Advocate General's Corps
Judge Advocate General of the United States Army
Judge Advocate General of the United States Army (TJAG) and
Dean, U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School
Lt. Gen. Stuart W. Risch.jpg
Lieutenant General
Stuart W. Risch
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Army commands (and subordinated units)
U.S. Army Forces Command
Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM)
Lt. Gen. Paul T. Calvert (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Paul T. Calvert
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Chief of the U.S. Army Reserve
U.S. Army Reserve Command
Chief of the United States Army Reserve (CAR) and
Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC)
Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels (7) (cropped).jpg
Lieutenant General
Jody J. Daniels
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army Futures Command
Deputy Commanding General for Combat Development, U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC)
LTG-Richard-Ross-Coffman-AFC.jpg
Lieutenant General
Richard R. Coffman
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army Futures Command
Acquisition and Systems Directorate
Deputy Commanding General for Acquisition and Systems/Chief Innovation Officer,
U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC)
Lt. Gen. Thomas H. Todd III.jpg
Lieutenant General
Thomas H. Todd III
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army Futures Command
Futures and Concepts Center
Deputy Commanding General for Futures and Concepts, U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC) and
Director, Futures and Concepts Center (FCC)
Lt. Gen. D. Scott McKean.jpg
Lieutenant General
D. Scott McKean
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army Materiel Command
Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) and
Senior Commander, Redstone Arsenal[3]
LTG Christopher O. Mohan.jpg
Lieutenant General
Christopher O. Mohan
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army Installation Management Command
Commanding General, U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM)
Lt. Gen. Omar J. Jones IV.jpg
Lieutenant General
Omar J. Jones IV
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
Deputy Commanding General and Chief of Staff,
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)
Lt. Gen. Maria R. Gervais.jpg
Lieutenant General
Maria R. Gervais
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army Combined Arms Center
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Army University
Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center (USACAC),
Commandant, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC)
Executive Vice Chancellor, Army University (ArmyU) and
Commanding General, Fort Leavenworth
LTG Milford H. Beagle Jr.jpg
Lieutenant General
Milford H. Beagle Jr.
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Army service component commands
U.S. Army Central
Commanding General, U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) and
Commanding General, Coalition Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC)
Lt. Gen. Patrick D. Frank (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Patrick D. Frank
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army Cyber Command
Joint Force Headquarters - U.S. Army Cyber Command
Commanding General, U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) and
Commander, Joint Force Headquarters - U.S. Army Cyber Command (JFHQ-ARCYBER)
Lt. Gen. Maria B. Barrett (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Maria B. Barrett
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army Europe and Africa
Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF)
Lt. Gen. Andrew M. Rohling (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Andrew M. Rohling
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army Pacific
Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC)
Lt. Gen. James B. Jarrard (2) (cropped).jpg
Lieutenant General
James B. Jarrard
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army North
Commanding General, U.S. Army North (ARNORTH) and
Senior Commander, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis
Lt. Gen. John R. Evans Jr.jpg
Lieutenant General
John R. Evans Jr.
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army Special Operations Command
Commanding General, U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC)
Lt. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga.jpg
Lieutenant General
Jonathan P. Braga
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command
Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense
Commanding General, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/U.S. Army Forces Strategic Command (USASMDC/ARSTRAT) and
Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense (JFCC IMD)[4]
Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler.jpg
Lieutenant General
Daniel L. Karbler
Retiring[1]
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Direct reporting units
U.S. Army Acquisition Corps
Principal Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) and
Director, U.S. Army Acquisition Corps (AAC)
Lt. Gen. Robert L. Marion.jpg
Lieutenant General
Robert L. Marion
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Army Chief of Engineers
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
United States Army Chief of Engineers (COE) and
Commanding General, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon.jpg
Lieutenant General
Scott A. Spellmon
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Surgeon General of the United States Army
U.S. Army Medical Command
Army Medical Department
Surgeon General of the United States Army (TSG),
Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) and
Chief, Army Medical Department (AMEDD)
LTG R. Scott Dingle (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
R. Scott Dingle
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
U.S. Military Academy
Superintendent of the United States Military Academy (USMA)
Lt. Gen. Steven W. Gilland (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Steven W. Gilland
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Operating forces
First Army
Commanding General, First Army
Portrait gray.png
Vacant
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Eighth United States Army
ROK/US Combined Forces Command
Commanding General, Eighth United States Army and
Chief of Staff, ROK/U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC)
Lt. Gen. Willard M. Burleson III (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Willard M. Burleson III
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
I Corps
Commanding General, I Corps and
Commanding General, Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Lt. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson.jpg
Lieutenant General
Xavier T. Brunson
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
III Armored Corps
Commanding General, III Armored Corps and
Commanding General, Fort Hood[a]
Lt. Gen. Sean C. Bernabe (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Sean C. Bernabe
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
V Corps
Commanding General, V Corps
Lt. Gen. John S. Kolasheski.jpg
Lieutenant General
John S. Kolasheski
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
XVIII Airborne Corps
Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps and
Commanding General, Fort Bragg[b]
LTG Chris Donahue Command Photo.jpg
Lieutenant General
Christopher T. Donahue
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Army National Guard
Army National Guard
Director, Army National Guard (ARNG)
Lt. Gen. Jon A. Jensen (3).jpg
Lieutenant General
Jon A. Jensen
U.S. Army

U.S. Army

Department of the Navy

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
Office of the Secretary
Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition)
Principal Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition)
Vice Adm. Francis D. Morley.jpg
Vice Admiral
Francis D. Morley
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Naval Inspector General
Naval Inspector General (NAVIG) and
Special Assistant for Inspection Support (N09G)
Vice Adm. John V. Fuller.jpg
Vice Admiral
John V. Fuller
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Judge Advocate General of the Navy
Judge Advocate General of the Navy (JAG),
Special Assistant for Legal Services (N09J) and
Department of Defense Representative for Ocean Policy Affairs (REPOPA)
Vice Adm. Darse E. Crandall, Jr.jpg
Vice Admiral
Darse E. Crandall Jr.
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy

United States Marine Corps

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
Headquarters Marine Corps
Director of the Marine Corps Staff
Director of the Marine Corps Staff (DMCS)
LtGen Gregg P. Olson.jpg
Lieutenant General
Gregg P. Olson
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs
Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (DC M&RA)
Lt Gen James F. Glynn.jpg
Lieutenant General
James F. Glynn
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations
Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations (DC, PP&O)
Lt Gen David J. Furness.jpg
Lieutenant General
David J. Furness
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps Aviation
Deputy Commandant for Aviation (DCA)
LtGen Michael S. Cederholm.jpg
Lieutenant General
Michael S. Cederholm
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics
Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics (DC I&L)
Lt Gen Edward D. Banta.jpg
Lieutenant General
Edward D. Banta
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration
Marine Corps Combat Development Command
Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration (DC, CD&I) and Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC)
Lt. Gen. Karsten S. Heckl (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Karsten S. Heckl
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps
Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources (DC P&R)
Lt Gen Christopher J. Mahoney.jpg
Lieutenant General
Christopher J. Mahoney
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Deputy Commandant for Information
Deputy Commandant for Information (DCI) and
Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Strategic Command (MARFORSTRAT)
Lt. Gen. Matthew G. Glavy.jpg
Lieutenant General
Matthew G. Glavy
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Supporting establishment
U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command
Commanding General, U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command (TECOM)
Lt. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams.jpg
Lieutenant General
Kevin M. Iiams
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Operating forces
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Northern Command
Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic
Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM),
Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Northern Command (MARFORNORTH) and Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT)
LtGen Brian W. Cavanaugh (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Brian W. Cavanaugh
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
II Marine Expeditionary Force
Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF)
LtGen David A. Ottignon (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
David A. Ottignon
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC) and
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (FMFPAC)
Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney.jpg
Lieutenant General
William M. Jurney
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
I Marine Expeditionary Force
Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF)
Lt. Gen. George W. Smith, Jr.jpg
Lieutenant General
George W. Smith Jr.
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
III Marine Expeditionary Force
Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) and
Commander, Marine Forces Japan (MARFORJ)
Lt Gen James W. Bierman (cropped).jpg
Lieutenant General
James W. Bierman Jr.
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Marine Forces Reserve
Marine Forces Reserve
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South
Commander, Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) and
Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South (MARFORSOUTH)
Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon.jpg
Lieutenant General
David G. Bellon
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps

United States Navy

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Bureau of Naval Personnel
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Education (N1/NT) and
Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP)
Vice Adm. Richard J. Cheeseman Jr.jpg
Vice Admiral
Richard J. Cheeseman Jr.
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Director of Naval Intelligence
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare (N2/N6) and
Director of Naval Intelligence (DNI)
Vice Adm. Jeffrey E. Trussler.jpg
Vice Admiral
Jeffrey E. Trussler
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5)
Vice Adm. Eugene H. Black III.jpg
Vice Admiral
Eugene H. Black III
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics (N4)
Vice Adm. Ricky L. Williamson.jpg
Vice Admiral
Ricky L. Williamson
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development (N7)
Vice Adm. Jeffrey W. Hughes.jpg
Vice Admiral
Jeffrey W. Hughes
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8)
Vice Adm. Randy B. Crites.jpg
Vice Admiral
Randy B. Crites
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (N9)
Vice Adm. Scott D. Conn (3).jpg
Vice Admiral
Scott D. Conn
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy Reserve
Chief of Navy Reserve (N095) and
Commander, Navy Reserve Force (CNRF)
Vice Adm. John B. Mustin.jpg
Vice Admiral
John B. Mustin
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Type commands
Commander, Naval Air Forces
Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Commander, Naval Air Forces (COMNAVAIRFOR) and
Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVAIRPAC)
Vice Adm. Kenneth R. Whitesell.jpg
Vice Admiral
Kenneth R. Whitesell
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
U.S. Naval Information Forces
Commander, Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR)
Kelly A. Aeschbach (7).jpg
Vice Admiral
Kelly A. Aeschbach
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Commander, Naval Submarine Forces
Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Allied Submarine Command
Commander, Submarine Forces (COMSUBFOR),
Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT),
Commander, Allied Submarine Command (ASC),
Commander, Task Force 114 (CTF-114),[7]
Commander, Task Force 88 (CTF-88) and
Commander, Task Force 46 (CTF-46)
Vice Adm. William J. Houston.jpg
Vice Admiral
William J. Houston
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Commander, Naval Surface Forces
Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Commander, Naval Surface Forces (COMNAVSURFOR) and
Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC)
Vice Adm. Roy I. Kitchener.jpg
Vice Admiral
Roy I. Kitchener
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Operating forces (and subordinated units)
U.S. Fleet Forces Command
U.S. Naval Forces Strategic Command
Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF),
Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command (NAVNORTH),
Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Strategic Command (NAVSTRAT) and Commander, Task Force 80 (CTF-80)
Vice Adm. James W. Kilby.jpg
Vice Admiral
James W. Kilby
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
U.S. Second Fleet
Joint Force Command Norfolk
Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Center of Excellence
Commander, U.S. Second Fleet (C2F),
Commander, Joint Force Command – Norfolk (JFC-NF) and
Director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Center of Excellence (CJOS COE)
Vice Adm. Daniel W. Dwyer (2).jpg
Vice Admiral
Daniel W. Dwyer
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
U.S. Sixth Fleet
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa
Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet (C6F),
Commander, Task Force Six,
Commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (COMSTRIKFORNATO),
Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (CNE-CNA) and
Joint Force Maritime Component Commander Europe
VADM Thomas E. Ishee.jpg
Vice Admiral
Thomas E. Ishee
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
U.S. Third Fleet
Commander, U.S. Third Fleet (C3F)
Vice Adm. Michael E. Boyle.jpg
Vice Admiral
Michael E. Boyle
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
U.S. Seventh Fleet
Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet (C7F)
Vice Adm. Karl O. Thomas.jpg
Vice Admiral
Karl O. Thomas
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
U.S. Fifth Fleet
Combined Maritime Forces
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT),
Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet (C5F) and
Commander, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
Charles B. Cooper II (6).jpg
Vice Admiral
Charles B. Cooper II
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Fleet Cyber Command
U.S. Tenth Fleet
Joint Force Headquarters - U.S. Fleet Cyber Command
Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (FCC),
Commander, U.S. Tenth Fleet (C10F) and
Commander, Joint Force Headquarters - U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (JFHQ-FCC)
Craig A. Clapperton (5).jpg
Vice Admiral
Craig A. Clapperton
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Shore establishment
Naval Sea Systems Command
Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)
Vice Adm. William J. Galinis.jpg
Vice Admiral
William J. Galinis
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Naval Air Systems Command
Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)
Vice Adm. Carl P. Chebi.jpg
Vice Admiral
Carl P. Chebi
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Navy Installations Command
Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC)
Vice Adm. Yancy B. Lindsey.jpg
Vice Admiral
Yancy B. Lindsey
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Strategic Systems Programs
Director for Strategic Systems Programs (SSP)
Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe, Jr.jpg
Vice Admiral
Johnny R. Wolfe Jr.
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
United States Naval Academy
Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy (USNA)
Vice Adm. Sean S. Buck.jpg
Vice Admiral
Sean S. Buck
Retiring[8]
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy

Department of the Air Force

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
Office of the Secretary
Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics
Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SAF/AQ)
Lt Gen Donna D. Shipton (cropped).jpg
Lieutenant General
Donna D. Shipton
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Inspector General of the Department of the Air Force
Inspector General of the Department of the Air Force (DAF/IG)
Lt Gen Stephen L. Davis.jpg
Lieutenant General
Stephen L. Davis
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force

United States Air Force

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
Air Staff
Air Staff
Director of Staff of the United States Air Force (AF/DS)
Lt Gen Kevin B. Schneider (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Kevin B. Schneider
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Staff
Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services (A1)
Lt Gen Caroline M. Miller.jpg
Lieutenant General
Caroline M. Miller
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations (A2/6)
Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations (A2/6)
Lt Gen Leah G. Lauderback.jpg
Lieutenant General
Leah G. Lauderback
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Staff
Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (A3)
Lt. Gen. James C. Slife (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
James C. Slife
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Staff
Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection (A4)
Lt Gen Tom D. Miller.jpg
Lieutenant General
Tom D. Miller
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Staff
Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Futures (A5/7)
Lt. Gen. S. Clinton Hinote.jpg
Lieutenant General
S. Clinton Hinote
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Staff
Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs (A8)
Lt Gen Richard G. Moore Jr.jpg
Lieutenant General
Richard G. Moore Jr.
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Staff
Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration (A10)
Portrait gray.png
Vacant
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Judge Advocate General of the Air Force (AF/JA)
United States Air Force Judge Advocate General (AF/JA) and
Judge Advocate General of the United States Space Force (SF/JA)
Lt Gen Charles L. Plummer.jpg
Lieutenant General
Charles L. Plummer
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
U.S. Air Force Medical Service
Surgeon General of the United States Air Force (AF/SG) and
Surgeon General of the United States Space Force (SF/SG)
Lt Gen Robert I. Miller.jpg
Lieutenant General (Dr.)
Robert I. Miller
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Direct reporting units
U.S. Air Force Academy
Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)
Lt Gen Richard M. Clark.jpg
Lieutenant General
Richard M. Clark
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Force major commands (and subordinated units)
Air Combat Command
Deputy Commander, Air Combat Command (ACC)
Lt Gen Russell L. Mack.jpg
Lieutenant General
Russell L. Mack
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
First Air Force (Air Forces Northern)
Continental U.S. NORAD Region – Air Forces Northern
Continental U.S. NORAD Region
Commander, First Air Force (Air Forces Northern/AFNORTH and Air Forces Space/AFSPACE) (1 AF),
Commander, Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR),
Combined Force Air Component Commander for North American Aerospace Defense Command and
Joint Force Air Component Commander for U.S. Northern Command
Lt Gen Steven S. Nordhaus (cropped).jpg
Lieutenant General
Steven S. Nordhaus
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Ninth Air Force
U.S. Air Forces Central Command
Commander, Ninth Air Force (9 AF),
Commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command (USAFCENT) and
Combined Forces Air Component Commander, U.S. Central Command
Lt Gen Alexus G. Grynkewich (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Alexus G. Grynkewich
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Sixteenth Air Force
Air Forces Cyber
Joint Force Headquarters – Cyber
Commander, Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber/AFCYBER) (16 AF) and
Commander, Joint Force Headquarters – Cyber (Air Force) (JFHQ-C)
Lt Gen Kevin B. Kennedy Jr.jpg
Lieutenant General
Kevin B. Kennedy
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Education and Training Command
Commander, Air Education and Training Command (AETC)
Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson.jpg
Lieutenant General
Brian S. Robinson
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air University
Commander and President, Air University
Lt Gen Andrea D. Tullos.jpg
Lieutenant General
Andrea D. Tullos
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Force Global Strike Command
Deputy Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and
Deputy Commander, Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command
Lt Gen Mark E. Weatherington.jpg
Lieutenant General
Mark E. Weatherington
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Force Materiel Command
Deputy Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC)
Lt. Gen. Carl E. Schaefer.jpg
Lieutenant General
Carl E. Schaefer
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Force Life Cycle Management Center
Commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) and
Program Executive Officer for the Rapid Sustainment Office
Lt. Gen. Shaun Q. Morris.jpg
Lieutenant General
Shaun Q. Morris
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Force Sustainment Center
Commander, Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC)
Lt Gen Stacey T. Hawkins.jpg
Lieutenant General
Stacey T. Hawkins
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Force Reserve Command
Chief of Air Force Reserve (AF/RE) and
Commander, Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC)
Lt Gen John P. Healy.jpg
Lieutenant General
John P. Healy
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Force Special Operations Command
Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC)
Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind.jpg
Lieutenant General
Tony D. Bauernfeind
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air Mobility Command
Deputy Commander, Air Mobility Command (AMC)
Lt Gen Randall Reed.jpg
Lieutenant General
Randall Reed
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Pacific Air Forces
Deputy Commander, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and
Deputy Theater Air Component Commander to the Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
Lt Gen James A. Jacobson.jpg
Lieutenant General
James A. Jacobson
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Seventh Air Force (Air Forces Korea)
U.S. Forces Korea
Commander, Seventh Air Force (Air Forces Korea) (7 AF),
Commander, Air Component Command, United Nations Command (UNC),
Commander, Air Component Command, ROK/U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) and Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK)
Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus.jpg
Lieutenant General
Scott L. Pleus
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
U.S. Air Forces in Europe
U.S. Air Forces in Africa
Deputy Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA)
Lt Gen John D. Lamontagne.jpg
Lieutenant General
John D. Lamontagne
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Air National Guard
Air National Guard
Director, Air National Guard (ANG)
Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh.jpg
Lieutenant General
Michael A. Loh
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force

United States Space Force

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
Space Staff
Space Staff
Director of Staff of the United States Space Force (SF/DS)
Lt Gen Nina M. Armagno (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Nina M. Armagno
U.S. Space Force

U.S. Space Force
Space Staff
Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear (S3/4/6/7/10)
Lt Gen DeAnna M. Burt.jpg
Lieutenant General
DeAnna M. Burt
U.S. Space Force

U.S. Space Force
Space Staff
Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs, Requirements, and Analysis (S5/8)
Lt Gen Philip A. Garrant.jpg
Lieutenant General
Philip A. Garrant
U.S. Space Force

U.S. Space Force
Field commands
Space Operations Command
Commander, Space Operations Command (SpOC)
Lt Gen Stephen N. Whiting (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Stephen N. Whiting
U.S. Space Force

U.S. Space Force
Space Systems Command
Commander, Space Systems Command (SSC)
Lt Gen Michael A. Guetlein.jpg
Lieutenant General
Michael A. Guetlein
U.S. Space Force

U.S. Space Force

Department of Homeland Security

United States Coast Guard

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
Headquarters support units
Deputy Commandant for Operations
Deputy Commandant for Operations (DCO)
VADM Peter W. Gautier.jpg
Vice Admiral
Peter W. Gautier
U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Coast Guard
Deputy Commandant for Mission Support
Deputy Commandant for Mission Support (DCMS)
Vice Adm. Paul F. Thomas.jpg
Vice Admiral
Paul F. Thomas
U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Coast Guard
Area commands
Coast Guard Atlantic Area
Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area (USCGLANTAREA) and
Director, Department of Homeland Security Joint Task Force – East (JTF-E)
Vice Adm. Kevin E. Lunday.jpg
Vice Admiral
Kevin E. Lunday
U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Coast Guard
Coast Guard Pacific Area
Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area (PACAREA) and
Commander, Defense Force West
VADM Andrew J. Tiongson.jpg
Vice Admiral
Andrew J. Tiongson
U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Coast Guard

Department of Health and Human Services

United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
Office of the Surgeon General
Surgeon General of the United States
Surgeon General of the United States (SG)
Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General (profile).jpg
Vice Admiral
Vivek H. Murthy
U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps

U.S. Public Health Service

Department of Transportation

United States Maritime Service

Position insignia Position Photo Incumbent Service branch
United States Merchant Marine Academy
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)
Vice Admiral Joanna M. Nunan (cropped).jpg
Vice Admiral
Joanna M. Nunan
U.S. Merchant Marine

U.S. Maritime Service

List of pending appointments

Appointments should be listed in order of service branch,[c] and thereafter by the assigned position, identical to the above list. Promotions with no announced position should be listed below those with such positions by qualification of initial or lateral promotion[d] and thereafter by alphabetical order of surname.

Current position Designated position insignia Designated position Photo Name Service branch Status and date
Joint assignments
Program Executive Officer for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A))
Defense Contract Management Agency
Director, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
Gregory L. Masiello (2).jpg
Major General
Gregory L. Masiello
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
28 March 2023[9][10]
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT),
Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet (C5F) and
Commander, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
U.S. Central Command
Deputy Commander, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM)
Charles B. Cooper II (6).jpg
Vice Admiral
Charles B. Cooper II
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[11][12]
Scheduled to assume office
August 2023[13]
President of the Naval War College (NWC)
NATO Military Committee
U.S. Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee (USMILREP)
Shoshana S. Chatfield (3).jpg
Rear Admiral
Shoshana S. Chatfield
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
23 March 2023[14][15]
Scheduled to assume office
July 2023[16]
United States Army
Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) TBA
Lt. Gen. Andrew M. Rohling (2).jpg
Lieutenant General
Andrew M. Rohling
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Nomination sent to the Senate
4 May 2023[17]
Director of Operations (J-3), U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) TBA
John W. Brennan, Jr. (4).jpg
Major General
John W. Brennan Jr.
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
26 April 2023[18]
Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) (OASA(ALT)) TBA
Robert M. Collins (3).jpg
Major General
Robert M. Collins
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
15 February 2023[19]
Commanding General, 4th Infantry Division and
Commanding General, Fort Carson
TBA
Major General David M. Hodne (2).jpg
Major General
David M. Hodne
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[20]
Director of Operations (G-43/5/7),
Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (G-4)
TBA
Heidi J. Hoyle (3).jpg
Major General
Heidi J. Hoyle
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
15 February 2023[21]
Director, Joint Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO) and
Director of Fires, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans, and Training (G-3/5/7)
TBA
Sean A. Gainey (3).jpg
Major General
Sean A. Gainey
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
15 February 2023[22]
Director, Program Analysis and Evaluation, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs (G-8) TBA
Karl H. Gingrich.jpg
Major General
Karl H. Gingrich
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
15 February 2023[23]
Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM),
Commanding General, U.S. Army Sustainment Center of Excellence (SCoE)
and Commanding General, Fort Gregg-Adams
TBA
Mark T. Simerly (4).jpg
Major General
Mark T. Simerly
U.S. Army

U.S. Army
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
26 April 2023[24]
United States Marine Corps
Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) and
Commander, Marine Forces Japan (MARFORJ)
Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations
Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations (DC, PP&O)
Lt Gen James W. Bierman (cropped).jpg
Lieutenant General
James W. Bierman Jr.
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
23 March 2023[25][26]
Commanding General, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
United States Marine Corps Aviation
Deputy Commandant for Aviation (DCA)
Bradford J. Gering (2).jpg
Major General
Bradford J. Gering
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
28 March 2023[27][10]
Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command (MARFORCYBER),
Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Information Command (MARCORINFOCOM) and
Commander, U.S. Marine Forces Space Command (MARFORSPACE)
Deputy Commandant for Information
Deputy Commandant for Information (DCI) and
Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Strategic Command (MARFORSTRAT)
MajGen Ryan P. Heritage.jpg
Major General
Ryan P. Heritage
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
26 April 2023[28][29]
Deputy Commandant for Aviation (DCA)
I Marine Expeditionary Force
Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF)
LtGen Michael S. Cederholm.jpg
Lieutenant General
Michael S. Cederholm
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
26 April 2023[30][10]
Director, Operations Division, Office of the Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations (PP&O)
III Marine Expeditionary Force
Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) and
Commander, Marine Forces Japan (MARFORJ)
Roger B. Turner, Jr. (4) (cropped).jpg
Major General
Roger B. Turner Jr.
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[31][32]
Commanding General, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing
Marine Forces Reserve
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South
Commander, Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) and
Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South (MARFORSOUTH)
MajGen Leonard F. Anderson IV.jpg
Major General
Leonard F. Anderson IV
U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[33][32]
United States Navy
Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet (C7F)
Director of Naval Intelligence
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare (N2/N6) and
Director of Naval Intelligence (DNI)
Vice Adm. Karl O. Thomas.jpg
Vice Admiral
Karl O. Thomas
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
26 April 2023[34][35]
Scheduled to assume office
June 2023[13]
Commander, U.S. Second Fleet (C2F),
Commander, Joint Force Command – Norfolk (JFC-NF) and
Director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Center of Excellence (CJOS COE)
Office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development (N7)
Vice Adm. Daniel W. Dwyer (2).jpg
Vice Admiral
Daniel W. Dwyer
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Nomination sent to the Senate
21 March 2023[36][37]
Scheduled to assume office
August 2023[38][13]
Director, Warfare Integration (N91), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (N9)
James E. Pitts (2).jpg
Rear Admiral
James E. Pitts
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[39][12]
Scheduled to assume office
June 2023[13]
Chief of Staff, U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
Commander, Naval Air Forces
Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Commander, Naval Air Forces (COMNAVAIRFOR) and
Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVAIRPAC)
Daniel L. Cheever (4).jpg
Rear Admiral
Daniel L. Cheever
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Nomination sent to the Senate
21 March 2023[40][37]
Scheduled to assume office
August 2023[38]
Director, Strategic Integration (N2/N6T), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Commander, Naval Submarine Forces
Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Allied Submarine Command
Commander, Submarine Forces (COMSUBFOR),
Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT),
Commander, Allied Submarine Command (ASC),
Commander, Task Force 114 (CTF-114),
Commander, Task Force 88 (CTF-88)
and Commander, Task Force 46 (CTF-46)
Robert M. Gaucher (4).jpg
Rear Admiral
Robert M. Gaucher
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Nomination sent to the Senate
4 May 2023[41][42]
Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT)
Commander, Naval Surface Forces
Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Commander, Naval Surface Forces (COMNAVSURFOR) and
Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC)
Brendan R. McLane (3).jpg
Rear Admiral
Brendan R. McLane
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[43][12]
Scheduled to assume office
July 2023[13]
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Budget (FMB) and
Director, Fiscal Management Division (N82), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
U.S. Fleet Forces Command
U.S. Naval Forces Strategic Command
Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF),
Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command (NAVNORTH),
Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Strategic Command (NAVSTRAT) and Commander, Task Force 80 (CTF-80)
John E. Gumbleton (4).jpg
Rear Admiral
John E. Gumbleton
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[44][12]
Scheduled to assume office
June 2023[13]
Director, Undersea Warfare Division (N97), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
U.S. Second Fleet
Joint Force Command Norfolk
Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Center of Excellence
Commander, U.S. Second Fleet (C2F),
Commander, Joint Force Command – Norfolk (JFC-NF) and
Director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Center of Excellence (CJOS COE)
Douglas G. Perry (4).jpg
Rear Admiral
Douglas G. Perry
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Nomination sent to the Senate
4 May 2023[45][42]
Vice Director for Operations (J-3), Joint Staff
U.S. Seventh Fleet
Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet (C7F)
Frederick W. Kacher (4).jpg
Rear Admiral
Frederick W. Kacher
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
23 March 2023[46][47]
Scheduled to assume office
July 2023[16]
Vice Director of the Joint Staff (VDJS)
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
U.S. Fifth Fleet
Combined Maritime Forces
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT),
Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet (C5F) and
Commander, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
George M. Wikoff (2).jpg
Rear Admiral
George M. Wikoff
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
23 March 2023[48][47]
Scheduled to assume office
July 2023[16]
Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (FCC),
Commander, U.S. Tenth Fleet (C10F)
and Commander, Joint Force Headquarters - U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (JFHQ-FCC)
Fleet Cyber Command
U.S. Tenth Fleet
U.S. Navy Space Command
Joint Force Headquarters - U.S. Fleet Cyber Command
Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (FCC),
Commander, U.S. Tenth Fleet (C10F),
Commander, U.S. Navy Space Command (NAVSPACECOM) and
Commander, Joint Force Headquarters - U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (JFHQ-FCC)
Craig A. Clapperton (5).jpg
Vice Admiral
Craig A. Clapperton
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
26 April 2023[49][50]
Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers
Naval Sea Systems Command
Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)
James P. Downey (2).jpg
Rear Admiral
James P. Downey
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
28 March 2023[51][37]
Scheduled to assume office
June 2023[38]
Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA)
Navy Installations Command
Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC)
Christopher S. Gray (4).jpg
Rear Admiral
Christopher S. Gray
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[52][12]
Special Assistant to the Director of the Navy Staff (DNS)
and Director, Learning to Action Board
United States Naval Academy
Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy
Yvette M. Davids (3).jpg
Rear Admiral
Yvette M. Davids
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[53][12][8]
Scheduled to assume office
June 2023[13]
United States Air Force
Program Executive Officer and Director, Fighters and Advanced Aircraft
Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics
Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SAF/AQ)
Brig Gen Dale R. White.jpg
Brigadier General
Dale R. White
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[54][55]
Commander, Seventh Air Force (Air Forces Korea) (7 AF),
Commander, Air Component Command, United Nations Command (UNC),
Commander, Air Component Command, ROK/U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC)
and Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK)
Air Staff
Director of Staff of the United States Air Force (AF/DS)
Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus.jpg
Lieutenant General
Scott L. Pleus
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[56][55]
Deputy Commander, Ninth Air Force (9 AF)
Deputy Commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command (9 AF/USAFCENT) and Deputy, Combined Forces Air Component Commander, U.S. Central Command
Air Staff
Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Futures (A5/7)
Maj Gen David A. Harris Jr. (3).jpg
Major General
David A. Harris Jr.
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[57][55]
Commander, Eighth Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) (8 AF) and Commander, Joint-Global Strike Operations Center (J-GSOC)
Air Staff
Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration (A10)
Andrew J. Gebara (5).jpg
Major General
Andrew J. Gebara
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
15 February 2023[58][59]
Director of Logistics, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection (A4)
Air Force Materiel Command
Deputy Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC)
Maj Gen Linda S. Hurry.jpg
Major General
Linda S. Hurry
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Nomination sent to the Senate
2 May 2023[60][61]
Director of Operations (J-3), U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)
Pacific Air Forces
Deputy Commander, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and
Deputy Theater Air Component Commander to the Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
Maj Gen Laura L. Lenderman (2).jpg
Major General
Laura L. Lenderman
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[62][55]
Director, Air and Cyberspace Operations, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)
Seventh Air Force (Air Forces Korea)
U.S. Forces Korea
Commander, Seventh Air Force (Air Forces Korea) (7 AF),
Commander, Air Component Command, United Nations Command (UNC),
Commander, Air Component Command, ROK/U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC)
and Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK)
Maj. Gen. David R. Iverson.jpg
Major General
David R. Iverson
U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force
Nomination sent to the Senate
20 April 2023[63][55]
United States Public Health Service
Surgeon General of the United States (SG)
Surgeon General of the United States
World Health Organisation
Surgeon General of the United States (SG) and
U.S. Representative, Executive Board of the World Health Organization (USREPWHO)
Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General (profile).jpg
Vice Admiral
Vivek H. Murthy
U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps

U.S. Public Health Service
Placed on Senate Executive Calendar
3 May 2023[64][65][66]

Statutory limits

See also: List of active duty United States four-star officers § Statutory limits

Lt. Gen. James M. Rockwell is pinned with his third star during his promotion ceremony at the Pentagon on 29 June 1984.
Lt. Gen. James M. Rockwell is pinned with his third star during his promotion ceremony at the Pentagon on 29 June 1984.

As with four-star officers, the U.S. Code explicitly limits the number of three-star officers that may be on active duty at any given time. The total number of active-duty general or flag officers is capped at 218 for the Army, 149 for the Navy, 170 for the Air Force, 62 for the Marine Corps, and 21 for the Space Force.[67] For the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force, no more than about 23%[e] of each service's active-duty general or flag officers may have more than two stars,[68] and statute sets the total number of three-star officers allowed in each service.[68] This is set at 38 three-star Army generals,[68][f] 15 three-star Marine Corps generals,[68][g] 28 three-star Navy admirals,[68][h] 35 three-star Air Force generals,[68][i] five three-star Space Force generals,[68][j] and five three-star Coast Guard admirals.[69]

Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, director of the Joint Staff, updates the media at a briefing on Operation Odyssey Dawn from the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on 24 March 2011.
Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, director of the Joint Staff, updates the media at a briefing on Operation Odyssey Dawn from the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on 24 March 2011.

While a number of these positions are set by statute, most do not have the accompanying statutory three-star grade. By convention, however:

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting has his third star pinned on by his family during his promotion ceremony at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, 21 October 2020.
Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting has his third star pinned on by his family during his promotion ceremony at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, 21 October 2020.

The President may also designate positions of importance and responsibility to other agencies in the executive branch aside from the Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to be held by an officer with the grade of vice admiral, with corresponding pay and allowance.[69]

Exceptions

Exceptions exist that allow for the promotion of three-star officers beyond statutory limits. The secretary of defense can designate up to 49[k] three-star officers,[92] who do not count against any service's general- or flag-officer limit,[92] to serve in one of several joint positions.[93] For three-star officers, these include senior positions on the Joint Staff such as the director of the Joint Staff,[94] vice chief of the National Guard Bureau,[95] and deputy commanders of unified combatant commands. Officers serving in certain intelligence positions are not counted against statutory limits, including the deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency,[96] associate director for military affairs of the Central Intelligence Agency,[96] and the advisor for military affairs to the director of National Intelligence.[93][96] The President may also add up to 15 three-star slots to one service if they are offset by removing an equivalent number from other services.[68] Finally, all statutory limits may be waived at the President's discretion during time of war or national emergency.[97]

Appointment

Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, testifies before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in Washington D.C. on 4 February 2014.
Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, testifies before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in Washington D.C. on 4 February 2014.

Like four-star ranks, three-star ranks are temporary, being tied to positions where the officeholder is authorized to assume said rank.[98] Their rank expires with the expiration of their term of office, which is normally set by statute.[98] The president nominates three-star officers from any eligible officers holding one-star grade and above who also meet the other requirements for the position, based on the advice of their respective executive department secretary, service secretary, and if applicable the joint chiefs.[98] The nominee must be confirmed via majority by the Senate before the appointee can take office and thus assume the rank.[98][l] Senate committees[m] may hold hearings to consider any nominee for appointment to three-star grade,[100] but usually only convene for nominations of selected four-star positions.

While it is rare for three-star or four-star nominations to face even token opposition in the Senate, nominations that do face opposition due to controversy surrounding the nominee in question are typically withdrawn.[101]

Maj. Gen. Scott D. Berrier presents a Buffalo Soldier statue to Lt. Gen. Mary A. Legere, during the Intelligence Senior Leaders Conference (ISLC) at Fort Huachuca, Arizona on 9 December 2015.
Maj. Gen. Scott D. Berrier presents a Buffalo Soldier statue to Lt. Gen. Mary A. Legere, during the Intelligence Senior Leaders Conference (ISLC) at Fort Huachuca, Arizona on 9 December 2015.
Vice Adm. Scott Stearney (left) relieves Vice Adm. John C. Aquilino (right) as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command on 6 May 2018.
Vice Adm. Scott Stearney (left) relieves Vice Adm. John C. Aquilino (right) as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command on 6 May 2018.

Nominations that are not withdrawn are allowed to expire without action at the end of the legislative session, with said nominations being returned to the President.[101][100]

Additionally, events that take place after Senate confirmation may still delay or even prevent the nominee from assuming office, necessitating that another nominee be selected and considered by the Senate. Even after the nominee assumes command, various events can occur that alter their circumstances in holding the office.

Command elevation and reduction

Lt. Gen. Thomas J. Plewes (center), following his promotion ceremony, stands with living former chiefs of the Army Reserve on 13 June 2001.
Lt. Gen. Thomas J. Plewes (center), following his promotion ceremony, stands with living former chiefs of the Army Reserve on 13 June 2001.
Lt. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams stands at attention during the TECOM change of command ceremony on 2 August 2021.
Lt. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams stands at attention during the TECOM change of command ceremony on 2 August 2021.
Air Force chief of staff Gen. Mark Welsh (left) is relieved as AETC commander by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson (right) on 21 July 2015.
Air Force chief of staff Gen. Mark Welsh (left) is relieved as AETC commander by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson (right) on 21 July 2015.

Any billet in the armed forces may be designated as a position of importance requiring the holder of the position to be of three-star or four-star rank.[98] One-star and two-star billets may be elevated to three-star or four-star level as appropriate, either by act of Congress, or within statutory limits by the services at their discretion. Congress may propose such elevations or reductions to the President and Department of Defense.[134] Due to the higher number of three-star appointments available by statute compared to four-star appointments, shuffling of such billets within services and between services occurs at a relatively steady pace, with significant changes on average every two to three years, compared to those at four-star grade which shuffle on average every four to five years.

The existing commander of a lower-level command or office elevated to three-star rank can be appointed to grade in their present position, reassigned to another office of equal grade, or face retirement if another nominee is selected as their relief.

A two-star billet may be elevated to three-star level, in accordance with being designated as a position of importance, to highlight importance to the defense apparatus as a whole or achieve parity with equivalent commands in the same area of responsibility or service branch.

A four-star billet may also be reduced to three-star level, usually to compensate for another billet being elevated to four-star level and thus remain within statutory limits. Congressional approval must be obtained if it is determined that a new three-star appointment beyond statutory limits is necessary.

Tour length

Incoming surgeon general Vivek Murthy is pinned with his vice admiral's rank insignia by his sister Rashimi as Vice President Joe Biden looks on at his swearing-in ceremony at Conmy Hall, 22 April 2015.
Incoming surgeon general Vivek Murthy is pinned with his vice admiral's rank insignia by his sister Rashimi as Vice President Joe Biden looks on at his swearing-in ceremony at Conmy Hall, 22 April 2015.

The standard tour length for a three-star officer is three years, specifically a two-year term with a one-year extension. Unlike with grade, many three-star positions do have stipulated term lengths in the U.S. Code, which may not necessarily equate to the standard term length:

All appointees serve at the pleasure of the president. Extensions of the standard tour length can be approved, within statutory limits, by their respective service secretaries, the secretary of defense, the president, and/or Congress but these are rare, as they block other officers from being promoted. Some statutory limits of tour length under the U.S. Code can be waived in times of national emergency or war.[155][156] Three-star ranks may also be given by act of Congress but this is extremely rare.

Retirement

Gen. Mark A. Milley, Army chief of staff, presents Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen with a certificate authorizing his presentation of the Army Distinguished Service Medal at Caslen's relinquishment of command ceremony on 22 June 2018.
Gen. Mark A. Milley, Army chief of staff, presents Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen with a certificate authorizing his presentation of the Army Distinguished Service Medal at Caslen's relinquishment of command ceremony on 22 June 2018.
Lt. Gen. Ronald C. Marcotte (right), is presented his formal retirement certificate by Gen. John W. Handy (left), during his retirement ceremony held at Heritage Park on 8 March 2002.
Lt. Gen. Ronald C. Marcotte (right), is presented his formal retirement certificate by Gen. John W. Handy (left), during his retirement ceremony held at Heritage Park on 8 March 2002.

Besides voluntary retirement, statute sets a number of mandates for retirement. A three-star officer may serve for a maximum of 38 years of commissioned service unless reappointed to grade to serve longer or appointed to a higher grade.[159] Three-star officers on reserve active duty must retire after five years in grade or 30 days after completion of 38 years of commissioned service, whichever is later, unless reappointed to grade to serve longer.[160] Three-star reserve officers of the Army and Air Force can have their retirements deferred by their service secretary until the officer's 66th birthday,[161] which the secretary of defense may do for all active-duty officers,[162] and the president can defer it until the officer's 68th birthday.[162] Otherwise all general and flag officers must retire the month after their 64th birthday.[162] Officers that served several years in the enlisted ranks prior to receiving their commission typically don't make it to the 38 years in commission mark, because they are still subject to the age restrictions for retirement. As holders of the second-highest grade, three-star officers rarely receive deferment to serve beyond their 64th birthday, a more common case for officers who are promoted to four-star rank.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark (left), delivers remarks at the retirement ceremony of Vice Adm. Patricia Tracey (center), as she listens in on 2 September 2004.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark (left), delivers remarks at the retirement ceremony of Vice Adm. Patricia Tracey (center), as she listens in on 2 September 2004.

By statute, any three-star officer assigned as superintendent of the United States Military Academy,[163] superintendent of the United States Naval Academy,[164] and superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy[165] must retire upon completion of their assignment,[166][164][167] unless a waiver is granted by the secretary of defense.[168][169][170] The secretary of defense must also notify the House and Senate Armed Services committees and include a written notification of intent from the president to nominate the officer for reassignment.[168][169][170] If a waiver is granted, the subsequent nomination and appointment of such officer having served as superintendent of the Academy to a further assignment in lieu of retirement shall be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.[168][169][170]

Outgoing Coast Guard vice commandant, Vice Adm. John P. Currier is thanked by Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson at his retirement ceremony on 20 May 2014.
Outgoing Coast Guard vice commandant, Vice Adm. John P. Currier is thanked by Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson at his retirement ceremony on 20 May 2014.

Senior officers typically retire well in advance of the statutory age and service limits, so as not to impede the upward career mobility of their juniors. The higher number of available three-star slots overall (ranging from around 100 to 200) means that lateral promotion is more likely for officers at grade before they either retire or are appointed to a higher grade.[v] An officer who vacates a position bearing that rank has no more than 60 days to be appointed or reappointed to a position of equal or greater importance, including positions of four-star grade, before involuntary retirement.[98]

From left to right: Debbie Paxton; Lt. Gen. George J. Flynn; and the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., pose for a photo after Flynn's retirement ceremony, 9 May 2013.
From left to right: Debbie Paxton; Lt. Gen. George J. Flynn; and the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., pose for a photo after Flynn's retirement ceremony, 9 May 2013.

A three-star officer may also be reduced to their permanent rank pending circumstances that delay appointment to another three-star position of importance. Historically, officers leaving three-star or four-star positions were allowed to revert to their permanent two-star ranks to mark time in lesser jobs until statutory retirement, but now such officers are expected to retire immediately to avoid obstructing the promotion flow.

Lt. Gen. Lawson W. Magruder III accepts a shell casing from a U.S. Army military police  honor guard officer at his retirement ceremony, 27 February 2003.
Lt. Gen. Lawson W. Magruder III accepts a shell casing from a U.S. Army military police honor guard officer at his retirement ceremony, 27 February 2003.

To retire at three-star grade, an officer must accumulate at least three years of satisfactory active-duty service in that grade, as determined by the secretary of defense.[179] The president and Congress must also receive certification by either the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, the deputy under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, or the secretary of defense that the retiree served satisfactorily in grade.[179] The secretary of defense may reduce this requirement to two years, but only if the officer is not being investigated for misconduct.[180] The president may also reduce these requirements even further, or waive the requirements altogether, if he so chooses.[179][180] Three-star officers who do not meet the service-in-grade requirement will retire at the last permanent rank satisfactorily held for six months.[179] The retiree may also be subject to congressional approval by the Senate before the retiree can retire in grade.[x] It is extraordinarily rare for a three-star or four-star officer not to be certified to retire in grade or for the Senate to seek final approval.

Gen. Lew Allen, Air Force chief of staff, presents the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Lt. Gen. Benjamin N. Bellis during his retirement ceremony on 17 July 1981.
Gen. Lew Allen, Air Force chief of staff, presents the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Lt. Gen. Benjamin N. Bellis during his retirement ceremony on 17 July 1981.

Officers who are under investigation for misconduct typically are not allowed to retire until the investigation completes, so that the secretary of defense can decide whether to certify that their performance was satisfactory enough to retire in their highest grade.[179]

Furthermore, all retired officers may still be subjected to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and disciplinary action, including reduction in retirement rank, by the secretary of defense or the president if they are deemed to have served unsatisfactorily in rank, post their retirement.[198]

Officers holding a temporary three-star or four-star rank typically step down from their posts up to 60 days in advance of their official retirement dates. Officers retire on the first day of the month, so once a retirement month has been selected, the relief and retirement ceremonies are scheduled by counting backwards from that date by the number of days of accumulated leave remaining to the retiring officer. During this period, termed transition leave or terminal leave, the officer is considered to be awaiting retirement but still on active duty.

A statutory limit can be waived by the president with the consent of Congress if it serves national interest. However, this is extremely rare. Only two four-star officers have been granted such a waiver in American history: General Lewis B. Hershey, who served as director of the Selective Service System from 1941 to 1970, and Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, who served as director of Naval Reactors from 1949 to 1982.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ To be renamed Fort Cavazos on 9 May 2023.[5]
  2. ^ To be renamed Fort Liberty on 2 June 2023.[6]
  3. ^ First joint assignments, then service assignments ordered identically to the above list.
  4. ^ An officer being reappointed to three-star grade takes precedence over a two-star officer being selected for promotion to three-star grade.
  5. ^ Dividing the total number of general and flag officers above two stars (148) from the total number of general and flag officers overall (620) is 23.87%
  6. ^ The remainder after subtracting the allotted number of eight four-star generals from the 46 permitted appointment above the grade of major general.
  7. ^ The remainder after subtracting the allotted number of two four-star generals from the 17 permitted appointment above the grade of major general.
  8. ^ The remainder after subtracting the allotted number of six four-star admirals from the 34 permitted appointment above the grade of rear admiral.
  9. ^ The remainder after subtracting the allotted number of nine four-star generals from the 44 permitted appointment above the grade of major general.
  10. ^ The remainder after subtracting the allotted number of two four-star generals from the seven permitted appointment above the grade of major general.
  11. ^ The remainder after subtracting 19 four-star officers from the 68 officers above two-star rank permitted exclusionary joint duty assignments is 49.
  12. ^ Since passage of the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers do not require their appointments to be confirmed by the Senate. The corps' sole three-star officer, the surgeon general, requires Senate confirmation based on their office, not rank.[99]
  13. ^ Department of Defense nominees are considered by the Senate Armed Services Committee, Coast Guard nominees are considered by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, the director of the National Security Agency is considered by the Senate Intelligence Committee, and the surgeon general of the United States is considered by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
  14. ^ Special promotion authority to three-star rank for service reserve and National Guard leaders had existed since 1999 under 10 U.S.C. § 12505;[139] the 2001 NDAA repealed this section and assigned the affected positions with statutory three-star grades under standard promotion authority.
  15. ^ Rear Admiral John B. Totushek, chief of Navy Reserve, was promoted to vice admiral in June 2001.[140]
  16. ^ Major General James E. Sherrard III, chief of Air Force Reserve, was promoted to lieutenant general in May 2001.[141]
  17. ^ Major General Thomas J. Plewes, chief of Army Reserve, and Major General Roger C. Schultz, Army National Guard director were promoted to lieutenant general in June 2001.[142]
  18. ^ Major General Dennis M. McCarthy was promoted to lieutenant general on 1 June 2001, one day prior to assuming command of Marine Forces Reserve on 2 June.[143]
  19. ^ Lieutenant General Daniel James III became the first three-star Air National Guard director in June 2002.[144]
  20. ^ as Air Training Command, before consolidating with the Air University
  21. ^ Refers to the chief of engineers and surgeon general
  22. ^ This is less likely for officers in specialized career paths, as few appointments at that level exist for them to occupy. A majority of these appointments are the singular leadership positions of the career path, such as the Judge Advocate General of the Navy which is the highest position a Navy judge advocate can attain.
  23. ^ Served as a special assistant to the chief of the National Guard Bureau from 2019 to 2020 as a major general.
  24. ^ The U.S. Constitution gives Congress oversight over retirement of military personnel if they so choose.
  25. ^ Served as a special assistant to the vice chief of staff of the Army as a major general from 2015 to his retirement in 2016.
  26. ^ Served as a special assistant to the Air Force vice chief of staff as a major general from 2018 to his retirement in 2019.
  27. ^ Served as a special assistant to the superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy as a rear admiral from 2014 to his retirement in 2015.

References

  1. ^ a b 20230418 STR Hearing: FY24 Budget Request for Missile Defense and Missile Defeat Programs (Youtube livestream). Rayburn House Office Building: House Armed Services Committee. 18 April 2023.
  2. ^ EUCOM, TRANSCOM Testify About Defense Budget at SASC Hearing, Part 1 (video). Dirksen Senate Office Building: Senate Armed Services Committee. 27 April 2023.
    General Cavoli: For example, the chairman [of the Joint Chiefs of Staff]'s military representative to the [NATO] military committee, General John Deedrick, is scheduled to retire this summer [...]
  3. ^