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Archive 1 Archive 2 Archive 3

New speculation

So we've got our first mega-batch of three-star and four-star nominations for this year. What's your predictions. For now, besides the ones you've already listed, I believe VADM Black is going to replace Franchetti as Director J-5, Joint Staff (Sixth Fleet commanders have a fashion of joining the Joint Staff for some reason) and that Franchetti will eventually be nominated to replace ADM Burke as Commander, USNAVEUR-AF. SuperWIKI (talk) 10:53, 5 April 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI: If Poppas doesn't get FORSCOM, I think he's going to get either EUCOM or AFRICOM. Here are some of my predictions:
Henry to JCS/J2
O'Brien possibly to 16AF/CC
Robinson possibly to A8
Kosinski, Lamontagne, and Reed—all mobility officers—one of them would get AMC/CD—leaning towards Kosinski or Reed. Or they could get geographic positions like 7AF/CC and USAFE-AFAFRICA/CD or AETC/CC or AU/CC. It's really hard to guess, but I am surprised that most of the nominees are airlift guys.
Saw that you predicted Nahom to replace Richardson. I am not sure about that. Nahom's not really an acquisitions guy. I'm personally leaning towards Schaefer or Schmidt.
With regards to Black and Army nominations, I don't really know much to speculate. I agree that Franchetti is poised to replace Burke but it could go to another three-star. What about your predictions? KingEdinburgh (talk) 11:19, 5 April 2022 (UTC)
To begin with, I originally doubted that Poppas could ever be selected for EUCOM and AFRICOM, because as unified combatant commands, they would normally be upper-level assignments occupied by an officer with at least one prior four star tour. With the exception of SOUTHCOM (a smaller UCC) and Marine nominees (since there are only two other four-star Marine posts), I still find it unlikely that Poppas will be selected for a combatant command. GEN Cavoli is still my best bet for EUCOM, which is, to me, almost certain once his name appears on the Congress website.
At least one of these nominees to me is probably going to replace LTG George as Senior Military Assistant to SecDef. Which of these is the most likely choice? SuperWIKI (talk) 11:42, 5 April 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI: That's hard to predict, but if I were to bet, they would again come from the Army. KingEdinburgh (talk) 11:56, 5 April 2022 (UTC)
@KingEdinburgh @SuperWIKI Late to the party but here are some my predictions:
-No obvious frontrunner to replace Burke for Naval Forces Europe and Africa. It is unlikely that Lescher will move from VCNO to Naval Forces Europe and Africa like Burke and Michelle Howard did, as USNI news reported that Lescher is expected to retire. No obvious frontrunner with Franchetti being nominated for VCNO. When Franchetti is confirmed, the community distribution of Navy 4 stars will look like this:
(Surface Warfare- Grady, Gilday, Franchetti), (Aviation- Aquilino, Paparo), (Submarines- Richard, Caldwell, Caudle). Not sure how much thought into community distribution is put into picking the next 4 star, but based on those metrics, it would be expected that the next Naval Forces Europe and Africa Commander will be an Aviator. The last Aviator to hold that position was Bruce Clingan from 2012-14. The most likely Aviator for this role would be Conn, but almost all of his assignments (except for CSG 4) have been in the Pacific.
-With McKenzie having just retired, Berger and Eric Smith are the only two Marine active duty 4 stars. I bet the Marine Corps will get AFRICOM. George Smith is the likely choice there. McKenzie's predecessor Waldhauser also came from the Marines. If George Smith doesn't get 4 star, he'd be the first former Senior Military Assistant to the SECDEF to not get 4 star since Ronald Lewis (who was later fired and demoted; the last before Lewis was VADM Joseph Kernan (who was Trump's Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence).
-Unclear who might replace Jurney as III MEF Commander. Among 3 stars, I could see Wise sliding over from Deputy Commandant for Aviation. Among 2 stars, I think among infantry, the possibilities are Turner and Donovan and among Aviators: Benedict, Gering, and Cederholm.
-For the Air Force MILDEP position, Dertien or Pringle are my picks to replace Richardson. I think Schmidt is more likely to replace Fick.
-I bet Guastella will replace Harrigian as Commander of US Air Forces in Europe and Africa.
-Hard to know whether Charles Moore and Barrett are retiring. Their DOR is 2020 and Kindsvater retired in 2021 with a 2019 DOR. No obvious position Barrett would move to. Could see Moore and Haugh swapping roles as being within the realm of possibility.
-I wonder if Nakasone will retire this year. He assumed command of CYBERCOM the same year that EUCOM, AFRICOM, and USSOCOM got new commanders. Wolters, Townsend, and Clarke are all retiring. But nothing on Nakasone. If he does retire, I wonder if Crall will replace him. Myers is the maximum age (62) to be appointed as a 4-star without a congressional waiver.
-For the Army 3 star nominees, I predict that Beagle will get Theodore Martin's position, as he is overdue to retire. I predict Bernabe will get the III Corps position. In turn, I could see White getting Army Forces Europe and Africa (as used to be EUCOM's J3). The Guillen scandal could hurt his chances of getting promoted to 4 star, but he was deployed to Iraq when it happened and it didn't stop Donna Martin from getting promoted to 3 star. For Stitt, I bet he will get G-1. I could then see Brito getting TRADOC with Funk being overdue to retire. My guess is that John Sullivan will get the TRANSCOM Deputy Commander spot with VADM Mewbourne being overdue to retire.
-For JSOC, I bet it will go to a Navy SEAL. Could be Howard, but given this reporting, I doubt it (https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets/news/navy-seal-team-six-war-crimes-exposed-in-code-over-country). Bradley would be more likely in my opinion.
-For Vice Commander of USSOCOM, I bet it will be either Tabor, Brad Sullivan or Eric Hill, as it has always been an Air Force position since at least 2010.
-For Senior Military Assistant to the SECDEF, too many possibilities. The last two have been both been Army but here is the distribution since 2008:
(5 Army, 4 Marine, 2 Navy). No Air Force Officer has held it since 2006. EPMen (talk) 04:25, 1 May 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: You're right, Bernabe is set to replace White at III Corps. Haugh himself is a candidate to replace Nakasone at CYBERCOM, though VADM Myers with his prior terms as deputy commander and chief of staff of CYBERCOM is the frontrunner in my opinion (he's 62, but an extension could be approved by SecDef so he can serve at least three more years). How about USAREUR-AF (other than LTG White, as you said), given that Cavoli is likely to be bumped up to EUCOM. I initially thought GEN Martin could have a chance, but he seems to be retiring. For Bradley, I assume you mean Frank M. Bradley, correct? SuperWIKI (talk) 05:08, 1 May 2022 (UTC)
Frank M. "Mitch" Bradley is the Bradley I am talking about. For other USAREUR-AF possibilities, there are a few. Rainey has a 2018 DOR but has no obvious European experience. Piatt has previously served as Deputy Commander for Europe, USAREUR-AF, but I think January 6 has ruined his chances of promotion. The two most likely in my opinion are Kolasheski and Michael Howard, but they both have a 2020 DOR. EPMen (talk) 14:28, 1 May 2022 (UTC)
Well, Howard's definitely either being reassigned or retiring. With Cavoli going to EUCOM, Lt Gen Basham is replacing Howard soon. In terms of four-star promotions though, Deputy EUCOM isn't the best indicator. SuperWIKI (talk) 14:44, 1 May 2022 (UTC)
Not often. But retired Air Force Gen. Timothy Ray was Deputy EUCOM before he was AFGSC Commander. EPMen (talk) 16:10, 2 May 2022 (UTC)
I've also been thinking that Brito might get Futures Command and not TRADOC, with Rainey then getting TRADOC. If Richardson hasn't been nominated to be permanent Futures Command Commanding General by now, he probably won't be. EPMen (talk) 16:12, 2 May 2022 (UTC)
With Tullos just nominated for LTG, my guess is that she will get Air University, which Hecker has held since November 2019. EPMen (talk) 15:12, 6 May 2022 (UTC)
GEN Cavoli and LTG Fenton have been nominated for EUCOM and SOCOM respectively. Could Poppas be nominated to replace Cavoli at USAREUR-AF? SuperWIKI (talk) 08:24, 12 April 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI: It is likely, but I can't say for certain because he hasn't had geographical assignments as a GO except deployments. It's either that or FORSCOM. KingEdinburgh (talk) 10:00, 12 April 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI and EPMen: Nakasone will stay on for a fifth year, with Haugh as probably the next commander (Can't seem to link it, but there's an article about this by The Record). Myers, I think, will retire. KingEdinburgh (talk) 13:13, 7 May 2022 (UTC)
Gotcha. SuperWIKI (talk) 13:28, 7 May 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen, SuperWIKI, and KingEdinburgh: Military ethos normally has commander and the deputy commander of a joint command be from different military services. All three of CYBERCOM's service components will have a new three-star commanders this year. While Haugh certainly has the time-in-rank and more recent assignment under him, LTG Maria Barrett is a rising name within DoD circles and has more cyber-specific assignments in her career belt than Haugh. Come next year, I believe she would be the leading candidate to replace Nakasone. As for the most well-rounded and experienced intelligence officer, VADM Frank D. Whitworth would it, and he would be my top Navy pick for the job. Neovu79 (talk) 04:14, 8 July 2022 (UTC)

10/5/22 nominations

@KingEdinburgh and EPMen: We have a new wave, and a big one. As I add the nominations to the three-star page, here are my guesses for some of them:

- Army: MG Coffman is probably getting DCG for Combat Development, Army Futures Command (AFC); LTG Richardson will in this scenario soon be nominated for general and commander of AFC (there is some chance that Coffman may get assigned to V Corps, with his extensive armor/maneuver portfolio). MG Gilland will replace LTG Burleson at Eighth Army, MG Jones will replace LTG Gabram at IMCOM, and MG Rasch will relieve either LTG Thurgood at Hypersonics, LTG Karbler at SMDC or VADM Hill at MDA. MG Crosland is guaranteed to become Army Surgeon General; there's no way they'll let an Army soldier go back-to-back with LTG Place.

Less certain for both Maj Gen Jarrard and Maj Gen Vereen. Vereen, as a military police officer with experience under both FORSCOM and TRADOC has the two most obvious positions shut (Inspector General and Palestinian Security Coordinator). Maj Gen Jarrard, if Rainey indeed is the frontrunner to be TRADOC commander, could replace Rainey as Deputy G-3/5/7.
@EPMen: Since LTG Evans has a 2019 DOR, Jones could also be in line to succeed him as DCS G-9. SuperWIKI (talk) 00:38, 12 May 2022 (UTC)

- Marines: If we're going with the theory that LtGen Smith will be assigned as AFRICOM commander, MajGen Cavanaugh might replace him at I MEF. I MAW is under MARFORPAC's area of responsibility like I MEF. He could also replace LtGen Wise as Deputy Commandant for Aviation.

0 for 1 on this one. SuperWIKI (talk) 00:40, 12 May 2022 (UTC)

- Navy: Unless we're having a case of early turnover, COMSUBFOR is definitely out for RADM Correll, so I'm predicting he replaces VADM Crites as DCNO N8 (Integration of Capabilities and Resources). I'm reasonably certain that RADM Boyle will succeed VADM Whitesell as Commander, Naval Air Forces or VADM Koehler at Third Fleet. In keeping with EPMen's assessment, RADM Bradley is near-guaranteed to be Fenton's successor at JSOC. I don't see any apparent flag experience that sets any of the three to succeed Black at Sixth Fleet.

2 for 3 on this one. SuperWIKI (talk) 00:40, 12 May 2022 (UTC)

- Air Force: I'm reasonably certain from the get go that Maj Gen Grynkewich is going to become AFCENT commander, succeeding Lt Gen Guillot who will then become CENTCOM deputy commander. With GEN Kurilla as the new CENTCOM commander, it was only a matter of time. As EPMen stated, Maj Gen Schmidt is likely to succeed the retiring Fick at the F-35 office. Maj Gen Moore will probably succeed Lt Gen Nahom as Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs (A8). SuperWIKI (talk) 06:33, 11 May 2022 (UTC)

4 for 4 on this one. SuperWIKI (talk) 04:31, 13 May 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI: My two cents:
Army, Marines, and Navy: I'm not that much of a follower with regards to Army, Marines, and Navy nominations, so would probably have to ditto your predictions--and also EPMen's. But a couple of notes. Crosland's nomination is as TSG, already in her congressional nomination. I wouldn't count Rasch though as a contender to replace Karbler. He's an acquisitions guy, so he's more likely to replace Thurgood. I have the same prediction for Bradley. Correll could also go to STRATCOM as deputy commander.
Air Force: Ditto your Grykenwich and Moore predictions; it's almost certain. Ditto EPMen's prediction for Tullos. Schmidt could replace Fick but JSF program PEO usually rotates between USAF and USN, so I still think he's going to replace Richardson.
Coast Guard: Predicting Tiongson and Lunday to replace Poulin and Thomas, respectively. KingEdinburgh (talk) 12:05, 11 May 2022 (UTC)
Crosland: It is? All I see on my end is "The following named officer for appointment in the United States Army to the grade indicated while assigned to a position of importance and responsibility under title 10, U.S.C., section 601:" SuperWIKI (talk) 12:14, 11 May 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI: That's weird. I remember reading her appointment to TSG earlier like how it shows up for Plummer. I may have misread. KingEdinburgh (talk) 12:34, 11 May 2022 (UTC)
Interesting article about Schmidt succeeding Fick and the fact that its two Air Force officers in a row. Suggests they may be splitting the F-35 office into 3 PEOS. https://www.airforcemag.com/schmidt-succeeds-fick-as-new-f-35-peo-two-usaf-directors-in-a-row-may-signal-jpo-break-up/
@KingEdinburgh @SuperWIKI EPMen (talk) 00:54, 6 July 2022 (UTC)
I agree with most of the predictions. I don't think Correll is going to be STRATCOM Deputy Commander since the Commander is also from the Navy. I think the most likely scenario (even though no news on Trussler yet) is that Trussler slides over to Sixth Fleet and Correll replaces Trussler on the Navy staff, as Trussler was the first commander of Task Force 69. While no Submariner has commanded Sixth Fleet since William Owens from 1990-92, now would be the time with Russia's potential use of nuclear weapons. I think Boyle has an outside chance to succeed Black at Sixth Fleet, but it's not likely. N4 is also a possibility for him with Williamson having a 2019 DOR, as is TRANSCOM Deputy Commander (as I now think MG John Sullivan will instead get DCG for Army Materiel Command now that we know Flem Walker is retiring). While JSF PEO does often rotate between Navy and Air Force, no obvious Navy candidates for the role since Chebi assumed NAVAIR less than a year ago. Also, with Groen retiring, Crall could get JAIC. EPMen (talk) 13:57, 11 May 2022 (UTC)
This may sound slightly uninformed but despite Trussler being by profession a surface warfare officer, shouldn't being assigned what's an intelligence position (N2) be a limiter of future career prospects? Personally find it odd. SuperWIKI (talk) 14:20, 11 May 2022 (UTC)
On Correll, STRATCOM deputy is a possibility, but it would take two major factors to line up. ADM Richard would have to retire this year (he has a 2019 DOR, and losing out on the VJCS nomination is likely the end of the line for him) and be succeeded by a (presumably) Air Force commander (still banking on Lt Gen Bussiere). The timing of Correll's confirmation would then have to be just right for attachment as deputy one or two months following the change of command, since a new deputy typically follows a combatant commander. SuperWIKI (talk) 14:28, 11 May 2022 (UTC)
https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3028528/flag-officer-announcements/ Well, it looks like Correll is getting STRATCOM Deputy after all. Richard is almost certainly retiring. The question remains whether Bussiere or Cotton will replace him (also an outside chance of VanHerck sliding over from NORAD/ NORTHCOM). Boyle is getting Third Fleet and Bradley is getting JSOC.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3028530/general-officer-announcement/ And Cavanaugh is getting Fleet Marine Force Atlantic/ Marine Corps Forces Command. I wonder if Langley is getting SecDef Military Assistant (or he could be sliding over to I MEF if George Smith gets AFRICOM @SuperWIKI). Also, I think Krumm is another possibility for SecDef Military Assistant, as he served as "Principal Military Assistant to the SecDef" as a Colonel from 2013-14. Although no Air Force officer has served as SecDef Military Assistant since Victor Renaurt from 2006-07. EPMen (talk) 22:24, 11 May 2022 (UTC)
If you want a challenge paring down a potential SecDef military assistant, I generally look for three things: joint experience in or near OSD (meaning the Joint Staff, assignments to the deputy or under secretaries of defense), and personal relations with the current SecDef. The fact that the current SecDef is a former CENTCOM commander and Army vice chief makes things easier, as it means he'll be looking for someone who served on his staff during those assignments. Service distributions (barring the statutory U.S. Code) and tour lengths (shortening the nominee's present tour) generally matter less for such political assignments, as the relationship with SecDef is paramount. TLDR, an Army officer who worked with Austin at some point. Personally, I don't even think there's a nominee for that position yet. SuperWIKI (talk) 14:39, 11 May 2022 (UTC)

12/5/22 nominations

MajGen Cederholm is probably succeeding LtGen Jurney at II MEF. SuperWIKI (talk) 12:03, 13 May 2022 (UTC)

20/5/22 reports

@KingEdinburgh and EPMen: I bring news. BIG news. LtGen Smith reportedly isn't going to AFRICOM, it's LtGen Langley. The nomination, if confirmed, would make him the first African-American four-star general in the Marine Corps. SuperWIKI (talk) 02:19, 22 May 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI and EPMen: LtGen Smith might get CMC next year. What do you think? KingEdinburgh (talk) 10:49, 22 May 2022 (UTC)
I actually didn't consider that. Either him or ACMC Eric Smith gets a lateral promotion. What do you think? If the former occurs, it'll be hilarious with both CMC and ACMC named Smith. SuperWIKI (talk) 11:06, 22 May 2022 (UTC)
I think ACMC Eric Smith will get it. Usually the CMC is infantry and the ACMC is an aviator. Right now they are both infantry. I imagine they promoted Eric Smith to ACMC with him in mind as the chosen successor to Berger. I think Heckl will in turn get ACMC, as he is an aviator AND both Berger and Eric Smith served as DCCD&I before promotion to 4 star. I don't see a 4 star position in George Smith's future at this point. EPMen (talk) 14:06, 22 May 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: Two ACMC before Smith were DC P&R before their promotion to 4-star. What do you are the chances of LtGen Mahoney as ACMC? KingEdinburgh (talk) 14:16, 22 May 2022 (UTC)
Heckl has been a LtGen longer than Mahoney, but I wouldn't say Mahoney has no chance. EPMen (talk) 14:18, 22 May 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: Mahoney might have a good chance, since two-stars being not-so-subtly groomed for high command sometimes zoom through the unofficially-prerequisite third star, like LtGen Langley right now. He's been in his current job for less than a year. SuperWIKI (talk) 14:40, 22 May 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: Probably very superficial but LtGen Smith is mid-level Marine nobility as son of Vietnam veteran George W. Smith Sr., thought it might give him an edge. SuperWIKI (talk) 14:34, 22 May 2022 (UTC)
Now retired LtGen Carl Mundy III was the son of a former Commandant but he didn't get 4 star. EPMen (talk) 14:35, 22 May 2022 (UTC)
Fair point, and a fast one too. SuperWIKI (talk) 14:37, 22 May 2022 (UTC)

23/5/22 nominations

Well, with Guastella retiring, we are back to square one for a Harrigian replacement. Any ideas? I was thinking of VCSAF Allvin. SuperWIKI (talk) 09:27, 24 May 2022 (UTC)

Unlikely, IMO. Hasn't been in command since he was O7. Currently looking at Smith and Schneider. KingEdinburgh (talk) 09:44, 24 May 2022 (UTC)

Out of the two, I'd pick Schneider. Smith (assuming you mean Kirk W. Smith) seems more appropriate for AFSOC. SuperWIKI (talk) 14:58, 25 May 2022 (UTC)
I agree that Schneider is a strong possibility (he had a lot of assignments in Europe as an O-4 and O-5. Hinote is also a possibility (he served as Vice Commander of the 52nd FW). Charles Moore could be a possibility as well (he served as Commander of the 55th Fighter Squadron) and his cyber experience would be valuable with Russia as the main adversary is the command's theater. But Wolters hadn't had any assignments in Europe since 1989 before he became Commander of US Air Forces in Europe and Africa. EPMen (talk) 15:06, 25 May 2022 (UTC)

25/5/2022 and 2022 nomination guess table

@KingEdinburgh and EPMen: Yet ANOTHER wave today. In addition to today's assignments, I've compiled all the nominations without assigned positions into a neat table so we can collate our guesses into a single area.

Far ahead but I judge that LTG Clark could be a contender for CG USARPAC (likely his final tour, since he's 55) once GEN Flynn completes his tour, with a far-off chance at INDOPACOM commander. His experience in the Pacific as a general officer is quite extensive, as chief of staff of USARPAC, commander of the 25th in Hawaii, and chief of staff at INDOPACOM. Plus, we were close to having an Army officer head INDOPACOM back in 2020-2021 when GEN Abrams was a top contender. Maybe Clark will get lucky this time. SuperWIKI (talk) 14:58, 25 May 2022 (UTC)

29/5/2022 CNGB guesses

@KingEdinburgh and EPMen: Among Jensen, Sasseville, Loh and Roper, who do you think will be the top nominee to be Chief of the National Guard Bureau? And (harder question) whether from the resulting vacancy or regular turnover, who will be the top choices as a potential new vice chief, Army or Air National Guard director? SuperWIKI (talk) 07:03, 29 May 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI: I think the next CNGB will from the Air Force, so it will be Sasseville or Loh. KingEdinburgh (talk) 08:26, 29 May 2022 (UTC)
Service turnover since the CNGB became a four-star officer has become guaranteed, so I agree. Between Sasseville and Loh, I'd have to be in favour of Sasseville, as his joint experience is more varied than Loh's, in particular his tour as defense attache to Turkey, as opposed to Loh's terms in the Colorado National Guard, NORTHCOM and Air Combat Command. SuperWIKI (talk) 08:41, 29 May 2022 (UTC)
It probably will be an Air National Guard officer, but Hokanson's tour doesn't end till 2024. As such, it could be a current 2 star. EPMen (talk) 15:55, 29 May 2022 (UTC)
Of note, Sasseville is famous for his role on 9/11 and Loh's father is a former 4-star Commander of Air Combat Command. Lt. Gen. Kirk Pierce and Lt. Gen. John D. "Dan" Caine are also Air National Guard officers who could get a further 3-star assignment that sets them for Chief of the NGB. EPMen (talk) 16:00, 29 May 2022 (UTC)
Oh, @SuperWIKI, Roper is Reserve, not National Guard. EPMen (talk) 16:00, 29 May 2022 (UTC)
My bad, forgot that both Reserve and National Guard officers are reserved for Deputy NORTHCOM. SuperWIKI (talk) 16:23, 29 May 2022 (UTC)
While Sasseville is definitely well qualified, he have never served as DTAG or TAG so that might hurt his consideration. Loh has a more extensive and traditional National Guard career, so he would be my top choice as the next CNGB. Neovu79 (talk) 03:21, 3 July 2022 (UTC)

2/6/2022

@KingEdinburgh and EPMen: New Army assignments for June 2022. Most are pretty standard except for MG Jarrard, who's being appointed to the new position(?) of Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific. This means that MG McFarlane's current position is being raised to three-star rank, as he's being reassigned to Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. SuperWIKI (talk) 03:47, 3 June 2022 (UTC)

4/6/2022

@EPMen: This promotion season just keeps on surprising. LTG Williams is reportedly the top nominee to succeed GEN Cavoli as commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, not LTG White. As West Point superintendent (a position that statutorily requires retirement upon completion of tenure), this requires him to receive a waiver from SecDef and the approval of the House and Senate Armed Services committees before he can even be formally submitted for promotion. This is unprecedented - had it not been for statutory retirement - Williams would have been one of my top choices, but he unexpectedly pulled a dark-horse. SuperWIKI (talk) 05:21, 4 June 2022 (UTC)

Now let's narrow down who could be the next West Point Superintendent. Of the current 3 stars nominated for another position with their next assignment unannounced, Clark is the only one who I think has a chance. It appears all of the last several West Point Superintendents were already 3-stars and no recent ones have been promoted directly from the 2-star rank. Here are all the 3-star Army Generals who are West Point alums (not a written requirement as far as I know, but there hasn't been a non-alum as Superintendent in over 200 years) and are not retiring as far as we know:
-Aguto (not likely since he just assumed his current assignment last July, but in the realm of possibility given he'd make history as the first Asian-American Superintendent).
-Braga (unlikely since he just assumed his current assignment last August).
-Burleson (definitely possible, he's been in his current role since October 2020).
-Calvert (unlikely since he just assumed his current assignment in December).
-Donahue (0.1% chance given that he just assumed his current assignment in February).
-Fletcher (unlikely since he just assumed his current assignment in October).
-Karbler (dark horse given the recent emphasis on missiles with the Russia-Ukraine war).
-Martin (he'd be the frontrunner if he weren't 61. He was TRADOC Deputy, is known for his social media savviness (which makes him relatable to younger cadets), and was previously Commandant of Cadets).
-McKean (definitely possible given his work with Army modernization).
-Spellmon (there have been recent Superintendents with an Army Corps of Engineers background and he's been in his current role since September 2020).
There are a few 2-stars that I feel have an outside chance. I feel if Biden were to nominate a current 2-star, he would nominate a woman to make history:
-Holland (has previously served as the first female Commandant of Cadets and has a 2019 DOR).
-Schmidt (highly unlikely since she has a 2021 DOR).
Among male 2-stars, Mennes and Matlock may have an outside chance as they have previously been nominated for promotion but either had their nominations expire or withdrawn (who knows why?). EPMen (talk) 14:28, 4 June 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: Had it not been for age, I agree Theodore D. Martin would be the darling favourite to be the USMA Superintendent. If Martin were selected, he'd presumably serve a full five years by the end of which he'd be 67-68 years old, the highest age a general or flag officer in the United States Armed Forces can be with a presidential waiver, assuming he doesn't serve a shortened three-year term until 64 years old. Additionally, he's passed the 38-year service mark, so to be reappointed to grade to serve as superintendent would mark him as an exceptionally qualified nominee. Chairman Reed would demand a confirmation hearing to make sure Martin really is qualified, to ensure that it won't be a waste for them to allow future SecDef and presidential waivers if Martin serves a full 5-year term. Thoughts? SuperWIKI (talk) 15:25, 4 June 2022 (UTC)
I agree. I think Clark is the frontrunner only due to age. But Martin would be amazing. EPMen (talk) 15:27, 4 June 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: Still praying for Martin, because he's exceptionally qualified for the role. However, he could be appointed to the USMA Board of Visitors in retirement. Remember, Williams will still need a waiver to allow for promotion to general, and I'm 54% certain that both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees will demand hearings. Given that Williams is USMA superintendent, he could be raked over the coals over things like critical race theory (read: Matt Gaetz, who's on the House Armed Services Committee, see here) and stuff taught in West Point. Thoughts? SuperWIKI (talk) 15:36, 4 June 2022 (UTC)
Never thought about that, but probably true. If somehow Williams doesn't get confirmed, White, Michael Howard, and Cloutier are all exceptionally qualified. EPMen (talk) 20:45, 4 June 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: Prepare to be blindsided. It's none of them. It's MG Gilland.[a] SuperWIKI (talk) 08:30, 9 June 2022 (UTC)

Notes

  1. ^ Yes, former Commandant of Cadets, but man, another surprise.

8/6/2022

@KingEdinburgh and EPMen: Another new set of nominations here. Presumably, the assignments aren't so difficult to predict this time? VADM Munsch to Naval Forces Europe and Africa, Gen Cotton to USSTRATCOM, Lt Gen Hecker to USAFE-AFAFRICA or AFGSC, and Lt Gen Bauernfeind to AFSOC. Thoughts? SuperWIKI (talk) 05:54, 8 June 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI: Same predictions. I'd rule out AFGSC for Hecker though. He's not a bomber or a missileer. Pretty likely he's going to USAFE-AFAFRICA. Interesting choice though. His diverse background doesn't scream four-star material. What's interesting too is who gets AFGSC next. It's either going to be Bussiere or Weatherington--or Dawkins. Either way, one IMO will be retiring because they're all from bomber career fields. There's only one missileer likely eligible for promotion, Lutton, so I think he's going to be deputy commander. Davis is a missileer but I doubt he's getting another assignment after his current one. KingEdinburgh (talk) 06:57, 8 June 2022 (UTC)
Agreed on all. With Munsch as a 4-star, all prominent Atlantic flags will be submariners (him, Caudle, and Ishee). Makes sense given the war in Ukraine. Munsch is a former Rhodes Scholar, so he's an excellent choice. Cotton is almost certainly going to STRATCOM. Interesting choice since its possible his career field becomes part of the Space Force in the future (AFGSC may cease to exist as we know it). Bauernfeind is almost 100% going to AFSOC. I bet Dagvin Anderson or Tabor will replace his as SOCOM Vice Commander (Brad Sullivan and Sean Farrell have an outside chance). EPMen (talk) 13:37, 8 June 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI @KingEdinburgh Do you guys think Brito is getting TRADOC or Futures Command? I think TRADOC is more likely but Futures Command is a possibility since he commanded the Force 2025 and Beyond Directorate within Army Capabilities Integration Center, which was then part of TRADOC but is now part of Futures Command (which didn't exist yet) as the Futures and Concepts Center.https://www.army.mil/article/214823/arcic_transitions_from_tradoc_to_afc EPMen (talk) 21:37, 8 June 2022 (UTC)
Considering all the times my predictions have been kick-ended in the rear recently, I'd say (with a bitter heart), Futures Command. Still holding out for Richardson though. SuperWIKI (talk) 03:27, 9 June 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI @KingEdinburgh Which one of you put that Brito is getting TRADOC? I haven't seen it reported anywhere? EPMen (talk) 01:54, 27 June 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: Just some unregistered IP. I've reverted it. SuperWIKI (talk) 02:54, 27 June 2022 (UTC)

23/6/2022

@KingEdinburgh and EPMen: Alright, then. Here's my guesses for today. Lt Gen Garrant gets either Director, Missile Defense Agency or Deputy Commander, USSPACECOM. Leaning on the former as VADM Hill's directorship likely ends this year (3 year-term). MG Rohling is almost certainly getting Allied Land Command. Maj Gen Shipton's going to Military Deputy SAF/AQ. SuperWIKI (talk) 05:38, 23 June 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI: Garrant will not get USSPACECOM deputy. He's a career space acquisitions officer. KingEdinburgh (talk) 06:06, 23 June 2022 (UTC)
@KingEdinburgh Garrant is getting Liquori's position. I wonder if that in turn means Liquori will move into Armagno's role, who may then move into Thompson's role if he is indeed retiring. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3075036/senior-leader-announcement-week-of-june-27/ EPMen (talk) 19:09, 27 June 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen Actually I have long seen Liquori as a possible Armagno replacement as director of staff since I can't see any assignment for him but staff assignments. KingEdinburgh (talk) 03:51, 28 June 2022 (UTC)

29/6/2022 updates

@KingEdinburgh and EPMen: Well, we have many satisfying answers this week. LTG(P) Brito is going to TRADOC, and, even better, MG Coffman is being assigned (as I predicted) to Army Futures Command, which means LTG Richardson might be going places... maybe even AFC commanding general! In other news, LTG Clark is getting Senior Military Asst. to SecDef. That, firstly, is odd as joint assignments at this level usually get announced before confirmation, and secondly, it means Clark is also going places, and perhaps may even get INDOPACOM commander, the first non-Navy one, after ADM Aquilino retires. For Vice Commander, USSOCOM, we can narrow it down to Sullivan and Hill, as Maj Gen Tabor is being assigned to succeed Maj Gen Moore as Director of Programs. SuperWIKI (talk) 15:21, 29 June 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI: I am very sure ADM Samuel Paparo will be the next commander of INDOPACOM. He has made quite a name for himself in the Pacific especially in Japan and South Korea. That, and he's Navy. Neovu79 (talk) 03:56, 3 July 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI Hill is retiring. I think it will actually be Dagvin Anderson, as RADM Kacher is succeeding him on the Joint Staff. EPMen (talk) 15:23, 29 June 2022 (UTC)
What are Clark's chances for INDOPACOM? Since it's two to three years off and an upper-level combatant command, Clark's probably going to hold one four-star post first (would be unprecedented for Clark to be Senior Military Assistant for more than two years). If so, which one? SuperWIKI (talk) 15:29, 29 June 2022 (UTC)
Hard to know what Clark's chances are for INDOPACOM until we know who gets Pacific Air Forces next year. @KingEdinburgh mentioned that the Navy will likely get NORTHCOM/ NORAD due to the lack of Navy representation among combatant commanders. I think Paparo could potentially get NORTHCOM/ NORAD in 2023. His successor there would obviously be a contender for INDOPACOM as Aquilino's term doesn't end till 2024. I think Clark could also get VCSA if George succeeds McConville as CSA (although Mingus could as well). EPMen (talk) 18:17, 29 June 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen I think it was @SuperWIKI who said that haha I still doubt INDOPACOM having a non-navy commander. If a non-navy officer actually do gets it, I think it probably will be Air Force than Army. KingEdinburgh (talk) 18:30, 29 June 2022 (UTC)
I agree with you. Back in 2018, O'Shaughnessy should've gotten INDOPACOM and Davidson should've gotten NORTHCOM/ NORAD. EPMen (talk) 19:07, 29 June 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: O'Shaughnessy was definitely more qualified in terms of the connections that he has made in the Pacific, but back then, John McCain was the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and he, his father, and grandfather all served in the Navy. USPACOM (as it was known back then) encompassed over 50 percent of the Earth's waters and the Navy's two largest numbered fleets are in the Pacific, so there was some favoritism involved, I'm sure. Also, back then, McCain had a big beef with the Air Force for trying to take the Warthogs out of service, and he told the SecDef James Mattis that he would block any nominee in the Senate if they didn't nominate a Navy officer. So, there was no chance of O'Shaughnessy being nominated as commander of USPACOM. Him getting NORTHCOM/ NORAD was literally a consolation prize to make sure the military did not prematurely lose a great leader. Neovu79 (talk) 03:42, 3 July 2022 (UTC)
I honestly think there is an outside chance he could be recalled to active duty to serve as CSAF once GEN CQ Brown is (likely) promoted to CJCS. He is young to already be retired for a 4-star. It would be a repeat of GEN Peter Schoomaker being recalled from retirement to serve as CSA. And when ADM Bill Moran withdrew from consideration to be CNO (and before Gilday was nominated), there were rumblings that ADM Harry Harris (then serving as Ambassador to South Korea) could be recalled, but he was the maximum age to not require a waiver. I don't think it's likely he'll be recalled (especially given his ties to SpaceX), but I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility. EPMen (talk) 02:18, 5 July 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: there is very little chance of O'Shaughnessy being recalled. VanHerck, Allvin, or Wilsbach are better choices to be chief of staff, at this point in time. General Schoomaker was chosen as CSA for one reason, to modernize the Army from a divisional force to a brigade-based force for post 9/11 combat, which no one else was qualified to do. SecDef Rumsfeld's methods was also unorthodox and did follow traditional norms. SecDef Austin would not be that far-reaching. Harris's consideration was shot down very fast since the Trump administration needed his presence in the Pacific. Neovu79 (talk) 04:07, 5 July 2022 (UTC)
Definitely think it's unlikely. But could still be a dark horse. I doubt it will be VanHerck or Allvin. Wilsbach and Hecker obviously have a shot, as do Van Ovost and Kelly. EPMen (talk) 00:12, 6 July 2022 (UTC)

2/7/2022 updates

The House Armed Services Committee has recently released its version of the 2023 NDAA, and if they survive into the final version, certain provisions will have interesting effects on three-star/four-star positions going forward.

Pinging @Neovu79: to keep him informed, some of these have major implications for List of active duty United States four-star officers, List of active duty United States three-star officers, List of United States Space Force lieutenant generals and List of active duty United States Space Force general officers. SuperWIKI (talk) 15:24, 2 July 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI: It's about time they re-elevated the surgeon general of the Navy's rank back to vice admiral. All of Gillingham's other uniformed service counterparts all have three-star rank. And all of them came into office after after he did. It never made sense to me why the Air Force, who have a smaller number of total force than the Navy, would have a surgeon general that outranks the Navy's. Even more so, they have more four-stars than the Navy. I doubt Gillingham will still be in office by the time the 2023 NDAA gets passed into law. This is his third year in that position, so he is due to rotate out or retire, and I haven't heard of them asking him to stay on longer.
Amending 10 U.S.C. § 7038, 10 U.S.C. § 8083, 10 U.S.C. § 8084 and 10 U.S.C. § 9038 to restore the statutory three-star rank of the service reserve component commanders. Pretty toothless since they all hold three-star rank anyway.

Congress originally struck the statutory ranks to all the heads of the restricted/limited-duty communities as part of their effort to reduce the total number of flag and general officers; especially in the three-star ranks. The funny thing is, all the services still gave those heads three-star status; all except the Navy's surgeon general. The Navy didn't find out that none of the other services were not reducing these three-star offices to lower grades, until after the they made that appointment. If fact, the next Navy deputy surgeon general is going to be a one-star for the first time in decades, and not a two-star. What still gets me is WHY the Navy never nominated Gillingham for promotion to match his counterparts. They had ample opportunity. I mean they appointed RADM Brent W. Scott to the office of Chief of Chaplains of the United States Navy as a one-star. Then seven months later, they went back to Congress as asked them to promote him to two-star since the other services did not follow suit in reducing their chief of chaplains to one-stars, and the Navy's chaplains community is way smaller than their medical community. I'm assuming if this NDAA gets passed, they Navy will promote the deputy surgeon general to two-star in office, but that remains to be seen. Neovu79 (talk) 02:32, 3 July 2022 (UTC)
On the DSG, that means RADM Shaffer could be retiring. And even if Gillingham stayed on long enough to be VADM, he wouldn't fulfil the time in-grade to retire at that rank, notwithstanding a potential assignment as Director, Defense Health Agency of course. SuperWIKI (talk) 02:44, 3 July 2022 (UTC)
I was referring to Shaffer's replacement, RDML Darin K. Via. [1] Neovu79 (talk) 02:55, 3 July 2022 (UTC)
They could potentially retroactively back-date Gillingham's rank to when he assumed office as a vice admiral, which then would allow him to qualify to retire at three-star or the president could ask congress to retire him at three-star. Neovu79 (talk) 02:57, 3 July 2022 (UTC)

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4-star and 3-star positions where we don't know the nominee (speculation)

Only including positions where we know for sure that they will be vacant. So not including positions such as Missile Defense Agency Director.

@KingEdinburgh @SuperWIKI @Neovu79


4-star:

-Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command: I think LTG Bussiere is the frontrunner, as I feel we would've heard by now if he were retiring, and I don't see him getting a different 3-star position given his DOR is 2018. If that were to happen, it would make both the Commander and Deputy Commander of AFGSC bomber pilots (traditionally one is a bomber pilot and the other is a missileer). If LTG Dawkins (2020 DOR; Barrett, Krumm, and Moore are set to retire with a 2020 DOR and two years in the three-star grade) were to retire, LTG Weatherington could slide over to A-10. If that were to happen, MG Lutton would be the clear favorite to succeed him, but here's where the challenge starts. There are no missileers among the nominees for O-8 in the Air Force and I doubt anybody would command a numbered Air Force as an O-7. Among O-7s, I think the most likely successor to MG Lutton is BG Colin J. Connor. I also wonder if the 20th Air Force could eventually move to the Space Force, but it wouldn't be immediate.

-Commander, US Army Futures Command: We've speculated about this one for a long time. Not going to speculate further but including so you know I'm not forgetting.


3-star (Joint):

-Director for Joint Force Development, J-7, Joint Staff: This is not an easy one to predict. This is the Joint Staff directorate that replaced US Joint Forces Command. Since its inception, it has always been helmed by someone from either the Navy or Marine Corps. Given that LTG Henry will be the only Marine to lead a Joint Staff directorate upon LTG Crall's retirement, I think it will go to a Marine. Among Marines, I think the ones with a chance are LTG Iiams (as he served as Deputy Commander Marine Corps Combat Development Command/ Assistant Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, HQMC as well as Director, J-7 Training and Exercises, Joint Staff) and MG Turner (as he served as Director, Capabilities Development Directorate, Combat Development and Integration, HQMC). If it were to go to a Navy person, it would be VADM Hughes (as Munsch served in the same position before becoming J-7). I'm barely going to mention Air Force possibilities since I think the chances are the role going to an Air Force person are almost zero since the Vice J-7 (MG Tulley) is from the Air Force. If Tulley were to retire or be reassigned, the only Air Force person who I think has a chance (an outside chance at best) is LTG Hinote. If it were to go to an Army person, it would probably be LTG McKean.

@EPMen: I'd be very surprised if it's not MajGen Turner. Turner wasn't mentioned to be retiring at the 1st Marine Division change of command this month (MajGen Watson is now commander). In the last 20 years, all but 3 division CGs (excluding the current one) were promoted to lieutenant general, and 2 of the 3 exceptions (Regner and Castellvi) had their careers derailed by investigations and the last one (Yoo) was in the special operations community where three-star slots are limited anyway. SuperWIKI (talk) 05:48, 16 July 2022 (UTC)
Also possible that Iiams gets it and in turn Turner gets TECOM (especially since this is Iiams's second stint at TECOM). EPMen (talk) 12:27, 16 July 2022 (UTC)
Wow. Anderson is getting J-7. Definitely a surprise. I wonder if it's possible that Vice Commander, USSOCOM is being eliminated. Also, can't think of an obvious position for Ottignon. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3098436/general-officer-announcements/ EPMen (talk) 12:48, 20 July 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: II MEF. SuperWIKI (talk) 12:54, 20 July 2022 (UTC)
Have a logistics officer ever commanded an MEF before? EPMen (talk) 14:56, 20 July 2022 (UTC)
There will be now. SuperWIKI (talk) 15:14, 20 July 2022 (UTC)
Just checked. He's not the first, but the first since LtGen John Wissler commanded III MEF from 2013-15. Now I wonder if MajGen Turner is the frontrunner for Ottignon's old job. EPMen (talk) 23:04, 20 July 2022 (UTC)

-Vice Commander, US Special Operations Command: We've speculated before but I will reiterate because my guesses have changed since my initial prediction. I think that MG Anderson is the frontrunner given that a successor (RADM Kacher) has been announced as Vice Director for Operations, Joint Staff has been announced. But I wouldn't completely count out Maj Gen Sullivan and Maj Gen Farrell.

I would keep on eye on Maj Gen Michael E. Martin for vice commander of USSOCOM. Neovu79 (talk) 01:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC)
@Neovu79 Definitely a possibility. Never mentioned him the other times since every Special Operations Command Korea Commander (at least since 2012) has served for at least 2 years. EPMen (talk) 02:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC)

3-star (Army):

-Deputy Commanding General, US Army Materiel Command: I think it will be MG Fogg or MG Christopher Mohan, as MG Drushal has retired per his LinkedIn.

It's up or out for MG Fogg. He was commissioned in 1987 and major generals must retire after five years in grade or 35 years of service, whichever is later. Fogg has 35 years racked up and less than a year before he hits the five-year limit, so he has to be promoted this year or be forced to retire. Wouldn't be surprised if the Department of the Army is duking it out over which of the two is the better candidate. SuperWIKI (talk) 05:56, 16 July 2022 (UTC)
On a semi-related note, do you think the reason that MG Swindell still hasn't retired is because he is still under investigation for his role in the deadly Kunduz hospital bombing? His DOR is 2016 and I know he was nominated for promotion to LTG a few years back but it was withdrawn. EPMen (talk) 14:09, 16 July 2022 (UTC)
Oh. It could also be MG Michel Russell EPMen (talk) 14:42, 16 July 2022 (UTC)

-Director of Hypersonics, Directed Energy, Space and Rapid Acquisition, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology): Would be shocked if it's not MG Rasch.


3-star (Air Force):

-Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations: Among current 3-stars, it could be LTG Slife if he isn't retiring (he most likely is). Otherwise, the person will likely be a current O-8. Among current O-8s, I think that MG Corcoran is the frontrunner. If he isn't retiring (haven't heard one way or the other), MG Wills may also have a shot.

-Chief of the Air Force Reserve: Would be shocked if it's not MG John P. Healy (who has a 2018 DOR), as MG Burger has a 2021 DOR.

EPMen (talk) 00:26, 15 July 2022 (UTC)

Was correct on Healy. And looks like Wills is retiring. https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3078892/outgoing-19th-af-commander-pays-final-visit-to-mighty-97th/ @SuperWIKI EPMen (talk) 02:49, 21 July 2022 (UTC)

New Space Force nominations

Colonels Slade and Sniegowski are due to promote to brigadier general in the Space Force, though it's not reflected on the Congress website. SuperWIKI (talk) 15:39, 13 July 2022 (UTC)

Both of them are reserve officers. As the Space Force still doesn't have a reserve component, they'll still be USAF. DoD announcement labelling them USSF officers most likely just an oversight. KingEdinburgh (talk) 16:37, 13 July 2022 (UTC)

On another note, just curious, what is your proof that Col. Kristen Panzenhagen is now the Senior Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Air Force? Per LinkedIn, that job belongs to Col. Erin Staine-Pyne (former Commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing from 2019-21). Is it possible that the senior Air Force leaders now have one Senior Military Assistant from the Air Force and one from the Space Force (like Navy leaders have one from the Navy and one from the Marine Corps)? EPMen (talk) 02:27, 29 July 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: Under Secretary Jones mentioned it during the establishment of Space Delta 18. On your second question, I'm not sure, but the way Jones said it made it seem there was only one SMA. "My senior military assistant, Space Force Brigadier (select) Kristin Panzenhagen, was previously assigned here." KingEdinburgh (talk) 02:30, 29 July 2022 (UTC)
ehh, I've heard Vice President Harris say "my military aide" even though she has multiple. EPMen (talk) 03:14, 29 July 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: Confirmed that USECAF only has one SMA, Panzenhagen replaced Staine-Pyne. KingEdinburgh (talk) 13:38, 16 January 2023 (UTC)
@KingEdinburgh Figured that a while ago since Staine-Pyne is now the Air Force's Military Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. EPMen (talk) 16:30, 16 January 2023 (UTC)
@KingEdinburgh But that new Congressional Directory is not 100% up-to-date. Much of the data was provided over the summer. It also says that the Air Force Senate Liaison is Col. Neil Richardson, who has been a Brigadier General since October 2021. I called them up and they told me the current Liaison is Col. Jose E. Sumangil. EPMen (talk) 16:40, 16 January 2023 (UTC)

2023 Service chiefs speculation

The Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force Chiefs (as well as the CJCS) have terms that expire in 2023. A little early to speculate but some possibilities clearer than others.

CJCS- Near guaranteed to be CQ Brown. Raymond has a chance but I doubt the Space Force will get it this soon. Admiral Grady also has an outside chance, but the Air Force/ Space Force is even longer overdue to have a CJCS than the Navy.

Navy- Franchetti is already the favorite per USNI. She'd be the first female full-member of the Joint Chiefs too (as Fagan and the Coast Guard don't get full membership). I wouldn't completely count out the other 4-stars (Paparo, Caudle, and Munsch) but Franchetti is the clear favorite. Although we are overdue for an aviator CNO, Paparo could be hampered by the drinking water contamination scandal (even though it started before his time in command). Caudle (wrote a dissertation on decision making in cyberspace) and Munsch (former Rhodes Scholar) are very smart and their submarine backgrounds could give them a chance if the war in Ukraine is still raging.

Marine Corps- As we've discussed before, ACMC Eric Smith is the clear favorite given that he (an infantry officer) was appointed ACMC despite Berger also being infantry (the tradition is for the CMC to come from infantry and the ACMC to be an aviator). George Smith may have a small chance. We've already discussed Heckl and Mahoney as the favorites for ACMC if Eric Smith is indeed promoted. And I will reiterate that I leans towards Heckl (who is DC CD&I as were Berger and Eric Smith, which is ever important with the Marine Corps undergoing its biggest force redesign in history).

Army- George and Poppas are the favorites right now. I'd give George the slight edge over Poppas since Poppas would have to move while George wouldn't. I would throw Brito in as well as the Army has yet to have an African-American Chief (Colin Powell was never CSA). Laura Richardson may also have a small chance, I do worry that appointing both her and Franchetti would be seen as playing politics. Flynn definitely has no chance and Williams will be close to the maximum age. Fenton and Kurilla may also have a small chance, but I doubt they'd be moved back to Army HQ.

Air Force- VCSAF Allvin has a chance, but I don't think he's the favorite. The Air Force has never had a mobility CSAF. Between Wilsbach, Kelly, and Hecker, it's hard to determine a clear favorite, but I don't think Hecker would be elevated tis soon. Wilsbach's Pacific experience is valuable with China as America's "pacing threat" and as ACC Commander, Kelly has overseen the development of the next generation fighter jets. VanHerck may also have a small chance given his bomber background if the war in Ukraine continues to rage.

@EPMen: What's your thoughts on Gilland's appointment as Superintendent of West Point? It's above. Secondly, Grady has 0 chance by law. Since 2019, 10 U.S.C. § 154 states that the vice chairmanship is a capstone assignment - that is, the officeholder may not be eligible for promotion to chairman or to any other post in the Armed Forces. The most recent CSAs to have previously been combatant commanders were Odierno and Schoomaker, with the latter being recalled from retirement for that purpose. SuperWIKI (talk) 11:56, 13 June 2022 (UTC)
Don't have any significant thoughts on Gilland. EPMen (talk) 13:37, 13 June 2022 (UTC)
@KingEdinburgh and EPMen: Neovu79 has made some opinions on hopefuls for NORTHCOM and CYBERCOM here, commenting on how many joint four-star spots the Navy has lost these past few years. Now that you've made some posts about PACAF and the service chiefs, what do you and KingEdinburgh think about potential new COCOMs for the prior two and SPACECOM, seeing as those are the most senior combatant commands? Aside from Whitesell possibly going to NORTHCOM, of course. SuperWIKI (talk) 15:53, 13 June 2022 (UTC)
SPACECOM's going to either Shaw or Whiting. One of them is going to be CSO; the other, I suspect, will get SPACECOM. KingEdinburgh (talk) 16:26, 13 June 2022 (UTC)
CSO might not come up till 2024.@KingEdinburgh. If CSOo does come up in 2023, do you not think VCSO Thompson could get it? I also think Armagno should be thrown in the mix for CSO, VCSO, and SPACECOM. EPMen (talk) 23:05, 13 June 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: Breaking Defense reports Raymond might retire this year. Should Raymond complete the normal three year term for service chief, I retiring in 2023 or 2024, I see Whiting getting SPACECOM and Shaw as CSO because the SPACECOM/CC post in this case would be due for a change of command earlier than the CSO. Also, Whiting is more operationally-focused while Shaw is widely known as a space domain/doctrine thinker, which I think would be more suited as CSO. On the other hand, I see Whiting as CSO should Raymond retire this year as BD reports because of seniority. But it's ultimately up to the White House now. With Thompson, I have read somewhere that he will retire after his term as VCSO. He wanted to retire as O8 but then was tapped to lead the AFSPC Pentagon forward element, and would have retired as an O9 if the Space Force hadn't been established. I agree that Armagno would get a four-star, but the most likely position would be VCSO as the CSO choices have been narrowed down to Whiting and Shaw, which make sense because Thompson and Armagno haven't been in command since at least they were an O6 and O7, respectively. KingEdinburgh (talk) 03:03, 14 June 2022 (UTC)
Wow. Didn't see that coming. But not super shocked given Raymond's age. I concur that Shaw will get CSO and that Whiting will likely get SPACECOM, but does a non Space Force officer like Karbler have any chance for SPACECOM? EPMen (talk) 03:09, 14 June 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: It's possible, but two consecutive Army heads of SPACECOM I think would receive pushback from the Space Force given that they constitute most of the forces that make SPACECOM. What I see is that the post would rotate to a Space Force general then to other services then back again. I could see MG Thomas L. James, the first career Army space officer, commanding SPACECOM one day. KingEdinburgh (talk) 03:21, 14 June 2022 (UTC)
@KingEdinburgh the chief of space operations is actually a statutory four-year term of office under 10 U.S.C. § 9082(2), so Raymond is actually retiring before completing a full term. It's not unheard of for officers to leave office early, but Breaking Defense, does not always have their facts straight, in my opinion. Neovu79 (talk) 04:09, 3 July 2022 (UTC)
@Neovu79 I agree, that's why I have two predictions. If Raymond does retire this year, I think Whiting will replace him. If he does finish his four-year term and retire next year, I think it's more likely that Shaw replaces him, with Whiting taking SPACECOM instead. KingEdinburgh (talk) 05:45, 3 July 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen and Neovu79: Turns out Saltzman's getting CSO. It's surprising, considering what's mentioned above. The White House overruled DoD's recommendation--if the BD report was accurate. It's interesting. Perhaps Saltzman's writings played a part in this. His articles on great power politics and non-intervention may have been a major consideration during the vetting. And of course his work on JADC2. @Garuda28: you may be interested in this as well. KingEdinburgh (talk) 05:12, 28 July 2022 (UTC)
@KingEdinburgh I saw this nomination on Senate.gov earlier. I also saw that you added the nomination to the List of active duty United States four-star officers article as well so there wasn't much for me to do. However, Saltzman's nomination is not surprising to me. Over the last year and a half, he's taken an active role in the restructuring of the service, as well as inserting the Space Force's presence into the theater level unified combatant commands. Neovu79 (talk) 06:45, 28 July 2022 (UTC)
And he just turned 53, so he's primed to potentially succeed Brown as CJCS in 2027. Although the Navy is also overdue for CJCS. EPMen (talk) 13:33, 28 July 2022 (UTC)

@KingEdinburgh, EPMen, and Neovu79: Like ADM Mullen, Brown could easily get an age waiver to serve a second term as CJCS; the only reason these days a CJCS gets only one term is due to controversy, like Gen Pace. That said, Saltzman has a shot if (excuse the politics) Trump wins in 2024. Knowing Trump, he'd want to expedite the ouster of any Biden appointee, competence (mostly) be damned.

And who better than to make the next CJCS than the (in 2025) sitting head of the service he spearheaded the creation of? It would be obvious for someone who prioritizes optics, the reason why Milley got picked in 2019 as CJCS instead of Goldfein. So Brown either serves his full term till 2027 and gets Saltzman after, or he gets unceremoniously booted in mid-2025 (probably legal, since aside from confirmation and 4-year term the CJCS serves at the President's pleasure). Thoughts? SuperWIKI (talk) 03:24, 29 July 2022 (UTC)

@EPMen: If the Air Force were to pick a mobility officer as CSAF, it would be Van Ovost rather than Allvin, as speculated here. It looks like she is being groomed for that position, but of course there is that anti-mobility pilot mentality as CSAF. It would be interesting to see if the Navy, Air Force, and the Coast Guard would have female service chiefs at the same time. KingEdinburgh (talk) 03:37, 14 June 2022 (UTC)
All female service chiefs? Congress would revolt, especially if the GOP wins the majority in December. If that happened, it would look completely political to Biden's detractors. At the end of the day, Congress has to confirm nominees. SuperWIKI (talk) 03:47, 14 June 2022 (UTC)
Marines definitely aren't getting a female service chief in 2023. Only service so far with no female 4-stars. No current Marine female 3-stars either. Most female Marines either have a logistics, intelligence, or communications background and none of those specialities ever get 4-star positions in the Marine Corps. When there is eventually a female Marine 4-star, it will be most likely be an aviator who serves as ACMC, as the ACMC role traditionally goes to aviators. Not sure if you watch O-6s, but there is one female Marine aviator who is currently an O-6 who may have a chance at 4-stars some day, but there's no certainty she'll even get 1 star. Col. Alison Thompson is the current Senior Marine Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy. However, given her age compared to the Marines promoted to O-7 this past year, if she doesn't get O-7 next year, I don't think she ever will. I wonder if there's ever been a female Marine aviator who got O-7 or O-8 before (definitely none for O-9). EPMen (talk) 03:54, 14 June 2022 (UTC)
That would be amazing if it did happen, but I honestly do worry that it would be seen as playing politics (even though they are obviously exceptionally qualified). I think Franchetti has a higher chance of becoming CNO than Van Ovost does of becoming CSAF. One of the reasons I think Franchetti has the highest chance is similar to the reason I think ACMC Eric Smith has the best chance of becoming CMC. In the Navy, if the CNO is from one community, the VCNO is usually from a different community. Gilday and Franchetti are both surface warfare officers, so I think it further signifies that Franchetti is the heir apparent to Gilday. EPMen (talk) 03:47, 14 June 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: Not to mention that among the Marine generals, a grand total of two (one promotable) are at the rank of major general currently. Helen G. Pratt and Roberta L. Shea. You'd have to reach pretty far or bullet-train their careers to get them to four-star in time for Berger's retirement. SuperWIKI (talk) 03:53, 14 June 2022 (UTC)
Helen Pratt is Reserve anyways. She actually has a civilian job as a Middle School Counselor in Florida. Shea could definitely get 3-star some day, but highly unlikely any logistician will ever become a 4-star in the Marine Corps. If any current female Marine general officer were to get 4-star, it would probably be Lorna Mahlock. Assuming Haugh (or whoever) takes ever for Nakasone as CYBERCOM commander in 2023 and serves until 2027, Mahlock would be 59 years old then and if still active duty may have a small chance at CYBERCOM. EPMen (talk) 03:58, 14 June 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI On another note, pending confirmation to O-9, I think Lauderback will be the highest-ranking openly LGBT military officer in US history. My gaydar tells me that recently retired Marine Corps Lt. General Loretta Reynolds is LGBT, but not openly. EPMen (talk) 04:01, 14 June 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: I'd also bet that an aviator will succeed Franchetti once she gets the nod as CNO, as we haven't had one since ADM Moran. VADM Whitesell and Koehler would be my top picks for VCNO then. Sorry if my pinging gets a bit pesky. SuperWIKI (talk) 04:00, 14 June 2022 (UTC)
Koehler is the more likely choice. Whitesell is a Naval Flight Officer, not a pilot, FYI. The most recent Naval Flight Officer to get 4-stars was Harry Harris. EPMen (talk) 04:02, 14 June 2022 (UTC)
Ah, I see. SuperWIKI (talk) 04:04, 14 June 2022 (UTC)

August 2022

Information icon Please do not use misleading edit summaries when making changes to Wikipedia pages, as you did to List of active duty United States Air Force major generals. This behavior is viewed as disruptive, and continuation may result in loss of editing privileges. Note that as they have to be manually changed, a file name is not an "error". Sumanuil. 06:34, 12 August 2022 (UTC)

@Sumanuil: I apologize but it was an error on my part. Brig Gen Maitre was promoted and my intent was to update his portrait but was unable to remove the suffix "(2)" from the filename to correct the image. The error I meant to correct with this edit was my earlier edit, not your revert. KingEdinburgh (talk) 07:31, 12 August 2022 (UTC)

Ok. I guess all those vandals who say things like "fixed typo" have made me a cynic. By the way, you can ask on Commons for a file to be re-named, you don't need to go the trouble of uploading it again under a different name. Sumanuil. 07:37, 12 August 2022 (UTC)

@Sumanuil: I don't understand why you nominated it for deletion. They're different images. KingEdinburgh (talk) 07:41, 12 August 2022 (UTC)
Oops. They're the same size, resolution, etc, but now that I look again...I really shouldn't try to play "find the six differences" at 3AM. Sumanuil. 08:51, 12 August 2022 (UTC)

PMA has new Superintendent

https://www.mb.com.ph/2022/08/13/new-pma-superintendent-installed/ SuperWIKI (talk) 16:09, 13 August 2022 (UTC)

SFELM NRO

The SFELM NRO edits on the Space Force structure page are not appearing on the live page. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Dcfowler1 (talk • contribs)

@Dcfowler1: Hi! Yeah, I was hoping to get more info on the remaining three deltas. Do you, by any chance, have info on them, e.g. their headquarters and unit numbers? The three NRO deltas so far are dual-hatted ADFs. What about the other three? KingEdinburgh (talk) 09:48, 22 August 2022 (UTC)

Burt

@SuperWIKI, Neovu79, and EPMen: Looks Like DeAnna Burt is going to be promoted to 3-star soon and replace Saltzman. KingEdinburgh (talk) 13:40, 25 August 2022 (UTC)

I'll wait for Congress to officially release the nomination before I add anything. SuperWIKI (talk) 13:41, 25 August 2022 (UTC)

NDAA 2023

I know that SuperWIKI have discussed this on Dschiess talk page:

  • The House's version (H.R. 7900), which they passed earlier this month, does not include language to make the Vice Chief of Space Operations a statutory four-star general. However, the Senate's version (S. 4543), which was introduced last month, does include such a clause.
  • The House's version increases the Space Force's total four-star cap to two, the Senate's version does not include that clause.
  • The House's version includes language to elevate the Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau to four-star. The Senate's version does not.
  • The Senate's version also includes a clause to posthumously appoint Ulysses S. Grant to the rank of General of the Armies, "equivalent to the rank and precedence held by General John J. Pershing." The House's version does not. However, the House's version does include a clause recognizing Grant's leadership and that he should be honored.
  • The Senate's version also makes the commander of U.S. Cyber Command a four-year term of office.
  • The Houses version includes language to re-add the statutory three-star rank, for the Surgeon General of the Navy. The Senate's version does not include that clause. However, the Senate's version does increase the total cap limit of Navy vice admirals by one, and lowering the limit of two-star rear admirals by one.
  • The Houses version includes a clause to make the Chief of the National Guard Bureau eligible to be appointed as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Senate's version does not.

Grant's promotion to General of the Armies stands a good chance to be included in the reconciled version of the bill, since his name was included in both version. I would also be disappointed if they don't fix the Surgeon General of the Navy's rank to be on par with its counterparts from the other services. Neovu79 (talk) 02:04, 25 August 2022 (UTC)

@Neovu79: Here's my thoughts:
  • To me, it's a no-brainer that they make the VCSO a statutory four-star officer, just like the other vice service chiefs. Same for the increase in the four-star cap.
  • My feelings are known about elevating the vice chief of the National Guard Bureau to four-star rank, but I won't be too rankled if the elevation isn't passed in the final version.
  • On Grant's promotion, this could re-open old wounds about whether General of the Armies is a six-star rank or not. Personally believe it should explicitly be a six-star rank, since Grant currently holds the four-star rank of general of the Army, separate from the five-star rank introduced during World War II. Makes me wish they posthumously elevate a WW2 general of the Army to General of the Armies, so there's an excuse to clarify the General of the Armies with official six-star insignia, above that of general of the Army.
  • To me, the chief of the National Guard Bureau has little business being considered as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I agreed with making them a statutory JCS member so as to "keep them in the loop" regarding inter-service communications and top-level military affairs. For a sitting CNGB like Hokanson to be considered for the chairmanship, they would need a dearth of recent active-duty general/flag officer experience to handle the universal military role of the CJCS. For such a selection, special exception based on individual merit would be sufficient rather than making any CNGB eligible.
  • Neutral on a statutory four-year term for the commander of U.S. Cyber Command. SuperWIKI (talk) 08:29, 25 August 2022 (UTC)
@Neovu79: There was this provision in last year's NDAA that grants some exceptions for the number of selection board recommendations for promotion to O8 in the Space Force (Section 503). How do you interpret that? And why do you think they placed that into law? They certainly haven't nominated O8s this year and the authority's expiring by year-end. KingEdinburgh (talk) 13:50, 25 August 2022 (UTC)
I found the clause you are referring to in Pub. L.Tooltip Public Law (United States) 117–81 (text) (PDF) (10 U.S.C. § 616(d)). This clause gives the Space Force the authorization to promote brigadier generals to major generals.The promotion board may not select more than 95% of the total number of brigadier generals that are eligible for promotion. No other exceptions are made, unless the promotion board is circumvented due to other statute(s) to fill certain positions/offices, or if an officer is nominated for appointment by the president. Neovu79 (talk) 04:59, 26 August 2022 (UTC)

Concern regarding Draft:821st Air Base Group

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Nomination speculation (2022 Q2)

18/7/2022 nominations

Starting a new section because I don't want the original one to get overstuffed. So Healy and Anderson are definitely going to Chief, AFR and Vice Commander, USSOCOM. Additionally, Ottignon is likely replacing Jurney at II MEF. SuperWIKI (talk) 11:31, 19 July 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI actually Anderson will be J-7 not VCDR USSOCOM. Neovu79 (talk) 00:44, 20 July 2022 (UTC)

29/7/2022 retirement

NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! https://www.congress.gov/senate-communication/117th-congress/executive-communication/4697?loclr=cga-committee SuperWIKI (talk) 14:50, 29 July 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI well that stinks. This is only speculation on my part, but he probably got tired of waiting to hear if he was going to take over command of Army Futures Command permanently, coupled with wanting to spend more time with his wife down in Florida. Neovu79 (talk) 15:42, 29 July 2022 (UTC)
Now the question is whether it will be LTG McKean, LTG Todd, or LTG Rainey that succeeds him. I think those 3 are the frontrunners. EPMen (talk) 16:58, 4 August 2022 (UTC)

4/8/2022 update

@KingEdinburgh, EPMen, and Neovu79: GEN Williams has officially taken command of Allied Land Command, meaning that Commanding General, United States Army Europe is now a dual-hatted position. LTG Cloutier is likely retiring, but that means MG Rohling isn't going to LANDCOM as I thought he was. He was confirmed by the Senate on August 1, which means he's definitely going somewhere, but where to? SuperWIKI (talk) 13:46, 4 August 2022 (UTC)

GOMO already lists Rohling as Deputy Commanding General, USAREUR-AF. I guess both that and Deputy Commanding General, USARPAC have been elevated to the 3-star level. Cloutier is likely retiring, but the one other position I could see him getting is Director of the Army Staff. No retirement has been announced for LTG Piatt, but it could be coming soon due to his 2019 DOR. I do wonder though if the January 6 controversies involving him are delaying his retirement. EPMen (talk) 13:52, 4 August 2022 (UTC)
Looks like Cloutier is retiring, as him GOMO bio says "GOMO Transition". They don't usually put that for officers who are in transit, only for those who are retiring. But no congressional communication. EPMen (talk) 17:05, 4 August 2022 (UTC)

1/9/2022 update

@KingEdinburgh, EPMen, and Neovu79: A few notable tidbits now that the August 31/September 1 retirement slate is coming and going (military personnel typically retire on the last day of the month). The 31 August GOMO announcement confirms what we know already, that MG(P) Rasch is going to Hypersonics. MG Fogg presumably just retired, since his retirement ceremony was held on August 19, 2022. So it's now between MG Mohan (now a special assistant to LTG Aguto at First Army) and MG Michel Russell on who gets the AMC deputy position, if it's not being downgraded. Any opinions? SuperWIKI (talk) 03:48, 1 September 2022 (UTC)

I'm thinking it's more likely to be MG Mohan because I feel that if it were to be MG Russell, there would already be a nominee for his current position. And while it does happen sometimes, transitions for 1 and 2-star positions usually don't happen outside of the summer. EPMen (talk) 03:51, 1 September 2022 (UTC)

LTG James Rainey's nomination

SuperWIKI I think you're correct. James Rainey is most likely being nominated to take over U.S. Army Futures Command. Neovu79 (talk) 23:27, 7 September 2022 (UTC)

Correction. He IS going to be AFC's next commanding general. Neovu79 (talk) 23:38, 7 September 2022 (UTC)
@Neovu79: Do you have input on his possible replacement as G3/5/7? KingEdinburgh (talk) 01:33, 8 September 2022 (UTC)
The list could be long.
The below names all currently work under the G3/5/7:
The below names all have experience in operations and plans on the Joint Staff:
Neovu79 (talk) 02:26, 8 September 2022 (UTC)
To whittle down, MG Swindell is staying longer than the statutory in-grade time limits as a major general due to once being under investigation. Unlikely for me. MG Walker is National Guard. The rest (except for one) were appointed to their positions either late last year or this year. Of them, Gainey is the most senior with a 2019 DOR and two years in his current position. The next most likely to me are Taylor (visibility during the Afghanistan withdrawal is a factor), Miller, Sylvia, Shultz and Admiral (who just got promoted to MG).
Aside from Gainey, I believe it's more likely a currently sitting LTG will be assigned to G-3/5/7. I agree with @EPMen: that LTG White is the frontrunner, with Kolasheski and Burleson as the runners-up. SuperWIKI (talk) 02:37, 8 September 2022 (UTC)
If it were to be a MG, I'd say Sylvia is the most likely, as his role on the Joint Staff (Vice Director, J-5) has produced many future 3 (and 4) stars. EPMen (talk) 02:40, 8 September 2022 (UTC)

Your draft article, Draft:Vice Director of the Joint Staff

Hello, KingEdinburgh. It has been over six months since you last edited the Articles for Creation submission or Draft page you started, "Vice Director of the Joint Staff".

In accordance with our policy that Wikipedia is not for the indefinite hosting of material deemed unsuitable for the encyclopedia mainspace, the draft has been deleted. If you plan on working on it further and you wish to retrieve it, you can request its undeletion. An administrator will, in most cases, restore the submission so you can continue to work on it.

Thanks for your submission to Wikipedia, and happy editing. Liz Read! Talk! 03:31, 15 September 2022 (UTC)

Updating articles

I'm very impressed with how you've done up the John W. Raymond, John E. Hyten and B. Chance Saltzman articles. If I may ask, do you think you could try practising this on other recent four-star Air Force officers like David L. Goldfein? I've tried my hand at this but you seem to be quicker than I am. I tend to spend hours agonising over wording. SuperWIKI (talk) 15:59, 17 September 2022 (UTC)

Thanks. I'm refining the bios of USSF GO bios, including Hyten, which I'll probably do next. I may do Goldfein, but USSF would come first because that's where my attention is most of the time. Refining these articles usually depends on my time and motivation, so it's usually spur of the moment--I have unfinished work on Raymond and Hyten. KingEdinburgh (talk) 16:21, 17 September 2022 (UTC)

Sergeant Major assignments

I just discovered a Pandora's Box of SGM assignments! From the Sergeant's Major Association of Southwest Oklahoma. SuperWIKI (talk) 07:27, 19 September 2022 (UTC)

And a load of high-quality portraits too! KingEdinburgh (talk) 07:44, 19 September 2022 (UTC)
Please note, I'm also on an upload spree at the moment from that page. Don't want any conflicting uploads. SuperWIKI (talk) 08:10, 19 September 2022 (UTC)
I've collected quite a few portraits (including from Wayback) outside the above page since yesterday of two-star Command Sergeants Major for uploading later on. Will be adding portraits from that link as well. Here's the names you should steer clear of if you see them, so we don't have upload conflicts:
  • Rease W. Teakell
  • Bradford L. Smith
  • Jimmy J. Sellers
  • Daniel F. Benedict
  • Donald W. Ferguson
  • Eric S. Bohannon
  • Jason L. Gusman
  • Kendra M. St. Helen
  • Kenneth R. Franco
  • Kristie L. Brady
  • Randolph Delapena
  • Wardell Jefferson SuperWIKI (talk) 08:18, 19 September 2022 (UTC)

7/9/22 updates

@SuperWIKI

-I'm almost certain LTG Rainey is going to Futures Command. -Between MG Donovan and MG Glynn (who are both special operations qualified), one is probably getting DC, Manpower and Reserve affairs; the other is probably getting Vice Commander, USSOCOM. All previous holders of Vice Commander, USSOCOM have been from the Air Force, but given that there is now a position called Assistant Vice Commander that is held by an air Force officer (Brig Gen Thomas Palenske), as well as the fact the Marine Corps currently has no representation at SOCOM HQ, I think that streak will end. EPMen (talk) 13:44, 7 September 2022 (UTC)

Well, that's interesting. Who's replacing Rainey at G-3/5/7, you reckon? SuperWIKI (talk) 13:48, 7 September 2022 (UTC)
That's a hard one to guess. Maybe LTG White? No indication yet of him retiring. Among 3-stars, other possibilities besides him could be LTG Kolasheski or LTG Burleson. Can't think of any obvious 2-stars as I wouldn't expect any 2-star who hasn't been a division commander to be promoted straight to Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7. And there aren't any former division commanders that are still 2-stars and don't have another pending assignment. Maybe they would leave the position vacant and promote someone in the spring when a bunch of division commanders are scheduled to rotate out. EPMen (talk) 16:00, 7 September 2022 (UTC)
Was right on Donovan and Glynn and see that you added them, but it turns out that they were NOT "In Transit": https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3153291/general-officer-announcements/ @SuperWIKI EPMen (talk) 17:28, 9 September 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: Sorry, bit off my game today since I've been following the death of HM The Queen from last night. God save the new King, Charles III! SuperWIKI (talk) 17:39, 9 September 2022 (UTC)
got it EPMen (talk) 20:13, 9 September 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKIDidn't even realize that MG Matlcok was renominated. DCS G-3/5/7 will almost certainly go to him. EPMen (talk) 23:40, 19 September 2022 (UTC)

Your draft article, Draft:1st Range Operations Squadron

Hello, KingEdinburgh. It has been over six months since you last edited the Articles for Creation submission or Draft page you started, "1st Range Operations Squadron".

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Thanks for your submission to Wikipedia, and happy editing. Liz Read! Talk! 08:40, 12 October 2022 (UTC)

Your draft article, Draft:2nd Range Operations Squadron

Hello, KingEdinburgh. It has been over six months since you last edited the Articles for Creation submission or Draft page you started, "2nd Range Operations Squadron".

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Thanks for your submission to Wikipedia, and happy editing. Liz Read! Talk! 06:24, 19 October 2022 (UTC)

NDAA 2023

10 days ago, the Senate just attached a handful of amendments to the House's version of the NDAA 2023. There is a good chance for that version to be adopted. Neovu79 (talk) 22:14, 21 October 2022 (UTC)

Saltzman

May I have assurance that you will be active at 10:20AM EDT to update Saltzman's info everywhere that is immediately relevant on Wikipedia? The fact that it may not be updated at a time I'm already asleep and not in control of the process is honestly stressing me out more than it should.

I've done all the hidden template edits already and to Deputy Chief of Space Operations, hopefully that's alright with you. Need assurance on this as well and how I should approach this problem going forward. SuperWIKI (talk) 05:20, 2 November 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI: Yeah, I'll be watching the ceremony. My editing focus is primarily Space Force, so I wouldn't miss this. I'll be active to edit at that time, thanks. KingEdinburgh (talk) 05:36, 2 November 2022 (UTC)

John W. Raymond

Just a note that several references in the current John W. Raymond articles are unfilled or contain errors. Before proposing it for GA status (depending on whether you're using the actual page or your sandbox), please remember to rectify those refs. For some reason, some of the links don't work on my end, so I can't add accurate titles to those refs.

Have a good day, and awaiting the advent of CSO Saltzman! SuperWIKI (talk) 03:42, 2 November 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI: Yes will be getting on that soon. Thanks! Have a good day, too. The day has finally come for a new CSO. I really thought Raymond would still be CSO for another year, but knowing that the initial plan was to stand up a Space Corps in the Space Force, I think he didn't expect to be CSO. Excited for the Space Force, especially now that they're standing up component commands to geographic unified combatant commands. KingEdinburgh (talk) 05:42, 2 November 2022 (UTC)

Bythewood now commander

Bythewood now commander at JTF-SD. James in transit. James, Bythewood, and Space generals list need updating. SuperWIKI (talk) 04:25, 5 November 2022 (UTC)

 Done. James is not in transit though. KingEdinburgh (talk) 04:57, 5 November 2022 (UTC)

Brig Gen Devin Pepper

He changes jobs this week to be SpOC DCG-O Dschiess (talk) 14:44, 30 October 2022 (UTC)

@Dschiess: Thanks! Have added his new assignment to the pending assignment section. KingEdinburgh (talk) 15:05, 30 October 2022 (UTC)

By virtue of position the CSO is always the highest ranking 4-star. He should be #1 and Thompson should be #2. Dschiess (talk) 03:28, 7 November 2022 (UTC)

United States Air Force enlisted rank insignia

KingEdinburgh, SuperWIKI, EPMen, Garuda28 and Morinao: Any of you have the time to help fix the Timeline of changes section of the United States Air Force enlisted rank insignia? The new Special grade threw it off completely. Neovu79 (talk) 01:01, 25 November 2022 (UTC)

At the moment I'm handling my school's year-end concert, so I will be occupied for the next few days. Most likely won't be handling code-heavy tasks for now. SuperWIKI (talk) 01:17, 25 November 2022 (UTC)
I should be able to fix this, no problem. Garuda28 (talk) 02:20, 25 November 2022 (UTC)
@Neovu79: done! Only change that needs to be made now is File:E9d USAF CMSAF old.svg needs to be converted to the proper color palette. Sadly I don't have the skills for that. Garuda28 (talk) 02:36, 25 November 2022 (UTC)
I see it's taken care of. But FYI, @Neovu79, I honestly don't pay much attention to the Command Senior Enlisted position, only to the Officer positions (and even then, only the active-duty line officers). EPMen (talk) 04:18, 25 November 2022 (UTC)

Navy's Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Insignia

KingEdinburgh, SuperWIKI, EPMen, and Morinao: Have you guys seen the pending new insignia for the Navy's version of the SEAC? For the Navy kakki's wear , but are they going to try to shove a fourth star underneath the other three? I can see them replacing the "USN" for "SEAC" but I doubt the Navy would do that, since keeping it as "USN" was only further the Navy's representation. It also leads me to believe that the next SEAC will be from the Navy. Neovu79 (talk) 18:05, 24 November 2022 (UTC)

It looks like the Space Force SEAC emblems are being released as well. @Skjoldbro: is this something you could make? (https://www.shopmyexchange.com/space-force-seac-e-9-embroidered-jacket-slip-on-gore-tex-ocp/) Garuda28 (talk) 23:53, 24 November 2022 (UTC)
That's a dead link Garuda28. Neovu79 (talk) 00:55, 25 November 2022 (UTC)
My bad. Here's it from another website (https://www.vanguardmil.com/products/space-force-gortex-rank-senior-enlisted-advisor-to-the-chairman-ocp-jacket-tab-new) Garuda28 (talk) 01:05, 25 November 2022 (UTC)
Looks promising. As long as it comes from a reliable news site or from the U.S. government, we should add it. But for now, since I can't currently find an article showing this insignia, I think we should leave it off the SEAC article. Neovu79 (talk) 01:10, 25 November 2022 (UTC)
shopmyexchange.com is the website for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Vanguard is the primary manufacturer for U.S. military badges/insignia. I personally think that gives it the same level of standing for confirmation. Garuda28 (talk) 02:19, 25 November 2022 (UTC)
I feel like adding anything that isn't explicitly announced by news or USGOV is WP:CRYSTALBALL, this includes adding images of not yet approved ranks. Skjoldbro (talk) 14:05, 25 November 2022 (UTC)

Seip portrait

Could you rename your Seip portrait upload to Lt Gen Norman R. Seip (2).jpg? I just found and uploaded an earlier Lt Gen portrait of him. SuperWIKI (talk) 12:44, 26 November 2022 (UTC)

Utterback portrait

Could you rename your Utterback portrait upload to Lt Gen Loyd S. Utterback (2).jpg? Same reason as above. SuperWIKI (talk) 08:36, 28 November 2022 (UTC)

Same for this one to Lt Gen Daniel J. Darnell (2).jpg.

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Timelines

Intend to try applying the timeline changes you made to other four-star lists. How does that decimal system work? FYI, can't make head or tail of the syntax page. SuperWIKI (talk) 13:35, 4 December 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI: You just have to divide the day by the number of days in that year. But maybe it would be better to use the dd/mm/yyyy format. KingEdinburgh (talk) 13:46, 4 December 2022 (UTC)

That would be okay for four-star lists. The three-star ones (if I do them), absolutely not. Quite a few do not have sourced dates of rank, hence the use of their Senate confirmation dates. The dd/mm/yy format would be hellish to update if the DORs do become available later on. Do you have an example of the division? SuperWIKI (talk) 13:49, 4 December 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI: Raymond became CSO 20 December, so that would be 354/365=0.97. Alternatively, if you only have the month, you can use 11/12 if that officer was promoted in November. KingEdinburgh (talk) 13:56, 4 December 2022 (UTC)
2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024, 2028, 2032, 2036, 2040, 2044, and 2048 are leap years with an extra day, so that has to be taken into account too. SuperWIKI (talk) 14:26, 4 December 2022 (UTC)
@KingEdinburgh: I found something that could be useful. If you enclose the timeline with {{#tag:timeline|}} instead of <timeline></timeline>, you can use the template {{#time:d/m/Y|-5 hours}} which pegs $now to the current date, so updates don't have to be done annually. The -5 hours at the end is optional (follows the GMT timezone system) but I used it because it's the zone Washington, D.C. uses. For timelines using yyyy format (year only), like the broad four-star timelines (adding exact dates are visually meaningless as the timelines cover such broad periods), substitute {{CURRENTYEAR}}. SuperWIKI (talk) 01:04, 5 December 2022 (UTC)
Nice! Would make things more accurate and easier. KingEdinburgh (talk) 10:41, 5 December 2022 (UTC)

New info on CENTCOM J5

I was bold enough and reached out to CENTCOM and they told me via e-mail that the current J5 is MG Sean Salene. His LinkedIn confirms it. I had incorrectly guessed that it was MG Roger Turner. I wonder if Turner has Salene's old job as [Director, Strategy and Plans Division, DC, PP&O]. @KingEdinburgh@SuperWIKI EPMen (talk) 18:15, 20 December 2022 (UTC)

Thanks so much, lucky you! They never answer my emails for official portraits and images. SuperWIKI (talk) 06:51, 21 December 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI, I wonder if it's because they can tell that e-mails from you come from a server outside the United States.
Also, for the Air Force, Wright and Lasica have been promoted:
Lasica (https://asbarez.com/american-general-meets-defense-minister-opens-u-s-funded-training-center/)
Wright (https://www.npr.org/2022/12/23/1145170908/since-1955-the-north-american-aerospace-defense-command-has-tracked-santa) EPMen (talk) 19:15, 23 December 2022 (UTC)

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Nomination speculation 2022 Q4 (group all speculation here for rest of 2022)

22/9/2022 nomination

I have never seen a nomination where the joint deck is so stacked against the nominee, RADM Alvin Holsey. With the exception of the Assistant to the CJCS (held by definitely-retiring 63-year old Colin J. Kilrain), the rest are held by new appointees (promoted or reassigned) or otherwise unlikely given that Holsey is an aviator with largely PACOM-Europe and personnel/ops staff experience (Deputy, SPACECOM [space/missileer]; advisor to the DNI [intelligence]).

Highly (correction, absolutely) likely, aside from ACJCS, that Holsey's getting a Navy position. Top of my list is Commander, Naval Air Forces with Deputy N4 (Fleet Readiness and Logistics) as a weak second. SuperWIKI (talk) 07:46, 23 September 2022 (UTC)

Update: I'm a frick-fracking idiot. SuperWIKI (talk) 07:56, 25 September 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI You're not an idiot. Lt. General Croft has been in his role less than two years, so it was not on anyone's radar that he would be leaving his role at SOUTHCOM. EPMen (talk) 21:49, 27 September 2022 (UTC)


possible new 2,3 or, 4-star position

According to the New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/29/us/politics/pentagon-command-ukraine.html), "The Pentagon is preparing to overhaul how the United States and its allies train and equip the Ukrainian military, reflecting what officials say is the Biden administration’s long-term commitment to support Ukraine in its war with Russia. The proposal would streamline a training and assistance system that was created on the fly after the Russian invasion in February. The system would be placed under a single new command based in Germany that would be led by a high-ranking U.S. general, according to several military and administration officials." "Lt. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue, who commanded the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan in August 2021, has coordinated much of the U.S. military assistance to Ukraine from behind the scenes over the past several months. From his forward headquarters in Wiesbaden, General Donahue, a former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division who now leads the Army’s 18th Airborne Corps, has helped oversee training, talking to Ukrainian generals about their battlefield needs and drawing on his Special Operations background to advise his Ukrainian counterparts.But General Donahue and his command staff, who have been deployed to Poland and Germany since the early days of the war, are scheduled to return to their main headquarters at Fort Bragg, N.C., in the next month, Defense Department officials said."

I bet it would probably be a 3-star position. Almost certainly not a 4-star. MAYBE a 2-star, but likely 3-star. And probably Army. Among 3-stars, Kolasheski could be a candidate. Among 2-stars, although they were just assigned to their roles, due to the mission of Security Force Assistance Command, it could be MG Donn Hill or former SFAC Commander (and current SOUTHCOM Chief of Staff) MG Scott Jackson. My final guess is MG Stephen Maranian, as he heads the 56th Artillery Command in Europe.

Any thoughts? SuperWIKI KingEdinburgh — Preceding unsigned comment added by EPMen (talk • contribs) 15:29, 30 September 2022 (UTC)

Upon thinking about it more, I actually think it could be someone from any branch (other than the Space Force). From the Air Force, Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne and Lt. Gen. Randall Reed are both logistics officers who have a lot of experience in the European theater. I would think Lt. Gen. Lamontagne is more likely since he is already stationed in Europe, while Reed is at Scott AFB, and just returned from several years of being overseas. If it were to be a Navy person, it would almost certainly be RADM Wettlaufer. Not only is he commander of Military Sealift Command (the Navy's TRANSCOM component), he also served as Deputy J-5/8 at EUCOM. Finally, if it were to be a Marine, it would be MG Tracy King. Not only does he command Marine forces in Europe and Africa, he is a logistics officer by training. EPMen (talk) 16:36, 30 September 2022 (UTC)
Forgot to ask @Neovu79. Do you have any thoughts on the matter? EPMen (talk) 02:54, 1 October 2022 (UTC)
Having a three or a four-star leading the training of Ukraine forces would be overkill, especially since the U.S. and the rest of NATO, wants to avoid a war with Russia. Look for a two-star working under either/or/both JSOC and USEURCOM. Neovu79 (talk) 03:18, 1 October 2022 (UTC)
Definitely won't be a 4-star, but I wouldn't completely rule out a 3-star. EPMen (talk) 13:14, 1 October 2022 (UTC)

@EPMen: Yeah I think it would be a three star too, and that the officer would likely come from the Army. KingEdinburgh (talk) 02:51, 1 October 2022 (UTC)

Now I wonder if it will be a combat forces officer or a logistics, officer. You could make an argument for both. EPMen (talk) 02:53, 1 October 2022 (UTC)
UPDATE: It WILL be an Army officer (https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2022-09-30/eucom-army-ukraine-germany-7520540.html). And I think it will be MG Maranian for several reasons:
1. He is already based out of the USAREUR-AF's HQ in Wiesbaden.
2. He is an artillery officer, and artillery is the main weapon in the Ukrainian arsenal.
3. He has lots of leadership experience in roles that involve training and education (Commandant, United States Army Field Artillery School; Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Combined Arms Center/Provost, Army University/Deputy Commandant, United States Army Command and General Staff College; Commandant, United States Army War College)
4. His DOR is 12/19, so he's been a 2-star more than long enough to be promoted to 3-star. EPMen (talk) 03:13, 1 October 2022 (UTC)
Sorry, was busy earlier. This rise is quite a surprise for me, since Maranian just got off a misconduct investigation. SuperWIKI (talk) 03:28, 1 October 2022 (UTC)
He did? Totally forgot about that. EPMen (talk) 13:06, 1 October 2022 (UTC)
Aguto will serve as its commander, based on his relinquished ceremony. KingEdinburgh (talk) 04:57, 3 December 2022 (UTC)
So we were wrong about him getting Director of the Army Staff. @SuperWIKI EPMen (talk) 17:46, 3 December 2022 (UTC)

Senior enlisted leader speculation (2023)

2023 draws ever closer, and with it the expiry date of the Senior Advisor to the Chairman and Sergeants Major of the Army and Marine Corps, whose terms began in 2019. SMA Michael A. Grinston and SMMC Troy E. Black will be out (or SEAC) come Q3 2023 and SEAC Ramon Colon-Lopez will be out come Q4 2023. Who do you think will the top contenders for each post? SuperWIKI (talk) 11:30, 1 October 2022 (UTC)

Comment: So here's my opinion:
  • SEAC: Last two holders were either CSELS for a combatant command or US Forces Korea. Deferring to KingEdinburgh's assessment here.
  • SMA: Likely to be a current SEL of a four-star Army command. Given that an SEA formerly from FORSCOM and TRADOC have held office recently (Grinston and Dailey), I'd go with CSM Delgado from AMC. Already at AMC two years (three by 2023), has logistics and special ops experience in Afghanistan and Europe. Package already there.
    • Bonus: For a three-star SMA deep-select, CSM Schmidt is the Sergeant Major Academy Enlisted Commandant like SMA Chandler was. However, the SMA gig probably tips in favour of whoever was an SEA to the future CSA. So GEN Daly becoming CSA tips the scales heavily towards Delgado who served under Daly for most of his term. Don't see Schmidt winning out heavily in this regard. SGM Pouliot, currently advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for AL&T may have the same shot that SEAC Lopez had.
  • SMMC: Either a current SEA/SEL to a Deputy Commandant or MEF. Harder. SgtMaj Travis from II MEF and SgtMaj Siaw from I MEF (I MEF SgtMajs are oddly magnets for the SMMC position). As a darkhorse, I'll throw in SgtMaj Elliott from MARFOREUR/AF. SuperWIKI (talk) 11:44, 1 October 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI: SMA Grinston could be the next SEAC. If the next CJCS will be AF, then the SEAC could come from the Army for service parity. Also, Grinston is pretty popular among service members for being easy to reach. But as you know, in the end, it could be someone who we least expect. KingEdinburgh (talk) 11:46, 1 October 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen and Neovu79: Your thoughts? SuperWIKI (talk) 12:13, 1 October 2022 (UTC)
I actually don't really follow the Senior enlisted positions like I do General officers. But I will add that I would be extremely shocked if GEN Daly becomes CSA. Don't think a non combat-arms officer has ever been a CSA. Hard to imagine a logistics officer ever being a service chief. EPMen (talk) 13:31, 1 October 2022 (UTC)

Crosland update

Life loves to mess with me. So Crosland's not going to be Surgeon General; she's succeeding LTG Place as Director, Defense Health Agency. Whatever area Congress.gov said she was nominated to be Surgeon General was wrong. SuperWIKI (talk) 14:23, 9 October 2022 (UTC)

(12/10/2022) nominations

@SuperWIKI @KingEdinburgh Burt definitely getting Saltzman's current role.

Bussiere definitely getting Air Force Global Strike Command. However, I do find it interesting since unless Weatherington gets reassigned (there is a chance that Dawkins retires and Weatherington moves to the A10 role on the Air Staff), both the Commander and Deputy Commander of AFGSC will be bomber pilots. Traditionally, one of them is a bomber pilot and the other is a missile systems operator. Obviously Maj Gen Lutton would be the obvious pick to be Deputy if Weatherington gets reassigned. But below Lutton is where the vacuum lies. Only 4 active-duty Brigadier Generals (not including Reserve) in the Air Force who are missile systems operators (Brig. Gen. Peter Bonetti, Brig. Gen. Colin Connor, Brig. Gen. Glenn Harris, and Brig. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser). Brig. Gen. Connor would be the most likely candidate to be promoted to 2-star, having been in the rank the longest. But it does make wonder if the entire 20th Air Force will eventually become part of the Space Force. Any thoughts on that? @Neovu79 EPMen (talk) 04:46, 12 October 2022 (UTC)

On Burt, for certain. That'll probably only happen when there's a confirmed date for Saltzman to take the helm as CSO, unless they're willing to leave an acting general or civilian in place for a month or so. SuperWIKI (talk) 04:48, 12 October 2022 (UTC)
@EPMen: Burt's and Bussiere's nominations definitely a no-brainer. Burt left CFSCC two months ago to take a "senior post at Space Force headquarters at the Pentagon". I agree that Lutton would probably be nominated as deputy commander of AFGSC, but I still doubt 20 AF transferring to the Space Force. It was transferred in 2009 from AFSPC for a reason, and already Gen Raymond and Gen Thompson have slowly shed away from their missileer legacy about a year ago by not wearing their missile operations occupational badge. Lt Gen Saltzman still uses it, but I doubt the USAF would give away one part of the nuclear triad to a fledgling branch--at least in the next decade. KingEdinburgh (talk) 05:27, 12 October 2022 (UTC)

5/11/2022 space update

@EPMen: We have word on a new Space-based three-star command, the Combined Joint Task Force - Space Operations. Any ideas on who could be commander, dual hatting of existing three-stars included? Haven't seen any official assignment of one yet. SuperWIKI (talk) 05:18, 5 November 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI: It will be dual-hatted by the SpOC commander: [2] [3]. KingEdinburgh (talk) 05:27, 5 November 2022 (UTC)
@SuperWIKI@KingEdinburghI personally think it's a duplication of resources to have both a US Space Command and a US Space Force. It sounds no different than having a US Maritime Command in addition to the US Navy/ US Air Command in addition to the US Air Force/ US Land Command in addition to the US Army. EPMen (talk) 13:53, 5 November 2022 (UTC)


17/11/2022 & 18/11/2022 nominations

Three-star nominations

New set of nominations.

1) PN 2715 - LTG Aguto is going to succeed Piatt as director of the Army Staff. Almost certain. All the mainstream positions (Aguto is an armor officer with cavalry and infantry experience) are of new (since 2021) appointees except for Eighth Army and DAS. Aguto is certainly not succeeding Burleson with his lack of general officer assignments in the Pacific, plus moving an officer from a field army position to another field army position is pretty sleazy. Assistant to the CJCS is an outside possibility. I'm calling it. PN2736 - MG Mohan is highly likely to succeed the now-retired LTG Walker as Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command. SuperWIKI (talk) 01:58, 17 November 2022 (UTC)

@SuperWIKI I didn't see this nominations till a little later than usual. 100% MG Mohan becomes Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command. 99% LTG Aguto replaces LTG Piatt. Now the guessing game shifts to who will replace LTG Aguto at First Army. Every First Army Commanding General since at least 2011 was a former division commander. Unless they plan to wait till the Spring to fill it with a current division commander, I imagine it will be a former division commander who is still a 2-star. There are three officers who fit that criteria: MG Broadwater, MG McFarlane, and MG Mennes. MG Broadwater will probably never get promoted because of the Guillen scandal and MG McFarlane assumed his current position too recently. So that leaves MG Mennes. He had previously been nominated for promotion last year, but his nomination expired. But he could be renominated, which happened with Matlock.
For the Navy, Wade almost certainly staying put. Deputy Commander, US Fleet Forces Command is probably the next most likely, as while VADM Kilby has only been in that position for a little over a year, he's been in the 3-star grade for three years.
For the Air Force, Lt Gen Slife becoming Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations didn't particularly surprise me, but now it makes we wonder if Maj Gen Corcoran will be retiring, as Maj Gen David Harris is serving in Corcoran's old role while Corcoran served as Acting Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. EPMen (talk) 04:20, 17 November 2022 (UTC)

2) PN2726 - RADM Wade may be staying in place, with JTF Red Hill soon to become a three-star command. I haven't seen any evidence of that yet, so it's a wild guess for me. Otherwise, some other guesses include DCNO N9 (the past officeholders have some operations (N3) background at some point, including VADM Black), Commander, Naval Surface Forces and an early turnover for Deputy Commander, Fleet Forces Command. SuperWIKI (talk) 01:58, 17 November 2022 (UTC)

3) PN2712 - Lt Gen Slife is probably getting Deputy Commander, U.S. Africa Command. JCS or Assistant to the Chairman of the JCS is out, as Slife has never had a tour on the Joint Staff. Fits too given that the current officeholder, Lt Gen Smith has a special operations command. There's an outside chance at DCS A3. PN2711 - Maj Gen Nordhaus is getting First Air Force. If he were getting Director, Air National Guard or Vice Chief, NGB, the nomination would have mentioned that specifically. SuperWIKI (talk) 02:16, 17 November 2022 (UTC)

Thoughts? SuperWIKI (talk) 02:16, 17 November 2022 (UTC)

Two-star nominations

The nominations to brigadier general and major general (except the Marine Corps) are for the National Guard. These two slates are the most significant, given that they cover all the current state adjutants general who hold the state (local) rank of major general. These nominations are the biggest pain for me to log, because they announce 35-40+ nominations to major general alone at least once a year.

Aside from @EPMen: and KingEdinburgh, @Morinao:, why does the National Guard regularly release slates of 35-40 nominations for [the federal rank of] major general (presumably more for brigadier general) with two-thirds of them never actually getting promoted, even after confirmation? I have backlogs down through 2019 in my National Guard major generals list. I'm assuming that in most cases, the promotion channel is Officer to be promoted > State NG promotions department > State adjutant general > State governor > NGB chief > Secretary of defense > President (with Senate confirmation). SuperWIKI (talk) 01:11, 17 November 2022 (UTC)

8/12/2022 nomination

Calling it. Army Materiel Command. SuperWIKI (talk) 06:31, 8 December 2022 (UTC)

Comment: The fact that Hamilton's career was potentially accelerated due to his former boss's suspension and removal is quite striking. Not to mention promotion to general after less than a year. SuperWIKI (talk) 06:44, 8 December 2022 (UTC)
Very much a shock. Didn't think GEN Daly would retire till the summer. But I do now wonder if it means MG Mohan could instead be getting Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4 and not Deputy Commanding General, US Army Materiel Command. MG Michel Russell will probably get whichever position MG Mohan doesn't get. MG Hoyle is another possibility, but doubt she'll be promoted again this soon. Despite having been a 2-star since 2/2021, she's still very young for a 2-star (50). EPMen (talk) 03:33, 9 December 2022 (UTC)
Oh, Mohan's already at AMC as deputy commanding general. Agree with the other points. Daly could still retire next summer, with a long gap between Hamilton's confirmation and promotion-assumption of command. SuperWIKI (talk) 04:04, 9 December 2022 (UTC)
Well, she is! SuperWIKI (talk) 15:26, 28 January 2023 (UTC)
Was out of town with intermittent internet access when I saw this. @SuperWIKI EPMen (talk) 22:58, 29 January 2023 (UTC)

Serious topic

So sorry to bother you KingEdinburgh, but could I talk to you about something? SuperWIKI (talk) 12:08, 1 February 2023 (UTC)

May I know what about? KingEdinburgh (talk) 12:29, 1 February 2023 (UTC)
I'll explain later. But firstly, do you think I'm "dominating" U.S. military pages and stifling other users? SuperWIKI (talk) 22:14, 1 February 2023 (UTC)
A personal attack was directed at me by a potential sock account because I reverted their edit. I was suspicious of them being a sock because their edits were very similar to a string sock account. They subsequently directed personal attacks and slurs at me and said I was trying to dominate this area of Wikipedia. See here and here. I just feel incredibly hurt about this I don't know who to talk to that would understand the situation. SuperWIKI (talk) 08:40, 2 February 2023 (UTC)

I don't know the process of fighting sockpuppets so I would suggest contacting another editor re this. But if you suspect them to be a sockpuppet, do report them. On the slurs, I would just disregard the personal attacks. KingEdinburgh (talk) 12:36, 3 February 2023 (UTC)

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