Collapsing the Military Rank Structure

by Cameron Schaefer on November 30, 2011

Posted this on a Facebook thread last week and wanted to add it here to solicit feedback:

Here’s what I think we should do to the AF rank structure:
1) Merge 2nd and 1st Lieutenant into Lieutenant
2) Merge LtCol and Colonel into Colonel with squadron command positions going to senior Majors
3) only 2 types of General instead of 4

Each level of hierarchy removed helps for more accurate information as it travels to decision makers…less opportunities for rank-intimidation/posturing to obscure the message

Chuck Spinney added the following which also would be a huge step forward in the right direction:

“…also make it illegal to go thru revolving door after retirement, especially for ranks Col and above under your new scheme”

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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

J. Scott Shipman November 30, 2011 at 6:29 am

Hi Cam,

Concur with Chuck’s observations. Double-dipping should be illegal. We have too many senior officers who cannot get promoted in the military, create a civil service job, retire and draw two gov’t paychecks. Too much inbreeding.

Agree with you on too many levels of hierarchy. Did you know a modern Western Division commander has a staff of around 600 people? Yeah. We can and must do better. Right now the navy has more admirals than ships.

Cordially, JSS

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