User talk:EPMen

List of female United States military generals and flag officers
I noticed that you added several entries to this page, and while I wanted to thank you for your efforts, you should know that some of these entries might be removed. Some of the officers on this list already have their own article (eg: Jane Doe), while others that don't have an article, at least have a source attached (eg: Jane Doe[1]). If a page name is linked, the hope is that it will at some point become an article. In the meantime, at least it is supported content (with a source that will very likely be used in any eventual article).

However, some of these entries are not supported (eg: Jane Doe[citation needed]) and could be removed by any user at any point. As for me, I won't be removing them right away. The hope is, that you, or someone else, will find and add sources for them. Thanks again for your contributions. - wolf  04:19, 14 December 2020 (UTC)


 * Added note; when adding tags, you can also add the date if you like, but they will otherwise be automatically dated by a bot. When you add a source, you can usually removed the "citation needed" tag. -  wolf  04:33, 14 December 2020 (UTC)

RADM Thomas Ishee
Any thoughts on what position RADM Ishee is being nominated for? SuperWIKI (talk) 13:02, 20 May 2022 (UTC)


 * He could be getting N9 if Conn gets promoted/ reassigned. EPMen (talk) 13:12, 20 May 2022 (UTC)
 * Now that I've looked at his bio again (instead of just skimming), I think Sixth Fleet is a possibility for him too. He served in the triple-hatted role of Director of Operations US Naval Forces Europe-Africa/Deputy Commander, US 6th Fleet/ Commander, Submarine Group 8. But there hasn't been a submariner Commander of Sixth Fleet since the 90s. And with Deputy Commander being designated as a submariner position by default, not sure if they'd want both Commander and Deputy to be submariners. EPMen (talk) 13:20, 20 May 2022 (UTC)

Assistance needed with counting
Frankly, I'm terrible at Mathematics. Could you help count the number of generals in this list, and update this section of the lead accordingly?

A few notes:
 * "ROTC at a civilian university" are marked (ROTC) in the "Year commissioned section".
 * "ROTC at a senior military college" are marked (Citadel), (VMI), (Norwich) and (NGC).
 * "ROTC at a military junior college" are marked (VFMAC) and (WMA). SuperWIKI (talk) 03:15, 23 May 2022 (UTC)


 * don't see a link to the list. EPMen (talk) 03:16, 23 May 2022 (UTC)
 * Oh, sorry. List of United States Army lieutenant generals from 2010 to 2019. I might send more, but probably later on. SuperWIKI (talk) 04:04, 23 May 2022 (UTC)
 * I'm honestly not great at math either. Have you used the search bar (control f) to count for each? That's what I would do. EPMen (talk) 04:24, 23 May 2022 (UTC)
 * I did use Control F. Every time I got a different number. SuperWIKI (talk) 04:37, 23 May 2022 (UTC)
 * That's weird. I'll try to get it on it in the morning, as it's 00:42 where I live. EPMen (talk) 04:42, 23 May 2022 (UTC)
 * All the code in the list may have confused me as well, I don't trust my own judgement on this. Thanks! SuperWIKI (talk) 05:14, 23 May 2022 (UTC)

Old Goat
ADM Lescher's retiring, and ADM Franchetti is now VCNO. Lescher will relinquish his Old Goat title to the next longest-serving USNA alumnus on active duty. Question is: who is that? SuperWIKI (talk) 16:45, 2 September 2022 (UTC)


 * It's Caldwell. I saw a post somewhere but can't remember where. EPMen (talk) 16:47, 2 September 2022 (UTC)
 * it's on the Naval Academy's LinkedIn page. EPMen (talk) 16:50, 2 September 2022 (UTC)

Too late to matter
GOMO releases their new assignment list for October after skipping September.... by the time it doesn't even matter. The relevant officers for my list have already taken office long before this was released. SuperWIKI (talk) 00:16, 4 November 2022 (UTC)


 * Publicly releasing that info is probably a low priority. At least they're better than Marine Corps. We almost never publicly hear about movement among Marine Corps 1 and 2 stars until it happens (for example, MG Roger Turner is most likely the CENTCOM J5, but only based on process of elimination). EPMen (talk) 00:23, 4 November 2022 (UTC)

2023 4-star vacancy speculation
Now that it's 2023 and the 118th Congress starts this week I wanted to speculate on which 4-star officers will be retiring in 2023. For 4-stars, I will speculate on replacements. I will do another post on 3-star speculation but I will not speculate on replacements for 3-stars (with a few exceptions) until their retirement is confirmed. Some of these have been discussed before but there should now be more clarity given that it's a new year. @SuperWIKI@KingEdinburgh@Neovu79

JOINT 4-star

-CJCS: GEN Milley is definitely retiring around November 2023. Would be shocked if anyone other than Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown gets CJCS. The Air Force is overdue to have a CJCS. Definitely won't be GEN McConville or GEN Berger. Gen. Saltzman is too young (although he could maybe get CJCS after Gen. CQ Brown) and ADM Gilday may have an outside chance, but Gen. CQ Brown is the clear favorite.
 * Gilday has near-zero chance. (2) states that the chairman and vice chairman may not be from the same service, unless ADM Grady retires early for a non-Navy VJCS. SuperWIKI (talk) 02:23, 3 January 2023 (UTC)


 * Forgot about that. But he definitely has the qualifications. EPMen (talk) 02:24, 3 January 2023 (UTC)
 * @SuperWIKI @KingEdinburgh @Neovu79
 * New Wall Street Journal article on contenders to replace GEN Milley. Obviously Gen. CQ Brown is included. Surprised that GEN Berger and GEN Nakasone are mentioned as contenders, especially considering Berger just turned 63. Considering that no Air Force officer has held the role since 2005, I'd still be surprised if anyone other than Gen. Brown gets it. The author doesn't seem to know that it is actually against US Code for the CJCS and the VCJCS to come from the same service.
 * https://archive.md/Qsqvm EPMen (talk) 17:06, 19 January 2023 (UTC)
 * I wouldn't be too sure about that. "It is unknown if the Navy has nominated a candidate. Navy Adm. Chris Grady is currently the Joint Chiefs’ vice chairman, rendering it unlikely that the Navy’s pick would get a nod, as that would have two naval officers overseeing the Joint Staff." What I think they actually overlooked is that the VJCS, by statute, cannot become Chairman. SuperWIKI (talk) 22:20, 19 January 2023 (UTC)
 * @SuperWIKI Are you sure they couldn't even with a waiver? I doubt ADM Grady would retire early especially considering he started a bit late as there was a gap between between Gen. Hyten's retirement and his confirmation. And isn't it in the code that the terms of CJCS and VCJCS are now staggered? If the Navy were to nominate someone, it would be either ADM Gilday or ADM Aquilino (who by the way will become the Old Goat when ADM Caldwell retires). EPMen (talk) 22:36, 19 January 2023 (UTC)
 * Theoretically, yes, a waiver is possible for Grady. Historically however, military waivers for service or age have been for brief transition periods, extremely distinguished individuals and times of national emergency like full war. A waiver would mean unnecessary friction between the President and a highly-polarized Congress (the Reps. did just win the House), since the Senate remains somewhat sour on the Mattis-Austin SecDef waivers it had to approve. Nothing against Grady, but I think another waiver for a Defense Department nominee would reinforce the fact that the Pentagon is deliberately flouting laws in the U.S. Code that Congress passed. Not politically savvy.
 * I also just realised that the article is still technically correct. In the sentence I quoted, even without specifically mentioning the statute that bars the chairman and vice chairman from being in the same service, the result is the same - ADM Grady can't become chairman, any Navy pick (if they pick anyway) will be unlikely pending sudden changes, that happening means two naval officers leading JCS. That's the result of that statute even without its explicit mention. Writers probably thought it would make the article confusing. SuperWIKI (talk) 23:22, 19 January 2023 (UTC)

-CYBERCOM/ NSA: GEN Nakasone is already staying an extra year. I think Lt. Gen. Haugh is the clear frontrunner. LTG Barrett hasn't been in the 3-star rank long enough, nor has Lt. Gen. Kevin Kennedy or VADM Clapperton. Lt. Gen. Mary O'Brien may also be in the mix.

-NORTHCOM/ NORAD: So many possibilities. I think the Navy needs more representation in joint 4-star commands, it could be ADM Paparo (although he's more likely to succeed ADM Aquilino at INDOPACOM in 2024), but the most likely Navy candidate in my opinion is VADM Koehler. Every Navy officer who has held NORTHCOM/ NORAD has been an aviator, though I do think submariner ADM Caudle belongs in the mix too given that he commands the Navy NORTHCOM component. From the Air Force, it could ben Gen. Wilsbach (if he doesn't get CSAF) or Lt. Gen. Nahom (who I think is more likely to get Air Combat Command). Though unlikely, if it were to be someone from the Army, it would most likely be LTG John Evans.

-SPACECOM: I agree that Lt. Gen. John Shaw is the frontrunner, with Lt. Gen. Whiting being the next most likely. Lt. Gen Armagno may have an outside chance. If it were to be someone from outside the Space Force, it would be Army LTG Karbler.

-US Forces Korea: LaCamera may or may not retire in 2023. If he doesn't retire till 2024, I do still expect we will have a nominee to replace him towards the end of the year (as LaCamera was initially nominated late 2020). I don't think there's any way GEN Charles Flynn could be confirmed so GEN Andrew Poppas is probably the frontrunner then. It's never been held by a non-Army officer. If it were to be a current 3-star, it could be LTG Mingus (if he doesn't get another 4-star position) or LTG Burleson (though can't find any record of an Eighth Army Commander being promoted directly).

Army 4-star

-CSA: McConville definitely retiring. GEN Randy George and GEN Andrew Poppas are the most likely successors in my opinion. I give GEN George the slight edge since he wouldn't have to move.

-Materiel Command: We already know it's going to LTG Hamilton.

Navy 4-star

-CNO: ADM Gilday definitely retiring. ADM Franchetti is the frontrunner. CNO and VCNO are not usually from the same communities but both ADM Gilday and ADM Franchetti are surface warfare officers, which makes me think it's part of a succession plan. Doubt it would be ADM Caudle or ADM Paparo. Also doubt another 3-star will be deep selected (like Gilday was).

-VCNO: Since ADM Franchetti is the clear frontrunner, I will also speculate on who could succeed her as VCNO. I think it will be an aviator or naval flight officer, as ADM Paparo and ADM Aquilino are the only current 4-star aviators. VADM Koehler could get VCNO if he doesn't get NORTHCOM/ NORAD. I doubt VADM Joyner would be promoted this soon (as she was promoted from RADM to VADM after only one year). VADM Conn and VADM Hughes on the Navy staff are also possibilities, but VADM Conn is already 60 years old, so I doubt it will be him. As such, I think that VADM Hughes is the next most likely candidate after VADM Koehler. VADM Thomas (a naval flight officer) may have a shot as well, as could VADM Dwyer.

-Pacific Fleet: ADM Paparo will more than likely stay in the role another year, but if he doesn't, VADM Cooper is the favorite, followed by VADM Thomas.


 * @SuperWIKI I totally forgot that ADM Caldwell's 8 year term as Director of Naval Reactors will be ending this year. I'd be shocked if anyone other than VADM Houston gets the gig, as he is 54 years old, which will make him 62 years old at the end of his 8 year term (assuming he doesn't get CNO along the way like ADM Richardson). The other submariner 3-stars are much older:
 * -VADM Correll (58 years old).
 * -VADM Crites (60 years old).
 * -VADM Ishee (57 years old).
 * -VADM Trussler (59 years old). EPMen (talk) 04:23, 7 January 2023 (UTC)

Marine Corps 4-star

-Commandant: GEN Berger definitely retiring. GEN Eric M. Smith is the frontrunner. As I have previously stated, usually the Commandant is infantry and the Assistant Commandant is an aviator. But both are infantry and I don't think they would've done this if he weren't the clear favorite to succeed GEN Berger. If not GEN Eric Smith, it could be LTG George W. Smith Jr., but doubtful.

-Assistant Commandant: We've discussed this before. Will likely either be LTG Heckl (DC, CD&I) or LTG Mahoney (DC, P&R). Both positions have been feeders to Assistant Commandant before, but I give LTG Heckl the edge as both GEN Berger and GEN Eric M. Smith were DC, CD&I before getting promoted. It's been the feeder as of late becase the Marine Corps is undergoing the biggest force re-design in its history. LTG Cederholm (DC, Aviation) hasn't been a 3-star long enough.

Air Force 4-star

-CSAF: Gen. CQ Brown definitely relinquishing. I think Gen. Hecker and Gen. Wilsbach are both possibilities, but Wilsbach is turning 60 this year. Gen. Allvin is also turning 60 and hasn't commanded since 2013 as an O-7. Gen. Van Ovost is also a possibility, but I still doubt it will be a mobility officer. Although given TRANSCOM's role in supporting Ukraine, I won't rule it out either. Gen. VanHerck may have an outside chance (he is a bomber pilot), but he is already 60. Lt. Gen. Schneider being deep-selected is another dark horse scenario I wouldn't rule out.
 * Gen Kelly also has a chance, which you've stated before, though he's under the same age constraints as Wilsbach, waiver notwithstanding. Unlikely Kelly is a contender for VCSAF as that would technically be a downgrade + defy the convention of VCSAF being an entry level four-star position i.e. no one who will likely retire at the end of their tour. SuperWIKI (talk) 15:04, 5 January 2023 (UTC)


 * Overlooked him. Imagine the Armed Services Committee hearings with Senator Mark E. Kelly and Gen. Mark D. Kelly. @SuperWIKI EPMen (talk) 15:25, 5 January 2023 (UTC)

-VCSAF: No guarantees then Gen. Allvin is retiring/ relinquishing, but definitely 2024 if not 2023. Won't speculate on that until we know who is getting CSAF.

-PACAF: Gen. Pleus and Gen. Schneider are the frontrunners. Could easily go either way. Wouldn't completely rule out Lt. Gen. Guillot (Gen. CQ Brown was CENTCOM Deputy before becoming PACAF Commander), who served as PACAF COS and Director of Strategic Plans as an O-7 or Lt. Gen. Nahom (who I think is more likely to get ACC). Lt. Gen. Hinote has an outside chance given his role leading the Air Force's wargaming simulations (against China in many cases) but he hasn't served in the Pacific since 2014 as an O-6.

-ACC: I think it will either be Lt Gen. Nahom or Lt. Gen. Hinote. Both have served on the ACC staff, but I give Lt. Gen. Nahom the slight edge since he recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, which dealt with the long-term program needs of the Air Force.

Space Force 4-star

-VCSO: I'd say Lt. Gen. Armagno and Lt. Gen. Whiting have about an equal chance. Lt. Gen. Guetlein may have an outside chance. EPMen (talk) 20:51, 2 January 2023 (UTC)

2023 3-star vacancy speculation
With a few exceptions, I will merely predict which positions will become open and refrain from speculating on successors until we know there will be a vacancy. These are the few that I will speculate on. @SuperWIKI@KingEdinburgh@Neovu79

Joint 3-star (I will speculate on Defense agency heads and a few other joint advisory positions):

-Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: VADM Kilrain overdue to retire. The primary role of the Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is to serve as the Chairman's liaison to the Secretary of State. As such, all previous holders of this role come with previous experience in advisory roles and/or pol-mil affairs roles and/ or strategic planning roles. Of note, no Marine Corps General has held this role since at least the 1990s (if ever). This one is hard to predict, but I will try. I think Lt. Gen. Caine (who holds the role that VADM Kilrain previously held) is a possibility. Though he is Air National Guard, Kilrain's predecessor as ACJCS was LTG Ricky Waddell of the Army Reserve. From the Army, LTG Kolasheski has experience as a Senior Army Fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations and has several experiences in NATO roles. LTG Fletcher is currently in a NATO role and has also been with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and served as SOUTHCOM J5. And LTG Fenzel currently serves in an advisory role and has also been Military Deputy to the Special Envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation at the State Department. From the Navy, VADM Koehler (who I have speculated about for many 4-star roles) should not be ruled out, as VADM Frank Pandolfe was the Joint Staff's J5 before becoming ACJCS. VADM Cooper has experience working in the White House, and VADM Dwyer has a lot of NATO experience. From the Air Force, Lt. Gen. Rupp has been a Defense Attache in Tel Aviv and was also an Air Force Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. As NDU President, Lt. Gen. Plehn clearly has the qualifications. He also served as Principal Director for Middle East Policy in the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy as an O-7. From the Marine Corps, LTG Bierman served as Deputy Director for Political-Military Affairs for the Middle East on the Joint Staff.

-Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. I believe each branch (not including the Space Force and sometimes not including the Marine Corps) submits their pick for the role before the ultimate person is chosen (https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/01/four-candidates-vie-to-be-militarys-next-spy-chief-160219). I believe the Army's pick will be either LTG Laura Potter, MG William Hartman, MG Michele Bredenkamp, or MG Timothy Brown. The Navy's will be either RADM Studeman or VADM Aeschbach (VADM Trussler may have a slight chance, but he is a career submariner). The Marine Corps's will be either LTG Dimitri Henry or MG William Seely. And the Air Force's will be either Lt. Gen. Lauderback, Maj. Gen. Hensley, or Maj. Gen. Coppinger. LTG Henry is almost 60, but he did serve as Executive Officer to the DIA Director as an O-6, so he might be the favorite.

-Director’s Advisor for Military Affairs, Office of the Director of National Intelligence. I believe it will be the same contenders as DIA Head.

-Director, Defense Contract Management Agency. I also believe each branch will submit their pick. For the Army, MG Anthony Potts. For the Navy, RADM Jim Downey or VADM Chebi. For the Marine Corps, MG Gregory Masiello. For the Air Force, Maj. Gen. Alice Treviño.

-Director, Defense Logistics Agency. For the Army, MG Mark Simerly or MG Michel Russell (I think MG Russell is more likely to succeed LTG Hamilton as Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4). For the Navy, RADM Stamatopoulos. For the Marine Corps, MG Reventlow or MG David Maxwell. For the Air Force, Maj. Gen. Hurry or Maj. Gen. Albert Miller.

-Director, Missile Defense Agency. This one might be the hardest to predict. For the Army, MG Anthony Potts. For the Navy, RADM Douglas Small. For the Air Force, Maj. Gen. Heath Collins. For the Space Force, Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy or Maj. Gen. Steven Whitney.

Army 3-star:

-Director of the Army Staff. Piatt will be retiring Summer 2023 per this article (https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/10/29/walter-piatt-army-capitol-riot-national-guard/). Any current Army 3-star who has commanded a Corps for over a year (LTG Brunson, LTG Burleson, or LTG Kolasheski), LTG John Evans, or even LTG Douglas Sims of the Joint Staff J3 could be in the running. As could any outgoing division commander (MG Charles Costanza, MG David Hodne, MG David Lesperance, MG JP McGee, MG Joseph Ryan, or MG Stephen Smith).

-Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4. I think MG Michel Russell is the frontrunner, as he used to be Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4. MG Hoyle is the next most likely, but she is only 50 years old, so this might not be her time yet.

-Commanding General, First Army. MG Mark Landes is currently serving as acting commander. I don't think he will get the permanent gig. I think it will either be MG Brian Mennes or MG Matthew McFarlane. I'd say MG Mennes is the more likely pick since MG McFarlane will likely be commanding Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve until the summer. EPMen (talk) 23:44, 2 January 2023 (UTC)

Anything for Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force? SuperWIKI (talk) 15:05, 5 January 2023 (UTC)


 * Plenty. Will add which positions later. But none where retirements/ vacanies have officially been announced, so won't speculate on replacements. @SuperWIKI EPMen (talk) 15:24, 5 January 2023 (UTC)
 * Just added them. @SuperWIKI @KingEdinburgh @Neovu79 EPMen (talk) 04:53, 7 January 2023 (UTC)

2023 3-star vacancy predictions (no speculation).
Won't speculate until vacancies are officially announced.

Joint:

-AFRICOM Deputy: Lt. Gen. Kirk Smith has been in the role since 2020.

-SPACECOM Deputy: Lt. Gen. Shaw has been in the role since 2020.

-Vice Chief, National Guard Bureau: Lt. Gen. Sasseville has been in the role since 2020.

-President, National Defense University: Lt. Gen. Plehn has been in the role since February 2021 and has been a 3-star since October 2018.

Army:

-Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2: LTG Potter has been in the role since 2020.

-Deputy Chief of Staff, G-6: LTG Morrison has been in the role since 2020.

-Deputy Commanding General for Acquisition and Systems Management, US Army Futures Command: LTG Todd has been in the role since 2020.

-Deputy Commanding General for Futures and Concepts, US Army Futures Command: LTG McKean has been in the role since 2020.

-Commanding General, US Army Space and Missile Defense Command: LTG Karbler has been in the role since December 2019.

-Commanding General, US Army Korea/ Eighth Army/ Chief of Staff, US Forces Korea: LTG Burleson has been in the role since 2020.

-Commanding General, V Corps: LTG Kolasheski has been in the role since 2020.

-Military Deputy/Director, Army Acquisition Corps, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology): LTG Marion has been in the role since 2020.

-Chief of Engineers/Commanding General, United States Army Corps of Engineers: LTG Spellmon has been in the role since 2020.

-Surgeon General of the Army: LTG Dingle has been in the role since 2020.

Navy:

-Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare (N-2/ N-6): VADM Trussler has been in the role since 2020.

-Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics (N-4): VADM Williamson has been in the role since 2019.

-Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N-8): VADM Crites has been in the role since 2020.

-Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (N-9): VADM Conn has been a 3-star since 2019.

-Deputy Commander, US Fleet Forces Command: VADM Kilby has been a 3-star since 2019.

-Commander Naval Air Forces/ Commander, US Naval Air Forces Pacific: VADM Whitesell has been in the role since 2020.

-Commander, Naval Surface Forces/ Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific: VADM Kitchener has been in the role since 2020.

-Commander, Navy Installations Command: VADM Lindsey has been in the role since 2020.

-Director for Strategic Systems Programs: VADM Wolfe has been in the role since 2018.

-Superintendent, United States Naval Academy: VADM Buck has been in the role since 2019.

Marine Corps:

-It is common for Marine 3-stars to switch from staff assignments to command assignments (and vice-versa) once they've been 3-stars for about 2 years. Won't predict which ones other than to say that LTG George Smith and LTG Bellon have been 3-stars since 2019. I expect them to retire if not promoted (highly unlikely Bellon gets 4-star as he is a reservist).

Air Force:

-Director of the Air Staff: Lt. Gen. Schneider has been a 3-star since 2019.

-Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (A-3): Lt. Gen. Slife has been a 3-star since 2018. He just started in this role but I don't expect him to be in this role more than a year due to his DOR.

-Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Futures (A-5): Lt. Gen. Hinote has been in the role since 2020.

-Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration (A-10): Lt. Gen. Dawkins has been in the role since 2020.

-Deputy Commander, Air Force Materiel Command: Lt. Gen. Schaefer has been in the role since 2020.

-Commander, US Air Forces Korea/ Seventh Air Force: Lt. Gen. Pleus has been in the role since 2020.

-Commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center: Lt. Gen. Morris has been in the role since 2020.

-Superintendent, United States Air Force Academy: Lt. Gen. Clark has been in the role since 2020. Certainly possible he stays one more year, but he's been a 3-star since 2016.

Space Force:

Commander, Space Operations Command: Lt. Gen. Whiting has been in the role since 2020.

Some new nominations and predictions. MG Hoyle to G4, MG Gainey to SMDC and MG Gingrich to DCG Acquisition, AFC. SuperWIKI (talk) 13:54, 24 January 2023 (UTC)


 * @KingEdinburgh @SuperWIKI
 * I just saw RADM Chatfield's nomination. Two possibilities in my opinion.
 * Either Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff or President of National Defense University. She did not attend the Naval Academy, so I doubt she'll be getting the Superintendent position. EPMen (talk) 14:46, 14 February 2023 (UTC)
 * @SuperWIKIWell, I was wrong. She's getting US Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee. Not super surprising since she used to be Deputy Representative, but I didn't see LTG Deedrick leaving the role. He has a late 2019 DOR, so I wonder if he'll be retiring or getting Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. EPMen (talk) 22:50, 14 February 2023 (UTC)
 * Just binge-watched a Senate session where Elizabeth Warren was sniping at Mike Lee and Tuberville over the latter's hold. Warren helpfully referred to certain three-star nominees in all but name (i.e. their past backgrounds) when placing their individual nominations for a vote, and referencing the Senate Calendar number their nominations are on (so I can match a name to a calendar on the Congress website), which all but confirm that MG Gainey, MG Hoyle, and MG Collins are going to Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Army G-4 and Director, Army Acquisition Corps respectively. I guess this hold does mean something after all. SuperWIKI (talk) 05:38, 9 May 2023 (UTC)

My less savoury observations from listening to hearings
Having given my formal observations from binge-watching the FY2024 posture hearings, I've also detected patterns in the Congresspeople on these committees that I'd like to share with you. If that's alright with you, feel free to share your thoughts with me.

Senate Armed Services Committee
Relieved that Senator Blackburn is gone from the committee. Certain committee members can make hearings unwatchable, and she's one of them. Senator Hawley has departed as well. Even though Hawley is a hardline (I hesitate to use Trumpist or far-right) Republican, at least he has a pleasantly stern countenance and has class when asking loaded questions. I'm somewhat nostalgic for Senator Inhofe, the former ranking member who retired in January. For all of his climate positions, he's been part of the committee since the C-SPAN hearings in the early 1990s. Hoping Senator Wicker can fill his shoes adequately, which he seems to have done so far. Chairman Reed is known as an expert on defense policy but has a quieter reputation than some of his predecessors as chair (Senator Levin with repealing Don't ask, don't tell; Senator Warner with his ex-wife Elizabeth Taylor, bipartisanship and being an electable Republican in Democratic Virginia; Senator Goldwater with the Goldwater-Nichols Act and former presidential candidacy, and Senator McCain with well, everything).


 * (most notable "my state" moments) Senator Hirono: Fun fact: she's one of the few practising Buddhists in Congress. At confirmation hearings, Hirono has a custom of questioning nominees on any prior history of sexual assault or abuse (the answer is no, predictably). Her concerns centre around the safe defueling of the Red Hill facility, under the command of VADM Wade (otherwise a side topic in the INDOPACOM hearings due to China) due to the water contamination and threatened health of her constituents.


 * (most hawkish senator) Senator Cotton: One of the biggest China hawks on the committee (as well as the Senate Intelligence Committee), his questions are usually in relation to how China can affect the readiness of the military.


 * (most surprising rage moment) Senator Sullivan: "Pork-barrel" type questioner who wants the military to pay more attention to Alaska. Despite being one of the more senior Republicans on the committee, Sullivan is usually last to question witnesses because he arrives at hearings late due to other activities on his official schedule. In the hearing discussing the Navy and Marine Corps FY2024 posture, he was livid at Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro for not adhering to and attempting to duck below the 31-amphibious ship requirement mandated by Congress.


 * (most predictable senator) Senator Warren: She consistently addressed the issue of unfunded priority lists in every hearing for the combatant commands (COCOMs), and is critical of how combatant commanders (CCDRs) are misusing them. Anything not in the base budget for each COCOM may go into the unfunded priority list at the CCDR's discretion, and such a list is mandated to be submitted for each fiscal year. Because of the mandatory submission, CCDRs are adding the items that are not urgent but also deeply desired by them to the unfunded priority list because it makes it more likely for Congress to top-up the President's original defense budget with their "freebie" money. The CCDRs do this instead of the main process for covering unforeseen and urgent top-ups to the defense budget, and it irritates her that such theatre may lead to unnecessary increases in defense spending.


 * (most heartwarming senator) Senator Manchin: The committee's conservative Democrat and chair of the Senate Energy Committee is fortunate to often come after a junior senator (usually Mullin, who got in a shouting match with a Teamster) who shouted and harangued the witnesses. That means he's the one who has to go "I'm sorry for my colleague's behaviour, I want you to know that I value your service and most of us on this committee do too." In spite of Democratic irritation when he votes against his own party, at least in these hearings he's not half bad.


 * (senator with the best voice) Senator Tuberville: Ah, the guy currently holding our beloved military promotions over the Pentagon's abortion policy. Every speech at hearings he's attended is either promoting his hold on military promotions or criticising DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiatives in the military. That said, he's a bit like Hawley, very good at acting reasonable and empathetic, like someone's grandpa. His low Southern accent is very soothing - I actually almost fell asleep at 4pm once while listening to his voice, it's so gentle.


 * (most intolerable newbie) Senator Mullin: One of the committee's newest members, a former Representative for Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district and former member of the House Armed Services Committee (as well as the successor to Inhofe's Senate seat), Mullin really seems to hate General Nakasone. This may stem from his prior service on the House Armed Services Committee, but I'd have to watch hearings a few years back to get a picture of it. Maybe it's related to this NSA lawyer controversy?

House Armed Services Committee
Since House committees are generally more crowded but composed of more young members of Congress, the HASC is full of loud, colourful voices, some of whom I love listening to, some of whom I hate listening to. I generally skip past the questions of the more junior members and pay more attention to what the chairman (Rogers), ranking member (Smith), subcommittee chairmen (Gallagher [also chairs the House China Committee], Bergman, Banks, Waltz, Kelly, Lamborn, Wittman), and subcommittee ranking members (Khanna, Gallego, Kim, Garamendi, Courtney, Moulton, Norcross) have to say. Rep. Gallego is of particular interest, since he's running for Senator Sinema's seat in 2024.


 * Other leaders: Several non-leading members of the committee chair other committees or are major Party leaders, so I give them a listen too. That would be Rep. Turner (chair of the House Intelligence Committee since Nunes resigned), Rep. Graves (chair of the House Transportation Committee), Rep. Gallagher (see above), Rep. Johnson (vice chair of the House Republican Conference), and Rep. Escobar (co-chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee). Conversely, no Democratic ranking members of other House committees have seats on this committee.


 * (most pleasant Representative) Ranking Member Smith: The committee's chairman from 2019 to 2023, Smith has returned to the position of ranking member, where he served as the leader of the committee's Democrats for eight years. He's like that uncle who says "yeah, he's naughty and he's fooled around a bit, but he's a good kid". Has a smooth, articulate voice not unlike a book narrator. That said, in the years I've watched him as chairman between 2019 and 2023, he's been evenhanded with colleagues on both sides of the aisle.


 * (most unwatchable Representative) Representative Gaetz: I'm not even going to bother. Among the Freedom Caucus members of the committee (the other two are Ronny Jackson [who talks very fast] and Scott DesJarlais), and even the committee as a whole, he is by far the biggest showhorse.


 * (most heartwarming Representative) Representative Houlahan: A former Air Force ROTC graduate, Ms. Houlahan is the "Manchin" of this committee - she's directly after Gaetz in the committee seniority list (assuming all members attend a hearing, that means she's always called on after Gaetz), meaning that she has to apologise for Gaetz bullying any witnesses.


 * Honourable mentions: Rep. Escobar never misses a chance to plug her district in El Paso, Texas, where Fort Bliss is located. That fact is now seared into my memory. Delegate Moylan is quick to clarify defense priorities for Guam due to its closer proximity to China than the United States, which is understandable since he has no actual vote as a representative of a U.S. territory rather than a state. Rep. Panetta is the son of former Representative, White House chief of staff, CIA director and secretary of defense Leon Panetta. Reps. Bacon and Bergman were former generals. Rep. Waltz has always been the more level-headed, passive-aggressive version of Rep. Gaetz to me, as is Rep. Banks who is running to succeed Senator Braun in 2024. SuperWIKI (talk) 10:55, 3 May 2023 (UTC)


 * @SuperWIKI I haven't watched those hearings, but I'll read your analysis when I get the time. EPMen (talk) 16:06, 3 May 2023 (UTC)

AF Chief of Staff nominees
Wanted to know if you've read this piece by Air Force Magazine, and your opinions? SuperWIKI (talk) 12:57, 23 June 2023 (UTC)


 * @SuperWIKI I have. I'd be shocked if it went to anyone other than Allvin or Van Ovost. Hecker would be the third most likely. EPMen (talk) 13:38, 23 June 2023 (UTC)

Notice on leave of absence
Hi EPMen! I'll be leaving for mandatory national service on 11 July, and will be in rotation for about 2 years. For at least the first two months of service, I will be in basic training. As such, until I transition to vocational training (which by nature of my physical standards will be clerical shift work), I won't be free to update and edit the usual pages as much as I used to during this two-month period.

So, if it doesn't inconvenience you and the other users I'm messaging, I just wanted to give notice on these issues and hope for your help in updating the usual Wikipedia articles as necessary. I thank you for the help. SuperWIKI (talk) 07:52, 26 June 2023 (UTC)


 * Best wishes. I'll be sure to do what I can even though I'm not much help in terms of code heavy editing. Hopefully you'll come away with more insight into the US presence in the Indo-Pacific. @SuperWIKI EPMen (talk) 13:23, 26 June 2023 (UTC)
 * Ummmm..... my national service is for the civil defence force (firefighters, paramedics, etc.), but I thank you for your good wishes. SuperWIKI (talk) 13:53, 26 June 2023 (UTC)
 * Oh, I thought Singapore required compulsory military service. @SuperWIKI EPMen (talk) 14:29, 26 June 2023 (UTC)
 * Yes, they do. Most recruits go to the Singapore Armed Forces, but a small portion are channeled to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Police Force (SPF). For national service purposes, SCDF and SPF are under military auspices as uniformed agencies of the government. SuperWIKI (talk) 14:35, 26 June 2023 (UTC)
 * Interesting EPMen (talk) 14:36, 26 June 2023 (UTC)

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BGen Alison Thompson
You once mentioned BGen Alison Thompson has a chance of becoming the first female Marine 4-star in history. She's been re-assigned to the DCI's office since then. What are your thoughts now? SuperWIKI (talk) 14:16, 9 February 2024 (UTC)


 * @SuperWIKI
 * You read my mind. I was just thinking the other day that it may be the end of the road for her to even become a 1-star since she wasn't on the Marine Corps Brigadier General list released the other day.
 * I am aware that she has been with the DCI's office since her Fellowship with the Council on Foreign Relations ended last summer. Both of the positions she held prior to her current role with the DCI (Military Fellow with the CFR and Senior Marine Corps Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy) are feeder positions to the General officer ranks, so I thought she would be promoted one of these days.
 * I found an LA Times article from 2002 when she was a Captain (O-3) that says while piloting a lead helicopter in Afghanistan, she flew back to base after incorrectly concluding there were no survivors of another fatal helicopter crash and that an Inspector General's report was critical of her for those actions. But I can't imagine that's the reason she hasn't been promoted considering how far she's come since then.
 * I wonder if it is the end of the road for her since was commissioned (via the United States Naval Academy) 30 years ago in 1994. I remember in 2021 that now BGen Anthony Henderson (commissioned in 1989) was promoted after being passed over three times. He had been in for 32 years. Do you know what the maximum time a Colonel (O-6) can serve before it's up or out for them? I suppose there's always a chance she could be nominated individually outside of a batch (USMC BG select William T. Wilburn was nominated individually on 12/14/23 and confirmed by voice vote on 01/31/24) but I'm not getting my hopes up.
 * If she does get promoted, she would obviously not be the first female Marine to reach the General officer ranks, but I believe she would be the fist Marine aviator to do so.
 * I will also note that the Marine Corps Brigadier General list from the other day did include Col. Tamara Campbell, who will be the second Black woman (after MajGen Lorna Mahlock) to ascend to the General officer ranks in the Marine Corps. I believe Campbell will also be only the second Black female Naval Academy graduate after Admiral Michelle Howard to reach the General/ Flag officer ranks in any service. EPMen (talk) 19:48, 9 February 2024 (UTC)
 * "Do you know what the maximum time a Colonel (O-6) can serve before it's up or out for them?"


 * - Non-reserve colonels and Navy captains can serve a maximum of 30 years of active commissioned service before involuntary retirement (on the first day on the first month after the 30-year mark is reached). SuperWIKI (talk) 13:12, 10 February 2024 (UTC)
 * Another USMC Colonel commissioned in 1994 who I was surprised was not on the last Brigadier Generals list is current USNA Commandant of Midshipmen Col. J.P. McDonough. Maybe they'll be nominated separately. Or else it's over for them. EPMen (talk) 00:51, 13 February 2024 (UTC)