Military Unit Heirarchy

Thanks guys! This helps :slight_smile:

I think (at least in US Army practice, that I’ve seen), though you can say that “a [unit] is commanded by a(n) [officer rank]”, there is in practice a range of ranks that could command a particular unit. E.g., while a company is usually commanded by a captain, I’ve heard of companies commanded by first lieutenants (usually ones on the cusp of promotion to captain), and I’ve heard of companies commanded by majors (usually very junior ones just promoted to captain and almost due to be transferred to their next job).

So your 1 stars commanding divisions may well be on the cusp of getting their second stars, and have been given the division command in anticipation of that promotion.

Cheers,

bcg