This message was self-deleted by its author

[mysteryowl]

This message was self-deleted by its author (mysteryowl) on Mon Oct 13, 2025, 02:24 PM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.

[WarGamer]

1. Pretty simple.

As Commander-in-Chief, the U.S. president can relieve any officer of their command or position, but removing them from the armed forces is a separate and more complicated matter.

Relieving a commander: The president can remove an officer from a specific position, such as President Harry Truman's firing of General Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War. In 2025, President Donald Trump fired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. C.Q. Brown and other high-ranking leaders, citing his authority to choose his military advisors.

Forced retirement or rank reduction: For three- and four-star generals and admirals, their senior rank is tied to a specific command position. If the president removes them from that post, the officer typically reverts to a lower, permanent grade. This financial incentive usually prompts them to retire, though they may not be officially "fired" from the military.

Firing from service: Under U.S. Code Title 10, an officer can only be fully dismissed from the armed forces under specific circumstances during peacetime, such as by a court-martial conviction.

[mysteryowl]

3. Thank you, this is helpful!

[Deep State Witch]

2. From The Googles

When a US military general is "fired," it usually means they are relieved of their command or position, which often results in them being asked to voluntarily retire. If they refuse, they may be forced to revert to a lower rank, which would reduce their pay and benefits. In more serious cases, a general could face a court-martial, leading to dismissal, the loss of most veteran benefits, and a punitive discharge. Ultimately, "firing" a general is a significant action taken by the President, and the consequences depend on the circumstances and the general's response.
Common Outcomes:
Voluntary Retirement: Most often, a general who is relieved of command is given the opportunity to retire voluntarily. This is the most common and less punitive outcome.
Reverting to a Lower Rank: If the general refuses to retire, they may revert to a lower, permanent rank. This drastically affects their pay and retirement income.
Administrative Separation: If a general's performance is poor but doesn't warrant a court-martial, an administrative process can be used for separation from service.
Court-Martial: For serious misconduct, a general can be court-martialed. This can result in a dismissal, a severe punishment that eliminates almost all rights to military pay and benefits.

The Role of the President:
Commander-in-Chief Authority: The President, as the Commander-in-Chief, has the constitutional authority to relieve any officer from their position.
Initiating the Process: If a general is removed from a specific command or assignment, it often triggers a decision by the President or the Department of Defense on the general's future.
Consequences for the General:
Loss of Promotion: A general relieved of command is unlikely to be promoted further.
Career End: Not getting promoted eventually leads to automatic separation from the military.
Reduced Benefits: Reversion to a lower rank or dismissal leads to significant cuts in pay and loss of benefits.

[mysteryowl]

4. Thank you