What is the highest possible rank a drafted solider can achieve in the US military?

2008-12-22T22:28:35Z

i mean during times of war when they can

Anonymous2008-12-22T22:34:38Z

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The draft has not been in effect for many years now, but if it still were, generally drafted soldiers enter as enlisted troops, unless they were a doctor or some certain other professionals who would be allowed to enter as an officer. When the draft was in effect there was no distinction between soldiers who volunteered and those who were drafted, so drafted soldiers could go just as high in rank as their volunteer counterparts.

While the other branches could draft, I believe the only branch that has ever had to is the army. This would mean that a draftee could become a sergeant major, or even the Sergeant Major of the Army, the highest enlisted position in the United States Army.

In addition to the normal enlisted career path, a draftee could even go on to gain a commission as an officer, where he then could go on to become a General. It is highly unlikely, but it could possibly happen.

elcarojim2008-12-22T22:35:27Z

If the draft is for two years active duty as it was during the Vietnam War, then a soldier could attain the rank of E-5, whether as a Sp5 or Sgt. If a new draft is ever started in time of war, the time of obligated service plus the unit casualty rate would determine the highest possible rank. Medal of Honor winners can apply for battlefield commissions as lieutenants during time of war.

USNS2008-12-22T22:31:53Z

(If there was a draft)

It would depend on the term of service; is he in "for the duration" of a long drawn out conflict? Or drafted and serving one tour of duty overseas and then getting separated?

Would they decide they like it and continuously reenlist? If so, then there is no limit as to how far they can go in 15 or 20+ years.

Casualties sustained overseas; if many men are dying, he or she can be promoted rapidly (not really the case anymore though).

Does the draftee have a degree? If so they enter at E-3 or E-4, so what they come out as because of their education is different than where they end up compared to someone going in as an E-1 and coming out of boot camp at that paygrade or E-2.


If I had to guess, I'd say Specialist tops. But as someone else pointed out, it's hard to tell since it's an all volunteer military in this country.

?2016-06-03T08:32:26Z

No. The US has enough checks and balances to prevent such an action. Members of the military are sworn to protect the US and uphold the constitution. Why would you be interested in overthrowing the current government anyway? You'd actually prefer a military coup in the US than to let the elections play out? Not a very bright thought in my opinion. A stupid question overall. OMG I just read your additional details. You are STUPID. I'm not saying that corruption doesn't exist but do you REALLY think it's worse now than ever!!!!????? What about people taking responsibility for their own lives?

desertviking_002008-12-22T23:34:07Z

During the Cold War one draftee reached the rank of Staff Sergeant after first being inducted as a Private. But, he was with an armored unit and was quite a good tank man: Elvis Presley.

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