Reply #5: Your instincts are correct, and actually patriotic and are backed by the Constitution...

[Captain Hilts]

in that we aren't supposed to trust our army. That's why the Constitution declares that the government is to "raise" an army and "maintain" a navy. Can't trust 'em in peacetime. It's also why it's so rare for members of the British Royal family to be in the army rather than the navy.

But, in our country's time, and the pool we have to choose from for candidates, army generals are among the few, high-test, top flight executives who have felt the pressures and responsibilities of being in charge, yet barely make a salary ten times what their lowest-paid employee makes.