A college friend of mine went on the serve 37 years in the US Army, reaching Lt. Gen.
After a few months in retirement he went to work for Raytheon, in Tucson.
He was one of the retired generals that signed up for their support of then candidate Trump.
His Army service was mostly combat arms duty, not Hq. administrative stuff. IOW the tip of the arrow. Airborn, Ranger, infantry, tanks, artillery etc. At one point headed development of the Stryker vehicle.
Commanding General, V Corps (Germany, Europe)
Final duty assignment Commanding General, Ft. Leavenworth (war college, prison)
This guy and a mutual friend, were golfers, and two of the toughest guys that I remember from HS/college.
Joe college looking lanky guys (5' 8-9", 150 libs.) drink you under the table, and kick your ass if provoked. Fast, faster.