<P> Four - star grades go hand - in - hand with the positions of office they are linked to, so these ranks are temporary . Officers may only achieve four - star grade if they are appointed to positions of office that require and / or allow the officer to hold such a rank . Their rank expires with the expiration of their term of office, which is usually set by statute . Four - star officers are nominated for appointment by the President from any eligible officers holding a one - star grade or above, who also meets the requirements for the position, under the advice and / or suggestion of their respective executive department secretary, service secretary, and if applicable the joint chiefs . The nominee must be confirmed via majority by the Senate before the appointee can take office and thus assume the rank . </P> <P> It is extremely unusual for a four - star nominee to draw even token opposition in a Senate vote, either in committee or on the floor, because the administration usually withdraws or declines to submit nominations that draw controversy before or during the confirmation process . </P> <Ul> <Li> For example, upon encountering opposition in the Senate, the administration declined to submit nominations for General Joseph W. Ralston to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1997, for Lieutenant General Ricardo S. Sanchez to be commander of U.S. Southern Command in 2004, or for General Peter Pace to be reappointed as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2007; and withdrew the nominations of Admiral Stanley R. Arthur to be commander in chief of U.S. Pacific Command in 1994, and of General Gregory S. Martin to be commander of U.S. Pacific Command in 2004 . </Li> </Ul> <Li> For example, upon encountering opposition in the Senate, the administration declined to submit nominations for General Joseph W. Ralston to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1997, for Lieutenant General Ricardo S. Sanchez to be commander of U.S. Southern Command in 2004, or for General Peter Pace to be reappointed as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2007; and withdrew the nominations of Admiral Stanley R. Arthur to be commander in chief of U.S. Pacific Command in 1994, and of General Gregory S. Martin to be commander of U.S. Pacific Command in 2004 . </Li>

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