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Typically, this rank is not achieved before 20 years in the service. An Army general is responsible for major areas of command, including operations that fall within a geographic area. The commander of all U.S. forces in Iraq, for instance, is a four-star general. The positions of chief of staff and vice chief of staff within the U.S. Army also are held by four-star generals. While most are content to stay out of the public eye, some generals have become well-known, usually for serving during times of war or for especially meritorious service. In addition to George Washington, there have been several American generals who went on to become president.
