[petcat]

Nobody is taking orders from these guys. They're advisors.

[ceejayoz]

They're advisors with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

[petcat]

Sure. The US military has done this for decades to prevent brain-drain around emerging technologies to the private sector.

[ceejayoz]

They could make them plain old Lieutenants for that, yes?

[petcat]

Distinction without a difference. They're advisors.

[ceejayoz]

Then why do they need the elevated rank?

[mothballed]

I have a dumb question but is it possible to arrange exec-tier or at last officer-tier pay for something like a private?

[stronglikedan]

They're right above Privates, so still no one (of consequence) is taking orders from them.

[ceejayoz]

What? Per https://www.army.mil/ranks/, they outrank all enlisted and warrant officers, plus Second Lieutenants, First Lieutenants, Captains, and Majors.

Only full Colonels and the 1-5 star Generals outrank them.