Completely ignorant of how the Army justice system works, but isn’t a general a bit “overkill” in terms of rank for this? Why not go with a major or a Lieutenant Colonel?
I,too,am woefully unfamiliar with the workings of the Army's top brass (having only reached the lofty rank of SP5) but it seems that a General would be easier to control,particularly when an extra star is waved in front of his/her face.
No ignorance there at all. I investigated a deserter (deserted from home port and not in time of war, so it was slightly less serious) when I was an O-3, one or two steps below your guess and a whole lot lower than an O-8. The only reason for choosing a general is so he will take the political ramifications into account in his investigation. We'll see if West Point's lessons on integrity stuck, or if self-interest wins out, but my guess is that the Community-Organizer-in-Chief is betting on the general's self-interest.
The “overkill” is due to, in my guess, that the entire “great publicity event” blew up like an A-bomb in Obama’s face. Also, the Army is saying “We are serious about this investigation.” Whether or not the behind the scenes political machinations is another thing.
You are correct. MG is WAY overkill. In more normal circumstances, this would be a O5 (Lt Colonel) or O6 (Colonel).
MG is normally reserved for when the accused is a field grade officer (04 through 06).