[generally]

Currently, IIRC, it’s mostly restricted to officers, with a few exceptions.

I dislike that restriction. I like your idea much better. Death and heroism and service have nothing to do with rank.

[GreyFriar]

Generally,

Having been to several burials at Arlington National Cemetery with in the last few years, I can assure you that there is NO restriction as rank as you stated “it’s mostly restricted to officers.” The primary restriction for in ground burials, as opposed to putting created remains in the columbarium, is to have served in combat zones during wars.

Here are the eligibility rules for ANC from its own website: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Scheduling-a-Funeral/Establishing-Eligibility

Thus I, after 20 years of active duty, without having received any of the medals listed, can only have my cremated remains “buried” in the columbarium and cannot be buried “in the ground” at ANC. I can still be buried ‘in the ground’ at any other existing National Cemetery.

V/r, Grey Friar

[Ace's Dad]

Currently, IIRC, it’s mostly restricted to officers, with a few exceptions

I don't think that's correct. A lot of combat Vietnam vets wound up there because their parents and loved ones wanted to make a political statement (pro or con) about the war.

The cremation option is a good one, though. Three generations of Americans are comfortable with the practice, including my family.