I'm certain it's that way for pay.
But I thought they could keep the highest rank as their retired title.
What do you think?
Could also be that ABC News just doesn't know what they are talking about. I bet on that scenario.
I may be wrong, but is it not possible for some officers to obtain temporary ranks (faster promotion than for permanent ranks) and can be demoted to a lower rank when the service is downsizing? Or some captains and majors to even revert back to EM classification?
It would depend on TIG -Time in Grade.
Pay grade would all depend on first if the rank was earned and not just worn.
It may be a One Star job title position, so he was acting Brig. Gen. But his true rank was COL.