Have you ever wonder why Han Solo and Hera Syndulla are generals instead of admirals?
I mean, both of them are ace pilots, and when you look at their skills, it feels like they’d make perfect admirals, right?
But after digging a bit deeper, I realized there’s actually a solid reason why “General” suits them better.
So let me walk you through why Han and Hera are generals instead of admirals — and how this all ties into the Rebel Alliance’s unique way of doing things.
General vs. Admiral: What’s the Difference?
Here’s the thing — in Star Wars, “General” and “Admiral” have pretty distinct meanings. Generals are usually hands-on with ground troops or tactical missions.
They’re the ones in the thick of things, leading smaller, more personal operations.
Think Obi-Wan Kenobi during the Clone Wars, or General Hux in the First Order. They’re often on the ground or commanding special teams.
On the other hand, Admirals are all about the big picture in space. They’re up there on capital ships, coordinating multiple ships, and making large-scale decisions.
When you think of someone like Admiral Ackbar, that’s classic admiral material. Admirals stay in the bridge, focusing on fleet command rather than boots on the ground.
So, generals and admirals play very different roles.
Why Han and Hera Are Better as Generals
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s dive into why Han and Hera make much more sense as generals.
1. They’re Focused on Ground and Tactical Missions
First off, Han and Hera’s whole thing is tactical missions, not fleet command. Han is all about getting his hands dirty in the field, improvising and pulling off missions with a small team.
It’s not really his style to command a fleet of ships from a distance. He’s more of a “let’s go down there and handle it ourselves” type.
Same goes for Hera. She’s an incredible pilot and a capable leader, but she usually leads starfighter squadrons, not massive fleets.
She’s all about tactical maneuvers, leading smaller missions with specific objectives. So calling her “General” is just a better fit than “Admiral.”
She’s a tactical commander, not a fleet commander.
2. The Rebel Alliance Doesn’t Follow Strict Ranks
The Rebel Alliance was basically a guerrilla force fighting to survive, so they didn’t really follow strict military hierarchy.
They gave out ranks based on trust and experience, not necessarily by-the-book qualifications.
So, when they made Han and Hera generals, it wasn’t because they expected them to command huge armies or fleets.
It was more about recognizing their importance and giving them the freedom to lead missions.
I see this loose rank structure as one of the reasons Han, Hera, and even Lando end up with the general title. They’re trusted leaders, not traditional military commanders.
So, in the Alliance, being a general doesn’t always mean you’re leading a huge formation; it’s more about making key decisions and guiding people.
3. Starfighter Command is More Like the Air Force
If we think about it, starfighter squadrons in Star Wars are a bit like the Air Force rather than the Navy.
In the real world, the Air Force uses generals, not admirals, for high ranks, and that’s pretty much how it works with Rebel starfighter command too.
Hera leads the Starfighter Corps, which is very much in line with what an Air Force general would do.
In Star Wars Rebels, Hera’s leading assault missions with her squadron, not coordinating whole fleets like Ackbar.
She’s in charge of tactical, air-focused missions. And that’s why “General” fits her role — she’s a squadron leader, not a fleet admiral.
4. Han’s Style is All About Being a General
Now, Han — he’d hate the idea of sitting around, coordinating a fleet. That’s not him at all. Han’s the guy who leads by example, makes snap decisions, and does things his way.
I can’t see him handling the formality or paperwork of a fleet command. He’s at his best when he’s working with a small team, doing what he does best: improvising.
When you look at Return of the Jedi, he’s leading a ground mission on Endor. That’s exactly where his skills shine.
Making him a general just makes sense. He’s got a talent for quick-thinking leadership, but he’s not one for the structured, top-down organization of a fleet.
5. Hera’s Background Makes Her a Natural Leader on the Ground
Hera’s background also plays a huge role in why she’s a general. She grew up with Cham Syndulla, her freedom-fighter dad, so she’s been around strategy and leadership her whole life.
She’s got the right mindset for ground and tactical leadership. In Rebels, she leads focused missions and tactical strikes, especially with her squadron. That’s her strength.
So, her title as General isn’t about leading a navy or a massive fleet. It’s about her ability to command specific missions and get things done with a smaller, dedicated team.
Honestly, she’s not cut out for admiral duties, but as a general? She’s perfect for it.