In a small ceremony held Jan. 2 at Army Materiel Command in Virginia, AMC Commander Gen. Paul J. Kern presented TACOM's Commander Maj. Gen. N. Ross Thompson III with a citation that authorizes him to wear the rank of Major General.
This was authorized by the President of the United States and with full approval of the U.S. Senate.
Thompson's citation read in part: "The President of the United States has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of Brigadier General N. Ross Thompson III. In view of these qualities and his demonstrated potential for increased responsibility, he is therefore authorized to wear the uniform and insignia of a Major General effective this second day of January, 2002." Both the Secretary of the Army and Army's Chief of Staff approved Thompson's citation.
The ceremony, which formalizes such an advancement in rank, is called "frocking." It comes from the Middle English "frok" in reference to a religious ceremony for investment of ecclesiastical authority within a church.
Advancement prior to the actual completion of the full promotion process for General officers is rare. By Army regulation, it is undertaken only under certain conditions and then only when deemed in the best interest of Army.
Thompson assumed command of the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command October 4, 2001. He has held a wide variety of important command and staff positions culminating in his current assignment. Most recently, Gen. Thompson served as Military Deputy Director, Program Analysis and Evaluation Directorate, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs, U.S. Army.
