I always concluded that Echo was the base of operations of the Rebel Alliance and their only base, at that.
They need at least one shipyard to maintain the fleet, logistical support areas, and even a conventional force fighting with the benefit of overmatch maintains multiple command posts. If I were designing a galactic rebellion, I'd divide it into cells based on political (rather than purely cartographic) boundaries, each with a cell CP and an alternate CP. Those cell CPs would report to a communications facility that would report to roving commands, i.e. top commanders and civilian command authorities on ships. We've seen that finding a ship that doesn't want to be found is nearly impossible, and the best Rebel ships can go toe-to-toe with the common Imperial Star Destroyer. In this scheme, "the Rebel base" -- be it on Dantooine, Yavin IV, or Hoth -- is an intermediary between the line forces and the "national" authorities. Because there's no reason for your authority to be based anywhere.
Perhaps I should have said navy instead of fleet? Anyway, the navy was necessary for the Rebellion's activities and ultimate victory, the leader of the navy flew his flag from Home One, therefore one of the highest-ranking members of the Rebellion was with the navy. Most of the general officers, flag officers, and obvious civilian authorities we've seen were meeting on a ship, not a planet or space station. The only deliberate attack we've seen was briefed on a ship. The Rebel Navy had the staying power, communications capability, carrying capacity, and mobility that both Rebel bases lacked, and was an ideal mobile command post for the Rebellion's leaders.
Besides, why would a general be in charge of ships? It doesn't make any sense!
They need at least one shipyard to maintain the fleet, logistical support areas, and even a conventional force fighting with the benefit of overmatch maintains multiple command posts. If I were designing a galactic rebellion, I'd divide it into cells based on political (rather than purely cartographic) boundaries, each with a cell CP and an alternate CP. Those cell CPs would report to a communications facility that would report to roving commands, i.e. top commanders and civilian command authorities on ships. We've seen that finding a ship that doesn't want to be found is nearly impossible, and the best Rebel ships can go toe-to-toe with the common Imperial Star Destroyer. In this scheme, "the Rebel base" -- be it on Dantooine, Yavin IV, or Hoth -- is an intermediary between the line forces and the "national" authorities. Because there's no reason for your authority to be based anywhere.
It satisfies me to think that Leia remained Princess Leia Organa and never took a military rank. I do not think that this disqualifies her from being part of the leadership of Echo Base, as she clearly is. Look at the way General Rieekan relates to her.
They seem cordial, but I don't think I saw anything indicating she was in his chain of command. I need to rewatch those scenes, though.
I further feel that it is a bit of a guess to say that all the highest ranking people were with the fleet. We don't even know that the fleet had been assembled by the start of ESB. If my conclusion that Echo Base was the one and only base of operations that the Alliance had is correct, I think it follows that the leadership of that base would be key members of the Alliance.
They seem cordial, but I don't think I saw anything indicating she was in his chain of command. I need to rewatch those scenes, though.
I further feel that it is a bit of a guess to say that all the highest ranking people were with the fleet. We don't even know that the fleet had been assembled by the start of ESB. If my conclusion that Echo Base was the one and only base of operations that the Alliance had is correct, I think it follows that the leadership of that base would be key members of the Alliance.
Perhaps I should have said navy instead of fleet? Anyway, the navy was necessary for the Rebellion's activities and ultimate victory, the leader of the navy flew his flag from Home One, therefore one of the highest-ranking members of the Rebellion was with the navy. Most of the general officers, flag officers, and obvious civilian authorities we've seen were meeting on a ship, not a planet or space station. The only deliberate attack we've seen was briefed on a ship. The Rebel Navy had the staying power, communications capability, carrying capacity, and mobility that both Rebel bases lacked, and was an ideal mobile command post for the Rebellion's leaders.
Besides, why would a general be in charge of ships? It doesn't make any sense!
General Solo commanded a small transport craft, and General Calrissian commanded starfighter groups. Both are traditionally appropriate for military (vice naval) ranks.