Yeah but that doesn't include their kickbacks, consulting fees, etc. Can active duty generals sit on the board of directors of companies? I seem to remember a startup I worked at had one either on the board or heavily involved as a consultant but I can't remember if he was active duty at the time.

Active duty personnel aren't allowed to take on a second job, side hustle, etc. without written permission, and I understand that that permission is relatively uncommon. That doesn't completely answer your question (maybe generals get that permission more often), but it may point directionally.

The other thing that can confuse this issue is that Generals and Admirals generally (sorry) keep their titles after retirement. So if you have "Gen. James McClinton" on your board, that doesn't speak to whether or not they're active.

From looking around, it looks like board recruitment efforts toward Admirals and Generals are targeted at those who are retired or nearing retirement: http://blogs.reuters.com/financial-regulatory-forum/2012/01/...

I believe some positions get a stipend (particularly if they are expected to entertain dignitaries) but are generally (ha) not allowed to serve outside positions that might be a conflict of interest. I couldn't find details yet of a specific article in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), but there are some memos out:

https://ogc.osd.mil/defense_ethics/resource_library/deskbook...