They report directly to the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and occupy a crucial three-star rank position.

The position of Deputy Chief of Army Staff (DCOAS) in Pakistan had persisted since the era of the previous military ruler, Zia-ul Haq.

The post of the Deputy Chief of the army staff is the third most senior position and the appointment holder is a three-star general.

During Usmani's time as Deputy COAS held the rank of a three-star general and occupied the second-highest military position in the Pakistan Army.

Gen. Musharraf's decision to appoint him was seen as a means to consolidate his own authority and potentially pave the way for his ascension to the presidency of Pakistan.