Definition

Noun: 1. A person holding a position of authority and command in an armed force: A military officer is a member of a nation's army, navy, air force, or other armed service who has received a commission, granting them formal leadership and command responsibilities over other personnel. 2. A commissioned leader in the military hierarchy: This term specifically denotes individuals who have undergone formal training and have been granted authority by a sovereign power or government, distinguishing them from enlisted personnel or non-commissioned officers.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The military officer gave clear orders to the troops.
  • She trained for years to become a military officer in the air force.
  • As a military officer, his primary duty was the welfare and effectiveness of his unit.

Advanced Usage

• "To be commissioned as a military officer": This phrase describes the formal act of receiving authority and rank.
  • He will be commissioned as a military officer after graduating from the academy.
• The term is often used in contrast to "enlisted soldier/sailor/airman" or "non-commissioned officer (NCO)" to specify the level of formal authority and source of rank.

Variants and Related Words

• Officer (n): A more general term for a person holding authority in a structured organization (e.g., police officer, corporate officer). In a military context, it is often used interchangeably with "military officer."
• Commissioned Officer (n): A more precise synonym, emphasizing the formal grant of authority (the commission).
• Commanding Officer (CO) (n): A specific type of military officer in command of a particular unit.

Synonyms

• Commissioned officer
• Commander (in a general sense)
• Leader (within the military context)

Related Phrases

• Officer corps: Refers to the entire body of officers within a military service.
  • The reform aimed to modernize the entire officer corps.

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning revolves around authority, command, and commission. While a sergeant has authority, the term "military officer" typically excludes non-commissioned officers (NCOs) like sergeants and refers specifically to commissioned ranks such as lieutenant, captain, major, and general, or their naval equivalents.

Noun

1. any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
   • an officer is responsible for the lives of his men