Commissioned officer

A commissioned officer is a member of a military force who holds a commission or writ of authority from a political leader or government.

Commissioned officers are authorized to use deadly force to carry out the lawful orders of their government, either directly or through orders to non-commissioned officers or soldiers.

Having officers is one requirement for combatant status under the laws of war.

Table of contents

1 Commissioned Officer Ranks 2 US Commissioned Officer Ranks 2.1 Army/Air Force/Marine Corps 2.2 Naval/Coast Guard Ranks

Commissioned Officer Ranks

• Lieutenant
• Captain
• Major
• Colonel
• General
• Field Marshall

US Commissioned Officer Ranks

Army/Air Force/Marine Corps

• 2nd Lieutenant
• 1st Lieutenant
• Captain
• Major
• Lieutenant Colonel
• Colonel
• Brigadier General
• Major General
• Lieutenant General
• General
• General of the Army/Air Force (War Time Only) (Army/Air Force Only)

Naval/Coast Guard Ranks

• Ensign
• Lieutenant, Junior Grade ((or simply (j.g) ))
• Lieutenant
• Lieutenant Commander
• Commander
• Captain
• Rear Admiral (Lower Half)
• Rear Admiral (Upper Half)
• Vice Admiral
• Admiral
• Fleet Admiral (War Time Only) (Navy Only)

See also: military, warrant officer, laws of war, Non-commissioned officer