Military Rank - Types of Rank

Types of Rank

There are a number of different forms of rank:

  • Substantive or permanent rank is the fully paid and confirmed rank. A war substantive rank is a confirmed rank but only held for the duration of that war.
  • Acting rank is where the holder assumes the pay and allowances appropriate to the acting rank, but a higher commanding officer may revert the holder to previous rank held. This is normally for a short period of time while the permanent occupant of the office is absent.
  • Temporary rank usually granted for a specific task or mission. The holder holds the rank while occupying that position. Despite the name, temporary rank may be held for a considerable period of time, perhaps even years. In wartime, temporary ranks are often common.
  • Local rank is a form of temporary rank restricted to a specific location instead of a specific duty.
  • Brevet rank is a temporary rank, often honorary, without the pay and allowances appropriate to the rank. It was sometimes used by penurious governments to reduce costs.

Read more about this topic:  Military Rank

Famous quotes containing the words types and/or rank:

    Our major universities are now stuck with an army of pedestrian, toadying careerists, Fifties types who wave around Sixties banners to conceal their record of ruthless, beaverlike tunneling to the top.
    Camille Paglia (b. 1947)

    My rank is the highest known in Switzerland: I am a free citizen.
    George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)