What is an officers commision?

Question

I know alot about the military but I can't figure out what these commisions mean. Come someone explain in English? for example.

1. Bob was in the army and left after serving his year he came out as a sgt? He is going to join the national guard and get an officers commission. What does that mean?

Answer 1

Bob was a non commissioned officer or NCO. Commissioned officers actually have to be approved by congress to get their commission and get fancy certificates for this - mine is hanging in my home office. Bob would not be a a SGT after only 1 year. Bob may be an e-4 if he had some college credit before joining. Now Bob would also have to meet education requirements and go through some sort of commissioning training.

1. Bob is a doctor and will get a direct commission - unlikely though as Bob has been on active duty and not in medical school.

2. Bob goes through active duty OCS - he would have to have a 4 year degree to do this.

3. Bob goes through National Guard OCS - he would have to have at least 60 college credits to get in and if Bob hopes to stay in the Guard as an officer, he would have to finish his degree before making Captain.

4. Bob has a master's in divinity and is an ordained minister and is going to become a Chaplain.

Answer 2

It's about rank...

Sergeant and below = enlisted rank.

Lieutenant and above = officer rank or officer's commission.



Bob was in the army and left after serving his year he came out as a sgt? He is going to join the national guard and get an officers commission.

The National Guard is promoting Bob to officer rank.

Answer 3

In the military, a Commission allows one to do things in the name of the Head of State. Technically, when a US Army officer is giving an order, he is doing so in the name of the President. It is similar in other countries: in the Royal Navy, and officer gives an order in the name of the Sovereign. In the US, the authority granted to those who hold a Commission is outlined under Federal Law and the Consitution.



A Commission also allows one to conduct business in the name of the Head of State. Example: a US Navy officer can sign a local service contract for a cleaning service to come and clean the buildings on a base. Part of the reason he is allowed to expend public funds is that he has a Commission making him a representative of the US Government.



Many FBI Agents and Foreign Service officers also have Commissions - it allows them to conduct business and affairs in the name of the US Government.



Notary Publics also have a Commission, allowing them to conduct business in the name of whoever the local government confirms legal issues.



Simplistically, a Commission allows one to do things in the name of the governing body / official.

Answer 4

Sandra gave a good answer. I would just add that commission can also be used as a verb. He was "commissioned" a 2LT of Infantry. This refers to the fact that he has a commission.