What is a Commissioned Officer?
Officers are the leaders and decision makers of the U.S. Army. Officers serve as planners and managers in all functions of the Army and are the men and woman who take care of soldiers and give their orders. Becoming an officer is different from enlisting in the Army. Officers require college degrees and are held to a high professional standard.
A commissioned officer is a military officer who holds a commission, a formal government document which vests power in the individual to whom it is issued. Typically, commissions are issued by the head of state; in the British Armed Forces, for example, the Queen or her agents give out commissions, while in the United States, the President hands out commissions, through the United States Congress. Someone who holds a commission is allowed to serve in a command position, in contrast with enlisted members of the military. At one time, commissions were actually purchased by members of the elite when they entered the military with the intent of becoming career officers. Buying a commission could be one way to elevate one’s social status, for example, and it ensured that one was kept separate from enlisted soldiers. In the modern era, commissions are awarded on the basis of merit, to people who have completed officer training. In most countries, a commissioned officer also holds a universit
As a Commissioned Officer, the President of the United States, with the consent of the U.S. Senate, places “special trust and confidence” in you to protect our Constitution. You distinguish yourself as one who possesses the character, leadership, and intellectual capacity to lead America’s sons and daughters in the daily defense of our way of life – and into harm’s way if called upon. On the basis of your commission, you, as an officer, are afforded uncommon authority, incredible responsibility, and total accountability. On the basis of this commission, you are also granted special status and privileges in our society.
As a Commissioned Officer, the President of the United States , with the consent of the U.S. Senate, places “special trust and confidence” in you to protect our Constitution. You distinguish yourself as one who possesses the character, leadership, and intellectual capacity to lead America ‘s sons and daughters in the daily defense of our way of life – and into harm’s way if called upon. On the basis of your officer’s commission, you are afforded uncommon authority, incredible responsibility, and total accountability. On the basis of this commission, you are also granted special status and privileges in our society. Unlike the other armed services, the Marine Corps does not have its own service academy. We prefer to find potential leaders among America ‘s college and university undergraduates and graduates. Marine Corps officer programs are designed to bring out the best in you by putting you through the toughest training and evaluation you have ever faced. We make no apologies for the
