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.