line officer

noun

a military or naval officer serving with combatant units or warships, as distinguished from a staff officer, supply officer, etc.

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

"B" company being taken over by Capt. Branthwaite, a recently joined 2nd line officer.

As senior line officer aboard, I'm assuming command for the rest of the voyage.

I watched the field surgeons gather about a young line officer brought in with a shot through his neck.

The volume of business will usually warrant making him a line officer with the rank and title of assistant general manager.

The first line officer needed no staff, because he had time to think as well as act for himself.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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