noncommissioned officer

American  

noun

Military.

1. an enlisted person, as a sergeant or corporal, holding any of various ranks below commissioned or warrant officers.

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noncommissioned officer British  

/ ˌnɒnkəˈmɪʃənd /

noun

1. (in the armed forces) a person, such as a sergeant or corporal, who is appointed from the ranks as a subordinate officer

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Etymology

Origin of noncommissioned officer

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

Does holding a commission necessarily mean a candidate is better suited to elective office than one who was a noncommissioned officer or a PFC or Seaman Apprentice?

From Salon

News of the decision came as Germany’s Federal Administrative Court considered a complaint by a noncommissioned officer in the navy against the continued vaccination requirement.

From Seattle Times

Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota also intervened on his behalf along with the service’s top noncommissioned officer, the sergeant major of the Army.

From Seattle Times

The Unit, consisting of enlisted soldiers and noncommissioned officers, maintains a tight-knit community, like many units in all branches of service.

From Los Angeles Times

The programs are offered in public high schools, with retired officers or noncommissioned officers vetted by the military acting as instructors.

From New York Times