staff officer

American  

noun

Military.

1. a commissioned officer who is a member of a staff.

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staff officer British  

noun

1. a commissioned officer serving on the staff of a commander, service, or central headquarters

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Etymology

Origin of staff officer

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

staff officer

Army desk-johnny—“a staff officer pushing paper and sweating details,” Mr. Jordan writes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026

The BBC documentary also hears from another former soldier - a senior staff officer, who says he served in the Russian military for 17 years.

From BBC ● Feb. 24, 2026

“I am beginning to think that what we need is a type of staff officer with at least three heads—one political, one economic, and one military.”

From Slate ● Feb. 9, 2026

Haley is being deployed as a staff officer with the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, which the National Guard says is providing support in the Horn of Africa.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 10, 2024

Hamilton had nearly perfect pitch for Washington’s language, having begun his public career drafting letters and memoranda for Washington’s signature as a staff officer during the war.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis