substantive rank

/ səbˈstæntɪv /

noun

1. a permanent rank in the armed services obtained by length of service, selection, etc

Example Sentences

He was promoted brevet lieutenant-colonel and shortly afterwards to the same substantive rank.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Under previous legislation, death benefits were calculated on the "substantive rank held at the date of death", unless the individual had been in an acting rank for at least a year.

Read more on BBC

At sea the name of captain is given to all who command ships whether they belong to the military navy of their country or not, or whether they hold the substantive rank or not.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

He reached the substantive rank of major in December 1884, and from that year till 1889 was a major of the 9th Lancers, when he was transferred to the 5th Lancers.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

It may be said that every writer of force and originality traverses two phases of opinion before his substantive rank in the great order of merit is definitely fixed: he is either depressed or exalted unduly.

Read more on Project Gutenberg