An Cosantóir

28 Historical Background: For over 200 years, only men from nobility were selected to receive commissions. During the 17th and 18th Centuries, commissions could be purchased in European armies by the nobility and higher classes. Officers have traditionally received their commissions after a period of instruction in various military training institutions, such as United States Military Academy West Point (since 1802), Royal Military Academy Woolwich and Sandhurst (since 1741), École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (since 1802) and Scoil na Daltaí (since 1928). The first mention of NCOs receiving commissions was during the US Civil War (1861-1865). During that time, it was commonplace in the Confederate Army, who were all volunteers, to elect their own Captains and Lieutenants from within their own ranks. This practice also occurred in a limited way within the Union Army. Professional soldiers disapproved of this practice, as electing officers from within units clashed with the ethos of an army being apolitical. The practice of electing officers was phased-out by 1863. During World War 1, the British Army commissioned over 250,000 men from middle and lower classes as 'Temporary Gentlemen'. The plan was that these officers would revert to their previous employment and social standing after the war ended. In more recent times, the practice of commissioning NCOs occurred during World War 2, the Korean War and the 27 Inf Bn and 10th Potential Officers Class Vietnam War. The main reason for awarding these 'Battlefield' commissions was due to the high number of officer casualties suffered in these conflicts. Highly experienced Sergeants were promoted to 2/Lt and usually had to leave their platoon to take up command in another battalion. Sgts such as Audie Murphy was one such NCO who became the most decorated soldier in the US Army during World War 2. There are many terms used throughout the world that refer to Commissioned Officers who were prior-enlisted such as Brevets (France), Charackters (Germany), Rankers (Royal Navy), Late Entry Officers (British Army), Mustangs (US and Canadian Army), Commissioned From Ranks (CFR) (Irish NS) and Prior-Enlisted (DF). Modern times: The practice of commissioning prior-enlisted personnel continued after the conflicts of 1939-1975 and continues to this day. Thankfully, the days when officers were required to come from certain social background and standing are long gone. Senior NCOs of many armed forces are offered a commission after they have served EARNING IT THE HARD WAY EARNING IT THE HARD WAY "Experience is the teacher of all things." – Julius Caesar (100-44 BC) v The 10th POC marching onto the grounds of Dublin Castle where their Commissioning took place v A group photo of the 2nd Potential Officers course back in 1970 By Capt Gerry Duff Photos by Capt Gerry Duff

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