Editing Military rank (section)

== Types of rank ==
There are a number of different forms of rank; from highest to lowest degree, they are:
* ''Substantive'' or ''permanent'': the fully paid and confirmed rank, with eligibility for the corresponding pension and benefits
**''Retired'' or ''retained'': usually granted to those officers of the rank of ''lieutenant'' in the navy, or ''captain'' in the army, or above, and enlisted, who have reached the end of their service obligation and have not been [[dishonorably discharged]] or dismissed from the service. A retired rank is usually kept for life, if the officer concerned so wishes. In the [[Commonwealth of Nations]], such an officer will also hold the style of [[Esquire]], if they do not hold a higher title. In the [[United Kingdom]], an officer of the regular service placed on the retired list or on the reserve will be shown in his/her substantive rank. An officer of the rank of lieutenant, captain, flight lieutenant or above leaving the reserve, or having no reserve liability is permitted to use their rank a [[courtesy title]] if they have completed 3 years service in the active list.<ref>{{cite web |title=RETIREMENT, RESIGNATION, TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE AND RELINQUISHMENT OF COMMISSION, ETC – OFFICERS |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7f664eed915d74e622a393/QRS_ch38.pdf |website=publishing.service.gov.uk |publisher=UK Government |access-date=4 November 2023}}</ref>
** ''[[Veteran]]s'' rank is different in each country. Members of the United States military maintain their highest rank after discharge or retirement. 10 U.S. Code § 772(e) states: A person not on active duty who served honorably in time of war in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps may bear the title and wear the uniform of the highest grade held by him during that war. After a war, regular serving members of the military holding war substantive or temporary rank often revert to their former, substantive rank and all others often end their service. However, the holder may be granted permission to permanently ''retain'' the rank they held when the conflict ended.
* ''Temporary'': usually granted for a specific task or mission. The holder holds the rank while occupying that position. Despite the name, temporary rank may be held for a considerable period of time, perhaps even years. In wartime, temporary ranks are often common. In the United Kingdom, the rank of brigadier was long considered a temporary rank; while its holder was addressed as "brigadier," he would retain the substantive rank of colonel or lieutenant-colonel if not selected for promotion to general officer rank. Sub-classes of temporary rank (from highest to lowest) include:
**''War substantive'': a temporarily confirmed rank only held for the duration of that war, though war substantive rank may be treated as substantive when considering the holder's eligibility for subsequent promotions and appointments.
** ''[[Acting rank|Acting]]'' is where the holder assumes the pay and allowances appropriate to the acting rank, but a higher commanding officer may revert the holder to previous rank held. This is normally for a short period of time while the permanent occupant of the office is absent. During wartime, acting ranks are frequently held on an emergency basis, while peacetime holders of acting ranks are often those who must hold their permanent rank for a sufficient period before being confirmed in their new higher rank.
** ''[[Brevet (military)|Brevet]]'': an honorary promoted rank, without the full official authority or pay appropriate to the rank.
** ''Local'' or ''theater'': a form of temporary rank restricted to a specific location instead of a specific duty.
*[[Titular and honorary rank#Honorary rank|Honorary]]: Often granted on retirement, or in certain special cases to honour a deserving civilian. Generally, honorary rank is treated as if it were substantive, but usually does not grant a corresponding wage or pension (increase). Certain members of the [[British royal family]] that serve in the military have honorary ranks in other services, but retain their original rank. [[Prince Harry]], the Duke of Sussex, is a major in the [[British Army]], but has an honorary rank of [[Lieutenant commander (Royal Navy)|lieutenant commander]] in the [[Royal Navy]], and squadron leader in the [[Royal Air Force]].