What was the Torstenson War (1643-1645)?

Introduction The Torstenson War was fought between Sweden and Denmark-Norway from 1643 to 1645. The name derives from Swedish general Lennart Torstenson. Denmark had withdrawn from the Thirty Years’ War in the 1629 Treaty of Lübeck (1629). After its victories in the war, Sweden felt it had to attack Denmark-Norway due to its advantageous geographical… Read More

What is the Weighted Airman Promotion System?

Introduction The Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS) is a United States Air Force programme that determines promotions to the ranks of Staff Sergeant (SSgt, E-5) through Technical Sergeant (TSgt, E-6). It provides feedback score sheets to enlisted members considered for promotion, which help members to focus on specific professional development needs. Selections for promotion to… Read More

What is a Mustang Officer?

Introduction Mustang is a military slang term used in the United States Armed Forces to refer to a commissioned officer who began their career as an enlisted service member. Unlike other nations, a US Mustang Officer is not a temporary or brevet promotion (or “temporary gentleman”) but rather an earned Commission from the President of… Read More

What is Meant by ‘Rising from the Ranks’?

Introduction Rising from the ranks, through the ranks or commissioned from the ranks refers to enlisted soldiers being commissioned as officers. In class-conscious societies of the past, such as Britain during the Napoleonic Wars, for example, this was a relatively rare occurrence. Refer to Promotion and the UKs Potential Officer Development Programme (PODP). Revolutionary and… Read More

What is Reduction in Rank?

Introduction Reduction in rank may refer to three separate concepts: Refer to Promotion. Brief History Reduction in rank (Latin gradus deiectio meaning position degradation) was a Roman military punishment. United States In the United States, courts-martial may adjudge reduction to any enlisted member to the lowest or any intermediate pay grade. However, a summary court-martial… Read More