field grade

Definition

Officers ranking Major through Colonel (O-4 to O-6), so called because they historically commanded field formations. Also used as an adjective to describe mistakes so catastrophic they could end a field grade officer's career.

Example Usage

That was a field grade mistake—you don't accidentally order air strikes on friendly positions.

Origin

Military rank classification from when these officers literally commanded forces in the field

Fun Fact

The term 'field grade article 15' refers to non-judicial punishment administered by field grade officers, which is significantly more serious than company-grade punishment.

Source: Military rank and administrative terminology

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