commandant

/ˌkɑmənˈdɑnt/

Other forms: commandants

One name for a commanding military officer is a commandant. In the US, a commandant is typically in charge of a military school or training facility.

Many English-speaking militaries use the word commandant in various ways — in Ireland, for example, a commandant in the Army is the same as a major. The senior officer at a military college in New Zealand is also a commandant. In the US, commandant isn't a rank, like private or general, but an appointed position. In French, commandant means "the one commanding," from the verb commander, "to order."

Definitions of commandant

1. noun

   an officer in command of a military unit
   synonyms: commander, commanding officer

   types:

   SACLANT, Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic

   commanding officer of ACLANT; a general of the United States Army nominated by the President of the United States and approved by the North Atlantic Council

   SACEUR, Supreme Allied Commander Europe

   commanding officer of ACE; NATO's senior military commander in Europe

   commander in chief, generalissimo

   the officer who holds the supreme command

   wing commander

   (RAF rank) one who is next below a group captain

   type of:

   military officer, officer

   any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command