Editing Commander

{{Distinguish|Commando}}
{{About|the military rank|the honorific title of chivalric orders|Commander (order)|other uses|Commander (disambiguation)}}
{{short description|Naval and air force officer rank}}
{{More citations needed|date=June 2008}}
{{Short description|Naval officer's rank}}
{{Infobox military rank
| name           = Commander
| native_name    = 
| image          = {{nobreak| [[File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|50px]] [[File:Generic-Navy-(star)-O5.svg|50px]]}}
| image_size     = 
| alt            =
| caption        = Common types of insignia
| image2         = 
| image_size2    = 
| alt2           =
| caption2       = 
| image3         = 
| image_size3    = 
| alt3           =
| caption3       = 
| country        = See ''[[#Gallery|gallery]]''
| service branch = [[Navy|Navies]]
| abbreviation   = 
| rank group     = [[Field officer|Senior officer]]
| rank           = 
| NATO rank      = OF-4
| Non-NATO rank  = 
| pay grade      = 
| formation      = 
| abolished      = 
| higher rank    = [[Captain (naval)]]
| lower rank     = [[Lieutenant commander]]
| equivalents    = [[Frigate captain]] (Francophone)
| history        = 
}}
{{Military ranks|state=expanded}}
'''Commander''' (commonly abbreviated as '''Cmdr.''') is a common [[naval]] [[officer rank]] as well as a job title in many [[army|armies]]. Commander is also used as a rank or title in other formal organizations, including several [[police]] forces. In several countries, this naval rank is termed as a [[frigate captain]].

Commander is also a generic term for an officer commanding any armed forces unit, such as "[[platoon leader|platoon commander]]", "[[brigade]] commander" and "[[Squadron (army)|squadron]] commander". In the police, terms such as "[[borough]] commander" and "[[incident commander]]" are used.

==Commander as a naval and air force rank==
{{Navalranks}}
Commander is a rank used primarily in [[Navy|navies]], and is very rarely used as a rank in [[army|armies]]. In most armies, the term "commander" is used as a job title. For example, in the [[US Army]], an officer with the rank of [[captain (armed forces)|captain]] ([[Ranks and insignia of NATO|NATO rank code OF-2]]) may hold the title of "[[company (military unit)|company]] [[commander (United States)|commander]]", whereas an officer with the rank of [[lieutenant colonel (United States)|lieutenant colonel]] ([[Ranks and insignia of NATO|NATO rank code OF-4]]) typically holds the title of "[[battalion]] commander". 

The title, originally "master and commander", originated in the 18th century to describe naval officers who commanded ships of war too large to be commanded by a lieutenant but too small to warrant the assignment of a [[post-captain]] and (before about 1770) a [[sailing master]]; the commanding officer served as his own master. In practice, these were usually unrated [[sloop-of-war|sloops-of-war]] of no more than 20 guns. The [[Royal Navy]] shortened "master and commander" to "commander" in 1794; however, the term "master and commander" remained (unofficially) in common parlance for several years.<ref name="NHC">{{Cite web |publisher=Naval Historical Center |title=Why is the Colonel called a 'Kernal?' |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/trivia/triv4-5h.htm |year=1998 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224013131/http://www.history.navy.mil/trivia/triv4-5h.htm |archive-date=2011-02-24 }}</ref> The equivalent American rank [[master commandant]] remained in use until changed to [[Commander (United States)#Naval rank|commander]] in 1838.

A corresponding rank in some navies is [[frigate captain]]. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the rank has been assigned the [[Ranks and insignia of NATO|NATO rank code]] of OF-4.

Various functions of commanding officers were also styled ''commander''. In the navy of the [[Dutch Republic]], anyone who commanded a ship or a fleet without having an appropriate rank to do so could be called a {{lang|nl|Commandeur}}. This included ''ad hoc'' fleet commanders and acting captains ({{lang|nl|Luitenant-Commandeur}}). In the fleet of the [[Admiralty of Zeeland]] however, {{lang|nl|commandeur}} was a formal rank, the equivalent of {{lang|nl|[[Schout-bij-nacht]]}} (rear-admiral) in the other Dutch admiralties. The Dutch use of the title as a rank lives on in the [[Royal Netherlands Navy]], as the equivalent of [[Commodore (rank)|commodore]]. In the [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]], however, this rank is known by the English spelling of {{lang|nl|commodore}} which is the Dutch equivalent of the British [[air commodore]].

=== Australia ===
The rank of commander in the [[Royal Australian Navy]] (RAN) is identical in description to that of a commander in the British [[Royal Navy]]. RAN chaplains who are in divisions 1, 2 or 3 (of five divisions) have the equivalent rank standing of commanders. This means that to officers and NCOs below the rank of commander, lieutenant colonel, or wing commander, the chaplain is a superior.

To those officers ranked higher than commander, the chaplain is subordinate. Although this equivalency exists, RAN chaplains who are in divisions 1, 2 or 3 do not actually wear the rank of commander, and they hold no command privilege.

=== Canada ===
{{main|Commander (Canada)}}

=== Romania ===
The rank of commander ({{lang|ro|Comandor}} in Romanian) is used by both the [[Romanian Air Force]] and [[Romanian Naval Forces]]. It is equivalent to the army rank of [[Colonel]] ([[OF-5]]). In both cases, the rank is above {{lang|ro|Căpitan-comandor}} ({{Literal translation|Captain-commander}}, OF-4). In the air force, {{lang|ro|Comandor}} is below the rank of {{lang|ro|[[General de flotilă aeriană]]}} ({{Literal translation|Air flotilla general}}), while in the navy it is below {{lang|ro|Contraamiral de flotilă}} ({{Literal translation|Flotilla [[counter admiral]]}}).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocument/6151|title=LEGE nr. 80 din 11 iulie 1995|language=ro|publisher=MONITORUL OFICIAL nr. 155 din 20 iulie 1995|date=11 July 1995}}</ref><ref name="Romania Air Force">{{cite web |title=Grade militare |url=https://www.roaf.ro/?page_id=5114 |website=roaf.ro |publisher=Romanian Air Force |access-date=2 December 2024 |language=ro}}</ref> The rank was also used in the [[Royal Romanian Air Force]] and Navy until [[Socialist Republic of Romania|the proclamation of the Republic]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mollo |first1=Andrew |author-link1=Andrew Mollo |title=The Armed Forces of World War II: Uniforms, insignia, and organization |date=1981 |publisher=Crown Publishers |location=New York, N.Y. |isbn=0-517-54478-4 |url=https://archive.org/details/armedforcesofwor0000moll/mode/2up |url-access=limited |access-date=31 March 2022 |page=306}}</ref>

===Scandinavia===
Commander is a naval rank in Scandinavia ({{lang|no|Kommandør}} in Danish and Norwegian, {{lang|sv|[[Kommendör]]}} in Swedish) equivalent to the Anglo-American naval rank of captain. The Scandinavian rank of commander is immediately above "commander-captain" ({{langx|no|Kommandørkaptein}}, {{langx|sv|[[Kommendörkapten]]}}, {{langx|da|Kommandørkaptajn}}), which is equivalent to the Anglo-American naval rank of commander.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mpsotc.gr/dat/57FF3440/file.pdf |title=NATO grades / national ranks: Navy |publisher=Hellenic Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Center |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810003156/http://www.mpsotc.gr/dat/57FF3440/file.pdf|archive-date=10 August 2017 |access-date=24 May 2015 }}</ref>

==== Denmark ====
{{main|Ranks and insignia of Royal Danish Navy}}
In Denmark, the rank of commander exists as {{lang|da|kommandørkaptajn}} (commander captain or commanding captain), which is senior to {{lang|da|orlogskaptajn}} (captain) and {{lang|da|kommandør}} (commander), which is senior to {{lang|da|kommandørkaptajn}}. ''Kommandørkaptajn'' is officially translated into English as "Commander, Senior Grade", while ''orlogskaptajn'' is officially translated as '"Commander."<ref>[https://militaria.lv/stanag.htm ''STANAG 2116.''] 2022-04-16.</ref>

=== United Kingdom ===

====Royal Navy====
{{main|Commander (Royal Navy)}}
A commander in the Royal Navy is above the rank of [[lieutenant commander]], below the rank of [[captain (naval)|captain]], and is equivalent in rank to a [[lieutenant colonel]] in the army. A commander may command a [[frigate]], [[destroyer]], [[submarine]], aviation squadron or shore installation, or may serve on a staff.

====Royal Air Force====
Since the British [[Royal Air Force]]'s mid-rank officers' ranks are modeled on those of the [[Royal Navy]], the term [[Wing Commander (rank)|wing commander]] is used as a rank, and this is the equivalent of a [[lieutenant colonel]] in the army or a commander in the navy. The rank of wing commander is above that of [[squadron leader]] and below that of [[group captain]].
In the former [[Royal Naval Air Service]], which was merged with the [[Royal Flying Corps]] to form the Royal Air Force in 1918, the pilots held appointments as well as their normal ranks in the Royal Navy, and they wore insignia appropriate to the appointment instead of the rank. A flight commander wore a star above a lieutenant's two rank stripes, squadron commander wore two stars above two rank stripes (less than eight years' seniority) or two-and-a-half rank stripes (over eight years seniority), and wing commander wore three rank stripes. The rank stripes had the usual Royal Navy curl, and they were surmounted by an eagle.

===United States===
{{main|Commander (United States)}}
In the [[United States Navy]], [[United States Coast Guard]], [[United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps]], and [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps]], commander (abbreviated "CDR") is a senior-grade officer rank, with the pay grade of O-5. Commander ranks above [[Lieutenant commander (United States)|lieutenant commander]] (O-4) and below [[Captain (United States O-6)|captain]]. (O-6). Commander is equivalent to the rank of [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|lieutenant colonel]] in the [[United States Army]], [[United States Air Force]], [[United States Marine Corps]], and [[United States Space Force]]. Notably, commander is the first rank at which the holder wears an embellished cap, whereas officers of the other military services are entitled to embellishment of similar headgear at O-4 rank.

Promotion to commander in the U.S. Navy is governed by [[United States Department of Defense]] policies derived from the [[Defense Officer Personnel Management Act]] (DOPMA) of 1980 or its companion [[Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act]] (ROPMA). DOPMA/ROPMA guidelines suggest that 70% of lieutenant commanders should be promoted to commander after serving a minimum of three years at their present rank and after attaining 15 to 17 years of cumulative commissioned service, although this percentage may vary and be appreciably less for certain officer designators (i.e., primary "specialties") depending on defense budgets, force structure, and the needs of the service.

===Gallery===
<gallery class="center">
<!-- In alphabetic order of Country please -->
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard]])<ref name="Antigua&Barbuda">{{cite web |title=Paratus |author1=Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force |url=http://abdf.gov.ag/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ABDF_mag_2011.pdf |publisher=Regional Publications Ltd. |access-date=2 March 2020 |pages=12–13 |archive-date=7 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607174320/http://abdf.gov.ag/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ABDF_mag_2011.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Royal Australian Navy]])<ref name="Australia">{{cite web |title=Badges of rank |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/images/Badges_of_rank.pdf |website=defence.gov.au |publisher=Department of Defence (Australia) |access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Royal Bahamas Defence Force]])<ref>{{cite web |title=OFFICER RANKS |url=http://rbdf.gov.bs/officer/ |website=rbdf.gov.bs |publisher=Royal Bahamas Defence Force |access-date=14 January 2021}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Bangladesh Navy]])<ref name="Bangladesh_Navy">{{cite web |author1=Bangladesh Navy |title=Rank of Navy & Equivalent Rank |url=https://www.navy.mil.bd/Rank-of-Navy-&-Equivalent-Rank |website=navy.mil.bd |access-date=27 May 2021}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|{{lang|ms|Komander}}<br />([[ Royal Brunei Navy]])<ref name="Brunei_Navy">{{cite web |title=Admiralty Ranks |url=https://navy.mindef.gov.bn/Site%20Pages/Admiralty%20Ranks.aspx |website=navy.mindef.gov.bn |publisher=Royal Brunei Navy |access-date=1 September 2021}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Barbados Coast Guard]])
File:Belize_Coast_Guard_OF-4.svg|Commander<br />([[Belize Coast Guard]])
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Royal Canadian Navy]])<ref name="Canada">{{cite web |title=Ranks and appointment |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/rank-appointment-insignia.html |website=canada.ca |date=23 November 2017 |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=28 May 2021}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-8.svg|{{lang|da|Kommandør}}<br />([[Royal Danish Navy]])<ref name="Denmark_Navy">{{cite web |title=Søværnets Gradstegn |url=https://forsvaret.dk/globalassets/fko---forsvaret/dokumenter/gradstegn/-sovarnets-gradstegn--.pdf |website=forsvaret.dk |publisher=Danish Defence |access-date=26 May 2021 |language=da |date=2018}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Republic of Fiji Navy]])
File:Finland-Navy-OF-4.svg|{{lang|fi|Komentaja}}<br />{{small|{{langx|sv|Kommendör}}}}<br />([[Finnish Navy]])<ref name="Finland">{{cite web |title=Sotilasarvot Puolustusvoimissa |url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/sotilasarvot |website=puolustusvoimat.fi |publisher=Finnish Defence Forces |access-date=26 May 2021 |language=fi}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Gambian Navy]])
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Ghana Navy]])
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Guyana Defence Force|Guyana Coast Guard]])
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />{{small|{{langx|hi|कमांडर|kamaandar}}}}<br />([[Indian Navy]])<ref name="India_Navy">{{cite web |title=Ranks & Insignia |url=https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/en/about-us/ranks-insignia.html |website=Join Indian Navy |access-date=12 April 2021}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-(star)-O5.svg|Commander<br />{{small|{{langx|ga|Ceannasaí}}}}<br />([[Irish Naval Service]])<ref name="Ireland_Navy">{{cite web |title=Naval Service Rank Markings |url=http://www.military.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/images/Info_Centre/Posters/rank_markings/NS_Rank_Markings.png |website=military.ie |publisher=Defence Forces (Ireland) |access-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425021602/http://www.military.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/images/Info_Centre/Posters/rank_markings/NS_Rank_Markings.png |archive-date=25 April 2016}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Jamaican Coast Guard]])<ref name="Jamaica">{{cite web |title=BADGES OF RANK |url=https://www.jdfweb.com/badges-of-rank/ |website=Official Jamaica Defence Force Website |access-date=16 November 2019 |date=2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820143541/https://www.jdfweb.com/badges-of-rank/ |archive-date=20 August 2020}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-(star)-O5.svg|Commander<br />([[Liberian National Coast Guard]])<ref name="Liberia">{{cite web |url=http://www.vertic.org/media/National%20Legislation/Liberia/LR_Defense%20Act%20of%202008.pdf |title=Defense Act of 2008 |date=3 September 2008 |page=8 |access-date=20 November 2017}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-7.svg|{{lang|lt|Komandoras}}<br />([[Lithuanian Naval Force]])<ref name="Lithuania">{{cite web |title=Karių laipsnių ženklai |url=http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/kariuomenes_atributika/kariu_laipsniu_zenklai_3554.html |website=kariuomene.kam.lt |publisher=Ministry of National Defence (Lithuania) |access-date=26 May 2021 |language=lt |archive-date=11 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911115805/http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/kariuomenes_atributika/kariu_laipsniu_zenklai_3554.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|{{lang|ms|Komander}}<br />([[Royal Malaysian Navy]])<ref name="Malaysia_Officer">{{cite web |title=Pangkat |url=http://www.mafhq.mil.my/index.php/my/mengenai-kami/kerjaya/pangkat |website=mafhq.mil.my |publisher=Malaysian Armed Forces |access-date=4 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429231449/http://www.mafhq.mil.my/index.php/my/mengenai-kami/kerjaya/pangkat |archive-date=29 April 2020 |language=ms}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Namibian Navy]])<ref name="Namibia">{{cite magazine |title=Government Notice |magazine=Government Gazette of the Republic of Namibia |date=20 August 2010 |volume=4547 |pages=99–102 |url=http://www.lac.org.na/laws/2010/4547.pdf |access-date=20 December 2021}}</ref>
File:Netherlands-Navy-OF-6.svg|{{lang|nl|Commandeur}}<br />([[Royal Netherlands Navy]])<ref name="Netherlands">{{cite web |title=De rangonderscheidingstekens van de krijgsmacht |url=https://www.defensie.nl/binaries/defensie/documenten/brochures/2021/01/15/rangen-krijgsmacht/rangonderscheidingstekens.pdf |publisher=Ministry of Defence (Netherlands) |access-date=18 March 2021 |date=19 December 2016 |language=nl}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Royal New Zealand Navy]])<ref name="NewZealand">{{cite web |title=Badges of Rank |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/corporate-documents/badges-of-rank/ |website=nzdf.mil.nz |publisher=New Zealand Defence Force |access-date=11 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703193648/https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/corporate-documents/badges-of-rank/ |archive-date=3 July 2020}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Nigerian Navy]])<ref name="Nigeria">{{cite book |last1=Smaldone |first1=Joseph P. |editor1-last=Metz |editor1-first=Helen Chapin |editor1-link=Helen Chapin Metz |title=Nigeria: a country study |series=Area Handbook |date=1992 |publisher=Library of Congress |location=Washington, D.C. |lccn=92009026 |pages=296–297 |edition=5th |url=https://www.loc.gov/resource/frdcstdy.nigeriacountryst00metz_0/?sp=340 |access-date=21 October 2021 |chapter=National Security}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-8.svg|{{lang|no|Kommandør}}<br />([[Royal Norwegian Navy]])<ref name="Norway">{{cite web |title=Militære grader |url=https://www.forsvaret.no/om-forsvaret/uniformer-grader-medaljer/grader |website=forsvaret.no |publisher=Norwegian Armed Forces |access-date=26 May 2021 |language=no |date=4 February 2021}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />{{small|{{langx|ur|کمانڈر|commander}}}}<br />([[Pakistan Navy]])<ref name="Pakistan Navy Official Websites">{{cite web |title=LIFE IN PN:RANKS |url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/ranks.html |website=www.paknavy.gov.pk |publisher=Pakistan Navy Official Website |access-date=7 August 2018}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-12.svg|{{lang|pl|Komandor}}<br />([[Polish Navy]])<ref name="Poland_Navy">{{cite web |title=Sposób noszenia odznak stopni wojskowych na umundurowaniu Marynarki Wojennej |url=https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/iwsp/u/27/96/27964313-a4b1-4c28-9ea2-08de33e7aa58/08c_oznaki_stopni_wojskowych_na_umundurowaniu_mw_ok.pdf |website=wojsko-polskie.pl |publisher=Armed Forces Support Inspectorate |access-date=7 June 2021 |language=pl}}</ref>
File:Romania-Navy-OF-5-Sleeve.svg|{{lang|ro|Comandor}}<br />([[Romanian Naval Forces]])<ref name="Romania">{{cite web |title=Grade militare (Military ranks) |url=https://www.defense.ro/foto/album6 |website=defense.ro |publisher=Romanian Defence Staff |access-date=1 February 2021 |language=ro}}</ref>
Romania-AirForce-OF-5 Sleeve.svg|{{lang|ro|Comandor}}<br />([[Romanian Air Force]])<ref name="Romania"/>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Saint Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard]])
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Sierra Leone Navy]])
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[South African Navy]])<ref name="SouthAfrica_Navy">{{cite web |title=Rank Insignia |url=http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/Rank_Insignia.gif |website=navy.mil.za |publisher=Department of Defence (South Africa) |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518212959/http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/Rank_Insignia.gif |archive-date=18 May 2019}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Sri Lanka Navy]])<ref name="SriLanka_Navy">{{cite web |title=Branches/ Ranks |url=https://www.navy.lk/branches-ranks.html |website=navy.lk |publisher=Sri Lanka Navy |access-date=24 September 2021 |archive-date=19 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619063013/https://www.navy.lk/branches-ranks.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-8.svg|{{lang|sv|Kommendör}}<br />([[Swedish Navy]])<ref name="FMgrader2019">{{cite web|title=Nya gradbeteckningar införs|url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/aktuellt/2019/10/nya-gradbeteckningar-infors/|publisher=Försvarsmakten|date=2019-10-01|access-date=2019-10-02}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Tanzania Naval Command]])
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Tongan Maritime Force]])<ref name="Tonga">{{cite journal |title=Tonga Defence Services (Amendment) Regulations 2009 |journal=Tonga Government Gazette Supplement Extraordinary |date=10 May 2010 |volume=5 |pages=151–153 |url=https://ago.gov.to/cms/phocadownload/2010-regulations/TongaDefenceServices(Amendment)Regulations2009s.pdf |access-date=26 September 2021}}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard]])<ref name="Trinidad&Tobago_Officer">{{cite web |title=Rank Chart (Commissioned Officers) |url=http://69.0.195.188/HQ/Our-Organisation/Ranks-Chart-(Commissioned-Officers).aspx |website=69.0.195.188 |publisher=Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force |access-date=27 May 2021 }}{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
File:Generic-Navy-6.svg|Commander<br />([[Royal Navy]])<ref name="UK_Navy">{{cite web |title=Shaping your career |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/navy-life/shaping-your-career |website=royalnavy.mod.uk |publisher=Royal Navy |access-date=24 September 2021}}</ref>
File:US Navy O5 insignia.svg|Commander<br />([[United States Navy]])<ref name="Dod_Ranks">{{cite web |title=U.S. Military Rank Insignia |url=https://www.defense.gov/Resources/Insignia/ |website=defense.gov |publisher=Department of Defense |access-date=13 January 2022}}</ref>
File:USCG O-5 insignia.svg|Commander<br />([[United States Coast Guard]])<ref name="Dod_Ranks" />
</gallery>

==Commander as a military appointment==

For instance, as in various small colonial settlements (such as various [[Caribbean]] islands) commanding the [[garrison]] was the crux of the top job, the military title ''Commandeur'' could be used instead of a civilian gubernatorial style, not unlike the Portuguese [[captain-major]].

===British Army===
In the [[British Army]], the term "commander" is officially applied to the [[non-commissioned officer]] in charge of a [[section (military unit)|section]] (section commander), vehicle (vehicle commander) or gun (gun commander), to the [[subaltern (rank)|subaltern]] or [[Captain (land)|captain]] commanding a [[platoon]] (platoon commander), or to the [[brigadier]] commanding a [[brigade]] (brigade commander). Other officers commanding units are usually referred to as the [[Officer Commanding|officer commanding]] (OC), [[Commanding Officer|commanding officer]] (CO), [[General Officer Commanding|general officer commanding]] (GOC), or [[General Officer Commanding-in-Chief|general officer commanding-in-chief]] (GOC-C), depending on rank and position, although the term "commander" may be applied to them informally.

In the [[First Aid Nursing Yeomanry]] commander is a rank equivalent to [[Major (rank)|major]].

=== Netherlands ===
''Commandeur'' as a title of colonial office was the case on the island of [[Tobago]] in the Dutch colony of [[Nieuw Walcheren]].

===New Zealand Army===
The usage is similar/identical to the [[British Army]], with the term "commander" having been applied to the colonel who was Commander, 2 Land Force Group, Linton Camp, and now to Commander, [[1st Brigade (New Zealand)|1 Brigade]].

===Spanish Armed Forces and ''Guardia Civil''===
In the [[Spanish Army]], the [[Spanish Air Force]] and the [[Spanish Navy Marines|marine infantry]], the term commander is the literal translation of ''comandante'', the Spanish equivalent of a Commonwealth [[Major (rank)|major]]. The ''[[Guardia Civil]]'' shares the army ranks, and the officer commanding a house-garrison (usually an NCO or a lieutenant, depending on the size) is addressed as the ''comandante de puesto'' (post commander).

===United States Army===
In the [[United States Army]], the term "commander" is officially applied to the [[commanding officer]] of army units; hence, there are [[Company Commander|company commanders]], [[Battalion Commander|battalion commanders]], [[Brigade Commander|brigade commanders]], and so forth.  At the highest levels of [[U.S. military]] command structure, "commander" also refers to what used to be called [[commander-in-chief]], or CINC, until October 24, 2002, although the term CINC is still used in casual speech.

===United States Air Force===
In the [[United States Air Force]], the term "commander" (abbreviated "CC" in office symbols, i.e. "OG/CC" for "operations group commander") is applied officially to the [[commanding officer]] of an Air Force unit; hence, there are [[Flight (military unit)|flight]] commanders, [[Squadron (aviation)|squadron]]  commanders, [[Group (air force)|group]] commanders, [[Wing (air force unit)|wing]] commanders, [[numbered air force]] commanders, and commanders of [[List of major commands of the United States Air Force|major command]]s. In rank, a flight commander is typically a [[lieutenant]] or [[Captain (United States O-3)|captain]], a [[Squadron (aviation)|squadron]] commander is typically a [[Major (United States)|major]] or [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|lieutenant colonel]], a [[Group (air force)|group]] commander is typically a [[Colonel (United States)|colonel]], a [[Wing (air force unit)|wing]] commander is typically a senior colonel or a [[Brigadier general (United States)|brigadier general]], a numbered air force commander is a [[Major general (United States)|major general]] or [[Lieutenant general (United States)|lieutenant general]], and the commander of a major command is a [[General (United States)|general]].

===United States Space Force===
In the [[United States Space Force]], the term "commander" is applied officially to the commanding officer of a Space Force unit; hence, there are [[Squadron (aviation)|squadron]] commanders, [[Structure of the United States Space Force#Delta|delta]] commanders, and commanders of  [[Structure of the United States Space Force#Field Command|field commands]]. In rank, a squadron commander is a [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|lieutenant colonel]], a delta commander is a [[Colonel (United States)|colonel]], and the commander of a field command is a [[Major general (United States)|major general]] or [[Lieutenant general (United States)|lieutenant general]].

==Commander as a non-military rank or title==

===NASA rank===
In NASA spacecraft missions since the beginning of [[Project Gemini]], one crew member on each spacecraft is designated as mission commander.  The commander is the captain of the ship, and makes all real-time critical decisions on behalf of the crew and in coordination with the Mission Control Center (MCC).

=== Use in aviation ===
The title of aircraft commander is used in civil aviation to refer to the [[pilot in command]] (commonly referred to as "captain", which is technically an airline rank and not related to the commander's role on board the aircraft).

===British police rank===
[[File:Met Commander Epaulette.svg|100px|right|thumb|Epaulette of a commander in the Metropolitan Police]]

Within the [[Law enforcement in the United Kingdom|British police]], Commander is a [[Chief police officer|chief officer]] rank in the two police forces responsible for law enforcement within [[London]], the [[Metropolitan Police]] and [[City of London Police]]. In both forces, the rank is senior to [[Chief Superintendent#United Kingdom|chief superintendent]]; in the Metropolitan Police it is junior to [[deputy assistant commissioner]] and in the City of London Police it is junior to [[Assistant Commissioner#United Kingdom|assistant commissioner]]. In forces outside London, the rank equates to [[Assistant Chief Constable|assistant chief constable]] which bears the same insignia.
[[File:COLP Commander SQ.svg|100px|right|thumb|Epaulette of a commander in the City of London Police]]
The Metropolitan Police introduced the rank in 1946, after the rank of deputy assistant commissioner was split in two, with senior DACs keeping that rank and title and junior DACs being regraded as commanders. The Metropolitan Police also used the rank of [[Deputy commander (Metropolitan Police)|deputy commander]], ranking just below that of commander, between 1946 and 1968.

Officers in charge of the twelve geographical [[Basic command unit|Basic Command Units]] are referred to as "BCU commander". However, the officers do not hold the rank of commander but instead hold the rank of chief superintendent. Prior to organisational change merging boroughs in to BCUs, officers in charge of policing each of the [[London borough|London's boroughs]] were given the title "borough commander".  A previous exception to this was the borough commander of [[Westminster]], who held the rank of commander due to the size, complexity, and high-profile nature of the borough.

The Metropolitan Police Service announced that by summer 2018 the rank would be phased out, along with that of [[chief inspector]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.met.police.uk/news/met-police-to-modernise-its-rank-structure-191284 |title="Met police to modernise its rank structure", MPS website |access-date=2016-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019142734/http://news.met.police.uk/news/met-police-to-modernise-its-rank-structure-191284 |archive-date=2016-10-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, in August 2017 it was announced that the new Commissioner [[Cressida Dick]] had cancelled the plan to phase them out.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.policeoracle.com/news/HR_personnel_and_staff_development/2017/Aug/17/met-cancels-plans-to-abolish-two-ranks_95557.html|title=Met cancels plan to abolish two ranks|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825234448/https://www.policeoracle.com/news/HR_personnel_and_staff_development/2017/Aug/17/met-cancels-plans-to-abolish-two-ranks_95557.html|archive-date=2017-08-25|url-status=live|access-date=2017-08-25}}</ref>

The rank badge worn by a commander or an assistant chief constable consists of crossed [[tipstaff|tipstaves]] within a [[wreath]]. Within the Metropolitan Police Service, the tips of the tipstaves are blue and not red, unlike other forces. Until the abolition of the rank of deputy commander in 1968, however, a commander wore the same badge of rank as a deputy assistant commissioner.

===Australian police rank===
In Australia, commander is a rank used by the Victorian,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.police.vic.gov.au/retrievemedia.asp?Media_ID=21131 |title=Victoria Police Website |access-date=2009-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520132311/http://www.police.vic.gov.au/retrievemedia.asp?Media_ID=21131 |archive-date=2009-05-20 |url-status=live }}</ref> Tasmanian, Western Australian,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.police.wa.gov.au/Aboutus/Rankinsignias/tabid/1242/Default.aspx |title=Western Australia Police Website |access-date=2009-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106215520/http://www.police.wa.gov.au/ABOUTUS/RankInsignias/tabid/1242/Default.aspx |archive-date=2008-01-06 |url-status=live }}</ref> South Australian, and [[Australian Federal Police|Australian Federal police]] forces. The insignia consists of a crown over three bath stars in a triangular formation, equivalent to a [[brigadier]] in the army. In all four forces, it is junior to the rank of [[Assistant Commissioner|assistant commissioner]], and senior to the rank of [[Chief Superintendent|chief superintendent]], with the exception of Western Australia and Victoria where it is senior to the rank of [[Superintendent (police)|superintendent]].

In New South Wales the position of commander is instated to officers (usually superintendents) in charge of a command or unit.

===American police rank===
{{main|Police ranks of the United States#Ranks}}
Some large police departments and sheriff's offices in the US have a commander rank. Most commonly, this is the next rank above captain. Examples of this include the [[Chicago Police Department]], [[Los Angeles Police Department]], [[San Francisco Police Department]], [[Portland Police Bureau]] and [[Rochester Police Department]]. In others, such as the [[Phoenix Police Department]] and [[Saint Paul Police Department]], a commander rank is the next rank above lieutenant, and is equivalent to captain. In the Northport, Florida's police department, however, commanders are below captains.

A commander in the LAPD is equivalent to an [[Inspector#United States|inspector]] in other large US departments (such as the [[NYPD]]); the LAPD rank was originally called inspector as well, but was changed in 1974 to commander. The [[Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia]] also uses the rank of commander, which is a grade above inspector and two grades above captain.  In the [[Montgomery County Police Department|Montgomery County, MD police department]] a commander is a [[police captain|captain]] assigned to command a police district. The [[Jacksonville Sheriff's Office]] replaced the Assistant Chief rank with commander.<ref>{{cite web |title=JSO Organizational Chart |url=https://www.jaxsheriff.org/Your-Sheriff-s-Office/docs/JSO-Organizational-Chart.aspx |website=Jaxsheriff.org |publisher=Jacksonville Sheriff Office |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref>

The insignia worn is commonly every insignia between [[Major (United States)|major]] and major general, depending on the police or sheriff's department. Albuquerque Police Department commanders are captain equivalents, however, with the brass version of the captain's insignia. In some other police or sheriff's departments where the captains have brass insignias instead of silver, such as Florida's Lee County Sheriff's Department, commanders are above captains, and below majors, with the insignia being brass captain's bars with wreathes around. Northport's police commanders have the insignia of second lieutenants. Commander is also used as a title in certain circumstances, such as the commander of a squad of detectives, who would usually be of the rank of lieutenant, and in some police or sheriff's departments where commanders are ranks, officers or deputies of separate ranks are also referred to as commander by title.

===Canadian police rank===
The Montreal police force, [[Service de police de la Ville de Montréal]], uses the rank of commander ''(Commandant)''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spvm.qc.ca/en/carrieres/5_1_1_1_fonctions.asp|title=Positions|work=Service de police de la Ville de Montréal|access-date=30 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100504134724/http://www.spvm.qc.ca/en/carrieres/5_1_1_1_fonctions.asp|archive-date=2010-05-04|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Incident Command System===
In the [[Incident Command System]] the incident commander is in charge of the response to an emergency. The title may pass from person to person as the incident develops.

===Chivalric orders===
{{main|Commander (orders)}}
The title of commander is used in chivalric orders such as the [[Sovereign Military Order of Malta]] for a member senior to a [[knight]].  The title of knight commander is often used to denote an even higher rank.  These conventions are also used by most of the continental orders of chivalry.  The United Kingdom uses different classifications.

In most of the British orders of knighthood, the grade of knight (or dame) commander is the lowest grade of knighthood, but is above the grade of companion (which does not carry a knighthood). In the [[Royal Victorian Order]] and the [[Order of the British Empire]], the grade of commander is senior to the grade of lieutenant or officer, but junior to that of knight or dame commander. In the British [[Venerable Order of Saint John]], a commander ranks below a knight.

==See also==
{{Wiktionary}}
*[[Comparative military ranks]]


==Notes==
{{reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Gubernatorial titles]]
[[Category:Military ranks]]
[[Category:Military ranks of Australia]]
[[Category:Military ranks of the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Police ranks]]
[[Category:Police ranks in the United Kingdom]]