The title "Commander" carries diverse meanings across various sectors. In naval contexts, it signifies a common officer rank, often synonymous with "Frigate Captain" in certain nations. Beyond maritime usage, "Commander" finds relevance in armies, denoting a specific job title. Additionally, the term permeates other structured organizations, such as police forces, where it represents a rank or designation.
1918: Formation of the Royal Air Force
In 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged to form the Royal Air Force. During this time, pilots held appointments in addition to their ranks, wearing insignia based on their appointment. Flight commanders, for example, wore a star above a lieutenant's two rank stripes.
1946: Introduction of the Commander Rank in the Metropolitan Police
The Metropolitan Police introduced the rank of commander in 1946. This restructuring came after the division of the deputy assistant commissioner role, with senior officers retaining the original title and junior officers becoming commanders. Additionally, a new rank, deputy commander, was established, positioned just below commander.
1968: Change in Rank Insignia for Commanders in the Metropolitan Police
Before 1968, commanders in the Metropolitan Police shared the same rank insignia as deputy assistant commissioners. However, after the deputy commander rank was abolished in 1968, commanders began wearing crossed tipstaves within a wreath as their rank badge, setting them apart.
1968: Abolition of Deputy Commander Rank in the Metropolitan Police
In 1968, the Metropolitan Police abolished the rank of deputy commander, which had been positioned below commander.
1974: Renaming of Inspector to Commander in the LAPD
In 1974, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) changed the rank of inspector to commander, aligning it with the equivalent rank in other major U.S. police departments.
1980: Defense Officer Personnel Management Act (DOPMA)
The United States Department of Defense, guided by the Defense Officer Personnel Management Act (DOPMA) of 1980, set guidelines for promotion to commander in the U.S. Navy. The act suggested that 70% of lieutenant commanders be considered for promotion to commander after a minimum of three years at their current rank and 15 to 17 years of commissioned service.
October 24, 2002: Change in Terminology for High-Ranking U.S. Military Commanders
On October 24, 2002, the U.S. military officially replaced the term "commander-in-chief" (CINC) with "commander" for the commanding officers of army units at all levels. However, "CINC" is still used informally.
August 2017: Cancellation of Plan to Phase Out Commander Rank
The Metropolitan Police Service's plan to phase out the rank of commander, along with the rank of chief inspector, was canceled in August 2017 by the new Commissioner, Cressida Dick.
2018: Planned Phase-Out of Commander Rank Announced
Initially, the Metropolitan Police Service planned to phase out the rank of commander, as well as the rank of chief inspector, by the summer of 2018.