[YellowRoseofTx]

...he just does not have a commision...

I've read all the comments here and it has been a real education for me. As a female I've been clueless about most of this but have always been curious about these "titles". I just have one more question, and I'm sorry if it sounds stupid, but....does commissioned mean college?

[leadpenny]

It means you've been commissioned an Officer, usually 2LT. (01)

[operation clinton cleanup]

does commissioned mean college?

You need to have completed a 4 year degree to be eligible to become a commissioned officer (but there are always exceptions!)

[Centurion2000]

I just have one more question, and I'm sorry if it sounds stupid, but....does commissioned mean college?

Well for commisioned officers ... 4 year degree requirement for all branches.

Warrant officers need 60 hours credit or something like that as of the 90's (last time I looked into it).

Higher level enlisteds in leadership positions are called Non-commisioned officers.

The commision is like a contract from the government granting the rank and detailing broad duties. Warrants are similar but more for technical skills.

Helicopter pilots are generally warrant officers in the army. Almost all helo pilots in the Marines are commissioned officers however.

[Centurion2000]

Believe it or not wikipedia has some good articles explaining the differences.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrant_Officer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commissioned_officer

Warrants apparently derive from English Naval Rank.