Looking for a military term

[ffutures]

I think that there's a military term for this - a civilian who signs on as a temporary officer equivalent in the armed forces, subject to orders etc.

The idea is that I want a rationale for civilian characters aboard a military vessel. Reserves doesn't quite work for my purposes. I could make them civilian employees, but I think I want them to be a little more in the chain of command.

Any suggestions?

Later - I think "Acting supernumerary" will do.

Comments

Warrant officer?

[3pitaka.livejournal.com]

In the United States, a Warrant Officer is a uniformed member of the armed services, within the chain of command, but who typically serves in a specialized technical field rather than in a command role, and is not commissioned through a military academy or officer training corps. A similar, though distinct role is that of Limited Duty Officer; an commissioned officer promoted through the ranks due to technical expertise, but with limits on promotion (originally, not beyond Lieutenant) and not filling a command role.

Re: Warrant officer?

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Again, not really what I'm after - a civilian in a normally military role.

Re: Warrant officer?

[dsample.livejournal.com]

Civilians aboard US Navy ships, in a technical support role, such as installing, testing, or training on new equipment, are known as "tech-reps." They are given a simulated rank of warrant officer (putting them between the commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel in the chain of command) but they eat in the officer's mess, and sleep in officer's quarters.