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

[aitkendrum.livejournal.com]

The only term I heard of in my special duties time was "Secondee".

They would be uniformed in basic battle dress but worked with an equivalent rank as gbsteve detailed

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Secondment implied a lack of choice. I think that the word I may be looking for is "supernumerary"