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

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.