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

Coming to this a bit late...

[uk-lemming.livejournal.com]

The RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) have a similar arrangement, being Merchant Navy officers employed by the Ministry of Defence, operating under normal Rules/Laws in normal operations and under the Naval Discipline Act when engaged in "Warlike Operations"

But the Closest scenario I can think of is detailed in this article