OC or CO

Adult Staff Execs
1

Hi.
Simple question.

  1. What is the difference militarily speaking between a Commanding Officer and a Officer Commanding.

  2. Is it referenced anywhere which we should use if the OC/CO of a Sqn.

Cheers

2

Officer Commanding is a temporary post where as Commanding Officer is a permenant post until, in the regulars, they tourex.

3

Whats the difference with Officer in Command? or is that the same as Officer Commanding?

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4

In Army terms a CO would be in change of a Regiment or Battalion. An OC would be in charge of a company within it. most of OCs of Sqns are flight Lt and would never be addressed as an CO https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_comparative_military_ranks

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5

Yeah that was always my understanding

Major Unit (Wing) = CO
Minor Unit (Squadron/DF) = OC
Temporary Boss = OIC

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6

Ok. But actually written anywhere in any JSP etc

This is not for ego. I have to get something expensive printed and I don’t want a costly muck up!

7

OIC seems to be used that way in the ATC; from a military point of view though I’d say it’s more commonly used for a secondary or temporary (ie course or exercise) role.

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8

Also see it at DFs, where the OC is at the parent unit. Alternatively, non- Flt Lt cvaf in charge of a unit, usually not done the commanders course - so oic or ncoic.

9

Yeah, but I’d say that’s more an ATC-ism.

A DF should really be either OC or simply Flight Commander.

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10

Just print it up as “Lord commander major colonel in chief”

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11

Was once told that an OC has no powers of dismissal.

Where as a CO can dismiss.

So OC Wing or OC sqn can’t dismiss a cadet or staff member, where as a CO, like Regional Commandant can.

No sure if that’s correct, but something once told to me.

12

Sort of - I think it’s related to the fact that in the forces a CO has certain summary justice powers - however in small units an OC may hold these.

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13

Hmmm, not so sure - a formal letter to the “boss” of an RAF sqn would be written thus:

Wing Commander A B Cloggitt RAF
Officer Commanding
No 123 Squadron
Royal Air Force Snoring by the Marsh
MIDDLEOFNOWHERE
Norfolk
NR12 3AB

He / she would be referred to on base as the CO…

14

Is it just grammar then?

15

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