What is the difference between an officer and a petty officer?
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About $10,000 per year.

True, but legally speaking it deals with authority. "Officer" is the common term applied to commissioned officers. Commissioned officers receive a commision from the President of the United States (or their head of state for other nations). This commission gives them the authority to command servicemen and impose punishment if necessary to promote good order and discipline in the ranks. A Non-commissioned officer derives his authority from his commanding officer. NCO's cannot impose punishment, but may recommend it.

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