Military Rank: Buy

The practice of purchasing military commissions and ranks—historically known as the —was a prominent method of officer selection in European armies from the 17th to the 19th century, most notably in the British Army.

The Franco-Prussian War (1870) demonstrated the superiority of a professional, merit-based officer corps (the Prussian Army) over traditional aristocratic armies. buy military rank

(1980). The Purchase System in the British Army, 1660–1871. London: Royal Historical Society. The Purchase System in the British Army, 1660–1871

Despite its political utility, the purchase system severely compromised military professionalism and meritocracy. To move up, an officer had to buy

To move up, an officer had to buy the next rank from an officer who was retiring or selling out.

It was believed that men of wealth had a greater stake in the country's defense and would behave with natural honor and courage on the battlefield.

Ranks had official government prices, though "over-regulation" prices were often paid under the table.