Buy Military Rank · Full

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.

Despite its political utility, the purchase system severely compromised military professionalism and meritocracy. buy military rank

To the modern observer, buying a military rank seems absurd. However, to the British ruling class of the 18th and 19th centuries, it served critical social and political functions. However, to the British ruling class of the

The push for military professionalization culminated in the late 19th century. By ensuring that only wealthy, land-owning elites held

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

By ensuring that only wealthy, land-owning elites held senior military ranks, the government ensured the army would never support a revolution against the established social order.

The Price of Command: A Historical and Sociological Analysis of the Military Purchase System