armed forces, armed services, military, military machine, war machine - the military forces of a nation; "their military is the largest in the region"; "the military machine is the same one we faced in 1991 but now it is weaker"

adjutant, aide, aide-de-camp - an officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer

army officer - an officer in the armed forces; "he's a retired army officer"

brass hat - a high-ranking military officer

chief of staff - the senior officer of a service of the armed forces

commandant, commander, commanding officer - an officer in command of a military unit

commissioned officer - a military officer holding a commission

desk officer - a military officer who is not assigned to active duty

executive officer - the officer second in command

inspector general - a military officer responsible for investigations

military adviser, military advisor - a military officer who serves as an adviser to the troops of an allied nation

naval officer - an officer in the navy

noncom, noncommissioned officer - a military officer appointed from enlisted personnel

military man, serviceman, man, military personnel - someone who serves in the armed forces; a member of a military force; "two men stood sentry duty"

warrant officer - holds rank by virtue of a warrant