Brevet (military) facts for kids
A brevet is a special kind of military promotion. It means an officer gets a higher rank but usually without more pay or all the usual benefits of that rank. It's often given as an honor for brave actions or excellent service. The idea of a brevet came from the British army and was used in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Sometimes, the officer did receive the higher pay, but this was less common. The word "brevet" comes from Latin words meaning a "legal brief" or official document.
What is a Brevet Rank?
A brevet rank is like a temporary or honorary promotion. An officer might be a captain in their regular rank but hold a brevet rank of major. This means they are called "Brevet Major" and might take on duties of a major, but their official pay and permanent position are still at the captain level. It's a way to recognize someone's achievements without changing the entire structure of the army's pay or permanent positions.
Brevets in the American Civil War
Brevets were very common during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Many officers received brevet ranks for their bravery or outstanding service. For example, a young officer might be a regular second lieutenant but get a brevet rank of first lieutenant for leading a successful charge.
After the Civil War ended, thousands of officers held brevet ranks. Out of nearly 2,000 generals, about 1,700 were brevet Brigadier generals or Major generals. Most of these brevet promotions were given on March 13, 1865, near the end of the war.
A famous example is George Armstrong Custer. He held the brevet rank of major general, which is a very high rank. However, after the war, he wanted to stay in the army. He returned to his permanent rank, which was captain. This shows how brevet ranks were often temporary honors, and officers would go back to their regular rank after the special circumstances ended.
