Which entity issues commissions to officers?

• A. The Secretary of Defense issues commissions
• B. The Supreme Court issues commissions
• C. The President issues commissions to commissioned officers
• D. The Department of Homeland Security issues commissions

Answer: (C)

The ability to create a commissioned officer rests with the President. In the United States, a commission is the formal grant of authority to serve as a commissioned officer in the armed forces, issued in the name of the United States by the President (typically with the involvement of the relevant service secretary). This reflects civilian control of the military and the constitutional power to appoint officers, with Senate advice and consent for appointments.

The other bodies don’t grant the commissions themselves. The Department of Defense or a service secretary handles the administration and signing on behalf of the President, but the lawful acts of commissioning come from the President. The Supreme Court does not issue military commissions, and the Department of Homeland Security does not grant commissions to military officers.