General
mustang
What does mustang mean?
A commissioned officer who previously served as an enlisted member, respected for having 'come up the hard way.'
"As a mustang, the captain knew exactly what the troops were dealing with."
Origin
U.S. military; from the wild horse, implying an unconventional path to a commission.
Frequently asked questions
What is a "mustang" officer?
It is a commissioned officer who previously served as an enlisted member, respected for coming up the hard way.
Why are they called mustangs?
The name comes from the wild horse, implying an unconventional path to earning a commission.
Are mustangs respected?
Yes — their enlisted background often means they understand the troops' experience firsthand.
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