From where do commissioned officers derive their authority?

• A. A commission granted by the President with Senate approval
• B. Elected by the people
• C. Appointed by the Secretary of Defense
• D. Based on seniority in the unit

Answer: (A)

Commissioned officers derive their authority from a formal commission issued by the President. As Commander-in-Chief, the President appoints officers and, in most cases, with Senate confirmation, grants the legal authority to hold rank and exercise command. That commission is the official instrument that authorizes you to lead, plan, and issue orders within the Army. It isn’t derived from being elected, it isn’t handed out by the Secretary of Defense on their own, and it isn’t based on seniority in a unit. The constitutional process links authority to the President’s appointment and the formal commissioning procedure. This is why the correct answer emphasizes a commission granted by the President with Senate approval.