ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book concerns the regimental officer of the Regular Army, the man and, from the 20th century on, the woman inside the uniform. It will be concerned with the Indian Army and colonial regiments, and with specialist professional officers such as doctors and chaplains. The British Army Regimental Officer of the early 21st century, on training or in action, will appear almost indistinguishable from the rank and file; only a small drab tag bearing the badge of rank hanging on his or her chest will show that the wearer holds the Sovereign's Commission. Of course push factors such as poverty, unemployment and a tiff with either a lover or the law have led men throughout the ages to volunteer where in happier economic or social circumstances they might have chosen a less demanding profession.
