midshipman

A midshipman is a naval officer candidate or junior officer in several maritime services. The term has historical roots in the age of sail, when a midshipman was a trainee placed in the ship’s midsection to learn the duties of a seaman and officer. Today, the role and status of a midshipman vary by country, but the common thread is preparation for commissioned service and leadership at sea.

In the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth navies, midshipman is the entry-grade for officer cadets at naval colleges or training establishments. The program combines academics, seamanship, navigation, engineering, and leadership development. Upon completing the training, midshipmen are commissioned as officers and begin their first sea or shore appointments.

In the United States, a midshipman is typically a student at the United States Naval Academy or an officer candidate in ROTC programs. The midshipman path emphasizes rigorous academics, military training, physical fitness, and practical sea-service experiences. After graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers, generally with the rank of ensign (O-1).

Duties and training for midshipmen include instruction in naval science and engineering, navigation and seamanship, weapons and tactics, and leadership ethics. They rotate through classroom study and practical assignments, such as shipboard watches, summer training cruises, or aviation or submarine immersion, depending on the service branch. The title reflects an ongoing process of professional development rather than a final rank in many systems, with progression to commissioned officer status upon completion of the prescribed program.