parancsnok

Parancsnok is a Hungarian term meaning “commander” or “commanding officer.” It denotes the person who holds the authority to lead a unit or organization and carries the associated responsibilities. The term describes the role or position rather than a fixed military rank, and it is used across military, police, emergency services, and other organized bodies.

In the military, a parancsnok commands a specific unit, such as a company, battalion, or detachment. Duties include planning and directing operations, overseeing training and readiness, maintaining discipline, and acting as the liaison with higher command. The exact rank of a parancsnok can vary; the title is defined by the assignment and is independent of a single rank.

In police and civil defense, the term denotes the person in charge of a station, department, or organizational unit (for example rendőrségi parancsnok). The role is formal and administrative as well as operational, and changes in command are described as parancsnokváltás.

Etymology-wise, parancsnok is formed from parancs (command) with the agent suffix -nok, and has long been used in Hungarian to designate the leader entrusted with directing others. The term remains common in official language and contemporary usage as a generic title for those who command a unit or organization.

See also: kapitány, ezredes, főparancsnok, parancsnokság.