commissions fir sale

[pars]

Hi!
What is the exact meaning of "commissions for sale" in the following passage? It is from Iranian-Russian Encounter, p. 163.

The Iranian authorities periodically lost interest in its existence, and funds were insufficient or often not forthcoming at all. In their fight to keep the Brigade alive, the Russian officers frequently resorted to the methods typical of older Iranian military units. The Russian officers, without the cash to pay their men, granted them long periods of leave without pay, offered commissions for sale and spent most of their time drilling the Cossacks for parades.

Thanks very much.

 

[5jj]

Commissions (as officers in the army) were bought and sold in many counties until the late nineteenth century, and even later in some countries.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purchase_of_commissions_in_the_British_Army

 

[probus]

To expand a littlle on 5jj's answer, it was part of the class system. Only the wealthy could afford to buy commissions as officers. Working class men, no matter how excellent they were as soldiers, were thus permanently limited to the enlisted ranks. And, on the other hand, the rich could be officers no matter how incompetent they might be.

 

[pars]

Thanks dear JJ. Does commission hear means the position (rank) of officers in Army? or, has it another meaning?

 

[emsr2d2]

Thanks, [STRIKE]dear[/STRIKE] [STRIKE]JJ[/STRIKE] 5jj.

Does "commission" [STRIKE]hear[/STRIKE] here [STRIKE]means[/STRIKE] mean the position (rank) of officers in the Army no question mark here or no comma here has it got/does it have another meaning?

emsr2d2

 

[5jj]

'Commission' has several meanings. The relevant one here is:

[h=2]Full Definition of commission[/h] (Entry 1 of 2)


1a: a formal written warrant granting the power to perform various acts or duties
b: a certificate conferring military rank and authority also : the rank and authority so conferredreceived a lieutenant's commission in the army

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commission