They are members of The Salvation Army who have committed their life to doing God's will and serving others. After five years of satisfactory service they are promoted to captain, and after a further 15 years receive the rank of major.
All officers wear uniform.
Women have always been accepted as officers on equal terms as men. Married women undertake the same training and receive the same commission as their husband. Others serve in social service centres, Goodwill community centres or in an administrative capacity at headquarters. They receive a standard allowance of money whatever job they do and accommodation is provided. The hours of work are long and officers are expected to be ready for duty at any time of day or night, when people turn to them for help.