British Army branches in which commissions could be purchased are contrasted with artillery and engineers, where officers had to pass examinations. That professional requirement made the technical branches a recurring source of capable senior leaders. The example links officer entry rules to the army's supply of technical and command expertise. It also complements the earlier discussion of the navy's relationship with the army's professional institutions.
Notable Point · 2:58:11-2:58:33
Why artillery and engineers produced senior officers
A brief explanation of why the British Army looked to artillery and engineer officers for senior leadership.