The East India Company recruited capable non-commissioned officers from British regiments by offering them commissioned rank. Service in India could produce enough wealth for a returning officer to live as a country gentleman. That money could also buy regular-army commissions for his children, giving the next generation a status that had been unavailable to him. Imperial warfare therefore created a military labour market in which rank could become a route to social mobility.
Notable Point · 31:47-32:24
East India Company commissions as a route to status
The Company could recruit capable British non-commissioned officers by offering commissions, wealth, and a path into the landed social order.