Why is anyone given a rank or title? Why is an army officer an officer? Why is a police officer an officer? I think first officer makes sense, as does second officer. Why should a military officer be addressed at work in a specific way? To me it shows a chain of command as it does in an airline. It's not that much different as far as the running of things go. The captain is ultimately responsible for the crew, passengers and aircraft is he not? If things get tricky who ultimately decides on everyones fate?