A military rank below commissioned officers and above non-commissioned officers. Used in the Japan Self-Defense Forces and some other military contexts.
彼は准士官として長年勤務した。
He served as a warrant officer for many years.
下士官 are non-commissioned officers, ranking below 准士官.
Formed from 准 “quasi-, subordinate” and 士官 “commissioned officer.” It denotes a military rank or rank category below commissioned officers.