A senior officer may prefer to have what engraved on personal cards for identification?

Having a full name engraved on personal cards for identification serves several important purposes for a senior officer. Firstly, it clearly identifies the officer, which is vital in formal and professional settings. The use of a full name ensures that there is no ambiguity or confusion, particularly in environments where multiple individuals may hold similar or identical ranks or positions.

Additionally, a full name conveys a sense of professionalism and formality that aligns with the tradition and decorum expected in military and official communications. This choice also allows for personal recognition, making it easier for colleagues, subordinates, and external contacts to establish rapport and familiarity, which is particularly important for leadership roles.

While options such as rank, surname, or service number might provide some level of identification, they do not encompass the full identity of the officer in a way that is universally understood and respected. Using only rank could lead to confusion if there are multiple officers with the same rank. Similarly, a surname alone might not provide enough context for identification, especially in large organizations. A service number, while unique, is not typically used for personal identification in social and professional interactions, making full name the most appropriate choice for personal cards.