Master-at-arms

[1] This was not an onerous task, and masters-at-arms came to be made responsible for "regulating duties"; their role as weapons instructors was eventually taken over by the chief gunner.

[2] The MAA is addressed as "Master" if holding the rank of chief petty officer, regardless of gender, and is often nicknamed the "jaunty", a corruption of the French gendarme, or the "joss/jossman".

As a result of the Armed Forces Act 2006, the term Regulating Branch was changed to Service Police and the branch title changed to the Royal Navy Police and reported to their respective service's Provost Marshal, who was responsible to the First Sea Lord.

The role is filled by RAPTC WO1s at brigade headquarters, while WO2s or staff sergeant PTIs are embedded at unit level.

In the United States Navy, the master-at-arms rating is responsible for law enforcement, investigations, K-9, expeditionary, and anti-terrorism/force protection operations.

On board HMS Rodney , the master-at-arms (left) reads out the names at the "captain's defaulters and requestmen" parade (a type of court martial for minor offences), during World War II