Optio

An Optio (from the Latin verb optare, 'to choose', because an Optio was chosen by his centurion) was a soldier in the Roman army who held a position similar to that of an Executive Officer in modern armies. The main function of an Optio was as an Optio centuriae, the second-in-command of a centuria (century), although there were many other positions an Optio could hold. Optios were vital units in the late Roman army, as casualties were often high among Centurions due to their position at the front of the century, which made them easy targets. An Optio was stationed at the rear of the ranks to keep the troops in order. Their duties would include enforcing the orders of the Centurion, supervising his subordinates, and a variety of administration duties. Optio pay was double the standard legionary pay and they were the most likely men to be promoted after a death of a centurion. Titles held by optiones included: Unlike the Centurion the uniform was not the distinguishing part of the... full article at wikipedia