charge of quarters: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Military / Technical
Quick answer
What does “charge of quarters” mean?
A military duty, typically assigned to a non-commissioned officer (NCO), involving responsibility for the security, discipline, and administrative needs of a unit's personnel and facilities during off-duty hours, such as overnight or on weekends.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A military duty, typically assigned to a non-commissioned officer (NCO), involving responsibility for the security, discipline, and administrative needs of a unit's personnel and facilities during off-duty hours, such as overnight or on weekends.
The person performing this duty, often abbreviated as CQ. Can also refer to the office or desk where this duty is performed (e.g., 'report to the CQ desk'). In civilian contexts, rarely used but could be metaphorically extended to any person holding a temporary, supervisory, on-call position.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is primarily used in the US military. In British military contexts, a roughly equivalent duty might be 'Orderly Officer,' 'Orderly Sergeant,' or 'Duty NCO,' depending on the branch and specific responsibilities. 'Charge of Quarters' is understood but not the standard British term.
Connotations
In US usage, it strongly connotes a formal, assigned, often tedious military duty with specific regulations. In UK contexts, if used, it would be recognised as an Americanism.
Frequency
Very high frequency in US military jargon; extremely low to zero in general British English.
Grammar
How to Use “charge of quarters” in a Sentence
[Person] is/stands/pulls charge of quarters.Report to the charge of quarters (desk).The charge of quarters for tonight is Sergeant Jones.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “charge of quarters” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He is orderly sergeant this weekend. (No direct equivalent verb use.)
American English
- Sergeant Smith will charge of quarters tonight. (Rare as a verb, but used in scheduling.)
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The orderly officer's log. (No direct 'CQ' adjective.)
American English
- The CQ desk is down the hall.
- He's the CQ driver for the night.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in military history, sociology, or leadership studies discussing military organisation.
Everyday
Virtually never used unless speaking with current/former military personnel.
Technical
Core term in US military administration and duty rosters.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “charge of quarters”
- Using plural 'charges of quarters.' (Incorrect)
- Confusing it with 'Officer of the Day' (OD), which is a higher-level duty.
- Using it in non-military contexts where 'manager on duty' or 'supervisor' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically not. It is most commonly a duty for a non-commissioned officer (NCO), such as a sergeant. An officer might hold a similar but higher-level duty like 'Officer of the Day.'
Yes, informally. 'The CQ' or 'the CQ desk' often refers to the physical location (e.g., an office or desk in the barracks entrance) where the duty is performed.
It is understood but not the standard term. The British military uses terms like 'Orderly Officer,' 'Orderly Sergeant,' or 'Duty NCO' for comparable roles.
CQ is usually at the company or battalion level, focused on a single unit's barracks and personnel. Staff Duty (or Staff Duty Officer/NCO) is typically at the brigade or post level, with broader, installation-wide responsibilities.
A military duty, typically assigned to a non-commissioned officer (NCO), involving responsibility for the security, discipline, and administrative needs of a unit's personnel and facilities during off-duty hours, such as overnight or on weekends.
Charge of quarters is usually military / technical in register.
Charge of quarters: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɑːdʒ əv ˈkwɔːtəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɑːrdʒ əv ˈkwɔːrtərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pull CQ (to be assigned the duty)”
- “CQ runner (an assistant)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the QUARTERS where soldiers live. The person in CHARGE of those quarters during off-hours has the 'charge of quarters.'
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A BURDEN / RESPONSIBILITY IS A PHYSICAL POST. The duty is a 'charge' (a burden/responsibility) held at a fixed location ('quarters').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'charge of quarters' most appropriately used?