Midshipman

A naval officer trainee; the lowest rank of an officer, midshipmen take their name from their stations amidships on a sailing warship. In the age of sail, a midshipman could be as young as 10 or 12, so that by the time they stood for a Lieutenant's examination they could have five years or more of seafaring experience and training. The term Midshipman is now used for students at naval academies.