An aide-de-camp (UK /ˌeɪdˌdəˈkaːn/ or US /ˌeɪdˌdəˈkæmp/; French expression meaning literally helper in the (military) camp) is a personal assistant or secretary to a person of high rank, usually a senior military or government officer, a member of a royal family, or a head of state. This is not to be confused with an adjutant, who is the senior administrator of a military unit.