Base figure, for short

NCO

This military rank often oversees enlisted personnel and is one step below an officer. Think of the initials for "non-commissioned.

Base figure" hints at a military rank, since a base is a common military location. "For short" signals the answer is an abbreviation, and "NCO" stands for non-commissioned officer—a key rank like a sergeant or corporal. The clue plays on both the literal meaning of "base" and the military slang for an enlisted leader.