In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Civilian classification” means the position held by a civilian employee. “Civilian employee” means an employee of the Natural Resources Police Force other than a Natural Resources police officer. “Commissioned rank” means the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and Lieutenant Colonel. “Commissioned rank” does not include the Secretary. “Grade” means the status of Natural Resources police officers who have the same primary areas of duty and responsibility within a rank. “Natural Resources police officer” means an employee of the Natural Resources Police Force to whom the Secretary assigns police powers under § 1–204 of this subtitle. “Noncommissioned rank” means a rank other than a commissioned rank. “Noncommissioned rank” does not include the Secretary. “Rank” means the status, established by rule, of police employees who have the same relative position in the chain of command. “Rule” means a rule, an order, or any other directive adopted by the Secretary under this subtitle. “Rule” does not include a regulation within the meaning of Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article.