In the days of Alma, a man named Zoram "was appointed" chief captain over the Nephite armies (Alma 16:5). According to John Tvedtnes, one should note that his appointment does not preclude his being part of a hereditary military aristocracy from which such choices were made. His two sons, Lehi and Aha, were also military leaders. In addition, the names of Zoram's sons may have military significance too (see the commentary on Alma 16:5,7) [John A. Tvedtnes, "Book of Mormon Tribal Affiliation and Military Castes," in Warfare in the Book of Mormon, F.A.R.M.S., p. 320] [See the commentary on Alma 43:16]