Answer:

brass

AnswerCrossword Clue
BRASSMilitary bigwigs
BRASSMuch of a marching band
BRASSPentagon V.I.P.s
BRASSCopper + zinc
BRASSMilitary muckety-mucks
BRASSAuthority figures
BRASSMilitary leaders
BRASSOfficers
BRASSImpudence of a Br. fool
BRASSMilitary pooh-bahs
BRASSChutzpah
BRASSCopper/zinc alloy
BRASSButton material
BRASSWord with tacks or knuckles
BRASSPentagon bigwigs
BRASSTop dogs at 16-Across
BRASSAudacity
BRASSMilitary muckamucks
BRASSCopper-zinc alloy