What is the term for a government led by a small group of military officers?

A government led by a small group of military officers is referred to as a junta. This term specifically describes a situation in which a faction of the military takes control of the government, often after a coup d'état, and typically rules without the consent of the governed. The defining characteristic of a junta is its composition—being comprised primarily of military leaders who exert power, often sidelining other government officials or institutions.

In contrast, a dictatorship is a broader term that encompasses any government where power is concentrated in the hands of one individual or a small group, but it does not specifically indicate a military context. An oligarchy refers to a government run by a small group of people, which could be from the military, wealthy individuals, or other elites, but it is less specific regarding the nature of that group. A council generally refers to a body of people that come together to deliberate and make decisions, which might not imply military involvement or control.

Thus, while there may be overlaps in these definitions, the specificity of a junta as a military-led government cohort is what makes it the correct answer in this context.