star trek rank hierarchy

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Star trek’s ranks in order: how starfleet officers get promoted.

From Cadet to Admiral, the career path of a Starfleet officer has become an integral part of the stories of many of Star Trek's best-loved characters.

• Starfleet officers begin their career at Starfleet Academy as cadets, studying various subjects and participating in extracurricular activities.
• After graduating from the Academy, officers start at the rank of Ensign and often have to perform less glamorous tasks on their assigned starship.
• Officers can work their way up the ranks, from Lieutenant Junior Grade to Commander, with each promotion bringing additional responsibilities and opportunities for command.

While many Starfleet hopefuls dream of one day having a command of their own, they must work their way diligently through Star Trek 's rank structure first. While it prides itself on exploration and diplomacy, Starfleet is a military organization at heart, and the command structure is reflective of this fact. The basic structure of Starfleet is very similar to that of the US and Royal Navy, with the high seas being swapped for the stars of deep space.

A promotion in Star Trek is usually a reward for exceptional performance , with many Starfleet officers being promoted in response to the valor and bravery demonstrated in the line of duty. Sometimes, a field promotion can also be handed to Starfleet officers in exceptional circumstances, such as with the Maquis officers in Star Trek: Voyager or Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) in Star Trek: Picard season 2. However, everyone's Starfleet story must begin somewhere and that first rung on the ladder usually comes in the form of an application and admittance to Starfleet Academy. Here are the various ranks in Starfleet, from the lowly Ensign to Admiral.

Star Trek: Every Captain of the Enterprise

Starfleet academy hopefuls.

Every Starfleet officer's career starts at Starfleet Academy, where prospective recruits enroll as cadets . Starfleet Cadets spend four to eight years at the Academy, depending on their program, where they study a variety of subjects. Courses on offer at Starfleet Academy include Warp Theory, Robotics, Quantum Chemistry, and the legendary Kobayashi Maru simulation . There's also a variety of extracurricular activities on offer at the Academy that also provide formative experiences. Previous Cadets like Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) have helped Starfleet Academy groundskeeper Boothby (Ray Walston) tend to the roses, while the Rigel Cup was won by the Nova Squadron shortly before the tragic accident that left a lasting impression on Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton).

Starfleet Academy played a big role in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek (2009), and the upcoming Star Trek: Starfleet Academy series is the first time a Star Trek show will be set at the school.

Lowest of the Lower Deckers

After graduating from Starfleet Academy, a Cadet is given their first assignment to a starship as an Ensign. This is the lowest position aboard, which usually means that they have to do the less glamorous jobs aboard their assigned starship. Star Trek: Lower Decks has depicted jobs as menial as holodeck filter duty, and the cataloging of various weird and wonderful alien artifacts. Not every Ensign is a lower-decker, however. Ensign Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) is key to keeping the USS Enterprise connected in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Ensign Harry Kim (Garrett Wang) was integral in working on various solutions to returning the USS Voyager home to the Alpha Quadrant.

8 Lieutenant Junior Grade

Congrats, it's your first command rank.

Lieutenant junior grade is the next step-up for an Ensign , denoted by the additional black and gold pip on the collar. Also known as a Lieutenant JG, this rank allows for limited command responsibilities. Notable junior grade lieutenants include Reginald Barclay (Dwight Schultz), a fiercely intelligent but painfully shy engineer. Dr. Julian Bashir (Alexander Siddig) was also a JG, and his early arrogance suggested he was ostentatiously choosing to slum it as a lieutenant junior grade due to his desire to study frontier medicine. When the Lower Deckers of the USS Cerritos were promoted in Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 , they became the most notable Lieutenant Junior Grades in modern Star Trek .

7 Lieutenant

Welcome to starfleet middle management.

After earning a promotion to Lieutenant, the black and gold pip of the JG becomes fully gold, denoting their additional responsibilities. Many Star Trek lieutenants are responsible for various departments aboard their assigned starship. For example, Lieutenant La'an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) and Lieutenant Worf (Michael Dorn) were in charge of security on the USS Enterprise and Enterprise-D, respectively, while starship helmsmen like Lt. Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill) and Lt. Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia) are ranked Lieutenants.

In both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , the Lieutenant was the lowest rank in the senior staff, but still allowed them to provide valuable insight and input into any issues facing the crew. Star Trek: Voyager 's Ensign Harry Kim (Garrett Wang) bucked this trend by being privy to various command meetings.

Star Trek: Every Version Of The Starship Enterprise

6 lieutenant commander, now you're running your own starfleet department..

Lieutenant Commanders were Heads of Departments or Executive Officers aboard their assigned starships, referred to as " Commander " by those serving under them or their senior officers. Lieutenant Commanders had an additional black pip added to their collar which would become gold on their next promotion. In Star Trek 's 23rd century, the second-in-command on the USS Enterprise was Lieutenant Commander Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn), who was later succeeded by Lt. Commander Spock (Leonard Nimoy). However, this had changed by the time of Star Trek: The Next Generation , with Starfleet Lieutenant Commanders instead serving as Number One on smaller ships, as Lt. Commander Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) did on the USS Saratoga.

5 Commander

Welcome aboard, number one.

Commander is the last step on the Starfleet career ladder to the captain's chair and one of the most senior ranks on any starship as they deputized for the ship's Captain. Commanders who are starship First Officers often receive the nickname "Number One." In Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , Commander was the most senior rank until season 3, when Commander Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) finally received his promotion to Captain.

Despite Star Trek 's fascination with its Captain characters, Commander was never a barrier to leading a show, as proved by both Sisko and Commander Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) in Star Trek: Discovery . The most notable Commander was William T. Riker (Jonathan Frakes), who felt like second-in-command of the Federation flagship was more fulfilling than being Captain of a less-celebrated starship.

The rank most Starfleet Officers dream of

Captain of a starship is what many Starfleet officers dream of , and is given to those in command of their own starships. They had enormous responsibilities for the safety of their crew and to Starfleet's Prime Directive. The Captain's rank was also applied to various other positions, such as Captain of Engineering, the position held by Montgomery Scott (James Doohan) in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock .

Generally, the position of Captain was the most senior role that still had the relative freedom of deep space exploration and adventure. So much so that Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) warned Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) against accepting a promotion to Admiral in Star Trek Generations . It was a warning that Picard would later ignore, much to his regret.

3 Vice Admiral

You've achieved flag officer status.

Vice Admiral is the rank between Captain and Starfleet Admiral, denoted by three pips on a black and gold bar badge on the collar. The most notable holder of this position is Vice Admiral Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) who received her promotion after commanding the USS Voyager through the Delta Quadrant. However, Janeway still had to answer to someone, as seen in her conflict with Admiral Edward Jellico (Ronny Cox) in Star Trek: Prodigy season 1. The earliest notable Vice Admiral was the 22nd Century's Maxwell Forrest (Vaughn Armstrong) who was in constant contact with Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) in Star Trek: Enterprise , often being the mediator between Starfleet and the Vulcans in the early days of deep space exploration.

In Star Trek: The Motion Picture , James T. Kirk held the rank of Rear Admiral and was Chief of Starfleet Operations.

Try not to become a Badmiral

Admiral is the highest position in the Royal Navy, however, Starfleet does have a higher position of Fleet Admiral, held by the doomed Elizabeth Shelby (Elizabeth Dennehy) in Star Trek: Picard season 3. A Starfleet Admiral is responsible for entire divisions of Starfleet. Notable Starfleet Admirals include Robert April (Adrian Holmes) who oversees his former command, the USS Enterprise, and Owen Paris (Richard Herd) who oversaw the Pathfinder Project that established long-range communications with the USS Voyager in the Delta Quadrant. Jean-Luc Picard later became Admiral of the Romulan rescue armada in response to the impending supernova but resigned his commission in protest at the Federation abandoning the evacuation, and their ideals.

Many Starfleet Admirals go insane or become villains for some reason.

1 Other Notable Starfleet Ranks

From specialist to warrant officer to commodore.

There are also sideways promotions available to Starfleet officers , such as Fleet Captain and Commodore. Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) got his Fleet Captain promotion in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 while overseeing work on the Deuterium refinery. It was a temporary promotion that allowed Pike to be in overall charge of both the USS Enterprise and USS Farragut for the duration of the refinery project. Similarly, Starfleet Commodores also have overall responsibility for multiple starships, with Geordi La Forge reaching this position with his promotion to curator of the Athan Prime Fleet Museum in Star Trek: Picard season 3.

In Star Trek: Picard season 1, Commodore Oh (Tamlyn Tomita) was Chief of Starfleet Security before she exposed herself as a deep cover Romulan agent named General Nedar.

There are also the lower-ranked non-commissioned officer roles or NCOs. Traditionally, NCOs wouldn't enter a military organization via conventional means like training academies and instead worked their way up through the ranks. The most notable Star Trek NCO is Chief Miles O'Brien (Colm Meaney) who was put in charge of engineering on Deep Space Nine and was reportedly the most important man in Starfleet history. Another notable NCO position is the Warrant Officer, a role granted to Dal R'El (Brett Gray) and the former crew of the USS Protostar by Vice Admiral Janeway in Star Trek: Prodigy season 1's finale . Michael Burnham also held the unranked position of Specialist when she joined the USS Discovery after she was released from a Federation penal colony in Star Trek: Discovery season 1.

Every Star Trek series except Star Trek: Prodigy is available to stream on Paramount+.

Star Trek: Prodigy i s available to stream on Netflix.

Star Trek Ranks, Explained

Though primarily peaceful, Starfleet follows a quasi-military protocol, which means a chain of command that ensures all runs smoothly.

Starting with the original series, Star Trek has adopted a quasi-military series of ranks and protocols for its characters. Starfleet is ostensibly a peaceful organization dedicated to exploration and diplomacy, but things can get dangerous on the final frontier. A functioning chain of command is necessary in the event of trouble to ensure that everyone operates at peak efficiency.

It's a bit of a paradox, since Starfleet officers also tend to be rugged individualists, but it makes a good deal of sense and over time has become an indispensable part of the franchise. A given character's rank speaks volumes about their comparative age, their position onboard, and their relationship with the other members of the crew. As with most things Star Trek, rank insignia has evolved over time. Here's a breakdown of Starfleet's ranking system in descending order from the lowliest cadets to the most powerful admirals.

Updated January 18, 2024 by Robert Vaux: Star Trek's ranking system is very stable at this point, and very little tends to change. The article has been updated to include a brief list of prominent members of each rank, along with the series and seasons they held it. It has also been updated to conform to current CBR guidelines.

9 Cadets Are Officers in Training at Starfleet Academy

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Cadets are typically students at Starfleet Academy , spending time onboard a starship as part of their training. They hold no rank and must obey the orders of any crewmen. They're often issued temporary badges or communicators and usually have a supervisory officer to watch over them. Cadets in the 23rd century wear badges with a distinctive black backing. Cadets in the 24th century wear distinctive uniforms denoting their status.

In Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, the Enterprise is used as a training vessel, with the crew consisting almost entirely of cadets. Wesley Crusher formally joins Starfleet Academy starting in Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 4, Episode 9, "Final Mission," and spends most of his subsequent appearances at that rank. Similarly, Nyota Uhura joins the Enterprise as a cadet in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, as does Sylvia Tilly in Star Trek: Discovery.

8 Enlisted Personnel/NCO Are Starfleet's Worker Bees

While officers attend Starfleet Academy, the rank-and-file personnel attend the 24th-century equivalent of boot camp. They become the anonymous crew working in the background, performing the countless tiny tasks required to keep a starship running. Their ranks include both enlisted crewmen and petty officers (the equivalent of sergeants) who often play supervisory roles. They typically lack any insignia on their uniforms, though chief petty officers in the Next Generation era sometimes have a black pip or similar marking.

Enlisted personnel often serve as The Original Series ' infamous red shirts : doomed to die in the name of plot exposition. The Next Generation introduces perhaps Starfleet's best-known enlisted man. Miles O'Brien runs the transporters on the Enterprise-D, and later becomes Chief of Operations on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine .

7 Ensigns Hold The Lowest Rank

Every star trek series, ranked.

Ensigns are the lowest-ranking officers on Starfleet vessels. Cadets typically receive the rank of ensign immediately upon graduation from Starfleet Academy. While they technically have command authority, they're usually assigned menial tasks beneath the attention of the senior officers. Like NCOs, they lack insignia on their uniforms in The Original Series era. With The Next Generation and later series, ensigns receive a single gold pip on their collar. They're often lumped into the red shirt category.

Harry Kim is probably the franchise's most famous (or infamous) ensign, failing to receive a single promotion through Star Trek: Voyager's seven seasons , despite serving with distinction on the bridge. The Original Series' Pavel Chekov also begins his Starfleet career as an ensign, though he advances at a faster rate. Of course, the four main characters in Star Trek: Lower Decks are ensigns, though they all receive a promotion to lieutenant, junior grade at the beginning of Season 4.

6 Lieutenant, Junior Grade Have More Responsibility Than Ensigns

The next step up the ladder is lieutenant, junior grade. These are officers with more authority and responsibility than ensigns, but who still require seasoning before taking higher command positions. Medical personnel typically receive the lieutenant, junior grade rank after graduating, which reflects their extended training time. The Original Series uses a single dashed bar on the uniform sleeves to denote them, though Strange New Worlds has retconned that with a connected colored bar. T he Next Generation and later series note the rank with a second black pip in addition to the ensign's colored pip.

Both Julian Bashir and Ezri Dax hold the rank of lieutenant, junior grade when they begin their duties on Deep Space 9, though Ezri receives hers as a field promotion in Season 7, Episode 3, "Afterimage." Geordi La Forge starts as a lieutenant, junior grade too, as does Mr. Worf. B'Elanna Torres receives the rank on a provisional basis when she joins the crew of the Voyager, and the Lower Decks crew are all promoted to lieutenant, junior grade in Season 4, Episode 1, "Twovix."

5 Lieutenants Lead the Away Teams and More

Did star trek (2009) incorporate a story from a canceled original series movie.

Lieutenants have advanced to the point where they can take on considerable responsibilities. They may lead away teams or control key systems, and they often appear among the bridge crew or even as department heads. The Original Series notes them with a single bar on the uniform sleeve, while Strange New Worlds adds a second thinner bar above the lieutenant, junior grade's insignia. The Next Generation uses two colored pips on the collar — a method emulated by subsequent series.

Worf spends most of The Next Generation's later seasons as a lieutenant (he's promoted to lieutenant commander during the events of Star Trek Generations ) while Ro Laren is promoted to lieutenant shortly before her defection to the Maquis in The Next Generation Season 7, Episode 24, "Preemptive Strike." Lieutenants often occupy the helm position, including Hikaru Sulu in The Original Series, Keyla Detmer in Star Trek: Discovery , and Erica Ortegas in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds .

4 Lieutenant Commanders Head up Departments

Lieutenant commanders hold positions of senior responsibility onboard a starship, even serving as executive officers or de facto captains on small ships. One larger ships, they often serve as the head of specific departments such as science and engineering. In The Original Series , the rank is designated with two stripes on the sleeve — one thick, one dashed — which Strange New Worlds adjusts to two thick colored bands. The Next Generation and subsequent shows note lieutenant commanders with two colored pips and one black one.

Montgomery Scott holds the rank of lieutenant commander in The Original Series , acting as Chief Engineer and even commanding the Enterprise when Kirk and Spock are away on missions. Similarly, Geordi La Forge rises to the rank of lieutenant commander in The Next Generation , joining Data and Deanna Troi at the position, though the latter eventually advances to commander. Worf and Jadzia Dax are both lieutenant commanders when they begin their romance on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine . Lastly, the original Number One — Una Chin-Riley on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds — is a lieutenant commander.

3 Commanders Aid and Can Take Over the Captain's Dutires

After star trek: discovery, the 32nd century should be the franchise's new frontier.

Commanders are usually the ship's executive officers, "Number Ones," who assist the captain in their duties and step up in the event the captain is incapacitated. Commanders are often viewed as captains in training, and ultimately destined for a ship of their own in the future. In some cases, commanders are the head authority on smaller ships or space stations. Chief medical officers often hold this position as well. They're delineated by two thick bands on their sleeves in The Original Series era and three colored pips on the collar in The Next Generation and later.

Mr. Spock holds the rank of commander during the events of The Original Series , serving double duty as chief science officer as well. He's been followed by the likes of William Riker on The Next Generation and Seven of Nine on Star Trek: Picard . In addition, Beverly Crusher and Leonard McCoy both hold the rank of commander, while Deanna Tori is promoted to commander in Season 7, Episode 16, "Thine Own Self." Ben Sisko also begins his tenure on Deep Space 9 as a commander before being promoted to full captain at the end of Season 3.

2 Captains Command Starfleet's Various Starships

The captain serves as the commander of a starship, with the entire crew ranked beneath them. This affords them a great deal of autonomy, but also equal amounts of responsibility. Starships must often face dangers alone in the far depths of space. It falls to the captain to make the final call when lives are at stake. Occasionally, captains can be found in other duties, such as commanding a star base or holds an administrative position on Earth. Captains are delineated by three stripes on their sleeves in the Original Series era — two thick, one dashed — which Strange New Worlds slightly alters to a single thin band sandwiched between two thicker ones. The Next Generation era uses four full pips on the collar.

Most Star Trek series use a captain as the main character, starting with James T. Kirk in The Original Series . Their ranks include Jean-Luc Picard, Kathryn Janeway, Christopher Pike, and Carol Freeman. In addition, many lower-ranking characters eventually attain the captain's chair, such as Will Riker, Tuvok, and Mr. Spock. Both Ben Sisko and Michael Burnham become captain after several seasons of climbing the ranks, a change from most Star Trek series which tend to begin with their captains in place.

1 Admirals Possess The Greatest Rank and Come to Represent Starfleet Itself

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Admirals are Starfleet's major movers and shakers, placed in charge of entire fleets or overseeing vital operations. As flag officers, they no longer serve onboard starships, though they can claim command of one if circumstances dictate. James T. Kirk takes control of the Enterprise as an Admiral in both Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan , while both Kathryn Janeway in Star Trek: Prodigy and Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: Picard are the authority on their respective vessels.

In addition to giving successful captains a cushy desk job, Star Trek often uses admirals as stand-ins for Starfleet itself: either aiding the crew in their endeavors or standing in their way when they go against protocol. They're delineated by a wide variety of methods, and hold varying ranks within the admiralty, such as Vice Admiral and Commodore, that shift from project to project.

The Star Trek universe encompasses multiple series, each offering a unique lens through which to experience the wonders and perils of space travel. Join Captain Kirk and his crew on the Original Series' voyages of discovery, encounter the utopian vision of the Federation in The Next Generation, or delve into the darker corners of galactic politics in Deep Space Nine. No matter your preference, there's a Star Trek adventure waiting to ignite your imagination.

Starfleet ranks (officers)

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• View history

The Starfleet rank system has a long history dating back to early space explorers of the Earth Starfleet and its predecessor naval and military forces.

• 1 Flag officers
• 2.1 Senior officers
• 2.2 Junior officers
• 2.3 Provisional officers
• 4 References
• 5 External links

Flag officers [ ]

Officers [ ], senior officers [ ], junior officers [ ], provisional officers [ ], see also [ ], references [ ].

• ↑ 1.0 1.1 Also seen in parallel 2370s and alternate 2390s . Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "2336 Admirals" defined multiple times with different content
• ↑ 2.0 2.1 Also seen in 2383 .
• ↑ 3.0 3.1 Also seen in mirror 2380s .
• ↑ The rank of commodore was mostly phased out in the 2350s in favor of the rank of rear admiral lower half.
• ↑ 5.0 5.1 In the early 2250s , all officers , regardless of rank , wore one stripe. However, the rank scheme was later changed in the late 2250s and Captains wore two stripes, while all other officers still wore one.
• ↑ All ranks except for FCAPT also seen in parallel 2370s .
• ↑ Also seen in parallel 2370s .

External links [ ]

• Starfleet ranks (officers) article at Memory Alpha , the canon Star Trek wiki.
• Federation Starfleet ranks article at Memory Beta , the non-canon Star Trek wiki.
• Starfleet ranks and insignia article at Wikipedia , the free encyclopedia.
• 1 Dominion War
• 2 USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-G) (Excalibur class)
• 3 USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-A)

• Starfleet Ranks

Starfleet Ranks represent the basic organizational structure of Starfleet , with a grade and insignia for everyone ranging from the Commander-in-Chief herself to the lowest-ranking crewmen. Though a non-military exploratory, defensive, and humanitarian organization, Starfleet uses a hierarchy derived from the space fleets of the Federation's members, which is heavily influenced by the United Earth Starfleet.

• 1.1 Flag Officers
• 1.2 Line Officers
• 1.3 Commissioned Officer Trainees
• 2.1 Non-Commissioned Officers
• 2.2 Enlisted Personnel
• 3 Divisional Colors
• 4 Starfleet Ranks In-Play

Commissioned Officers

Commissioned Officers are the members of Starfleet who have a commission from the Federation Council granting them command authority over lower-ranking commissioned officers and all non-commissioned officers. The ability to command a starship is reserved solely for commissioned officers. Generally, commissioned officers have attended Starfleet Academy, but others earn their rank through Officer Candidate School. Commissioned officers in Starfleet must either have a university education or the equivalent.

Flag Officers

Main Article: Starfleet Flag Officers

Flag Officers are the senior-most Starfleet officers, so-named for the old Earth naval tradition of hoisting a command flag to designate the lead ship in a group of ships, the flagship. Flag Officers in Starfleet command groups of ships (from task groups to entire fleets) and important starbases, and also serve in staff roles at various levels of the Starfleet hierarchy.

Line Officers

Main Article: Starfleet Line Officers

Line Officers represent the bulk of the members of Starfleet holding officer ranks, with responsibilities ranging from the command of starship to junior staff positions on minor outposts. Line officers are subordinate to flag officers and have authority over more junior line officers and all non-commissioned officers.

Commissioned Officer Trainees

Starfleet Academy Cadets rank above crewmen and alongside petty officers, but as officers-in-training, this authority is rarely used in practice. Historically, Starfleet has varied from decade to decade on how it delineates grades of cadets. As of 2399, cadets do not wear distinctive rank insignia or departmental colors to differentiate between their year at the academy or course of study. While on their final training cruise aboard a starship or starbase, cadets are classified as midshipmen and wear a single hollow pip. This may occur before or after their academic graduation from Starfleet Academy and is requisite for their promotion to ensign. Cadets who elect for a six-year program including doctoral work (such as Physicians, Counselors, and Lawyers) are classified as midshipmen once they have completed the portion of their program at Starfleet Academy and move to their graduate studies.

Non-Commissioned Officers and Enlisted Personnel

Main Article: Starfleet Non-Commissioned Officers and Enlisted Personnel

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Enlisted Personnel are members of Starfleet who serve in technical and specialist roles, working under Commissioned Officers. Though ineligible to hold command, these members are also not required to attend Starfleet Academy or to have a university degree, though many of them in science and engineering specialist roles do.

Non-Commissioned Officers

Non-Commissioned Officers are members of Starfleet are technical experts and leaders of more junior enlisted personnel. All non-commissioned officers are subordinate to commissioned officers as a matter of course, though many commands have them supervising midshipmen, ensigns and even junior lieutenants as a normal part of their training. Non-commissioned officers may elect to become commissioned officers through the completion of Starfleet Academy coursework or Officer Candidate School.

Enlisted Personnel

Enlisted Personnel are members of Starfleet who have joined Starfleet directly and who have received basic training in their chosen career path. Crewmen are fully trained and able to serve on a starship or starbase, wearing a standard uniform with no rank insignia. Crewmen Recruits are still in training and wear the same uniform as Starfleet Academy cadets, but in silver rather than red.

Divisional Colors

Main Article: Starfleet Onboard Departments

Starfleet utilizes three uniform colors for officers to designate their division assignments, which are the broader categories under which starship and station departments are organized. Enlisted personnel in special services (such as cooks, waiters, hairdressers, and other non-technical support staff) fall under operations but wear silver uniforms to make them easy to distinguish from their shipmates while serving.

Starfleet Ranks In-Play

• Any member can create characters up to the rank of Captain or their fleet rank, whichever is higher. This rule can be found in the Canon Policy , and was instituted to give some freedom for folks still starting out to use more senior characters, especially those members who advance to staff roles early in their time here--it wouldn't make much sense for a Lieutenant Commander to be a TFXO or TFCO in-universe, for instance.
• While Starfleet is not a military, some things about the way rank is portrayed are borrowed closely from modern naval tradition, and so modern militaries could be a source of inspiration for realistic/reasonable rank advancement. On the other hand, William T. Riker was a full commander by age 29, so you shouldn't feel beholden to the real world either.
• Each task force has an NPC Commodore in command of the task force headquarters, so this is a suitable character for you to use to get orders from, as members can't create their own flag officers if they do not hold flag rank themselves.

Credit for the Officers' rank insignia goes to Bravo Fleet. The collars were created by Emily.

• Bravo Fleet Canon

Star Trek: What is the Highest Starfleet Rank?

Officers bearing the highest Starfleet rank have a plethora of responsibilities.

In Star Trek , the United Federation of Planets leads humanity and its allies in exploration throughout the galaxy with its military and exploratory organization, Starfleet. Considering its quasi-military role, Starfleet's rank structure and elite officers are a topic of intrigue for many. The highest Starfleet rank represents the pinnacle of power, the greatest achievement and highest responsibility for any fleet member.

In Star Trek , the ranks within Starfleet serve as markers of authority and responsibility for both officers and enlisted members, delineating the chain of command. These ranks have changed as Starfleet transitioned from a United Earth agency to a Federation-wide institution. At the apex of this hierarchy lies the esteemed rank of Fleet Admiral , the highest position within Starfleet. Only a select few officers have ascended to this prestigious five-star rank throughout the Federation's history, underscoring its rarity and significance within the organization.

Star Trek: Janeway Vs. Sisko: Who’s The Better Starfleet Captain?

What is the highest starfleet rank.

As the preeminent rank in Starfleet, a Fleet Admiral holds authority over the entire organization. To prove themselves worthy of this prestigious position, candidates must showcase unmatched leadership qualities, a strategic mind, and a proven proficiency in crisis handling. A suitable Fleet Admiral must demonstrate decisiveness, adaptability, and unmatched integrity.

Fleet Admirals oversee Starfleet's strategic operations and provide direct leadership to all active starships, starbases, facilities, and personnel throughout the Federation space. A Fleet Admiral's duties include allocating resources, approving major initiatives and exploration missions, and serving as the primary liaison between Starfleet and the Federation Council.

In times of war or crisis, a Fleet Admiral will assume command of Starfleet's military forces, coordinating fleet maneuvers and tactical response. They are tasked with protecting the Federation from external threats and maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation within its borders. The position demands proven excellence, experience, and achievement demonstrated over decades of dedicated Starfleet service. Only the best of the best can fulfill this role.

Notable Fleet Admirals In Star Trek History

Fleet admiral shanthi.

Fleet Admiral Shanth, a distinguished female human officer, held the esteemed position of Commander-in-Chief of Starfleet in 2368. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in the Klingon Civil War and the Pegasus incident. Within these conflicts, she demonstrated her decisive and authoritative leadership style. Notably, she garnered respect for her collaborative approach with Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Actress Fran Bennett portrayed Fleet Admiral Shanthi in two episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation .

Fleet Admiral Brackett

Fleet Admiral Brackett was another female human officer in 24th-century Starfleet. She was responsible for informing Captain Jean-Luc Picard about Ambassador Spock's disappearance and apparent defection to Romulus in 2368. She directed Picard to journey to Vulcan and engage with Spock's father, Sarek, to gain insight into Spock's motivations. Throughout this tense situation, she showcased her astute judgment and decision-making. Fleet Admiral Brackett was portrayed by Karen Hensel in the episode "Unification I" of The Next Generation.

Fleet Admiral William Ross

A veteran who spent over 70 years serving in Starfleet, Ross played a pivotal leadership role during the Dominion War in the late 24th century. From his position on Earth, he coordinated Starfleet's massive armada against the combined Dominion-Cardassian forces. Ross' experience and even temperament were instrumental in securing an Allied victory. In a conversation with Benjamin Sisko, Fleet Admiral William Ross said:

You've got to make a decision. You are either the Emissary or a Starfleet captain. You can't be both.

Fleet Admiral Leonard McCoy

Better known as ‘Bones’ to his friend Captain Kirk, McCoy had an illustrious career. As a senior medical officer, he served aboard multiple Constitution-class starships, including the USS Enterprise. After Kirk's death, McCoy continued advancing through the ranks. He became the first Fleet Admiral to serve in a primarily medical capacity, exemplifying his medical expertise and dedication to the federation.

Fleet Admiral Kathryn Janeway

As the former captain of the Intrepid-class USS Voyager, Janeway demonstrated tremendous courage and resolve after her ship was stranded in the Delta Quadrant , 70,000 light-years from Federation space. Her innovative and often unorthodox command decisions were critical to Voyager's safe return home after seven years. She earned the position of Fleet Admiral using her sheer courage, creativity, and integrity.

Fleet Admiral Alynna Nechayev

A stern but effective leader in the late 24th century, Nechayev maintained a prominent role in Starfleet Command. She oversaw operations during several crises, including the Tzenkethi conflict and the Dominion War. Nechayev pushed for a stronger military posture that ruffled feathers, but prepared Starfleet to face grave threats to the Federation.

In Star Trek , the rank of Fleet Admiral represents the zenith of a lifetime dedicated to service. It signifies proven leadership, experience, and excellence across decades of frontier exploration, first-contact situations, wartime engagements, and peacetime administration. Though few attain it, those who do take their place among the most prestigious and accomplished officers in Starfleet history. Their guidance and command from the highest echelons of the organization help ensure the continued protection, values, and betterment of the United Federation of Planets.

Star Trek Picard: 7 Things The Series Changed About The Starfleet Admiral

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• Starfleet Ranks

A rank was a position or grade in an organization of people. [1] Someone of equal rank was typically unable to give orders to another, unless their duties placed them in a position of greater authority. [2]

• 1.1.1 Notable Chief Petty Officers
• 2.1.1 Notable Cadets
• 2.2.1 Notable Ensigns
• 2.3.1 Notable Lieutenants, j.g.
• 2.4.1 Notable Lieutenants
• 2.5.1 Notable Lieutenant Commanders
• 2.6.1 Notable Commanders
• 2.7.1 Notable Captains
• 2.8.1 Notable Fleet Captains
• 2.9.1 Notable Commodores
• 2.10.1 Notable Admirals
• 3 Notes and References

Chief Petty Officer

Chief Petty Officer was a senior enlisted rank in Starfleet . [3] [4]

Notable Chief Petty Officers

Cadets were Starfleet officers-in-training at Starfleet Academy . [5] They were sometimes referred to as midshipmen. [6]

Notable Cadets

Ensigns served as junior officers in a variety of duty stations. [3]

Notable Ensigns

Lieutenant, junior grade

Notable Lieutenants, j.g.

Lieutenants served on bridge command crews and as specialists aboard ships. Lieutenants also served as department heads. [3] [7]

Notable Lieutenants

Lieutenant Commander

Officers of Lieutenant Commander rank functioned as department heads or specialists. [3]

Notable Lieutenant Commanders

Commanders served as department heads, and could have a specialized position, such as first officer . [5]

Notable Commanders

Captains commanded Starfleet vessels. [3]

Notable Captains

Fleet Captain

The position of Fleet Captain was that of a senior officer who had demonstrated exceptional competence and expertise in active service. [4]

Notable Fleet Captains

Flag officers had generally served in a variety of vital areas. A flag officer of Commodore rank could serve as a starbase commander. [6]

Notable Commodores

The rank of Admiral was the highest in Starfleet . Admirals were responsible for the deployment of Starfleet vessels in active operations, particularly fleet operations along the border zones between the Federation and foreign governments. [4]

Notable Admirals

Notes and References

• ↑ Trimble, Bjo (Author). Star Trek Concordance . Star Trek . Book , revised and updated edition. Citadel Press . 1995 .
• ↑ Roddenberry, Gene (Executive Producer). "The Naked Time" . Star Trek , season 1, episode 4 (Production number 07). Directed by Marc Daniels . Written by John D.F. Black . Desilu Productions . 29 September 1966 .
• ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Roddenberry, Gene (Executive Producer). "The Cage" . Star Trek , season 0, episode 0 (Production number 01). Directed by Robert Butler . Written by Gene Roddenberry . Released 1986 . Desilu Productions . 1965 .
• ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Roddenberry, Gene ( Executive Producer ). "The Menagerie, Part I." Star Trek , Season 1, Episode 11 (Production 16). Directed by Marc Daniels and Robert Butler . Written by Gene Roddenberry . Desilu Productions , 17 November 1966 .
• ↑ 5.0 5.1 Roddenberry, Gene (Executive Producer). "Where No Man Has Gone Before" . Star Trek , season 1, episode 3 (Production number 02). Directed by James Goldstone . Written by Samuel A. Peeples . Desilu Productions . 22 September 1966 .
• ↑ 6.0 6.1 Roddenberry, Gene ( Executive Producer ). "Court Martial." Star Trek , Season 1, Episode 20 (Production 15). Directed by Marc Daniels . Story by Don M. Mankiewicz . Teleplay by Don M. Mankiewicz and Steven W. Carabatsos (Teleplay). Desilu Productions , 2 February 1967 .
• ↑ Roddenberry, Gene (Executive Producer). "The Corbomite Maneuver" . Star Trek , season 1, episode 10 (Production number 03). Directed by Joseph Sargent . Written by Jerry Sohl . Desilu Productions . 10 November 1966 .
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Published Aug 23, 2023

The Starfleet Insignia Explained

No Star Trek symbol captures the eye or imagination quite like the delta.

StarTrek.com

"The Starfleet Symbol." "The Arrowhead." "The Delta."

Star Trek uses symbols to convey a lot of things, but none captures the eye or imagination quite like the delta. In the years since The Original Series first aired, fans have tried to determine the meaning behind the various insignia shapes we see in the show. To most, it seems that the iconic delta shape is some sort of ship assignment patch meant to represent the U.S.S. Enterprise .

Some arrive at this conclusion because they see various Starfleet personnel wearing a number of different insignia. However, like any puzzle without a key, it’s impossible to precisely interpret the meaning of these other insignia.

The hidden key to the puzzle was finally uncovered a few years ago. The discovery was a memorandum written by producer Robert H. (Bob) Justman to  costume designer William Ware (Bill) Theiss . The subject? STARSHIP EMBLEMS.

A copy of that memorandum has been digitized from the Gene Roddenberry  Star Trek  Television Series Collection (held in the Library Special Collections division of the Young Research Library at UCLA in Irvine, California) and is shown below:

This memo, written during the production of the episode "The Omega Glory," and referencing Captain Ron Tracey, nullifies the long-held assumption that Starfleet assigned different insignia shapes to starships during TOS. Theiss’ inclusion of an alternate insignia for the  Exeter 's captain and chief medical officer, unfortunately, downplays how genuinely ubiquitous the delta insignia is within the  Star Trek  universe. As a result, fans of the series are left with conflicting visual information regarding the meaning of the insignia worn throughout the original series.

Nearly 50 years after Bob Justman wrote his memo, we now have the opportunity to clarify the use of each and every Starfleet uniform insignia used in   TOS. With a wee bit of Scotty's ingenuity, and a pinch of Vulcan logic, the complete picture of what Gene Roddenberry envisioned for the delta insignia should snap into focus.

There are six Starfleet duty insignia used in The Original Series:

• Starship Duty Insignia (Fleet personnel emblem)
• Spacecraft Duty Insignia (Auxiliary Fleet/ Merchant Marine personnel emblem)
• Outpost Duty Insignia (Outpost and Colony personnel emblem)
• Cadet Duty Insignia (Starfleet Academy student emblem)
• Starbase Duty Insignia (Headquarters,  Space stations, Drydocks, and Ground installation personnel emblem)
• Fleet Command Insignia (Senior field commander personnel emblem)

In the  Star Trek  universe, the delta emblem is a direct descendant of the vector component of the old NASA (and later UESPA) logos in use during Earth’s space programs of the 20th and 21st Centuries. Those symbols were worn by some of the first space explorers and adorned uniforms and ships during humanity’s first steps into the final frontier.

United Earth Space Probe Agency integrated with Starfleet as the leading United Earth space exploration service.

The delta insignia was first drawn in 1964 by costume designer William Ware Theiss with input from series creator Gene Roddenberry. The delta — or “Arrowhead” as Bill Theiss called it — has evolved into a revered symbol and one that's synonymous with  Star Trek  today.

The delta also conveys information about the wearer’s duties aboard ship using a series of division symbols. When paired with a distinctive, elongated “star,” the insignia represents someone assigned to the Command division aboard ship. When it displays the “planet” symbol, it represents the Sciences division, a stylized “e” stands for Engineering (later Operations), and a red “Swiss Cross” is worn by starship personnel assigned to the Nursing Corps.

Captain James T. Kirk wearing the Starship Duty Insignia, Command Division.

Let’s continue our study of  Star Trek ’s insignia with personnel assigned to other starships that are wearing the delta insignia.

Before we knew about this memo, we assumed that each ship had its own unique insignia, but there are problems that theory doesn't account for. For instance, does it bother you, or at least seem odd to see the surly guys in Starbase 11’s Officer's Club (in the episode "Court Martial") giving “their captain” a hard time over the presumed death of their mutual friend Ben Finney? Or, to see deceased crew members aboard the  U.S.S. Defiant  (in the episode "The Tholian Web") wearing the delta insignia?

If different starships had different symbols, why weren't they wearing them? Simple. The memo makes it clear that those Starfleet officers are not assigned to the  Enterprise ; they are simply wearing Starfleet’s standard-issue Starship Duty Insignia.

Non-Enterprise Starfleet personnel in Starbase 11’s Officer’s Club in Court Martial, and Below: Deceased U.S.S. Defiant crew member wearing the Starship Duty Insignia in "The Tholian Web."

By now, you might be saying, “What about U.S.S. Exeter ’s Captain Ron Tracey and his chief surgeon, Dr. Carter?” As these two insignia patches are the error being addressed in the memo, they need no further explanation. They alone are the anomaly (an anomaly Theiss never repeated), which led to the misconception that every ship has its own assignment insignia.

Above: Captain Ron Tracey of the U.S.S. Exeter, and Below: his CMO, Dr. Carter.

As you can see here, Theiss thoughtfully, if erroneously, provided both officers with unique assignment insignia patches, and in keeping with his fastidious reputation, insured both patches included their appropriate division symbols.

Early in TOS, we get our first look at non-delta insignia. In the episode "Charlie X,"  Antares ’ Captain Rampart and his first officer are wearing the Spacecraft Duty Insignia, which indicates that they are assigned to an auxiliary spacecraft serving in Starfleet's Merchant Marine Corps — just as Justman points out in his memo. 

Antares' Captain Rampart, and his XO wearing the Merchant Marine Spacecraft Duty Insignia.

Not long after that, we get a look at another new insignia. The Outpost Duty Insignia is worn by Starfleet personnel assigned to outposts on the very edge of Federation space, the frontier. This emblem is characterized by a gold spikelet against a black background. Warning: Do not put yourself in a situation where this insignia goes on your uniform. Personnel wearing this badge never seem to live happily ever after.

Outpost Crew from "Balance of Terror" & "Arena" pictured wearing the Outpost Duty Insignia.

A few episodes later, the Enterprise takes shore leave and Kirk reminisces about his days at the Academy. Worn by students attending Starfleet Academy, the Cadet Duty Insignia is characterized by a pewter colored, smaller version of the Starbase Duty Insignia.

Second Class Midshipman Finnegan wearing the Cadet Duty Insignia.

First seen in "The Menagerie," the Starbase Duty Insignia is worn by personnel assigned to Federation Starbases, which include Starfleet Headquarters, space stations, drydocks, and other ground installations. The emblem, which is devoid of any departmental symbol, is a stylized representation of an “Evening Starflower” (a flowering plant native to the western hemisphere of Earth).

Above: Admiral James Komack of Starfleet Command - Sector 9, and Below: Admiral Fitzpatrick.

Miss Piper, assistant to Commodore Mendez, and Lt. Areel Shaw Starbase 11 JAG Officer wearing the Starbase Duty Insignia.

So how does Commodore Wesley in "The Ultimate Computer," or Commodore Decker in "The Doomsday Machine," fit into the spectrum of Starfleet insignia?

Well, let’s talk about commodores for a moment. A commodore is a flag officer rank, one position above captain. A starship captain usually commands a single vessel, but a commodore ordinarily commands more than one ship. Usually, commodores command a group of ships (either close to their flagship or distant), or in the case of TOS, they normally command a starbase.

In charge of evaluating the operational performance of the M5 computer while it's in total control of a starship, Commodore Wesley sits in temporary command of the  U.S.S. Lexington  to lead a battle fleet in war games against the  Enterprise . Throughout the episode, Commodore Wesley continues to wear his Starbase Duty Insignia, while the  Lexington  crew would have been wearing the delta.

Commodore Bob Wesley in the transporter room briefing Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock about the M5 computer.

Finally, we come to one of my favorite characters ever — Commodore Matt Decker in "The Doomsday Machine." We saved him for last because we could only properly discuss his insignia and what it means after we talked about Starfleet’s other symbols first.

William Windom as Commodore Matt Decker

Unlike Commodore Bob Wesley, who was only in temporary command of the  Lexington , Matt Decker is a Flag Officer with permanent field command of a starship. In fact, he's the only Flag Officer we see in  Star Trek  with a field command. As a consequence of Commodore Decker's rank and status as Commander of the  U.S.S. Constellation  (his flagship), he wears the Fleet Command Insignia denoting his status as a Flag Officer in the field. If we had seen Commodore Decker's crew (may they rest in peace), we would have seen the delta shape insignia in use on their uniforms. Commodore Decker's own first officer would have held the rank of Captain and worn the Starship Duty Insignia.

It should be noted that "The Doomsday Machine," which was filmed early in Season 2, is not referenced in Bob Justman’s memo. Some speculate that Decker’s absence from the memo is further indication of the inconsistent use of emblems in  Star Trek , but that presupposes that the production staff missed that detail. However, the very existence of the Justman memo, and a whole forest of others just like it, demonstrates that the opposite is true.

The production team of  Star Trek  worked diligently to ensure that every aspect of the future they were busy creating held up under scrutiny. Gene Roddenberry was notoriously rewriting scripts himself to ensure no less than exactly what he wanted ended up on-screen, and that fastidious nature permeated the entire production staff. That Decker’s unique emblem is not mentioned in the production memo indicates that his particular insignia isn't an error at all; but represents something else.

Check out Commodore Decker's insignia. Remember that when Theiss created the insignia for Captain Ron Tracey, he went out of his way to ensure it was emblazoned with a Command Star department symbol. Commodore Decker has no such departmental symbol in his insignia patch, which places it in the same design lineage as the Starbase Duty Insignia, which is also devoid of any departmental symbol.

At this point in  Star Trek , we’ve seen a number of flag officers; but they have all worn the Starflower shape, which indicates assignment to a starbase, while Matt Decker alone in TOS series serves as a flag officer in permanent command of a starship. He is wearing an insignia that conveys his unique status, the Fleet Command Insignia, and if you look closely, you'll see that Matt Decker’s emblem is visually related to the Starbase Duty Insignia. Decker’s insignia is a stylized representation of an individual petal from the same “Evening Starflower” emblem that comprises the starbase symbol. This insignia isn't mentioned in the production memo because it's not an error at all.

Hopefully, by now, you can see how consistent the  Star Trek  costume department really was in their use of insignia, and that Bill Thiess never repeated the error he made during "The Omega Glory" after it was pointed out by the memo.

Returning to the delta, Roddenberry and Justman intended it to be a very special symbol that communicates something important. The insignia worn on Starfleet uniforms is the equivalent of the badges worn by U.S. Service members — to show how they serve, not where they serve. Both men served with distinction in World War II. Roddenberry was an Army Air Corps pilot and Justman was a radio operator in the Navy. In the air and at sea, they understood the value of visual communication. In uniform, they themselves carried those values on their chests, on their collars, and on their sleeves. Twenty years after they wore their own various insignia, they helped to create something new — a symbol to inspire others. In the 1960s, the Starfleet delta had far more in common with the golden pin awarded to a NASA astronaut than a simple mission patch, and it was intended to equal that proud emblem in both use and sentiment.

The NASA Astronaut Pin. There are two versions of this pin, a silver pin awarded to those who complete their training, and a gold pin awarded only to astronauts who have flown in space.

The delta proclaims that the person wearing it has achieved the goal of every cadet entering the Academy, and the dream of many a devoted fan — to serve aboard a starship and set sail in an endless sea of stars.

Starfleet Insignia Badge, Command Division from Star Trek Discovery

They used to say if man could fly, he'd have wings. But he did fly. He discovered he had to.

Captain James T. Kirk

I am grateful to have an experienced and learned group of expert Star Trek fans who helped with the research on this article — Steve Fronczek, Creative Services Manager, ANOVOS; Lieutenant Commander Michael J. Quigley, United States Navy; and Dayton Ward, Star Trek author.

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This article was originally published on October 7, 2018

John Cooley is a lifelong Star Trek fan.

• Behind The Scenes
• Star Trek 101

Starfleet Ranks

Rank is the way Starfleet conveys its ideals about responsibility, trust, and previous achievements.  

Between various Star Trek series, rank is something of a hot mess, especially for characters outside the ensign through captain range the shows are usually most concerned with. In this article, I’ve tried to use some real-world military information, mixed with a broad interpretation of on-screen events to provide a framework that we can use in any era which is more consistent than the “rank as we like it” approach viewer experienced in most the series.

Enlisted Ranks

Starfleet personnel who do not attend an academy or other officer training program enter service as Enlisted Personnel, these service members have the least authority and have the least amount of comfort on-board ship. Sometimes an ambitious enlisted service member might earn promotion into the ranks of Warrant Officers or even the regular Officer ranks. The sleeve rank insignia is worn as a large patch on the left shoulder while the rank pin is worn on the right collar, just as the insignia pin for officers.

Junior Enlisted

During the first and maybe second enlistment in Starfleet, enlisted servicemembers are learning their craft, largely through on-the-job training and mentoring with more experienced crewmembers. The provide the manual labor that makes Starfleet run, so are an indispensable part of the crew, even if they are often overlooked. An ambitious and capable crewman might find themselves selected for promotion to petty officer after their first tour (3 years) while it isn’t too unusual for some crewmembers to serve as Specialists for an entire additional tour as they acquire either the technical or leadership skills needed to excel as supervisors. Junior enlisted do not have any kind of “command authority” but may be assigned to lead details of lower ranking individuals by their petty officer or officer supervisors.   Truly exceptional individuals might be selected for consideration to join either the Warrant Officer Corps or even attend Starfleet academy to become officers themselves. Every Specialist is invited to submit an application to Starfleet Academy after they complete their first three years of honorable service. Once enlisted personnel are promoted to Petty Officer 3rd Class they can take their department’s Warrant Officer exam each year, if they desire, with those scoring in the top 1% being selected for the Warrant Officer training course.

*On some ships this has been phonetically shortened to sound like “Crew’ber” for better or worse.

Petty Officers

Petty Officers are experienced enlisted personnel who have been entrusted with special status as Non-commissioned Officers, these ranks are set apart from junior enlisted with special responsibilities and privileges. Junior petty officers will serve as first-line supervisors to the crewmen who do the manual labor in Starfleet and are responsible for their training, morale, health, and discipline. More senior will supervise junior petty officers and have the same sorts of responsibilities for the success of their subordinates. Each department aboard the ship will have one petty officer in charge all enlisted members of that department and will report directly to the officer who is the head (chief) of that department. On very small vessels, these department mates might be Petty Officers 3rd Class, but on very large vessels, each department, especially very important departments, like engineering, might have a Chief Petty Officer supervising the enlisted personnel.   Additionally each vessel has one very important petty officer called the Chief of the Boat who serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the captain and executive officer. The Chief of the Boat is the supervisor of every enlisted person aboard the vessel and as such is responsible for their health, training, and morale. The COB will spend most of their time ensuring that the various departments and watches are running smoothly and that each crewman is being given their best opportunity to advance themselves and best serve the ship and Starfleet. This position will usually be the most senior petty officer aboard, but as they serve at the captain’s pleasure it might not be. The Chief of the Boat will often be tasked with sensitive tasks for the captain and it is paramount that they maintain their commander’s utmost confidence. The Chief of the Boat’s rank insignia will include the command star, regardless of what rank or division they are, as shown below for Chief Petty Officer.

As Starfleet was incorporated as a quasi-military force for planetary protection and exploration, it made sense to draw mainly on the customs and traditions of the Earth’s navies and air forces to create the new military culture of Starfleet, after all, most of the world’s astronauts had already served as pilots in either an air force or navy. With great optimism, Starfleet Command believed the days of the “ground pounder” or “grunt” were over. It wasn’t long, however, before it became clear that there very real possibilities of aliens boarding Starfleet vessels and, at times, the need for Starfleet to board other species’ vessels forcibly. Starfleet personnel while having some security training were not the ideal choice to fill the role of acute close combat specialists, so in the mid-22nd century Military Assault Command Operations was formed. Drawing instead from the traditions of combat riflemen of armies and marines, the “culture” and ranks of the MACOs reflect their origins. Although the ranks are called different things, you can find their rank equivalents by looking at the Grade column. [See Military Assault Command Operations for more information.]

Midshipman (Cadet) Ranks

Individuals who attend one of the service academies will spend four years developing their career skills before they are entrusted with a Starfleet commission. During the last two years at the academy it is customary for midshipmen to serve temporary assignments in Starfleet to gain some practical experience and test the skills they have already acquired. For this reason, characters with the ranks of MD2 and MD1 are often found serving in minor roles aboard starships. For purposes of hierarchy MD4’s and MD3’s are considered of the same “rank” as Specialists and are afforded similar respect and billets, while MD2’s and MD1’s place above most enlisted personnel, but below Warrant Officers. The terms Midshipman and Cadet are used pretty interchangeably, even when speaking about the title of one’s rank. This is the result of the history of the merging of naval and air force training academies into the Starfleet Academy. Language Arts instructors at the academy might note that there is a propensity for the term Cadet to be used more widely to refer to the role as students at the academy, while the term Midshipman is more widely used in association with their duties aboard starships during their training tours taking place between the second-and-third and third-and-forth years at the academy.

Warrant Officer Ranks

Warrant Officers hold a special place in the hierarchy between enlisted members and officers. In the early industrial era, a person became a warrant officer by either being a seaman who possessed special skills that merited special treatment or being a midshipman who failed to become a regular officer. Four centuries later, their role is still similar. While Starfleet policy requires all commissioned officers to have broad skills in leadership, technology, tactics, and science, Starfleet’s technical requirements also require technical specialists who do a single job very well, better than once might be able to require from less educated enlisted personnel or educated, but generalist officer corps.

Starfleet warrant officers today come from three sources, civilian technical experts who join Starfleet and for one reason or another do not attend one of the service academies to become commissioned officers; enlisted personnel who become experts in their technical specialty through a combination of experience and education; or more rarely midshipman who excel in one field of study at the academy, but who fail to pass qualifying examinations in all six of the required career disciplines. Whereas commissioned officers have general ‘command authority’ over all Starfleet personnel of lesser rank, warrant officers have a form of limited ‘command authority’ which only applies to personnel assigned to be under them in their chain of command, who will usually be junior warrant officers and enlisted personnel; however, in a peculiarity of Starfleet rank structure, ensigns are often assigned to assist warrant officers and are considered junior to any warrant officer to whom they are assigned. This give the inexperienced officer an opportunity to learn valuable skills from experienced specialists.

With most warrant officers being technical or tactical experts, it is not surprising that the majority of them serve in the Operations Division; however, some Command Division warrant officers serve as commanders of fast patrol vessels (PFs), or helmsmen on larger vessels, and physician’s assistants are medical warrant officers, and along with nurses, are the medical professionals most crewmen will be treated by for ailments that don’t require surgery.

Officer Ranks

Starfleet officers have a commission from Starfleet command authorizing them to serve as official agents of Starfleet Command and the United Federation of Planets and have command authority over other members of Starfleet and special responsibilities to citizens of the UFP. This position of special trust and confidence will be removed if Starfleet Command determines the service member violated their responsibilities or is unable to serve in the finest traditions of Starfleet.

Fleet Captains

Fleet Captain isn’t a rank in the sense that other ranks in Starfleet are, but instead a brevet appointment which is done for one of two exceptional circumstances.

• A captain (O6) needs to assume command of a battle group, where they need unquestioned authority over other captains (O6s) for the duration of the battle group’s mission. These kinds of battlegroups are usually commanded by commodores or rear admirals, but in times of war, flag officers may not be available to command every battle group.
• A high honor for an exemplary careers for captains who for one reason or another, never received a flag appointment by the United Federation of Planets Subcommittee for Starfleet. This honor is very rare, with two exceptional captains being among the few recipients Garth of Izar and Christopher Pike.

The rank worn by Fleet Captains (for the duration of their appointment) are five golden pips. Captains who serve with distinction as brevet fleet captains are usually fast-tracked flag officer consideration.  

Flag Officers

Flag officers are individually appointed from among the Starfleet officer corps by the United Federation of Planets Subcommittee for Starfleet and approved by the President of the United Federation of Planets personally. As the promotion to flag ranks is literally a legislative act, these positions are inherently political in nature.

Terminology Explained

Grade : This is the Starfleet Personnel Grade Code used for determining pay and privileges as well as comparing rank equivalents between different services and treaty members. (When looking at the rank schedule of the Vulcan Space Command, one can see that a Sub-commander is an O5 or the equivalent to a Commander on the Federation rank schedule—however, due to treaty concessions, in early time periods Vulcans of equal position on the schedule are considered to outrank members of Starfleet.)   SRC : The Short Rank Code is a three-letter code to abbreviate each Starfleet rank. This code is used where space might be restricted or on internal documents, where it would be unlikely to cause confusion.   Term of Address : While it is always technically correct to use the full rank title when addressing a member of Starfleet, humans tend to feel that overly long terms of address are cumbersome, and their use can indicate the person being spoken to is “in trouble.” As a result, cultural tradition has created alternate terms of address, which are often used in there place for everyday purposes. These forms of address will never be used in ceremonial functions.   Insignia : This symbol is worn on the uniforms of personnel holding this rank. Depending on the uniform, this insignia is usually worn on the uniform’s right collar or approximately inline with the wearer’s right collar bone (for personnel with standard humanoid anatomy). For enlisted members of Starfleet, a larger patch version is often worn on the left sleeve of work coveralls.   Sleeve Braid : On some dress uniforms, officers wear braiding on their sleeves to denote rank.   Character Type : While exceptions exist, NPC characters of these ranks will be this “type” of NPC.   Time in Grade : This is the number of months a character needs to serve in their rank before they are eligible to apply for promotion. Characters are allowed to apply for promotion once a month [See Promotions ].   Merit : Merit is the sum of all Reputation that has been earned or lost throughout a career. The number shown on the table is the amount of Merit required to apply to promotion to that rank. If the character has twice that number of Merit, they can receive a waiver for the Time-in-Grade requirements and apply for promotion immediately. If a character has enough Merit to qualify for a rank more than one higher than their current rank it is possible (although difficult) to skip a rank and receive the highest rank they are qualified for when applying for promotion. [See Promotions ]   Equivalent Rank : Midshipman receive deference from enlisted personnel based upon which year they are in and are considered to hold the grade listed.

Rank & Uniforms

From star trek: theurgy wiki.

Starfleet ranks were the identifying titles for the officers and enlisted members of Starfleet , under both United Earth and the United Federation of Planets. These ranks used the titles and positions adopted from earlier Earth naval forces. Aside from rank , all officers also held a position in a department, which could be said to be his or her 'job'. Example: A Lieutenant's position was not to be a Lieutenant on a starship. The Lieutenant's position on a ship could Security Officer, which was a role that had certain duties attached to it.

Starfleet uniforms were mainly worn with colors denoting in what field a particular officer or crewman specialized.

• 1 Division Colors
• 2 Starfleet Uniforms
• 3.1 Flag Officers
• 3.2 Line Officers
• 3.4 Warrant Officers
• 3.5 Enlisted & Non-Commissioned Officers
• 3.6 Provisional Officers
• 3.7 Civillian Personnel
• 4 Chain of Command
• 5 Crew Quarters
• 6 Disclaimer

Division Colors

Within Starfleet , there existed four divisions of personnel, which handled all possible allotted tasks.

Red indicated Command, Tactical and CONN . These were commanders, like COs and XOs, or administrative personnel, yeomen. They were also CONN and Flight Control officers. Tactical Officers also wore this colour, with the Chief Tactical Officer posted on the Bridge.

White indicated Tactical CONN . This was where the Starfleet Fighter Pilots and Officers belonged; in the newly formed Aerospace Command division where space aviation and military/tactical knowledge went hand in hand. The Tactical CONN department worked very closely with both the CONN and Tactical departments.

Gold indicated Engineering , Operations and Security . These were those who built, configured, alloted, and repaired ship's systems. Security handled security on board, ranging from crowd control, the Brig and a number of related issues.

Teal indicated Science , Medical and Counseling . These were the nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and orderlies of the Sickbay. They also analyse scientific data, and preform experiments.

Starfleet Uniforms

Starfleet uniforms were uniforms worn by individuals serving in the Federation Starfleet , originally a United Earth organization. These uniforms facilitated the wearers' needs as both scientists and researchers, as well as Starfleet 's military role. Wearers were expected to abide by the Starfleet dress code, though special exceptions were sometimes made for certain aspects of an individual's cultural heritage, such as Worf's Klingon baldric and Nog's Ferengi headdress as well as Ro Laren's (and briefly Kira Nerys') earrings. Source: Memory Alpha

These were the Starfleet Uniforms as of 2381 in Starfleet . Like all ships, the USS Theurgy had a specific dress code for on-duty officers. The standard duty uniform was a three piece ensemble consisting of pants, colored undershirt (department specific color), and jacket. An optional skirt was permitted for female crew if they wished.

Ranks in Starfleet followed a specific order, broken up into four, in this descending rank:

Flag Officers

Line officers, warrant officers, enlisted & non-commissioned officers.

Enlisted crewmen were not trained in any command fields, and fulfilled the mundane duties of a starship or starbase . Officers were trained for command, and it was assumed that some would someday reach the ranks of captain or above. Flag officers often fulfilled administrative duties, and sometimes commanded task forces of ships. Promotions were awarded for quality of service, not for length of time served.

Provisional Officers, the exception of the four above, earned a field promotion aboard a ship or a starbase , and could even hold Line Officer rank.

A Flag Officer was both a historic naval and military rank and a modern Starfleet title. It generally referred to all officers of Commodore rank or higher. The term traditionally denoted any officer that commanded a squadron of vessels, possibly in addition to one under their direct command.

A commissioned Line Officer was an individual who had attended, and graduated from the cadet program of Starfleet Academy or had been commissioned through the Officer Candidate School after having attained their education in their field elsewhere. Those graduating from Starfleet Academy earned a four-year degree (Bachelor's) in their major field of study such as communications, engineering , the sciences, or nursing. After four years at the Academy, they either passed or failed. If passing, the person would be promoted to Ensign. Officers doing exceptionally would be promoted directly to Lieutenant Junior Grade.

Medical officers attended an additional four years at Starfleet Medical Academy before earning their medical degree (or earned their commission through Officer Candidate School after having obtained their degree elsewhere).

Cadet was a rank which was used at Starfleet Academy to denote students in training to become Starfleet officers. Becoming a Starfleet cadet was a difficult process and required a significant amount of academic achievement while in high school. Academy entrance standards were particularly high, especially in scientific and math disciplines (such as calculus). Cadets were also expected to maintain a satisfactory grade point average during their attendance at the Academy. Getting bad grades was grounds for a cadet's revocation of appointment from the Academy, also known as "washing out". Starfleet cadets were under the same uniform code of justice as Starfleet officers and were in turn subordinate to the orders of superiors. They were also required to report violations of Federation law they observed to their superiors. Cadets were also expected to show military courtesy and respect to senior commanders.

Even though Warrant Officers were considered Commissioned Officers, they are drawn from the ranks of NCO personnel. The Warrant Officer, and the ranks that follow it, were a special form of Commissioned Officers bridging the gap between Enlisted personnel and Line Officers. Only Chief, Senior Chief, or Master Chief Petty Officers could apply to the Warrant Officer ranks. A warrant officer had rank over all Enlisted personnel, and frequently took charge of large divisions or departments of these crewmen. Regular commissioned officers, such as an Ensign, held rank over a Warrant Officer. SCPO or higher was able to advance directly to WO (skipping other ranks) provided they attended Officer Candidate School. Warrant Officers were specialists in sub-departments of a starship, such as Transporter Technicians and Holo-technicians.

Most of a starship's or starbase 's staff consisted of enlisted personnel. These people carried out the day-to-day operations and maintenance that allowred Starfleet to function. Enlisted stayed in Starfleet Boot Camp for six months as a Crewman Recruit, learning the ropes in a more simple way than Commissioned Officers, with a course emphasis relevant to your division. So, Enlisted were those who had not completed the four-year Starfleet Academy course or otherwise been given a commission as an officer. In most cases, Enlisted crewmen signed up directly to a ship or posting, and received basic training, as well as any specific courses required for their position.

As with Commissioned Officers, there is a rank structure amongst Enlisted crew. The term "Non-Commissioned Officer" referred specifically to any Enlisted personnel given authority over other personnel. In Starfleet , this could refer to any Petty Officer (up to Master Chief). Once making the rank of Chief Petty Officer, NCOs could transfer to Commissioned Officer status, and become an Ensign.

All Commissioned Officer ranks, from Ensign upward, outranked all Enlisted in the chain of command. However, in certain cases, Non-Commissioned officers could exercise authority over Commissioned Officers (Miles O'Brien is one such case, in his position as chief of operations aboard Deep Space 9 ). Additionally, Chief Petty Officers such as O'Brien wielded influence far beyond their place in the rank structure due to their extensive experience and skill and were expected to mentor Junior Officers as well as other Non-Commissioned Officers.

Provisional Officers

In difficult times, it had been found a necessity to grant civilians - or crew members of other militaries - ranks that would otherwise be considered official within Starfleet . These ranks could be placed upon those that allied to Starfleet in some form or manner for whatever reason that the Commanding Officer of the ship found adequate. Provisional Officers had special rank insignia that differed from the normal pips that a Starfleet Officer would wear in his collar (Example: The rank insignia the former Marquis officers wore in Star Trek: Voyager).

Civillian Personnel

Not all members of the crew held a Starfleet rank, but would rather be civilian expertise in certain fields, filling functions of the ship where Starfleet training was not required. Examples: Waitresses/waiters of the ship lounges and the Chef in the Mess Hall. Also, some professors and scientists in certain fields did not belong to the Science Department of Starfleet .

Chain of Command

The chain of command was a ranking system used by militaries and other organized groups. It represented the line of authority down which orders are passed from one officer to another, and also the line down which passed command of a particular vessel or installation.

Aboard a starship, or most starbases the chain of command began with the assigned commanding officer, usually an officer of the rank of captain, or in some cases commander. If the commanding officer, for any reason, was unavailable to command his or her post then those responsibilities passed down the "chain" to the first officer, then the second officer, etc. After the first officer (also Executive Officer or XO), command responsibilities passed down the chain from officer to officer as necessary in accordance with each officer's rank. And it was common practice for a commanding officer to designate a second officer to take command if both the captain and first officer were unavailable or unable to perform their duties.

Crew Quarters

Rank also determined which kind of quarters Starfleet officers lived in aboard a starship. Below are the different quarters on the USS Theurgy .

Captain's Quarters & VIP Quarters

Departmental Head Quarters

Senior Officers' Quarters

Junior Officers' Quarters

Shared NCO Quarters

Shared Enlisted Quarters

Uniform text portions of this page is used with permission of USS Wolff CO - granted Nov 1, 2016

• Starfleet Information
• General Information

Star Trek: Discoverys Pilot Just Joined Enterprises Legacy

Warning: This Article Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Discovery Season 5, Episode 5 - "Mirrors"

• Keyla Detmer piloted the ISS Enterprise in Star TrekL Discovery season 5, joining the ranks of Enterprise helmsman in the process.
• The USS Enterprise has had other notable helmsmen like Sulu and Geordi La Forge across different versions.
• Discovery provided Detmer with the chance to pilot a version of the Enterprise, filmed on the set of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Star Trek: Discovery season 5 enabled the show's pilot, Keyla Detmer (Emily Coutts) to join an important legacy for the USS Enterprise. Detmer has been the helmsman of the USS Discovery since season 1, and an integral part of Discovery 's cast of characters up through season 5 . Although she has largely been a supporting character on Discovery , Detmer has still enjoyed some important moments, including a few memorable subplots in both seasons 1 and 3.

Despite Detmer not appearing in Discovery season 5, episode 5 , the show bestowed an important milestone on her off-screen. Episode 5 saw the retrieval of the Mirror Universe's ISS Enterprise after a clue in the search for the Progenitor's technology led Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and Cleveland Booker (David Ajala) to a heated confrontation with L'ak (Elias Toufexis) and Moll (Eve Harlow) on the abandoned ship. Discovery managed to save the Mirror Enterprise from interdimensional space , and Captain Burham assigned Lieutenant Commander Detmer and Owosekun (Oyin Oladejo) to take it back to Federation Headquarters.

5 Ways Star Trek: Discoverys Mirror Enterprise Is Different From USS Enterprise

Star trek: discoverys pilot commander detmer is the latest enterprise helmsman, detmer flew the iss enterprise in discovery season 5.

Thanks to episode 5, Detmer has joined the ranks of those who had piloted a version of the Enterprise in Star Trek history . Detmer could have had the opportunity to pilot the USS Enterprise during Discovery season 2, especially considering that its Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) , was a main character on the show. Discovery 's time jump to the 32nd century made any further encounters with the Prime Universe's Enterprise impossible, but season 5 finally gave Detmer the chance to be included in the category of legendary Enterprise helmsman.

It seems Discovery has given Detmer the chance to pilot the only Enterprise she will likely ever get to during the rest of the show's run.

Although the ISS Enterprise is different from the Prime Universe's USS Enterprise, the two are similar enough that Discovery filmed episode 5's Enterprise scenes on the set for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds , which is set on the USS Enterprise in Discovery 's old time period, the 23rd century. It seems Discovery has given Detmer the chance to pilot the only Enterprise she will likely ever get to during the rest of the show's run. Of course, Detmer piloting any version of the USS Enterprise is still a huge honor, considering which characters she shares the distinction with.

Star Treks Enterprise Helmsmen Explained

The uss enterprise has had some notable helmsmen.

The various versions of the Enterprise have had some incredible helmsmen, and the ship has the interesting distinction of being piloted by two father-daughter teams at different times . The most famous Enterprise Helmsman is, of course, Hikaru Sulu (George Takei) from Star Trek: The Original Series . Sulu and his other versions, including his Mirror Universe counterpart, faithfully piloted the Enterprise for many years of the franchise's timeline, and Sulu's daughter, Demora (Jacqueline Kim) took on the task years later during Star Trek Generations .

Sulu isn't the only famous character to have been an Enterprise helmsman, however. Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) was the initial helmsman for the USS Enterprise-D in Star Trek: The Next Generation , and like Sulu would share the honor with his daughter, Sidney (Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut) who took on the role in Star Trek: Picard season 3. More recently, Strange New Worlds introduced Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia) as the helmsman under Captain Pike. Ortegas has proved to be one of Star Trek 's best pilots and a memorable addition to the Enterprise pilot ranks , similar to Detmer on Star Trek: Discovery .

New episodes of Star Trek: Discovery season 5 stream Thursdays on Paramount+.

Star Trek: Discovery

Star Trek: Discovery is an entry in the legendary Sci-Fi franchise, set ten years before the original Star Trek series events. The show centers around Commander Michael Burnham, assigned to the USS Discovery, where the crew attempts to prevent a Klingon war while traveling through the vast reaches of space.

Cast Blu del Barrio, Oded Fehr, Anthony Rapp, Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Wilson Cruz, Eve Harlow, Mary Wiseman, Callum Keith Rennie

Release Date September 24, 2017

Genres Drama, Sci-Fi, Adventure

Streaming Service(s) Paramount+

Franchise(s) Star Trek

Writers Alex Kurtzman

Directors Jonathan Frakes, Olatunde Osunsanmi

Showrunner Alex Kurtzman

Where To Watch Paramount+

1 hr 35 min

TrekRanks Episode 181: Top 5 Recurring Actors TrekRanks Podcast

• TV & Film

We celebrate the many great guest actors that have helped make Star Trek what it has been for the past 60 years by celebrating the "Top 5 Recurring Actors." It's a huge, massive topic and we cover a lot of ground in this one with host Jim Moorhouse and guests Daniel Martin and Peter Hong. From unknown gems to recognizable names, these incredible performers give life to the words on the page and have been integral to the success of Trek through their craft. This is a fun topic getting into the production side of things (and is a nice companion piece to Episode 131 highlighting the "Top 5 One-Off Guest Stars").

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‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’ Star Talks Grave Danger for Stabler & Possible Season 5

Law & Order Gavel Set

We can’t help but wonder who we should be more worried about right now: Detective Elliot Stabler ( Christopher Meloni ) in his current undercover assignment on  Law & Order: Organized Crime or the show itself?

There have been talks of the NBC drama moving over to Peacock for its fifth season, with nothing official yet (while Law & Order and SVU have both already been renewed ). “I’m not privy to all those talks. I know things are hopefully in the works,” Tate Ellington, who joined as tech expert Kyle Vargas this season, tells TV Insider. “I’m very hopeful for all of it, but I know that everybody’s just had a blast on this season. I think they’ve really set themselves up for some amazing seasons to come, so I hope everything happens with that, but that’s something way above my pay grade.”

What he can talk about is the danger that Stabler is in undercover as the Organized Crime Control Bureau targets a group of vets in the drug business, run by Angus ( Stephen Lang ) whose former partner is the mysterious Redcoat, Julian Emery ( Prodigal Son ‘s Tom Payne ). He had his people try to kill Angus, who’s now ready to gear up for a war .

In the May 2 episode, titled “Redcoat,” Stabler tries to keep his rank as part of the farm’s inner circle while his biggest ally is questioned. Plus, the team discovers the identity of their top target, but it’s too late to stop the arrival of his newest shipment.

Virginia Sherwood / NBC

Stabler’s in “quite a lot” of danger, says Ellington. “I think he’s kind of caught up in wanting to do the right thing while also understanding the group that he’s with and seeing what they’re trying to do. But I think this is one of the times that he’s in the most danger, especially for the rest of the episodes. He should be scared, and we’re all scared for him because he’s undercover. These people have already shown a willingness to kill in order to protect themselves. We’re very worried about him and want to make sure that we can do everything we can to extract him safely and make sure to limit any casualties.”

That’s easier said than done, with the official introduction of the “criminal mastermind” Emery, whom Ellington calls “one of the toughest challenges they’ve faced” and “somebody to be quite afraid of, someone they don’t want to mess with. But they have to in the pursuit of trying to bring people to justice—and he’s also British, so he sounds gorgeous, so always a plus,” he adds with a laugh.

While he teases that Vargas will be going out in the field in coming episodes, in this next one, “he kind of meets his match somewhat on technology, with some things he’s not able to work around.” Furthermore, Ellington adds, Vargas, “I believe in two episodes from now, has kind of a full meltdown. That was a blast to film and definitely one where he’s not in control. For the first time, I think he’s been really hit with something he can’t get around initially.”

Why 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' Needs to Be Renewed

For Ellington, joining the cast and Vargas becoming part of the team is like “art imitating life because Vargas is having an extremely wonderful time with him as am I. He’s really starting to feel a little more at home. I think he desperately wants to be a part of this group. He wants to have these people as friends. I think he genuinely loves them and really wants to help in any way he possibly can. And they’re more and more letting him be a part of the team, which I think he’s ecstatic about.”

He continues, “This is a world he does not know, and so I think in a lot of ways he admires these people and kind of looks up to them. I think he is really starting to find his place among the team. And me personally, I tend to be a person who doesn’t mind being the butt of a joke or likes to try and make people happy. And I think that’s Vargas. He definitely just wants to be a friend and to have friends.”

What do you think of this current arc? Let us know in the comments section, below.

Law & Order: Organized Crime , Thursdays, 10/9c, NBC

Law & Order: Organized Crime where to stream

Law & Order: Organized Crime

Tate ellington.

DeForest Kelley Made A Change To Star Trek's Dr. McCoy In The Voyage Home

It's unlikely that any of the actors who appeared on "Star Trek" in 1966 would assume they would be playing the same roles 18 years later, but "Star Trek" has had a curious habit of longevity. Each time the franchise dies out, the landscape shifts and the series is revived. That's certainly what happened in 1979 with the release of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" (which isn't boring, despite its reputation) . After the original series was canceled in 1969, it was put into eternal syndication, allowing new audiences to find it for years thereafter. Trek conventions began in earnest in the mid-1970s, interest was renewed, and, lo, "Star Trek" returned. Sequel movies were put into production, and by 1986, the franchise released Leonard Nimoy's "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home," the biggest hit in all of "Star Trek" until the release of J.J. Abrams' film in 2009. 

Also by 1986, the characters had aged from their mid-30s to their mid-50s, and the cast had to consider the long careers of Starfleet officers. They were clearly eager to keep serving together but were now sporting higher ranks and were perhaps even aging out of the space adventure game. If you ask me, "The Voyage Home" still should have ended with the heroes all being drummed out of Starfleet for their many transgressions. 

Back in 2014,  StarTrek.com unearthed a 1986 audio interview with DeForest Kelley , who had played Dr. McCoy on and off for essentially two decades at that point. In the interview, the actor commented on the progress Dr. McCoy had made since the early days, and how large character developments had to be made from film to film, as opposed to the incremental character development he worked on during a weekly TV series. Notably, he said, Dr. McCoy had mellowed out a lot.

McCoy and Spock

Kelley talked about the timeline of four feature films vs. the timeline of the 79 episodes of the original series, and how character arcs must be condensed for the latter. On a weekly show, a character isn't necessarily going to change in two weeks, but with a year or more between movies, new changes must be considered. Most notably, McCoy had to develop a new relationship with the Vulcan Spock (Nimoy). On the series, McCoy was openly annoyed by Spock's cold logic. After working with Spock for 20 years, though, that relationship had to evolve. Kelley said: 

"It's very difficult to expand or flesh a character out in a motion picture, so to speak. When we're doing them, it takes a couple of years to get one out. If we were still doing the series, why, it would be a lot of fun to see how these characters change during the aging process. So what I tried to do in ['The Voyage Home'] is kind of ... not soften McCoy, but he's become a little more attuned to Spock and he's looking at him more or less with a bit of amusement, as opposed to becoming so irritated with him."

This made sense, especially after the events of "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock." In that film, McCoy carried Spock's consciousness inside his brain so that it could be salvaged and placed back in an empty body late in the movie. He also committed a brazen act of mutiny, helping Kirk (William Shatner) and his other crewmates hijack the U.S.S. Enterprise for entirely selfish ends. The hijacking would eventually lead to the destruction of the Enterprise. After so much sacrifice, McCoy would necessarily have to be warmer and more peaceful about working with Spock.

Being likeable

Kelley also noted that a TV schedule allowed for more creative opportunities, specifically the opportunity to get things wrong every once in a while. When one is making 20-odd episodes a season and shooting on a tight, weekly schedule, there are bound to be stories that are a little rushed, and perhaps half-baked. Audiences would be forgiving, however, as there would be a new episode seven days later to "reset" any ill feelings. Kelley knew that a movie had to get everything right the first time, as they were released as major, infrequent events. He also continued elaborating on McCoy's relationship to Spock, saying: 

"Not that he doesn't become irritated with Spock, but McCoy has mellowed a little bit during this timeframe. As I say, if we were doing even six 90-minute shows a year we could expand on that, but when you shoot one motion picture every two years, it's rather a problem because it's very difficult to satisfy everyone. We only did 79 episodes, but during those episodes, there was bound to be one episode that perhaps everybody would like. You can't do that with a motion picture because there's going to be somebody who's not going to like something about it." 

Kelley went on to admit in the 1986 interview that he was a lazy actor, and that he would have been content with the "Star Trek" gig, even if it didn't lead to a prolonged film franchise. He, like several other Trek actors , didn't think the show would last very long and that a sci-fi series might even eat into some co-stars' professional credibility. "[W]hen I saw Leonard with his makeup with the ears," Kelley said. "I thought 'Well, he's had it.'"

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DePaul University Newsline > Sections > Campus and Community > May the 4th be with you: Annual conference celebrates ‘Star Wars’

May the 4th be with you: Annual conference celebrates ‘Star Wars’

Depaul’s pop culture conference brings together academics and fans to discuss the sci-fi franchise.

By Jade Walker / April 29, 2024 / Posted in: CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY / Twitter / Facebook

“Academics tend to talk to academics, and fans tend to talk to fans, but we don't often talk to each other. This event works to put all these people in the same room,” says media and pop culture Professor Paul Booth , who has been organizing the conference since 2013. ​

DePaul’s first Pop Culture Conference in 2013 centered on the popular science fiction show “Doctor Who,” then celebrating its 50th anniversary. Since then, the gathering has celebrated “Star Trek” and “Sherlock Holmes,” along with broader pop culture categories like superheroes and slashers.

“My philosophy behind the Pop Culture Conference is that everybody can learn anything from anybody else. We need to do away with notions of academic or fan privilege in pop culture studies,” Booth says.

A fun-filled schedule Participants can attend panels hosted by film and television professionals, academics, authors and fan creators. This year’s keynote speakers include Claudia Gray, a young adult fantasy author, and Carmelo Esterrich, a professor of humanities at Columbia College Chicago.

This is the first year the conference will be hybrid, allowing both panelists and attendees to participate in person or online. This year’s event will also feature a new photo op where attendees can take pictures with stormtroopers and immerse themselves in the world of “Star Wars.” ​

Every year, the Chicago-based conference hosts a fundraiser for charities around the world such as Vigilant Love , Inside Circle and Tŷ Hafan . Since its inception, the conference has raised nearly $5,000 for various charities. This year’s fundraiser will raise money for SPCA Louisiana .

Appreciating ‘Star Wars’ as a cultural and scholarly phenomenon The story of “Star Wars” is a classic hero’s journey, a structure that lies at the center of human storytelling. The franchise combines this model with impressive worldbuilding that invites viewers to completely immerse themselves in the fictional world.​

“When we’re looking at something from ‘Star Wars,’ like the ‘Mandalorian’ or ‘Kenobi,’ we are seeing the tip of an iceberg. Our minds create the other 90% that’s underwater and it draws people in to imaginatively play in this world,” Booth explains.

This vast and impactful web of stories is what has allowed the property to remain popular for decades. Although the series naturally evolves over time, the original trilogy continues to get passed down through families as parents show their kids their favorite sci-fi movie.

According to Booth, the “Star Wars” franchise’s long-lasting impact on pop culture is undeniable.  ​

​“There are some media franchises that just stick around, and I think ‘Star Wars’ is one of them,” Booth says.

More information on the DePaul Pop Culture Conference is available h ere​ .

Jade Walker is a stude nt assistant of media relations and communications in University Communications.

Romulan ranks

• View history

The Romulan ranking system was a hierarchical collective command structure used within the Romulan Star Empire , seemingly descended from the ancient Vulcan ranking system which was also used by the Vulcan military forces until the mid- 22nd century . Both the Tal Shiar and Romulan military had shared but separate ranking system, and their rank insignia shared many of the same physical elements, and appeared in the colors of silver, bronze, and gold.

In 2266 , after the commander of the Praetor's flagship learned that one of his officers , Decius , had transmitted a coded message back to Romulus , the commander informed his officer that he was " reduced two steps in rank " on account of "your carelessness might have ended this glorious mission." Following the interaction, the commander's centurion advisor warned that Decius "has friends, and friends of his kind mean power. And power is danger." ( TOS : " Balance of Terror ")

• 1.1 General
• 1.2 Admiral
• 1.3 Commander
• 1.4 Sub-commander
• 1.5 Colonel
• 1.6 Centurion
• 1.8 Sublieutenant
• 2.1 Captain
• 2.2 Political titles
• 3.1 See also
• 3.2 Background information

Military and Tal Shiar [ ]

General [ ].

Romulan military general

A general was a flag officer rank reserved for senior members of both the military and Tal Shiar. During the 2360s and 2370s, their place in the hierarchy was unclear, as one answered to a commander , while another was promoted to general from subcommander. ( TNG : " Redemption ", " Redemption II "; DS9 : " Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges ", " When It Rains... ")

By the 2390s , the rank reserved for senior members of the Tal Shiar. A general could command a fleet of Tal Shiar starships. ( PIC : " Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 ")

• General Movar
• General Oh (Tal Shiar)
• General Velal
• Sela's father

Admiral [ ]

An admiral was a flag officer rank and position known to be held by field commanders and ex- senators serving in the military. ( TNG : " The Defector "; ENT : " United ")

• Admiral Alidar Jarok
• Admiral Mendak
• Admiral Valdore

Commander [ ]

Commander insignia (2369 and 2370)

Commander insignia (2373)

A commander was equivalent to a Starfleet captain . ( TNG : " Face Of The Enemy ")

• Commander Donatra
• Commander Konsab
• Commander Rekar
• Commander Sela
• Commander Sirol
• Commander Surak
• Commander Tebok
• Commander Tomalak
• Commander Toreth

Sub-commander [ ]

Sub-commander insignia (2369)

Sub-commander insignia (2371)

A sub-commander was shared by military and Tal Shiar alike; it was immediately below the rank of a commander. ( TOS : " The Enterprise Incident "; TNG : " The Neutral Zone ", et al.; VOY : " Message in a Bottle ")

• Sub-Commander Almak (Tal Shiar)
• Sub-Commander N'Vek
• Sub-Commander Selok
• Sub-Commander Tal
• Sub-Commander Taris
• Sub-Commander Thei
• Sub-Commander T'Rul
• Sub-Commander Ustard
• Sub-Commander Velal
• Sub-Commander Vrek

Colonel [ ]

Insignia worn by Tal Shiar colonel

A colonel was a rank reserved for senior members of the Tal Shiar. A colonel could command a fleet of Tal Shiar starships. ( DS9 : " The Die is Cast ")

• Colonel Lovok
• Colonel Narissa

Centurion [ ]

A centurion was a general officer 's rank. ( TOS : " Balance of Terror "; TNG : " The Enemy ")

While posing as a centurion during his attempting to infiltrate Tal's flagship in 2268 , Captain James T. Kirk commended a guard on his alertness, and offered, " I shall remember to mention your alertness to [the sub-commander], " before instructing the guard to " [r]eturn to your duty. " ( TOS : " The Enterprise Incident ")

• Centurion Bochra
• Centurion Tarent
• Centurion 1 ( Praetor's flagship )
• Centurion 2 ( Tal's flagship )

Insignia worn by Tal Shiar major

A major was a rank in the Tal Shiar that may be held by an intelligence officer . A commander will answer to a major, as long as they were not pushed too hard. According to Deanna Troi , who was disguised as a Tal Shiar major, she stated that she had only been an intelligence officer for several months . ( TNG : " Face Of The Enemy ")

• Major Rakal

Sublieutenant [ ]

A sublieutenant was a low ranking military rank. Positions known to be held by this rank include logistics officers . ( TNG : " The Defector ")

• Sublieutenant Setal

An uhlan was, perhaps, the lowest ranking member of the Romulan Guard .

The Romulan Proconsul claimed, in 2368 , that he had never liked titles, ever since he had been a "lowly uhlan". ( TNG : " Unification II ")

• Uhlan Neral

Civilian [ ]

Captain [ ].

Though not part of the Romulan rank hierarchy, the title captain has been used in the Empire, but not in terms of rank. Doctor Telek R'Mor , a low ranking scientist and minor functionary from the Romulan Astrophysical Academy , initially referred to himself as "captain of the cargo vessel Talvath ." ( VOY : " Eye of the Needle ")

Political titles [ ]

• Vice-proconsul
• First consul
• Vice-chairman

Appendices [ ]

See also [ ].

• Romulan rank insignia

Background information [ ]

The ranks of centurion and uhlan are ancient Earth ranks ( Roman and Polish respectively) not known to be used by any other Star Trek cultures.

Given the rank of sublieutenant, there is presumably a lieutenant rank at some point in the Romulan military history. No Romulan has been referred to as a "Lieutenant" in Star Trek .

In Star Trek , Ayel refers to Nero as " Prod Nero." In a deleted scene in which the Narada is surround by Klingon warbirds , the subtitles created by the filmmakers for the Romulan dialogue translate Prod as "commander." However, according to a DVD audio commentary for the film, "Prod" was intended to mean " Praetor ."

• 2 ISS Enterprise (NCC-1701)