STF3 Rank Standardation Information

I have noticed that there is a lack of consistancy from ship to ship over which ranks are held by whom.  While I will not order that this be corrected, since the right of promotion lies squarely with the CO of a given vessel, I do feel that it is necessary to clarify what appropriate ranks should be for the members of your crew.

CAPTAIN:  This rank is held by any person who commands a starship (a starbase can be commanded by a Commander, however.. in this text, I will be focusing on ships, not bases), and no one else on your ship should hold this rank.

COMMANDER: This rank is for a First Officer who is a candidate to become a CO of a ship of their own.  Ideally, this is an experienced XO, who understands all aspects of the ship operations.  A Commander will almost be guaranteed to become the Captain, should the Captain leave.. a Lieutenant Commander is not guaranteed this, however (although it can happen.)  This rank can also be held, in rare circumstances, by any other senior officer, if the XO is also a Commander.  Any Commander (not just an XO) is a legitimate candidate to become a CO.

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER: This rank is held by an inexperienced XO (usually, a first mission as XO) and/or a very experienced Senior Officer.  A Senior Officer at rank Lieutenant Commander is automatically a candidate to become a First Officer either on this ship, or another ship, should a vacency arise.  Ideally, a Lieutenant Commander should have completed at least one, preferably two, missions, and be able to act as CO, should both the XO and CO disappear simultaneously.

LIEUTENANT:  This is the "normal" rank for an experienced Senior Officer.  As such, it will probably be the most common rank in STF amongst active officers.

LIEUTENANT J.G.: A Junior Grade Lieutenant may be either a "new" Senior Officer, or a very senior "Junior" (i.e. not a chief) officer.  A non-chief who holds this rank will be moved to a Chief Position within the fleet as soon as possible.. this rank indicates your confidence that the person holding it can effectively function as a Chief, and has the basic RPG skills necessary to do so, and is also active enough to warrent a Chief post.

ENSIGN: This is, basically, the default rank.  Ensigns are expected to be those Junior Officers whom are learning the RPG style in STF3, and will, when they have sucessfully demonstrated their RPG skill, be promoted to Lieutenant j.g.  No Chief should be an Ensign, except OPS or Counselor (and even these are frowned upon).

Some other notes that may be important.  For those people who have multiple characters, your "official" rank is that of your highest ranked character.  So if you are a Lt Cmdr on one ship, and a Captain on another, you are considered by Fleet Command to be a Captain.

signed,
Michael Bourdaa, Fleet Commander, STF-3

Last updated: Stardate