Greetings officers and honored guests,
During the last few weeks, Federation Command has been host to a debate of ideas on how to enhance our old Chain of Command, how to modernize it so it holds true to these ideals of Star Trek we hold so dear. But more importantly to allow our current membership the opportunity to prove themselves more actively.
This new chain of command will completely transform Starfleet Academy in order to make it a more meaningful experience and to consequently better prepare every new member for the challenges that will come from holding an officer's commission within Federation Command.
Such an important change cannot be accomplished over night. There are conflicting interests and numerous considerations to take into account. The elimination of the ''Division Admiralty'' which has little to do with the universe of Star Trek presents us with numerous challenges that we will face, one at a time, with due process for the ranks of our officers.
In this spirit, I hereby announce the creation a Rank Review Panel chaired by
Admiral Costello it will consist of three officers (including the chair). One from the Admiral's Council, one from the Privy Council and one officer from the junior ranks (commander or below).
It's mandate will be:
1. To
individually assess the status and condition of an officer above the rank of Commander. It will exclude officers currently serving on the Admiral's Council but include those inside the Privy Council.
2. To take into consideration the officer's record, rank, service length, medals and ribbons, command positions and activity.
3. To take into consideration a pledge an officer may choose to make, such a pledge might consist of involving oneself more actively within any facet of FC.
Every officer has the following rights:
- He/she has the right to plead before the panel to present it's arguments
- He/she has the right to appeal the decision to the Admiral's Council
All this so the panel may decide of the new rank of this serving officer. The panel shall have
30 days to complete it's duty. Furthermore, the privy council will not be allowed to consist of more than 5 admirals. The Executive Committee or Fleet Admiral shall decide who will sit on this Privy Council.
It is the will of the considerable majority of this fleet that rank should be linked to current contribution and that the rank of Captain shall consist of the elite of this fleet. As such, I hereby present you the new Chain of Command.
- Spoiler: show
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Rank Title: Cadet Ensign
Officer Group: Non Commissioned (No Wings)
Description: A new member to our fleet. By default, every new member in Federation Command is required to spend approximately one month trial period in the Academy learning all the basics of what being an [FC] officer is all about.
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Rank Title: Cadet Lieutenant
Officer Group: Non Commissioned (No Wings)
Description: A new member to our fleet. By default, every new member in Federation Command is required to spend approximately one month trial period in the Academy learning all the basics of what being an [FC] officer is all about.
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Rank Title: Cadet Commander
Officer Group: Non Commissioned (No Wings)
Description: A new member to our fleet. By default, every new member in Federation Command is required to spend approximately one month trial period in the Academy learning all the basics of what being an [FC] officer is all about.
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Rank Title: Cadet Captain
Officer Group: Non Commissioned (No Wings)
Description: A new member to our fleet. By default, every new member in Federation Command is required to spend approximately one month trial period in the Academy learning all the basics of what being an [FC] officer is all about.
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Rank Title: Ensign
Officer Group: Junior Officers (Bronze Wings)
Description: Fresh out of the Academy. This Officer now has to focus on improving his/her own gaming abilities and spend time learning what it is to be a good officer in the Federation Command.
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Rank Title: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Officer Group: Junior Officers (Bronze Wings)
Description: Still a new officer to [FC]. A Lieutenant Junior Grade has some distance between him/her and the Academy. This officer has a reasonable grasp of the game he/she plays and is expected to follow the orders of superior officers and to assist newer members into adapting to the [FC] 'way of life', as this is what superiors like to see. He/she wishes to soon be a Lieutenant, after all. He/she may also be given a Squadron XO spot if the place is available to accelerate his/her career.
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Rank Title: Lieutenant
Officer Group: Junior Officers (Bronze Wings)
Description: Last rank of the "Junior" Stage and is considered ready for a Squadron XO position if a place is available. This officer is now well out of the Academy and has a good foundation for the game he/she plays; is expected to follow the orders of superior officers and to assist newer members into adapting to the [FC] way of life, as this is what Squadron Commanders like to see.
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Rank Title: Lieutenant Commander
Officer Group: Officers (Silver Wings)
Description: Neither Junior and not quite Senior. A Lieutenant Commander is basically a Junior Commander, he-she has the same duties and responsibilities of a Commander and is often a Squadron XO, maybe a Department XO. He/she is expected to lead by example, and back up Squadron and Fleet Command on their decisions regardless of their own feelings. This officer is seeking a higher command spot, and the best way to do this is to show an unusual blend of both obedience and independent thought.
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Rank Title: Commander
Officer Group: Officers (Silver Wings)
Description: This Officer acts in much the same way as a Vice Admiral does on the Council. He/she is expected to lead by example, and back up Squadron, Department and Fleet Command on their decisions regardless of their own feelings. This officer is generally a Squadron CO/XO or Department CO/XO who is seeking to become a Captain. The best way to do this is to show an unusual blend of both obedience and independent thought, an understanding of [FC] law and an ability for initiative.
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Rank Title: Captain
Officer Group: Senior Officers (Gold Wings)
Description: The first rank to be considered a Senior Officer. A Commanding Officer. Very active and is a great pilot. A formidable and commanding presence, the backbone of Federation Command. These officers strike fear into our enemies whilst bolstering morale on the battlefield. Their dedication, unmatched resolve and gaming ability make victory assured.
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Rank Title: Commodore
Honorific: Flag Officer
Officer Group: Senior Officers (Gold Wings)
Description: An officer who holds the rank of Commodore is now a skilled leader with much experience and usually holds a command position within Starfleet or Operations. Commodore is a 'waiting rank' for those thought by the Fleet Admiral as future council material. Must pass have passed 'Flag Officer' exams.
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Rank Title: Rear Admiral
Honorific: Flag Officer
Officer Group: Command Officers (Red Wings)
Description: A member of the Admiral's Council. He/she is only given leeway with command decisions that are part of that officers other duties (such as Starfleet Command) which are affirmed by this officers high rank. It is expected if the Rear Admiral steps outside the bounds of his/her powers, The Fleet Admiral, Fleet Executive, Admiral or Vice Admiral will point this out, no other officer may do so.
**Note: A Rear Admiral is required to follow the direction of the Fleet Admiral, Fleet Executive and/or Admiral(s) and Vice Admiral(s) and is always expected to defer action to the Council**
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Rank Title: Vice Admiral
Honorific: Flag Officer
Officer Group: Command Officers (Red Wings)
Description: A member of the Admiral's Council. Traditionally the fleets Second Officer. He/she does not have the power to declare war even under the most extreme circumstances. He/she is given some leeway with command decisions, and it is expected if the Vice Admiral steps outside the bounds of his/her powers, the Fleet Admiral, Fleet Executive or Admiral will point this out, no other officer may do so.
**Note: A Vice Admiral is required to follow the direction of the Fleet Admiral, Fleet Executive and/or Admiral(s) and is always expected to defer action to the Council**
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Rank Title: Admiral
Honorific: Flag Executive Officer, Flag Officer
Officer Group: Command Officers (Red Wings)
Description: Typically the Fleet Executive officer. A member of the Admiral's Council. An Admiral is given significant leeway with command decisions. If an Admiral is the Fleet Executive, he/she has the power to declare war in extreme situations if the Fleet Admiral is unavailable but must have at least one other Admirals agreement before such action can be taken. It is expected that if the Admiral steps outside the bounds of his/her powers, the Fleet Admiral or Fleet Executive will point this out, no other officer may do so.
**Note: Admirals are required to follow the direction of the Fleet Admiral and Fleet Executive and where possible is expected to defer action to the Council**
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Rank Title: Fleet Admiral
Honorific: Fleet Commanding Officer, Flag Officer
Officer Group: Command Officers (Red Wings)
Description: The Fleet Admiral commands the fleet and is chairperson of the Admirals Council. In addition to the powers given to this position by the [FC] Constitution, the Fleet Admiral is granted great leeway with command decisions. However, he is still binded to report important day-to-day command decisions to the Council, as well as submit non-critical legislation to the council for voting. If a councillor believes that the Fleet Admiral has over-stepped his authority with regards to non-council command decisions, he/she is permitted to cast a vote to veto the order.
I must also point out and thank the Admiral's Council and Privy Council for their extraordinary work on the project. Well done.
Dismissed.