U.S.S. Coronado Sim Setting Body

Starfleet Uniforms and Rank Insignia

Part of Starfleet's distinction comes from the various uniforms the service has used over the years. Starfleet uniforms go through periodic redesigns depending on functionality and appearance. The current uniform style is regarded as extremely striking, and has been in use for approximately twenty-three years. This is by no means a record: the duty uniforms first used in 2282 persisted well into the 2350s until they were replaced in 2358.

There are four major personnel ladders in Starfleet: Command, Services, Support, and Marines. Personnel on any of the four ladders can serve in any of the five major branches of Starfleet (see the Starfleet section for more information). Within each ladder, personnel wear the uniform style for that ladder, along with the rank insignia denoting their status as an officer or enlisted personnel. There are also a number of "special use" uniforms that come into play during Away missions in hostile environments or diplomatic missions either on- or off-ship. The Starfleet Marine Corps also has specialized uniforms and rank insignia.

The files below detail the ladder uniforms, the specialized uniform types (Armored Away Team, Dress), and the rank insignia for both Command/Services/Support officers and Marine/Intelligence officers. More detailed information on rank responsibilities for officers is also included, as well as example information for enlisted personnel. If you have any questions about this information, feel free to ask your Commanding or Executive Officer.

Starfleet Uniforms and Rank Insignia
Starfleet Uniform Types
Starfleet Line Officer Rank Insignias
Starfleet Marine Officer Rank Insignias

Starfleet Uniform Types

Command -- Maroon Command (Maroon): Command uniforms feature the standard slacks, boots, combadge, and jacket. The jacket has a two centimeter maroon stripe on both sleeves. The undershirt is maroon, and the jacket can be replaced by a vest. The uniform can also be worn without the jacket or vest while off duty or when participating in heavy duty.

Command style uniforms are worn not only by Command personnel (Captains, Executive Officers, Admiralty, Starship or Starbase Chiefs of Operations), but also by Strategic Operations officers, some Operations Managers and Conn Officers, and all other personnel on the Command track -- those with the potential to one day command a starship. Newly graduated Starfleet Ensigns also sometimes wear Command uniforms until they select a career track.

Junior Command officers are often transferred from post to post, and might appear at virtually any station on the ship. The purpose to these transfers is to make sure the potential senior Command officer is well-rounded, and understands all of the ooperational aspects of starship command and control. Command-track personnel usually make up about 15-20% of the officer core on a starship or starbase, though this can obviously vary depending on the ship's size and mission, or the starbase's location.

Services -- Mustard Services (Mustard): Services uniforms feature the standard slacks, boots, combadge, and jacket. The jacket has a two centimeter mustard stripe on both sleeves. The undershirt is mustard, and the sleeves on the jacket are removable. Services uniforms are also generally cut to a slightly more relaxed fit than other types of uniforms due to type of work generally done in this type of uniform.

Services style uniforms are worn by starship and starbase Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and Security personnel. In most cases, Operations officers include all starship operations, including Conn and Ops (though on some ships, these personnel wear Command style uniforms). Services uniforms are also the most commonly worn by Technicians following their graduation.

The Services style uniforms are slightly more functional than the Command and Support equivalents. They can optionally use much lighter weight jackets (though they appear identical to the standard jacket). Services style uniforms can also be generated with pockets and/or straps for either large tools or operating in microgravity environments. On most starships and starbases, Services personnel make up about 40% of the complement, and does not generally vary much from location to location.

Support -- Teal Support (Teal): Support uniforms feature the standard slacks, boots, combadge, and jacket. The jacket has a two centimeter teal stripe on both sleeves. The undershirt is teal, and an optional black and teal overcoat can be worn over the jacket, if desired.

Support style uniforms are worn by starship and starbase Medical and Science personnel, as well as Technicians and Specialists assigned to these disciplines. The one exception to this rule are Research and Development personnel, whom though they are assigned to Science, actually wear Services style uniforms. The number of support personnel attached to a starbase or starship can vary wildly depending on the mission of the ship, from 20% for light military craft to 40% for large exploratory cruisers.

The overcoat available for the Support style uniform is actually a thin, sweater-like material with two pockets. This overcoat is designed to allow Medical or Science personnel to retain quickly-needed items such as hyposprays or multiple tricorder types close at hand. If necessary, the Support style uniform can also be modified to include the Services style pockets or straps, though this is much less common, except in the case of Research and Development personnel.

Marines -- Hunter Green Marines (Hunter Green): Marine uniforms feature the standard slacks, boots, combadge, and jacket. The jacket has a two centimeter hunter green stripe on both sleeves. The undershirt is hunter green, and there are several jacket styles available, including a very light weight version of the jacket for Marine personnel using the Armor style landing party jacket (see below).

Marine style uniforms are worn by members of the Starfleet Marine Corps and planet-based supplemental Security teams. Starfleet Intelligence or Starfleet Secret Service personnel not attached to a specific command also sometimes wear the Marine style uniform. The number of Marine personnel on a starship or starbase can vary wildly, from none (on science vessels) to 50%+ of the complement (on frigates).

In addition to the standard jacket, Marine style uniforms can also be generated with pockets or straps, similar to the Services style uniform. A much heavier version of the jacket which includes tri-polymer and reflec interlacing is also available: this version of the jacket is intended for medium-duty defense operations. The armoring on the jacket serves to further protect personnel wearing this uniform.

Armored -- Slate Grey Armored (Slate Grey): Armored landing party jackets are intended to be worn over the stanard uniform, and also include an optional pair of heavier slacks and heavier boots. The jacket and slacks feature tri-polymer and reflec interlacing to protect landing party members from hand-held and light beam weapons. The uniforms do not indicate the wearer's branch, so as to not reveal Command personnel to casual observers or potentially hostile forces.

Armored landing party jackets are worn when an Away Team is going to be operating in a potentially hostile environment. The additional padding in these jackets is suitable for defense against both hand-to-hand weapons and colder planetary environments, as well as starships and starbases that might be suffering partial or total life support failure.

Officer rank on this style uniform is designated by slate grey stripes at the bottom of both sleeves. The older style rank designations are useful on this uniform, since they are both obvious to those trained to look for them, but also not visible under many circumstances, again serving to shield high-ranking personnel. The rank insignia can also be covered with fabric patches, included with the uniform.

Dress -- White Dress (White): The new Starfleet dress uniform has recently been redesigned for use on ambassadorial, state, and social functions held both on starbases and starships and on planetary surfaces. The uniform generally consists of modified slacks and undershirt, over which is worn a white and gold overjacket. While the basic design is some 20 years old, the one piece "overcoat" design has been replaced by an undershirt and jacket, similar to the other uniform styles.

The slacks are black with gold trim, and are somewhat lighter weight fabric than standard uniform slacks. Similarly, the undershirt is much lighter than standard, and is white for Command personnel, slate blue for all other branches. Over this, the white and gold overjacket is worn open at both top and bottom. Standard rank pips are affixed to the undershirt.

Though somewhat deprecatingly referred to as the "waiter's uniform," the new dress uniforms are quite striking in appearance and should blunt the somewhat military aspect the newer standard uniforms possess, especially at social occasions. The lack of differentiation between branches also helps, as some are intimidated by members of the Marine or Support branches.

Starfleet Rank Insignia -- Command, Services, Support Officers

	Rank insignia for Starfleet officers is commonly worn on the collar of the uniform undershirt, on the officer's right side. Gold pips are worn closer to the throat, and black pips (if any) are worn outside the gold ones. Pips should begin approximately four centimeters from the throat center line. Starfleet combadges are worn on the left breast, approximately twelve centimeters from the shoulder and should be active at all times. In some cases, rank insignia is worn at the uniform cuff in older style sleeve stripes. In these cases, a solid stripe performs the function of a gold pip, and a broken stripe acts as a black pip. However, these uniforms are much less common.
		Captain: Generally, a Starfleet Captain is the Commanding Officer of a starship, starbase, research facility, or scientific laboratory. Captains can be Command, Services, and Support personnel. Advisory staff to Starfleet Admirals might also be Captain rank. A starship CO with the rank of Captain has the authority to negotiate treaties and interpret Starfleet General Orders, subject to review.
		Commander: Starfleet Commanders are senior level officers and serve in a variety of capacities, including Executive Officers of capital starships (ships larger than frigates), Commanding Officers of patrol starships (Katana, Artemis, and Nova class ships), or Commanding Officers of outposts or smaller starbases. Commanders are also quite often technical or project leaders in a variety of capacities; many serve on the general staff of Admiral-rank officers.
		Lt. Commander: Lieutenant Commanders are senior level officers who also serve in a variety of capacities. Officers at this rank might be Department Heads of major departments aboard capital starships, Executive Officers of patrol starships, or Commanding Officers of patrol, support, or transport craft (such as Danube class runabouts). Finally, Lieutenant Commanders are sometimes selected as administrative assistants to Admiral-rank officers.
		Lieutenant: Starfleet senior grade Lieutenants most often serve as Department Heads for departments aboard all classes of starship. They might also serve as Assistant Department Head in major departments aboard capital starships, such as Medical or Engineering. Lieutenant is the highest "junior officer" grade.
		Lt. Junior Grade: Lieutenants (j.g.) are generally Assistant Department Heads for departments aboard all classes of starship. On some smaller ships, exceptional Lieutenants (j.g.) might serve as Department Head for a minor department (Conn, for instance). This is the highest rank that might expected to share quarters.
		Ensign: Typical graduating rank for Starfleet Cadets (those with Engineering or Medical training are sometimes granted Lt. (JG) rank). Ensigns are the rank-and-file officer for all departments aboard all classes of starship. Typically, Ensigns remain in this grade for two to three years, depending on performance.
	Enlisted personnel also use rank insignia, but the insignia are usually woven or metallic single pins affixed to the undershirt in the same place as officer's rank insignia. The patch is woven, or the pin is etched with the rank insignia for the enlisted personnel wearing it. Starfleet combadges are worn on the left breast, approximately twelve centimeters from the shoulder and should be active at all times. Most enlisted personnel are Specialists or Technicians in the Services or Support areas of Starfleet, though some few act as Command Yeomen. Ranks for enlisted personnel in the Command, Services, or Support areas of Starfleet: Crewman: Recruit, Apprentice, and Able Technician: 2nd and 1st class Specialist: 2nd and 1st class Petty Officer: Base, Chief, Senior Chief, Master Chief
		Master Chief Petty Officer: Generally the senior enlisted personnel on a Starfleet starship or starbase is the (single) Master Chief Petty Officer. Though not a commissioned officer, the individuals at this rank are expected to display leadership capabilities in directing the actions of all the embarked enlisted personnel, under the oversight of the Department Heads and Executive Officer. The Master Chief Petty Officer of Starfleet does outrank Master Chiefs, but is assigned to a non-line, staff position overseeing all the enlisted personnel in the Fleet.

Starfleet Rank Insignia -- Marine and Intelligence Officers

	Similar to the insignia worn by Command, Services, or Support personnel Marine rank insignia for Starfleet officers is commonly worn on the collar of the uniform undershirt, on the officer's right side. All Marine rank insignia consist of only a single pin, and should be worn four centimeters from the throat center line. Starfleet combadges are worn on the left breast, approximately twelve centimeters from the shoulder and should be active at all times.
		Colonel: Marine Colonels are typically Regimental commanders, overseeing frigate operations for up to six ships, or leading planet-based Regiments. In this capacity, a Marine Colonel is ultimately responsible for approximately 3000 troops. Colonels can also serve on Regimental General staffs.
		Lt. Colonel: Marine Lieutenant Colonels can serve on Regimental staffs, or more often as Battallion Commanders aboard Starfleet frigates with 200 or more troops assigned. Depending on makeup, a Battallion of Starfleet Marines can range from six to sixteen platoons, with between two and three dozen men assigned to each platoon. Lt. Colonels sometimes also serve as Strategic Operations officers on Starfleet starbases.
		Major: Marine Majors are typically the highest-ranking officers directly involved in both Ground and Flight Operations -- line officer positions. In this capacity, they serve as Company Commanders or Marine Fighter Wing Commanders. Majors can also serve on either Regimental or Battallion staffs, though this is much less common. Marine Majors are considered senior-grade officers.
		Captain: Marine Captains (sometimes called "Lt. Major") are quite often line officers, acting as either junior Company Commanders, junior Wing Commanders, or Squadron Leaders. The Commander, Air Group aboard Starfleet frigates is often a Lt. Major. Marine Special Forces teams are also often led by Lieutenant Majors.
		1st Lieutenant: Marine 1st Lieutenants are most often Platoon Commanders, for platoons sizes over 18 troops or Squadron Leaders for Marine Attack Fighter groups. 1st Lieutenants have the option of berthing with their troops, or sharing quarters with other Lieutenant-grade Marine officers.
		2nd Lieutenant: Fresh from the Academy in most cases, Marine 2nd Lieutenants either serve as aides-de-camp for higher ranking officers, or in exceptional cases, as Platoon Commanders. Those that are qualified in Flight Operations sometimes serve as Squadron Leaders or Squadron Elements.
	Marine enlisted personnel also use rank insignia, but the insignia are woven patches affixed to the undershirt in the same place as officer's rank insignia. The patch is woven with the stripes for the enlisted soldier wearing it. Starfleet combadges are worn on the left breast, approximately twelve centimeters from the shoulder and should be active at all times. Marine enlisted personnel are either soldiers part of a Ground Ops platoon, assigned to a Special Forces platoon, or are ground personnel supporting either Ground Ops or Flight Ops personnel. Ranks for enlisted personnel in the Marine or Intelligence areas of Starfleet: Private: Enlisted and 1st class Corporal: Lance and Full Sergeant: Base, Staff, Gunnery, and Sergeant Major
		Gunnery Sergeant: Almost always the senior enlisted Marine on a Starfleet frigate is the Gunnery Sergeant, sometimes called the "Sergeant-at-Arms." Though not a commissioned officer, individuals at this rank are expected to display leadership capabilities in directing the actions of the junior enlisted personnel, under the oversight of the Platoon Leaders and Company Commander. Sergeant Majors outrank "Gunny" Sergeants, but are usually assigned to non-line, staff positions.
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Most of the rank insignia used by U.S.S. Coronado are modifications of the insignia created by Steve Marriott for the Tango Fleet website. Please do not use these insignia without written permission from the creators.

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