SFC has always structured it’s internal reward and recognition system on the command structure of Starfleet on screen. Newbies are cadets. When they become full members, they become Ensigns. And those eager to take on a leadership role can rank up to Commander or Captain. Even the board of directors are mirrored within the theme as Commodores and Admirals! It’s always been the way, but the path of an officer isn’t for everyone…
Despite the original idea of all star ship personnel being highly trained astronauts, therefore nullifying the need for enlisted crew, the enlisted ranks have existed in some form since the original series. More defined in the film era, particularly under the revision of style and structure in The Wrath of Khan, they have been slightly more prominent since. Most notable of the enlisted members of Starfleet was Chief O’Brien and his engineering staff, all role-specific crew trained as specialists in their field without the comprehensive and varied training structure of the Academy.
Within SFC, traditionally the title of crewman has been reserved for members who were under 16 or 18 (era and location dependant). However, for a variety of factors – including the evolving legislation that covers out online activities – we’ve had a bit of an age gate for a while now and recently updated Captains on new directives going forward.
With that change, it inspired us to wonder… if we’re not using it as shorthand any more, why not use it across the fleet itself?
Over the past little while, we’ve been trialling a new way of thinking within our application process by adding a career track option. Since it’s addition, new members have been able to select whether they’d choose to join as Officer or Enlisted. We didn’t think there’d be much of a reaction to be completely honest, but over an eighteen month period, it did seem to make a difference. Around 26% of new membership applications chose the Enlisted track.
Between out under-16/18 policy change and over a quarter of applicants showing us that there is interest, we’re officially adapted and added Enlisted ranks to our Fleet Database!
Our new enlisted structure is a blend of the various enlisted structures used both on screen and from production materials with a little tweaking to mirror the Officers ranks in structure. And doesn’t change our membership process by much. If you prefer officer? You come in as a Cadet, then after your provisional welcome term, become an ensign. If you prefer enlisted? Just swap that out with Crewman and Specialist!
There is a bit more to it overall; officer membership can move into leadership roles, while Enlisted membership is designed for those who never want to take the big chair. That aside, the reward and recognition structure stays exactly the same.
Our membership handbook will be updated to reflect the changes in the coming weeks. Until then you can learn more at the Fleet Database.
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