Starfleet is the deep-space exploratory and defense service maintained by the United Federation of Planets. Its principal functions include the advancement of Federation knowledge about the galaxy and its inhabitants, the advancement of Federation science and technology, the military defense of the Federation, and the practice of Federation diplomacy.-- Memory Alpha "Starfleet"
Starfleet is made up of several divisions which contain one or more departments. Officers of each division can be identified by uniform color: Command-gold, Operations-red, and Sciences-blue.
There is only one department within the Command Division of Starfleet: the Command Department.
Command officers lead their crew and pilot and operate the offensive and defensive systems of starships and auxiliary spacecraft. The Command Department ultimately prepares officers to become starship captains.
There are three departments within the Operations Division of Starfleet: Operators, Engineering, and Security. Each offer their own Departmental Certifications.
The Engineering department maintains and repairs the ship’s systems, including power reactors and FTL drives.
The Operators department operates the ship’s (primarily) internal systems, e.g. communications, sensors, transporters.
The Security department protects Federation personnel and assets and conducts criminal investigations.
Sciences Division
The sciences division was the corps of officers within Starfleet who specialized in both scientific and medical research and control functions on starbases, aboard starships, and at Starfleet Command. Members of the sciences division may have specialized in sensors, research, theoretical and physical laboratory work, biological studies, and also as technicians, medics, and surgeons.--Memory Alpha “Sciences division - Memory Alpha
There are three departments within the Sciences Division of Starfleet: Counseling, Science, and Medical. Each offer their own Departmental Certifications.
The Science department conducts physical sciences research using state-of-the-art equipment.
The Counseling department safeguards the mental health of Starfleet personnel, facilitates sensitive negations, initiates first contact with alien cultures, and conducts social sciences research. This department also makes use of and develops psionic abilities.
The Medical department safeguards the physical health of Starfleet personnel, conducts medical and life sciences research, and engages in forensic pathology.
For ease of reference, the requirements common to all departments are presented in the table below. The specifics for promotion within each department, like the many certifications offered, can be found in each department's section of the library computer.
* Starfleet Medical Academy graduates begin at rank Lt JG, but otherwise use the O1: Ensign row.
† Shiphandling is required for bridge officers only.
Officer GradeUsed to determine equivalencies between various services within the United Federation of Planets
TitleThe Starfleet Rank's formal title
GURPS Rank (pts)The GURPS Rank (and advantage's character points cost)
Administrationminimum Administration skill level
Leadershipminimum Leaderships skill level
Politicsminimum Politics skill level
Shiphandingminimum Shiphandling skill level for Command officers
Medalsminimum number of character points spent on your Starfleet reputation(s), represented in game by awards, commendations, and medals bestowed on you by your commanding officers (i.e. the GM) for excellence in the line of duty
Years Service the years of service typical of an officer new to that rank; not a requirement for promotion
CPsthe character points typical of an officer new to that rank; not a requirement for promotion.
Example: Promotion from Ensign to Lieutenant Junior Grade
Ensign and Lieutenant Junior Grade are both considered GURPS Rank 3, so that promotion would not increase the cost of your Rank advantage. You will need to add a Lieutenant Junior Grade level certification from your department. You may need to spend character points to increase your Administration and Leadership (and Shiphandling, if you're a Command officer) skills to meet the listed minimum values. You need have at least one point in a Starfleet Reputation, represented by a medal or commendation.