In the FederationStarfleet, an officer (or commissioned officer)
is an individual who has attended and graduated from the four-year cadet program of Starfleet Academy.
Upon graduation from the Academy, a cadet is granted a commission appointing him or her to Starfleet's most junior officer's rank: that of ensign. With
the commission comes a Bachelor's degree in his or her major field of academic study, be it the pure sciences, medicine, military science, etc.–"Officer", Memory Alpha
Starfleet officers are capable, disciplined, and well regarded by Federation society. This lens accounts for these effects.
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.
