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STARFLEET EXPERIENCE
CHAIN OF COMMAND
Important: In the chain of command, all commissioned officers (by rank) outrank all warrant officers (by rank) who in turn outrank all non-commissioned officers (by rate). Thus, the lowliest Ensign has more official authority than the most experienced Chief Warrant Officer or Master Chief Petty Officer.
However, Starfleet does not operate by the chain of command alone and experience is more valued by Commanding and Flag Officers when it comes to getting the job done. Below is a chart which approximates the levels of experience-based authority that warrant and non-commissioned officers earn as compared to commissioned officers.
Because of this experience chain of command, in this list, promotion moves from left to right, and bottom to top. See the text description bellow the graphical representation for a full run down.
Equal ranks and rates for Naval and Marine apply.
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NCOs
So what does this mean for an NCO? The following shows every promotion available for each Rate where a transfer can take place:
CPO/GSgt. - Can be promoted to SCPO/MSgt. or WO, or Lt./MCapt.
SCPO/MSgt. - Can be promoted to MCPO/SMaj. or, CWO1, or Lt.Cdr./Maj.
MCPO/SMaj. - Can be promoted to CWO2, or Cdr./Lt. Col.
A NCO rated CPO/GSgt. or above may hold any officer post, including Department Head.
PO1/SSgt may hold any junior officer position the agreement with his/her Commanding Officer.
Warrant Officers
So what does this mean for Warrant Officer? The following shows every promotion available for each Rank where a transfer can take place:
A Warrant Officer may hold any officer post, including Department Head
WO - Can be promoted to CWO1 or Lt. Cdr/Maj.
CWO1 - Can be promoted to CWO2 or Cdr./Lt. Col.
CWO2 - Can be promoted to CWO3 or Cdr./Lt. Col.
CWO3 - Can be promoted to Cdr./Lt. Col.
