Star Fleet Charter
Preamble
By order of the Council of the United Federation of Planets and in accordance with the Constitution of the United Federation of Planets,
In recognition of the need for an interplanetary exploration, peace-keeping, and defense force,
With the support of the member worlds and citizens of the Federation,
Article I: Establishment/Purpose
Section 1: There is hereby established a Star Fleet interplanetary military force, to be under the direct cognizance of the Federation Council and President. If there is no current Federation Council, Star Fleet will assume that role until one is created.
Section 2: The combined purpose and directive of Star Fleet is as follows: a. Interstellar exploration and scientific assessment of the space within Federation boundaries, including contact with sufficiently developed intelligent life forms; b. Defense of UFP member worlds and citizens from any and all hostile entities; c. All other duties and tasks which the Federation Council may deem necessary and/or appropriate for Star Fleet to perform.
Article II: Structure
Section 1: There is established a Star Fleet Command, composed of the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer of each sub fleet and department within Star Fleet. Only the Commanding Officer of each fleet or division, actually sits and votes in chambers. The Executive Officers are however, privy to all information, so that he/she/it can easily take over when the Commanding Officer is unavailable and has asked said Executive Officer to take over or if the Commanding Officer is missing for more than 1 month and Star Fleet Command decides that for the good of the fleet/department, the Executive Officer must take over until the Commanding Officer returns or is replaced by Star Fleet Command.
Section 2: The sub fleets and departments of Star Fleet are as follows: - the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Star Fleet; - Star Fleet Academy; - Star Fleet Intelligence; - Star Fleet Internal Affairs; - Star Fleet Science & Medical; - Star Fleet Military Operations; - Star Fleet Operations; - Star Fleet Special Forces; - Star Fleet External Affairs;
Section 3: Star Fleet Command controls all aspects of the Military of the United Federation of Planets and is authorized to regulate the inner workings of Star Fleet as a whole, through the setting in place and maintenance of general orders and regulations.
Section 4: The Commanding Officer of each sub fleet and department, shall have one (1) vote on matters concerning the Star Fleet Command and Star Fleet as a whole.
Section 5: The Commander-in-Chief of Star Fleet shall have an advisory seat on the Federation Council, and serve as the representative of Star Fleet.
Section 6: Each sub fleet and department of Star Fleet, shall compose a brief Charter stating its general purpose and internal organization, to be reviewed and approved by the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet.
Section 7: The sub fleets comprise the bulk of the Star Fleet. These fleets are created as a means of organizing the large number of ships and crews into manageable units. Sub fleets do not have the authority to negotiate treaties, cease-fire agreements or make pacts with any foreign group, government, military unit, etc. unless that are acting under direct orders from the head of External Affairs.
Section 8: No member of StarFleet Command may hold a rank lower than captain. Captains placed in positions where they serve in StarFleet Command may be granted the honorary title of "Fleet Captain". Field promotions to captain are not eligible for Command duties.
Section 9: Amendments to this Charter can be added after ratification by majority vote of the members of Star Fleet Command.
Section 10: All members of Star Fleet Command are prohibited from commanding more than one single sub fleet or department in Star Fleet.
Section 11: All members of Star Fleet Command are prohibited from holding positions within any sub fleet or department other then the one they command.
Article III: Selection of Star Fleet Command and other senior positions
Section 1: The Commander in Chief of Star Fleet
1. There will be a Commander in Chief of Star Fleet appointed by Star Fleet Command and confirmed by a majority vote. This position will be held until such time in which the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet resigns the post or is removed by Star Fleet Command for justifiable reasons. This can be accomplished by a majority no confidence vote by SFC and/or charges being issued against the C-N-C by SFC or IA. At that time the XO takes over and the head of SF MilOps then doubles as the SF XO until the matter is settled.
2. The Commander in Chief of Star Fleet, will hold overriding command of all sub fleets and departments of Star Fleet. The Commander in Chief of Star Fleet will preside over Star Fleet Command. The Commander in Chief of Star Fleet will make the final declaration of Star Fleet Policy decisions, general orders and regulations, as voted on and approved by voting members of Star Fleet Command, with the power to break any voting ties unless the vote of the CinC helps to bring about a tie after all SFC members have voted. If at that time there is an abstention, that SFC member will be given the chance to change that vote. If there still is a tie at that point, then the SF XO will cast the deciding vote. This is the only instance in which an XO may vote along with a CO on SFC.
3. The Commander in Chief of Star Fleet shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Commander in Chief of Star Fleet shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol. In addition , The Commander in Chief of Star Fleet will have the authority to promote subordinate officers, conduct boards of inquiry and investigations in all matters concerning Star Fleet Command and Star Fleet as a whole, as well as have the authority to pardon military criminals, and make ceremonial awards. Finally, the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet will have the authority to override and/or change the duties and responsibilities of those subordinate to him within reason. However this can be overridden by a majority vote of SFC. The Commander and Chief of Star Fleet will also appoint an Executive Officer . This appointment need not be ratified by a majority vote of SFC.
4. There will be a Executive Officer of Star Fleet is appointed by the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet. This position will be held until either the Executive Officer of Star Fleet abdicates the position, or, is replaced by the Commander in Chief with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Star Fleet Command by the same standard.
5. The Executive Officer of Star Fleet will be responsible to serve as advisor to the Commander in Chief, and for serving as Commander in Chief should the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet becomes unavailable due to absence. The Executive Officer of Star Fleet , also called the Deputy Director of Star Fleet is also the official Liaison and spokesperson to the news media representing Star Fleet. The person holding this position shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Executive Officer reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. The Executive Officer of Star Fleet shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol.
Section 2: Head of Star Fleet Academy
1. There will be a Commandant of Star Fleet Academy appointed by the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet. This position will be held until either the Commandant of Star Fleet Academy abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Star Fleet Command by the same standard.
2. The Commandant of Star Fleet Academy will be responsible for the function and supervision of Star Fleet Academy, the organization and deployment of any additional vessels and equipment needed for training, initial placement of such newly trained personnel, and as a resource for Star Fleet Command in questions of protocol. He shall have the right to choose his own staff to serve on his star ship and they will also serve as his office staff. The Commandant of Star Fleet Academy reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol. The XO is also allowed 1 star ship with crew to serve as staff for the XO.
Section 3: Head of Star Fleet Intelligence
1. There will be a Head of Star Fleet Intelligence appointed by the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet. This position will be held until either the Head of Intelligence abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Star Fleet Command by the same standard.
2. The Head of Star Fleet Intelligence will be responsible for the undertaking of all Star Fleet Covert and Intelligence gathering Operations, organization and deployment of Federation Intelligence Operatives, up to and including the Assault and Rescue and Reconnaissance Units. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Head of Star Fleet Intelligence reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol.
Section 4: Head of Star Fleet Internal Affairs
1. There will be a Head of Star Fleet Internal Affairs appointed by the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet. This position will be held until either the Head of Internal Affairs abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet with someone else upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Star Fleet Command by the same standard.
2. The Head of Internal Affairs will supervise the Judge Advocate General's office, which will be responsible for court martials, boards of inquiry, and hearings. The Head of Internal Affairs will also supervise the office of Star Fleet Criminal Investigation. The Head of Internal Affairs will also have the authority to issue ceremonial awards, issue promotions above the rank of Captain, but must work with and inform the head of any department or fleet before doing so, and make policies concerning officer conduct. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Head of Internal Affairs reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He/she/it shall also be charged with keeping records of Star Fleet Command sessions (where applicable), and maintaining a source for inter fleet communication.He shall have the authority to discipline any officer for any criminal or non criminal breach of protocol, but must show just cause before doing so and make sure that said officer is given every opportunity to defend himself in a court of law if he so wishes. When asking the removal of a member of SFC, the head of IA must first ask the CinC to remove that person and give just cause for doing so. If the CinC for some reason does not wish to follow through with the removal of the SFC member in question, then the head of IA may ask for a vote on the matter and the majority result of said vote will decide the matter.
Section 5: Chief of Military Operations
1. There will be a Head of Star Fleet Military Operations appointed by the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet. This position will be held until either the Head of Military Operations abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Star Fleet Command by the same standard.
2. The Chief of Star Fleet Military Operations will be responsible for coordinating inter fleet military activities, planning offensive and defensive strategies, and the deployment of Star Fleet Military resources. He shall authorize the use of Military force, if deemed necessary by himself, the commander in chief, or Star Fleet Command. However, if the head of Military Operations makes the decision to use military force over the objections of SFC and/or the CinC, he will accept the responsibility and the possible repercussions. The Chief of Military Operations will serve as the executive commander of the fleets, serving as an intermediary and subordinate to the Commander in Chief. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Head of Star Fleet Military Operations reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to a maximum of their own rank. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol.
Section 5-A: Commanding Officer of a sub fleet
1. There will be a commanding officer for each sub fleet appointed by the Chief of Star Fleet Military Operations. This position will be held until either the commanding officer abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief or Chief of Star Fleet Military Operations with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Star Fleet Command by the same standard.
2. The commanding officer will be responsible for coordinating inter division activities (if any), planning offensive and defensive strategies, and the deployment of that sub fleets Military resources. He shall authorize the use of Military force, if deemed necessary by the Chief of Star Fleet Military Operations, the Commander in Chief, or Star Fleet Command. The commanding officer will serve as the executive commander of the sub fleet, serving as the Chief of Military Operations for his patrol district. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Commanding Officer reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol. He shall serve as a civilian governor to all worlds within his patrol district if there is none already in place.
Section 6: Head of Star Fleet Science & Medical
1. There will be a head of Star Fleet Medical appointed by the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet. This position will be held until either the Head of Star Fleet Medical abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Star Fleet Command by the same standard.
2. The Head of Star Fleet Medical will be responsible for the health and welfare of Star Fleet, including research and technology in the following areas: Medical, Science and Counseling; education and placement of personnel to meet Star Fleet's needs in those areas, provision and transport of medical supply and emergency services for Federation worlds. He shall be an active medical practitioner. He shall enforce a code of ethics for practitioners of health services, and instigate investigation into those who break it, but must work with SF Judge Advocate General's office in such a case. He has the power to approve or deny medical or scientific research proposals with just cause. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Head Of Science & Medical reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol.
Section 7: Head of Star Fleet Operations
1. There will be a Head of Star Fleet Operations appointed by the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet. This position will be held until either the Head of Star Fleet Operations abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Star Fleet Command by the same standard.
2. The Head of Star Fleet Operations will be responsible for implementation and regulation of all Star Fleet technology and starship design, all matters pertaining to maintenance of Star Fleet vessels, construction and distribution of Star Fleet vessels, regulation and distribution of new technologies. He shall have the power to pass new regulations and bans on Star Fleet technological resources, after launching a full investigation into the area of question. He shall be responsible for the distribution of Star Fleet material resources. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Head Of Star Fleet operations reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol.
Section 8: Head of Star Fleet External Affairs
1. There will be a Head of Star Fleet External Affairs appointed by the Commander in Chief of Star Fleet. This position will be held until either the Head of Star Fleet Operations abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Star Fleet Command by the same standard.
2. The Head of Star Fleet External Affairs will be responsible for implementation and regulation of all Star Fleet treaties, will be responsible for the implantation, and regulation of First Contact scenarios. He is responsible for the dealings of all non-military action outside of the Federation, including but not limited too, Foreign Policy, Scientific First Contact and Exploration of New Space. The Head of External Affairs is responsible for presenting to Star Fleet Command all new treaties for a confirmation vote before the C-N-C, Head of External Affairs and the foreign representative signs said treaty. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Head of External Affairs reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for non-criminal breach of protocol.
Article IV: General Procedure
Section 1: The rank system of Star Fleet shall be as follows (in increasing order):
ENLISTED RANKS
- Crewman Apprentice
- Crewman
- Crewman First Class
- Petty Officer, Third Class
- Petty Officer, Second Class
- Petty Officer, First Class
- Chief Petty Officer
- Senior Chief Petty Officer
- Master Chief Petty Officer
- Command Master Chief Petty Officer
- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Fleet
WARRANT OFFICER RANKS
- Warrant Officer (1)
- Warrant Officer (2)
- Warrant Officer (3)
- Chief Warrant Officer (4)
OFFICER RANKS
- Acting Ensign
- Ensign
- Lieutenant (Junior Grade)
- Lieutenant
- Lieutenant Commander
- Commander
- Brevet Captain
- Captain
- Fleet Captain
FLAG OFFICER RANKS
- Flag Officer
- Commodore
- Brevet Rear Admiral
- Rear Admiral
- Brevet Vice Admiral
- Vice Admiral
- Brevet Admiral
- Admiral
- Fleet Admiral (Elect)
- Fleet Admiral
Section 2: Chain of Command.
Star Fleet Command and Sub fleet Commanding Officers
May give orders to any subordinate Star Fleet officer regardless of department or sub fleet, but may be asked to give just cause if those orders are later found to be in question. May not give orders to any department or sub fleet's CO unless that order; deals directly with the department under their own command. Or if the is order is to desist form performing an act that goes against Star Fleet general orders.
Star Fleet Command and fleet XOs
May give orders to any subordinate Star Fleet officer regardless of department or sub fleet. This may include officers of higher rank, which do not serve on SFC. May not give orders to any department or sub- fleet's XO unless that order; deals directly with the department under their own command. Or if the is order is to desist form performing an act that goes against Star Fleet general orders.
Officers out side of SFC
May give orders to any subordinate Star Fleet officer regardless of department or sub fleet. May not give orders to any officer of the same rank or higher unless that order; deals directly with the rules and regulations of their own department and is given in order to carry out the propose of that department or sub fleet. Or if the order is to desist form performing an act that goes against Star Fleet general orders.
Promotions Policy
Promotion Review Periods for officers between the ranks of Ensign and Lieutenant Commander will last for two months. Promotion review periods of officers to be promoted to the ranks of Commander and above are limited to 4 months, with completion of command school.
Temporary field promotions are permitted outside of the normal promotion review time, during a state of SFC-declared War only. CO?s who wish to issue a field promotion may do so after submitting the promotion review paperwork through the chain of command to IA. The field promotion will immediately take effect and be listed as "Field Promoted to", until such time as the war is officially declared over. After hostilities are ceased, Internal Affairs will evaluate all field promotions for permanent change to have the "Field Promoted to" part removed. With the exception of the temporary field promotions; all promotion reviews outside of the normal review cycle must be submitted to IA for approval.