| CAPTAIN | CO | Responsibilities: The Captain is responsible for execution of Starfleet orders and policy, as well as for interpretation and compliance with Federation law and diplomatic directives. The Captain is the Commander of the ship.
Who to watch: James Kirk, Jean-Luc Picard, Benjamin Sisko, Kathryn Janeway |
| EXECUTIVE OFFICER | XO | Responsibilities: The XO is second in command and is responsible for execution of Starfleet orders and policy. He/she is the commander of the crew and makes command decisions according to Starfleet procedure. In the absence of the Captain, the XO is in command of the ship. When on the bridge the XO will work with department heads and relay suggestions to the Captain. The XO will lead 95% of away teams.
Who to watch: William T. Riker, Colonel Kira, Chakotay |
| OPERATIONS MANAGER | OPS | Responsibilities: A jack of all trades who does a bit of everything: runs sensor scans, can handle communications, monitors shipwide status and functions. Also can pilot the ship, arrange power distribution to major systems during emergency situations. They should monitor all happenings. Should coordinate with Helm, Engineering and Tactical and report any suggestions to the XO or Captain.
Who to watch: Data, Harry Kim, Jadzia Dax, Major Kira, Sulu |
| TACTICAL | TAC | Responsibilities: In charge of shipwide defense. Phasers, Photon Torpedoes, shields. Also tractor beams, Damage Reports, and Communications (Tactical can share these duties with the Ops Manager). Tactical Officers should be suspicious about every unknown vessel the ship comes in contact with.
NOTE: It is not unusual for ships to have officers serving as a combination of security/tactical.
Who to watch: Worf, Tuvok |
| SECURITY | SEC | Responsibilities: All internal security on board. Responsible for handling intruders, supervising security on away teams, etc. The Security Officers should work on all aspects of security on the ship including registering weapons, upkeep of the brig, providing security for guests, etc.
NOTE: It is not unusual for ships to have officers serving as a combination of security/tactical.
Who to watch: Worf, Tasha Yar, Tuvok, Odo |
| HELM | HELM | Responsibilities: steers the ship. Can also handle sensors and monitor shipwide status (however that would usually fall under Ops or Tac). This position can be slow at times, so it is ok to work with Ops and Tactical in some situations. During times of high risk maneuvers it's a key position of the ship.
Who to watch: Tom Paris, Chekov |
| ENGINEERING | ENG | Responsibilities: The Engineers are the mechanics of the ship, they are responsible for all power generation, computer systems and propulsion systems. The engineers are the miracle workers of the ship, when the Captain asks for the impossible he looks to his engineers. They usually work in engineering but can work on the bridge at a computer console if necessary.
Who to watch: Scotty, Geordi la Forge, B'Ellana Torres |
| MEDICAL | MED | Responsibilities: Responsible for wellness of the crew and treating the injured. This is one of the hardest positions to play but it can also be the most recognized. The medical team should make sure that the crew is in good health by performing routine physicals. Medical personnel are almost always in sick bay but will frequently go on away team missions, especially when casualties are reported.
Who to watch: 'Bones' McCoy, Beverly Crusher, Julian Bashir, The Doctor (EMH) |
| SCIENCE | SCI | Responsibilities: Using sensor readings, tricorders, and other data, they analyze anything the ship or crew may encounter. This position is the most creative, especially when encountering unknown substances and species. Science can also get a little slow in some situations so the Science Officers should coordinate their work with Ops and Engineering.
Who to watch: Jadzia Dax, Data |
| COUNSELOR | CNSL | Responsibilities: Responsible for the well being of the crew members. While the Medical Officer is responsible for the physical aspect of the crew; the Counselor is responsible for the mental health of the crew. They usually (not always) have some sort of empathic or telepathic abilities. This position can be very dramatic and interesting. The Counselor will be the most busy when communicating with other species working with the Captain and advising him on what he/she senses. Some ships may assign their counselors a secondary post.
Who to watch: Deanna Troi, Ezri Dax |
