Ensign

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An ensign is the lowest commissioned rank in most naval organizations.

Contents 1 Historical Context 2 Starfleet Usage 3 Other Usage 3.1 Bajoran Defense Force Navy 3.2 Rikon Defense Force 4 See Also

Historical Context

The following information is transcribed from "Naval Ceremonies, Customs, and Traditions" by Vice Admiral William P. Mack, USN (ret) and Lieutenant Commander Royal W. Connell, USN.

Ensign Bearer, shortened to Ensign, was the rank, at an early date, of a young officer in the French Army and was afterward introduced into the French Navy as a naval rank. After the British in 1861 adopted the rank of sub-lieutenant to supplant the rank of mate, the American Navy in 1862 adopted the rank of Ensign. The rank existed in the American Revolutionary Army and eventually used in the British Army for the color bearers. It was also used by some of the old, honorary state and city military organizations in the United States.

Starfleet Usage

A unique rank due to its brevet (temporary) nature. It is the lowest commissioned rank. What makes it special is that it can be lost without incurring a black mark on the record of the cadet, since it was understood to be brevet from the first. Every graduate of Starfleet Academy is commissioned at graduation, usually as an Ensign. From this point in time the clock starts counting down, the testing period has begun. The rank of Ensign can only last two years. During this time, the Ensign's performance in his duties is under constant scrutiny. The Captain and Executive Officer observe this junior officer to see if the traits, aptitudes, and values judged as befitting an officer are exhibited. At the end of the two year term (or sooner at the Captain's discretion) the ship's senior officers will gather in the Briefing Room to evaluate the Ensign. Although the final decision is the Captain's, information brought forward by the Executive, Medical, and the Ensign's own immediate superior officer are invaluable in this final evaluation. If the Captain decides that the Ensign is ready he will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant (junior grade). If the Ensign does not meet the Captain's expectations, there are several options open. The cadet may choose to return to the Academy in the hope of strengthening any weak areas noted by the Captain. Contrawise, the cadet may choose to be decommissioned and serve as an enlisted crewman (probably as a petty officer). An Ensign may be placed in charge of a Division, such as the flight deck within the Operations division. he may not be placed in command of a vessel or shuttlecraft, as he has not yet completed his Command training, and so is not qualified to run a separate command without a senior officer's supervision. Nevertheless he may hold the position of Duty Officer. This designates the officer who sits at the Conn (Captain's station on the Bridge) during the Captain's off-duty time. It is not considered a separate command, as the other officers or crewman may request confirmation from the Captain if they receive orders from the Duty Officer that they believe questionable. In such a case, the Captain or Exec must be aboard ship.

Ensigns have been denoted by the rank insignia in reverse chronological order:

Period	2410-Present	2373-2410	2368-2373	2365-2373	2352-2365	2280-2352	2270-2280	2255-2270
Insignia

Other Usage

Some military and paramilitary groups use the rank "ensign" in their organizations:

Bajoran Defense Force Navy

Grade	Rank	Insignia (Sleeve)
O-1	Ensign

Rikon Defense Force

Grade	Rank	Insignia (Shoulderboard)
O-1	Ensign

See Also

• Starfleet Ranks

Starfleet Rank Structure
Grade	Enlisted		Training	Officer
1	PVT	CREC	MID4	2LT	ENS
2	PFC	CAPP	MID3	1LT	LTJG
3	LCPL	CRMN	MID2	CPT	LT
4	CPL	PO3	MID1	MAJ	LCDR
5	SGT	PO2	OC	LTCOL	CDR
6	SSGT	PO1		COL	CAPT CDRE
7	GYSGT	CPO		BRGEN	BADM
8	MSGT	SCPO		MAJGEN	RADM
9	MGYSGT SGTMAJ	MCPO		LTGEN	VADM
10	SGTMAJOS	MCPOS		GEN	ADM
11					GADM