[Starfighter Corps Revamp] Ideas for Structure

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

I have taken the initiative to lay out some general ideas and planning that could provide an easier-to-navigate path towards a diverse and fully fledged Starfighter Corps branch of the First Order military.

The additional complexity involved in the SFC comes from it being uniquely situated as, more or less, a component of both the Army and Navy. The canon rank system used by the Galactic Empire incorporates both of these ranking systems, and they diverge quite greatly depending on whether or not a pilot is stationed planet-side (under Army jurisdiction) or ship-based (under Naval). Obviously, it's a very confusing system to try to incorporate wholesale. The easiest work-around to this that I've determined is to do a single-source rank system, to which I have kept the tiered NFU Trainee/Adept/Master system that our Lord and Savior, [member="Aram Kalast"] has established, to be used after the end of the month.

With one exception, it is, I think, a little easier to understand. It is as follows:


(Master Ranks)

General (of the Fighters) -- Chief of the Starfighter Corps.

Colonel -- Group or Wing commander.

Major -- Group or Special Duty Squadron Commander

(Adept Ranks)

Captain -- Squadron Commander

Lieutenant -- Broken into Junior Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Senior Lieutenant, but can remain one rank for ease of use. This is the standard, seasoned pilot's rank.

Pilot Officer* -- A newly minted, directly out of the Flight Academy, pilot rank. This rank should double as a Trainee/Adept rank, in that all starfighter pilots should start at this rank.

(Trainee Ranks - Non-Flight status Ranks)

Ensign -- A trained, junior officer, conducting non-flight status duties such as starfighter maintenance, and space traffic controllers. Promotes into (Junior) Lieutenant rank, as opposed to Pilot Officer.

Midshipman -- Technically an 'operational cadet', these are currently non-commissioned officers who are pursuing a commission upon completion of their on-the-job training.

Crewman -- The most junior members of the crew, they are generally trainees fulfilling a role under the close supervision of their superiors.


In general I think this updated rank structure would make it easier to find the proper placement for people both now, and in the future. Likewise, it will allow us to better assess the resources we could field by our player characters. An example of unit makeup is as follows:


TIE Element (The basic fighting unit, a pilot and wingman) = 2 starfighters (Commanded by a Pilot Officer or Lieutenant)
TIE Flight (The standard combat unit) = 2 Elements, 4 starfighters (Commanded by a Lieutenant)
TIE squadron (Standard operational unit) = 4 Flights, 16 starfighters (Commanded by a Captain)
TIE Group (generally half of a Star Destroyer's fighter compliment) = 2-3 Squadrons, 32-48 starfighters (Commanded by a Major or Colonel)
TIE Wing (generally a full compliment of starfighters) = Approx. 6 Squadrons, 72 starfighters or maximum compliment field-able (Commanded by a Colonel)

Units higher than a Wing generally constitute a full battle fleet or task force worth of starfighters, and are not generally commanded at the same levels, or by the same resources. For this reason, they are commanded and directed personally by the General of the Starfighter Corps, according to individual operational needs and ultimately by High Command's direction.


Additional suggestions are also incoming!

 

[Progflaw99]

I like the way it's structured, and I do think the Lieutenant ranks are interesting, though I wonder how often it will be used (Using the split rank system). Either way, this looks good as far as the organization is concerned!

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

I like the way it's structured, and I do think the Lieutenant ranks are interesting, though I wonder how often it will be used (Using the split rank system). Either way, this looks good as far as the organization is concerned!

I think the most likely outcome will be having one distinct 'Lieutenant' rank, and then characters can if they want, refer to their full rank in RP.

Like if someone were boldly dressing down a superior officer, or what-not. (Kind of like saying, "With all due respect, Lieutenant, your work sucks." vs "With all due respect, Senior Lieutenant, your work sucks.")

Alternately, I kind of like the idea of also using ranks-within-ranks to provide a way of recognizing player activity within the group. Promotion from Junior Lieutenant to Lieutenant may not seem like a giant step forward for someone down the line, but it would provide continual opportunities for promotion ceremonies, along with the great many medal and awards ceremonies that will be taking place, what with all of the aces we will be producing.

I think small milestones like a small promotion thread every little bit are additional sources of future activity. Seeing progression, even if it's small and more or less an optical illusion, can be a great motivator.

 

[Progflaw99]

Now that you mention it that way, I see what you are getting at. Perhaps one of the downfalls of Force User promotions, you only have 3 descriptors, padawan/acolyte, knight, or Master.

Not that there's anything wrong with that for FU's, but I think especially with Non Force Users, doing it the way you are suggesting would add motivation and depth to the RP! nice brain!

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

Even More Ideas!

I will edit this as I individualize portions with greater detail. But in general, this is to showcase what could be a template for Starfighter Corps battle doctrine. Greater depth would be added later for a final draft:


Formation Flying - This will encompass all standard formations, including:

* Parade Formation - Rarely utilized, it involves flight in a very tight group, with parallel alignment of 'wing's' (in fact, solar energy collectors)
* Element, Flight, Squadron-specific combat formations - Lead pilot/wingman formations (element), standard finger-four (flight) combat formation, squadron formations consisting of tight-in finger fours
* Wing Formations - Generally short duration formations leading to or from rally way-points


Attack Patterns - These will encompass all standard attacking principles, which consist of attacking along a specific flight path trajectory. There are a lot of these, including but not limited to:


* Attack Pattern Alpha - A long, swooping attack from a position of high above (or below) the target, at maximum thrust obtainable, followed by a flight path change immediately after firing solution is obtained and utilized, to generate flight path separation away from the target (if not destroyed in the pass).

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

I really like your work here, [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]. We will most assuredly be incorporating your ideas. If I had anything to add, it would be that this:

IE Element (The basic fighting unit, a pilot and wingman) = 2 starfighters (Commanded by a Pilot Officer or Lieutenant) TIE Flight (The standard combat unit) = 2 Elements, 4 starfighters (Commanded by a Lieutenant) TIE squadron (Standard operational unit) = 4 Flights, 16 starfighters (Commanded by a Captain) TIE Group (generally half of a Star Destroyer's fighter compliment) = 2-3 Squadrons, 32-48 starfighters (Commanded by a Major or Colonel) TIE Wing (generally a full compliment of starfighters) = Approx. 6 Squadrons, 72 starfighters or maximum compliment field-able (Commanded by a Colonel)

- will be the meat of our ranking system, I think. Personally, I'm not sure we really need to add any lower ranks like Ensign, Midshipman or Crewman. Firstly because realistically, few people will opt to start out at these positions (most people are going to want to be a pilot right away). Secondly, because I was thinking that the Starfighter Corps would technically be a sub-branch of the Navy, just with its own unique ranking system. Therefore, if someone did want to start out as an Ensign, they could start as an Ensign in the Navy, before deciding to specialize in piloting and be transferred to the Starfighter Corps. If that makes sense.

 

[Davin Jusik]

[member="Ludolf Vaas"] [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]

Seaman Trainee Recruit needs to be a rank.

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

I've been hearing conflicting accounts of Starfighter Corps's future, regarding remaining a sub-branch of the Navy, or being it's own separate entity. The ranks in question absolutely did not serve a necessary point, I agree, although I do think alternatives should be determined. The point of the non-pilot early ranks are to have a promotion pathway for the roles not traditionally incorporated (because everyone assumes all there is to do is play a pilot).

The point was originally to include these people within the 'Starfighter Corps' itself, rather than have them be standard Navy characters who just interact with the pilots. We may want to think up something that allows for that, unless the purpose is to have a SFC that are only pilots, and any non-pilots are relegated to the Navy to then reincorporate their RP back into the SFC. It seems easier just to house them all within the SFC.

Just my suggestion, though! [member="Ludolf Vaas"]

 

[William Kerkov Sr]

I agree with [member="Ludolf Vaas"], this is a great rank system, and organization fighter array. But to keep things relatively simple the Star fighter corps should remain as apart of the Navy. Because during battle the complication of the leader of the starfighter corps and the leader of the fleet of who is in charge, like whether a Commodore of a fleet can boss around the General of the Starfighter corps because technically the fleet has charge but the pilot has higher rank will make it difficult to have two separate entities.

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

[member="Aram Kalast"]
[member="Ludolf Vaas"]
[member="Natasi Fortan"]

I will lay out the updated rank structure that Ludolf Vaas and I were discussing in the faction Skype chat tonight, in regards to an independent Starfighter Corps branch. I'll go into a little bit more depth about the organizational structure in reference to rank scheme, as well.


Master Ranks


General (Formal title, General of the Starfighters) - Chief, Starfighter Corps
This position is held by a single individual at a time, who is the chief adviser to High Command on matters pertaining to starfighters at the strategic and tactical level, as well as the resource and logistics of maintaining maximum readiness.

It has also historically never been held by a non-flying officer.

Colonel - Wing or Group Commander, with senior status
The rank of Colonel is held by all Wing Commanders, and occasionally by specialized Group Commanders. The awarding of this rank denotes a higher caliber of starfighter combat leadership experience.

There is considerable precedent for ground crew officers to obtain this rank.

Major - Group or specialized Squadron Commander
This rank is held by all Group Commanders, and specialized Squadron Commanders. It is considered the first stepping stone into Starfighter Corps own internal 'High Command', and members holding this rank are often required to participate in duty rotations outside of normal flying operations.

Ground crew officers of this rank are often immediately placed in advisory roles within High Command, predominantly in logistical and research and development capacities.


Adept Ranks


Captain - Squadron Commander
The rank of Captain is held by all Squadron Commanders, and the act of obtaining one's first squadron command is considered by many to be the ultimate achievement of their careers.

Ground crew officers of this rank exclusively command Support Squadrons.

Lieutenant (Formal title(s): Junior Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Senior Lieutenant) - Flight or Element Leader
This rank denotes a pilot who has become proficient in both flying skill, and demonstrated a level of command prowess or potential. They generally command a single Flight, though it is not uncommon for even Senior Lieutenants to still merely command a single wingman.

This rank is also held most often by ground crew duty shift commanders.

Warrant Officer* - Strictly a non-flying status rank
The warrant officer is charged with coordinating a single team-oriented task, be it space traffic control during TIE Fighter recovery procedures in the Hangar Bay, or managing logistics in the ammunition depot.


Trainee Ranks


Pilot Officer - Starting rank for all pilots
The pilot officer is an individual who has successfully completed flight training, and is prepared for operational assignment in the Starfighter Corps.

Senior Technician - Fully trained ground operations crew
This rank denotes a crew member who has demonstrated sufficient occupational development to be allowed unsupervised work.

Technician - Junior most ground crew member
Considered to be an apprentice conducting final stage on-the-job training, the technician is not authorized unsupervised work for fear of inadvertent damage.



As you can see, the final four ranks have been a bit more streamlined. I think this offers better way of providing a more logical flow of rank progression for both pilots and non-pilots. The technician ranks can transition into a warrant officer, which can promote to anything theoretically, while a Pilot Officer can transition into a Lieutenant (which we can keep split into three unofficial ranks) and onward. Also, I thought 'technician' was an acceptable compromise between any of the other relevant choices. The three alternatives I had were also, 'Senior Spaceman, Spaceman', and 'Senior Spacehand, Spacehand', or 'Crew Chief, Crewman'.



Further Organizational Insight

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Excellent work, [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"].

I think at this point I am convinced that the Starfighter Corps will be its own branch in the military. I know in official Star Wars canon the Starfighter Corps was a sub-branch of the Navy, but of course there are many real-life examples of independent branches for aerial warfare (the Luftwaffe, for example). Honestly at the end of the day I don't think it matters much. The SFC will be pretty much strictly for pilots and mechanics and will work closely with the Navy, but will still technically be a separate branch.

The only thing I will add to your post is clarifying exactly how many units each rank can command. For example a Captain commands a Squadron, which is 4 Flights or 16 starfighters. This information will be useful to players so they can know exactly how much materiel is at their disposal based on their rank.

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

That is perfect, [member="Ludolf Vaas"].

I had thought about including the unit composition numbers in that, but I decided that the previous post with them could just be used as reference for cut/pasting or anything in the future. It was getting pretty late and I was trying to not go into information overload. I think I can have a tendency towards more instead of less when it comes to organizational planning.

Glad I could help establish a better ranking system. I will return to working more on the tactical doctrines and general good-to-know principles for the Starfighter Corps, both for pilots and ground crews.

I think this will work perfectly to ensure the maximum effectiveness of both our fleeters, and starfighterers (I'm still adamant about claiming that title for non-capital fleeters!) Not worrying about us will provide [member="William Kerkov"] the ability to focus entirely on getting characters to command capital ships to enhance our fleeting strength.

 

[Komo]

[member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"], [member="Ludolf Vaas"]

Just gotta seek ya good opinions and advice on this.

To be able to attain the rank of Major in the Navy, I don't see it in the official rankings in the Navy thread, would that be the Commander rank?
I would be interested in joining the Starfighter Corps. I think that should be a ball of fun.

 

[Tyger Tyger]

"Major" is an Army rank.

The equivalent rank in the Navy would be a Lt. Commander.

[member="Greta Kohler"]


The Starfighter Corps has its own rank thing going, though, as it's a component of both.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Please note, Navy and Starfighter ranks are undergoing a revision so things are subject to change.

 

[Komo]

[member="Natasi Fortan"] [member="Tyger Tyger"]

Deferring to you two opinions instead,

Which rank should I apply for in the mean time? Major or Lieutenant Commander?

It's kinda weird because in Star Wars, our navy is like the Air Force, and in the Air Force, Major exists, so... flips table

 

[Tyger Tyger]

[member="Greta Kohler"]

If your interest is in the Starfighter Corps, you'd probably do well to just tell them you're interested and they'll sort you into an appropriate rank when the whole thing's got a prototype going. In the mean time, I'm sure they wouldn't mind you training with them.

If you're more interested in a leadership position, though -- I'd go ahead and throw down with one of the core branches. Both offer different experiences. Are you interested in more Fleet-oriented stuff, or groundpounding? The First Order Army needs YOU.


And you're not wrong. The chief distinguishing feature is that, in the Air Force, you don't have, like, a mobile military base like Naval carriers do. In this world, we're looking at Star Destroyers -- GIANT military bases.

 

[Matthias Hux]

I'm looking at Junior Lieutenant.

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

[member="Greta Kohler"] As has been said, Major is an Army rank. The rough Navy equivalent is Commander, and the rough Starfighter Corps equivalent will be Lieutenant. The SFC does have a Major position, but it is much higher-ranking than the Army Major.

Lt. Commander is actually not going to be one of our ranks, that is a clerical error that will be amended.

I'm almost finished revising the ranks, they will be up shortly.

 

[Matthias Hux]

[member="Ludolf Vaas"]

Will Junior Lieutenant remain as a rank as discerned by Roderik?