POSITIONS AND RANKS

Descriptions of SEALs Positions:

Within the SEALs team hierarchy, rank does not apply. In most cases, the team leader and the second in command are addressed, as "Sir" and the rest of the team are just that, team members of equal ranking.

Contained below is a description of what the different positions do. In an e-mail sim you might sometimes have to 'invade' some other position's duties, in order to carry your ideas further. You might be Counsellor, and wanting to bring an alien vessel into the story - then it's ok to glance at the TAC panel, but stay away from weapons and command issues.

Positions should be filled according to your character's position on your Starship. After all, you wouldn't want a Doctor handling sensitive explosives would you?

In addition, other positions can be created depending on the scope of the mission that is to be carried out and the roles of the team members can be expanded. After all this is just a guideline and framework for putting the team together.

Team Leader

The CIO normally occupies this position. Since they are responsible on the Starship for collecting all available data on races, technology, etc. their position puts them in the logical place of commanding the team.

The Team Leader is the command centre of the sim answering to the Capt. His/her attitude will strongly effect the outcome of the sim, and enthuse the crew. The Team Leader MUST have nerves of steel, and keep his/her temper under control, or the crew will lose respect. The Team Leader must maintain a strict discipline during the mission, controlling behaviour and performance of the team. The Team Leader is also responsible for creating the mission brief, but of course he/she will welcome ideas from the crew. The Team Leader will guide all officers to their duties, and delegate commands appropriately.

If the CIO is of low rank or inexperienced it may prove necessary to appoint a Co-Leader until the CIO has achieved either significant rank or experience with leading the team. The Co-Leader is usually the person who would be the second in command. After such a time that sufficient experience has been attained, the CIO may obtain the full responsibilities as leader and the Co-Leader returns to be second in command of the team at the Captain's discretion.

Second In Command

It is the responsibility of the second in command to follow the Team Leaders orders, without reservation. Even if the Second disagrees with the Leader's decision it's your job to make your captain understand your objection, so that he can take your view into consideration. Also as Second you will carry out other duties that the Leader should not deal with, for example keeping an eye on the crew making sure that they are happy and with the Leader's performance, giving advice to the Leader when asked for during battle or difficult situations.

The 2/IC is responsible for the training and conditioning of the team, both mental and physical. In the leaders absence the 2/IC is to take charge of the Team.

Team Pilot

The Pilot has a very important duty. Without the pilot the team could not reach their destination. The pilot takes course headings from the Team Leader or SIC and implement the changes. During battle the helmsman is expected make evasive manoeuvres ordered by the Team Leader. Creativity is important with this post as you have the power to radically change the outcome of the sim. Pilots also have access to minor sensors regarding distances to objects, planets and solar systems, as well as minor ship recognition.

On most missions, the pilot is responsible for the safety of the Team shuttle (see shuttle section). After all, without the shuttle the team would have no way of returning back to their ship. This responsibility can be in the form of maintaining orbit around a planet, or landing and staying on board until they have received new orders.

Security

The Security Officer is responsible for supplying the role of infantry. TAC position may assume this one if a Security officer cannot be present. This role is where most of the NPC's will be. The senior SEC will most likely be selected to lead a group of security officers.

SCI - Science Officer

SCI officer gives a detailed analysis of scans compared to the CIO officer especially with respect to alien terrain and possible hostile landscapes such as dangerous fauna or animals. This position would also run scans on land formations etc.

OPS/Communications

This person has a multitude of responsibilities ranging from sensors, communications ability, also is can give a tactical analysis enemy strongholds, and planets (though the TAC position usually covers these). They are responsible for keeping in touch with the shuttle and main ship in case of an EVAC order. This position is also responsible for tasks such as hacking into computers or overriding enemy command codes.

Engineer

It is the Chief Engineers responsibility to make sure that all equipment runs smooth both on the ship and in the field. Any failed or damaged systems are the engineer's domain, such as re-establishing power to an abandoned enemy stronghold. The 'Plumber' as some people refer the CEO. CEO's also deal with some away team missions to help solve technical problems that the other officers haven't a clue about.

CEO Duties Include:

Maintaining all shipboard functions to shuttle

Being a miracle worker, and finding impossible solutions

Provider of technical suggestions/advice during away missions

Medic

The Medical officer aids in battle situations, or dangerous contamination missions. CMO is expected to treat wounds, illnesses, diagnose biological problems and hopefully solve them. This position would hopefully be filled by the CMO, but in such instances where it is not possible, a team member can undergo field medic training from the EMH program.

Intel

Normally also the team leader. CIO is responsible team mission briefings, having knowledge of expected resistance, and layout of mission area. TAC or OPS at times can replace this position.

TAC/Weapons Specialist

Usually a TAC officer fills this role, but if a large number of people are interested in the team this is one position that can be created. It is recommended that this position normally be filled with an engineer or tactical officer. The weapons specialist is in charge of factors as setting explosives and laying traps.