Ranks and Positions

Captain

The role of Captain is exacting and demanding, and is suitable only for exceptional officers.

The rigors of training, theory and study are only the start of the long journey toward captaincy; years of serving in the ranks, from ensign through to first officer, are required of those who would direct and protect the lives of hundreds.

  Starfleet Captains tend, therefore, to be exceptional people, able to balance the varied roles they must carry out every day of their careers.
Key responsibilities A Starfleet Captain is charged with three main responsibilities. The first, and most important, of these is the effective and safe operation of their ship and crew.
  A Captain’s actions and personality must inspire loyalty in the crew under his or her command.
  Secondly, Captains are expected to be inventive and spontaneous military tacticians, able to appreciate and act on any threat to the ship, or the United Federation of Planets. For example, during a battle with the Ferengi in 2355, Acting Captain Jean-Luc Picard devised a highly effective combat strategy known as the Picard Maneuver.  This has since become required study at Starfleet Academy
  Thirdly, Captains are often called upon to perform diplomatic duties; they are expected to represent the Federation’s interests, and make decisions on its behalf. As such, the Captain must be apprised of many things, including Federation law, and the customs of other species and societies.
  This requires an appreciation of diverse alien cultures and traditions, and a passionate belief in the Prime Directive.
  The Captain must often lead a solitary, even lonely, life. Balancing personal relationships with subordinates can cause problems, and nothing must influence command decisions.
  Whether conducting a wedding, speaking for the Federation, or defending its interests with military force, a Starfleet Captain must rise above all prejudices to make sound and just decisions.