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Robotech Defense Force Space Navy

The Robotech Defense Force Space Navy was organized under the Constitution of the United Terran Government on August 15, 2046 C.E. Under this document, the Space Navy became responsible for defending sovereign Terran Space from invasion and incursion by unwanted forces with their jurisdiction of power ending usually within a plant's atmosphere with exception being when invading another planet. 

In the beginning, there was a single chain of command from the Secretary of the Space Navy to the operating forces. The inception of the unified command structure in 2049 necessitated a dual chain of command to the operating forces -- one chain for operational control, and a separate chain for administrative control. The administrative structure originates with the Secretary of War, Secretary of the Space Navy, the Chief of Space Naval Operations, and the Commandant of the Space Marine Corps. The operational structure originates with the President, the Secretary of War, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Unified Sector Commanders-in-Chief (CinCs). This structure relieves Fleet and task force commanders from the administrative and procurement burdens that would otherwise detract from their primary task — the command of combat forces.

While it may appear to be duplicative, the existence of a parallel fleet command structure is actually an efficient and effective method of differentiating these two necessary functions. In general, these separate organizations are separate in name only, are dual hatted, and are manned by the same personnel, although exceptions do exist. The single point at which both operational and administrative chains of command intersect is at the level of each fleet commander-in-chief. The administrative organization is permanent in nature and supports, with forces and staff personnel, the task-oriented operational organization. Since the functions of the two separate organizations must be responsive to both CSNO and the unified commander, the separate functions must be differentiated.

Administrative Organization

The administrative organization of the Space Navy and Space Marine Corps begins with the Secretary of War and extends through the Secretary of the Space Navy and the Chief of Space Naval Operations (CSNO) and Commandant of the Space Marine Corps (CSMC). The latter are "double-hatted" as both the chiefs of their respective services and as members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Secretary of the Space Navy, the CSNO, and the Commandant are charged with the responsibility for supporting the CinCs. They are responsible for logistics, maintenance, personnel management, procurement of systems and supplies, and research and development. To accomplish these tasks, each has headquarters staff organizations.

The Space Navy's administrative chain of command flows from the President and the Secretary of War to the Secretary of the Space Navy and the Chief of Space Naval Operations, and to the Commanders-in-Chief of the Alpha (CINCALF), Beta (CINCBET), Delta (CNCDEL) and Gamma (CNCGAM), and Sol (CINCSOL) sectors, and the Commander, Space Naval Reserve Force. The sector CinC function in both the administrative and operational commands; in the latter role, as a space naval component commander. These second-echelon commanders have responsibility for 7the readiness of their forces, which are operationally subordinate to the Unified Commands. Readiness includes maintenance and logistics as well as the assignment and training of their personnel. Each of the Fleet Commanders-in-Chief has four subordinate "type" commanders who supervise specific categories of forces and activities: Space Naval Aerospace Force, Space Naval Surface Force, Training Command, and a Space Naval Construction Brigade. The Commander, Space Naval Reserve Force commands the Space Naval Reserve through two lower-echelon commands, the Space Naval Air Reserve and Space Naval Surface Reserve forces.

Type commanders primarily supervise personnel, training, logistics, maintenance, and other support to ships, aircraft, and units.

The Space Marine Forces structure — the Marine Forces, Alpha (MARFORLALF), Marine Forces, Beta (MARFORBET), Marine Forces, Delta (MARFORDEL), Marine Forces, Gamma (MARFORGAM), Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES), and Marine Forces, Sol (MARFORSOL) — serves as a de facto administrative command structure.

Each operational Space Navy and Space Marine Corps unit and shore facility is led by a commanding officer or officer-in-charge who is ultimately responsible for its mission and proper administration.

Operational Organizations

Space Navy

The Space Navy's operating forces are subordinate to the Unified Commands. Most space naval forces are assigned to the naval component commanders of five Unified Commands, as shown here:

Unified Command Space Naval Component Operating Fleet
Sol Sector Sol Fleet Zero Fleet
Alpha Sector Alpha Fleet First and Sixth Fleets
Beta Sector Beta Fleet Second Fleet
Delta Sector Delta Fleet Third and Fifth Fleet
Gamma Sector Gamma Fleet Fourth Fleet
Reserve Forces Reserve Fleet Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Fleet

NOTE: Fleets maybe reassigned as the needs of war call for.

The naval component commanders are Fleet Admirals with staffs based on one of the five naval starbases. The numbered Fleet commanders are Admirals, whose staffs are usually embarked on a flagship but can be shore based as well.

Command of the operating forces of the fleet at all echelons is exercised through the operational organization. The Department of the Space Navy, through its administrative organization, organizes, trains, and equips forces, which are then employed operationally in the unified command structure. The operational chain of command begins with the President and the Secretary of War as National Command Authorities and continues down through the individual commanding officers of ships, and squadrons.

Group and squadron commander staffs are considered afloat commands. Surface group commander staffs are normally embarked in one of the ships of their command. Group and squadron commander staffs are structured to monitor, develop, and support all three aspects of fleet readiness. These staffs must be sized to accomplish their operational responsibilities in the operational chain of command. In those instances where shipboard limitations preclude accommodation of an entire afloat staff, certain personnel can be left ashore or aboard other ships as dictated by the nature of the operation.

Space Marine Corps

Space Marine Corps operating forces are provided from the five space marine forces. Each of the five Unified Commands is assigned a Space Marine Component for planning purposes and is provided task-organized Space Marine forces for execution of specific operational plans. The Space Marine Corps principal operating force in the Sol Sector is the I Space Marine Expeditionary Force (I SMEF), located at bases on Earth, Mars, and at several orbiting stations; in the Alpha Sector, II and VI SMEF is based mainly in Orsini, Britannia, and Technolia with scattered forces across the sector. III SMEF in the Beta Sector is located primarily at Bismark and Einstein again with smaller forces across the sector.  IV and VII SMEF located in the Delta Sector is based at Yamato, Rigel, Othello, and Victoria with smaller forces located primarily along the frontier.  The V SMEF is based in the Gamma Sector and is based on Midway and Samschiel with smaller forces located across the sector. And finally the VIII and IX SMEF are under the command of the reserve forces and our located across Terran Space.

The Space Marine Corps is nominally organized into three ground divisions and three aircraft wings, with a large combat support force formed into three service support groups. The Space Marine Corps Reserve consists of an additional ground division, aircraft wing, and support group. These divisions and wings can be considered the administrative structure for Space Marine units deployed in Space Marine Aerospace-Ground Task Forces (SMAGTFs). The SMAGTF is the basic building block of Space Marine Corps operating forces, and is an integrated; combined-arms force comprising command, ground combat, aviation combat, and service support elements. Regardless of size — from relatively small, special purpose SMAGTFs to multi-division size Space Marine Operating Forces (SMOF) — all SMAGTFs are "expeditionary" forces, capable of carrying out specific missions. For example, SMOFs, comprising 4 million or more troops, are capable of amphibious assaults and sustained operations for up to 180 days without replenishment of ammunition, food, water, and other supplies.

Another component of the Space Marines is the ship board unit.  These units, which are, located on every ship fill various roles from Military Police to ship defense.  The size of these units varies with ship it is based on.  Each of the is referred to as a Ship Space Marine Unit (SSMU) and while carrying no number designation, they are referred to simply by the name of the ship aboard which they serve.  These units will usually never leave the ship for a prolonged period of time leaving ground assaults to Operation Space Marine Units.

Organizational Structure at the Operational Level

Space Navy Warships

Fleet

The Fleet concept is the largest unit used by the Space Navy.  Each fleet is designated by the sector it serves and is made up of the numbered fleets it commands.  Fleets or Sector Fleets as they are more commonly named, are under the command of a Fleet Admiral who serves as the overall commander for all Space Navy and Space Marine operations within his sphere of control.  The Fleet Admiral can be ship based if operational needs require it or when making inspections, but for most of the time, he or she is located at the Titanic-class Naval Starbase which serves as the command center and for all forces in the sector.  These bases are mobile and can be moved from system to system, but usually stay within the designated system in which all command and control is located.  There are five sector fleets.

Sol Fleet

Alpha Fleet

Beta Fleet

Delta Fleet

Gamma Fleet

Reserve Fleet operates across Terran Space and is under command of the reserve forces.  The three fleets under its command consist mainly of older vessels such as the Ikazuchi and Garfish along with four Izumo-class vessels, and two Pioneer-class fortresses.  While these forces make up the bulk of the Reserve Fleet, they are supplemented by a contingent of Nile, Raptor, Hurricane, Sentinel, and Blue Jay-class vessels.  This fleets main responsibilities are to keep the crews of these vessels combat ready so they may be integrated into the five active sector fleets when losses dictate.  They also handle the more mundane tasks of the Space Navy such as convoy duty, battling pirates and handle large scale anti-terrorist actions.  The fleet's operational area extends over all five sectors and is currently based aboard SDF-03 UES Pioneer which serves as a mobile base moving from system to system on a regular basis.  The reserve fleet is also responsible for the mothball fleets located at various LaGrange points in the Sol System.  Currently the fleet is commanded by Fleet Admiral Isaac Petrovich and consists of the seventh, eighth, and ninth fleets along with the VIII and IX SMEF.

Numbered Fleet

Zero Fleet under the command of Admiral Brent A. Spillner is attached to Sol Fleet protecting the Sol Sector.  The fleet consists of 5 Task Forces; Task Force 01, 02, 03, 04, and 05.  Admiral Brent A. Spillner commands the fleet from aboard SDF-21 UES Macross which is part of Task Force 01.  

1st Fleet under the command of Admiral Ishikawa Minoru is attached to Alpha Fleet protecting the Alpha Sector.  The fleet consists of 10 Task Forces; Task Force 10-19.  Admiral Minoru commands the fleet from aboard SDF-22 UES Enterprise which is part of Task Force 10.

2nd Fleet under the command of Admiral Jack Baker is attached to Beta Fleet protecting the Beta Sector.  The fleet consists of 10 Task Forces; Task Force 20-29.  Admiral Baker commands the fleet from aboard SDF-23 UES Illumina which is part of Task Force 20.

3rd Fleet under the command of Admiral Scott Bernard is attached to Delta Fleet protecting the Delta Sector.  The fleet consists of 10 Task Forces; Task Force 30-39.  Admiral Bernard commands the fleet from aboard SDF-24 UES Infinity which is part of Task Force 30.

4th Fleet under the command of Admiral Marie Crystal is attached to Gamma Fleet protecting the Gamma Sector.  The fleet consists of 10 Task Forces; Task Force 40-49.  Admiral Crystal commands the fleet from aboard SDF-25 UES Arcadia which is part of Task Force 40.

5th Fleet under the command of Admiral Lief Olson is attached to Delta Fleet protecting the Delta Sector.  The fleet consists of 10 Task Forces; Task Force 50-59.  Admiral Olson commands the fleet from aboard SDF-10 UES Ragnarok which is part of Task Force 50.

6th Fleet under the command of Admiral Mumbasa Hasarad is attached to Alpha Fleet protecting the Alpha Sector.  The fleet consists of 10 Task Forces; Task Force 60-69.  Admiral Hasarad commands the fleet from aboard SDF-11 UES Odin which is part of Task Force 60.

7th Fleet under the command of Admiral Ping Cao is attached to Reserve Fleet.  The fleet consists of 10 Task Forces; Task Force 70-99.  Admiral Cao commands the fleet from aboard SDF-03 UES Pioneer which is part of Task Force 70.

8th Fleet under the command of Admiral Jeneatte Chirac is attached to Reserve Fleet.  The fleet consists of 10 Task Forces; Task Force 80-89.  Admiral Chirac commands the fleet from aboard SDF-04 UES Sentinel which is part of Task Force 80.

9th Fleet under the command of Admiral Jillian Holly is attached to Reserve Fleet.  The fleet consists of 10 Task Forces; Task Force 90-99.  Admiral Holly commands the fleet from aboard SBB-09 UES Andrea Doria which is part of Task Force 90.

Task Force

Task forces are the smaller parts of the numbered fleets.  These units are usually commanded by a Vice Admiral aboard their flagship which leads the task force into battle.  Each task force is numbered according to the fleet it serves.  If the task force serves the 1st Fleet, then the first number of the Task Force will be a 1, 2 for the second fleet, and so on.  The composition of the Task Force varies based on its prominence within the numbered fleet.  The task force may be made of as many as 150 ships divided into 21 different  task groups.  However these are the largest task forces.  Most usually consist of around twenty ships divided into five task groups.  The task force usually consists of a command group and at least one battle group and carrier group and two destroyer squadron.  The taskforce usually operates as one unit, but may at times be divided into its individual squadrons and group.  Also every task force has at least one support group attached to it which while usually not with task force, is part of the force. 

Task Groups

Task groups are the smallest grouping of ships used by the RDF Space Navy.  These Forces are usually commanded by a Rear Admiral who leads the unit from his flagship which varies from task group to task groups.  The RDF Space Navy currently uses seven types of task groups.

Command Group - The command group is unique to every task force and carries the number designation of the task force it serves.  These groups are usually comprised of two ships but can be as many four.  The command group is usually home to the heavy firepower of the task force and as such it usually is where the fortresses and battleships are commanded from.   There is almost always only one command group per task force.

Battle Group - The battle group is where the bulk of the task forces firepower can be found.  Light and heavy cruisers can be found here along with battlecruisers which usually command these units, battleships can occasionally also be found in these units.  Usually the battle group consists of five or six vessels but can be made up of as  many as twenty vessels. On average, each task force has only one or two of these units.

Carrier Group - The carrier group is of course home to the forces carrier units, light and heavy carriers.  These units usually are made up of only 4 carriers, three light and one heavy, but occasionally may have as many as three heavy and seven light carriers.  Each task force has at least one of these units.

Destroyer Squadron - The destroyer squadron is one the most effective task group types.  Usually as these are made of the Raptor-class destroyer, a stealth design, these units are formidable due both to their firepower and stealth construction.  Each squadron is made up of five heavy destroyers.  Older squadrons may also have a few of the old Garfish-class vessels.  Task forces usually have two of these units but may have as many as six or seven.  These units also often operate as patrol units leading patrol squadrons in routine patrols and anti-pirate strikes.

Patrol Squadron - The patrol squadron is the long range eyes of the fleet.  The patrol squadrons consisting of Sentinel and Blue Jay-class stealth vessels are difficult to detect under most circumstances allowing them to scout ahead keeping the fleet's own EM emissions to a minimal amount.  Each squadron is made up of four Sentinel-class vessels and two Blue Jay-class carriers from which these units are commanded.  These units deploy with task forces as needed usually with three to five being assigned.   These units also serve with the destroyer squadrons as patrol vessels.

Support Group - The support group provides logistical support to the fleet.  These groups are made up of factory tenders, transports, troop transports, and hospital ships.  These units provide a steady of supply of munitions, spare parts, along with replacement crew members and pilots not to mention transporting the sick and wounded to back area hospitals.  Another large part of the support groups mission is to repair and maintain ships in the field through the use of Montgolfier and Gloval-class factory tenders.  These vessels serve as the flags of the unit.  Each support group is usually comprised of twenty transports, six troop transports, one hospital ship, and one factory tender. 

Landing Force - Landing force is the primary means with which the Space Navy delivers large numbers of troops to a planet's surface.  Each landing force is commanded from a heavy cruiser.  Usually a landing force is made up of eight transports, sixteen troop transports (one Army Corp), ten dropship carriers, one heavy cruiser, three light cruisers, two light carriers, and six destroyers.  These units are usually not on station with a task force unless needed for a real operation or for combined arms training.

Ship

The building block of the RDF Space Navy.  The ship is any type of vessel under the RDF Space Navy's command is usually commanded by a captain.

Space Marine Ground Forces

Space Marine Expeditionary Force

(Numbered Fleet - Army)

Space Marine Operational Force

(Task Force - Corp)

Division

Regiment

Battalion

Company

Platoon

Squad

Space Navy and Space Marine Aircraft

Space Naval Air Force

Space Fleet Air Arm

System Air Arm

Wing

The wing is the largest ship board group of space naval aircraft.  The wing is made up of several squadrons and is usually commanded by an officer holding the rank of commander.  The size and composition of the wing varies from ship class to class which, while somewhat confusing, is a necessary burden when you wish to keep aircraft on even the smallest of vessels.  Wings are designated using the following structure; Ship Type - Ship Number.  Therefore, the wing of SDF-05 UES Megaroad is referred to as Battlefortress Space Wing 05 or SDG-443 UES Parasaralophus being Heavy Destroyer Space Wing 443.  Now while the battlefortress's wing consists of several thousand craft and the destroyer has less than one hundred, both are wings.  Squadrons are often shuffled between wings but the wing is almost always at full strength.

In addition to Space Wings, other wing-level formations serve as the Type Wing Commander for assigned squadrons, providing direct operational, training, maintenance and administrative support, with some wings also serving as tactical operational formations. Administrative commanders, such as Type Wing commanders, are responsible for the aircraft material readiness, administration, training, and inspection of squadrons under their command. Operational commanders, such as Space Wing commanders, are responsible for the operational readiness, inspection, and overall performance of squadrons under their command.

The Type Wing exercises control of training over assigned squadrons and recommends training requirements and methods to ensure optimum material readiness of squadrons. The Type Wing commanders are responsible for material readiness which includes aircraft configuration management and material condition, operating target accounting, training, and special programs for activities under their command. Type Wing Maintenance Officers are responsible to the Type Wing Commander in all matters pertaining to aircraft maintenance.

Maintenance tasks divided into the number of levels required so common standards can be applied to the many and varied aircraft maintenance activities of the military establishment. They are increments of which all maintenance activities are composed. There are three levels; depot, intermediate, and organizational.

Thus, Commander Strike Fighter Wing, is responsible for the readiness training of the strike fighter squadrons deploying on aircraft carriers. The Commander is responsible for all aspects of training, manning, maintenance, and logistics support for all units under his command, to provide combat ready strike fighter squadrons trained to conduct carrier-based, all weather, attack, fighter and support missions as required by the fleet tactical commander. Commander, Strike Fighter Wing maintains close liaison with Commander Naval Air Forces and embarked Air Wing commanders in the execution of this mission.

Squadron

The squadron is the basic building block of space naval aviation.  While their are smaller units, the squadron is the largest officially recognized in the Space Navy Registry.  The RDF Space Navy currently uses twelve different types of squadrons of varying sizes.  The most prevalent of these is the fighter squadron.  The typical fighter squadron is usually commanded by a Lieutenant Commander or Lieutenant.  Each fighter squadron is made up of fifteen aircraft divided into two divisions and five flights.  Each of the divisions is commanded by a Lieutenant and is made up of two flights each having three fighters for a total of six fighters per division. The fifth flight is referred to as the command flight and consists of the squadron leader, the executive officer, and the liaison officer.  This flight is provides limited command and control for the rest of the fighters.  The commander of each flight while being responsible for the combat actions and efficiency of the fighters under their command, they also serve other functions for the wing like safety officer, logistics chief, administration chief, and operations officer.  Each of these positions is essential to the proper operation of the squadron. 

Aside from the fifteen pilots that make up the combat section of the squadron, there are also twenty five non-combat personal which make up the maintenance crew of the squadron.  These men are commanded by a lieutenant who reports to both the squadron commander, and the wing's maintenance chief, usually a lieutenant commander.  These twenty five men and women are responsible for the upkeep and routine maintenance in addition to arming the aircraft for each flight. 

Abbreviation Type Number of Aircraft per Squadron Equipment Circa 2063
SVF Fighter Squadron 15 VF-19
SVFA Strike Fighter Squadron 15 VF-17
SVA Strike Squadron 15 VA-14
SVB Bomber Squadron 12 VAB-5
SVS Special Operations Squadron 12 VF-22
SVAQ Electronic Attack Squadron 12 VF-17R
SVAW Airborne Early Warning and Reconnaissance Squadron 2 EC-15 Lynx
SVRC Logistics Support Squadron 6 VC-37, VC-39, SC-52
SVT Training Squadron 15 Various Training Aircraft
SVMA Marine Strike Squadron 15 VA-14
SVMFA Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 15 VF-17
SVMAQ Marine Electronic Attack Squadron 12 VF-17R

Division

Divisions are a part of squadron made of two flights totaling six aircraft.  Each division may carry an unofficial name that is often used in radio chatter with there own ship, but not recognized by other ships.  Each division is usually commanded by a lieutenant who serves both an operational and administrative function. 

Flight

The most basic combat element of a squadron is a flight.  These are small groups usually made up of three craft and commanded by either a lieutenant or lieutenant junior grade.  Like divisions, these may carry unofficial names and monikers, but are usually referred to simply as the name of squadrons and a number indicating which flight it is.  For example, Jolly Roger 4 would be the forth flight in SVF-84 Jolly Rogers.

Wardrobe and Awards

Space Navy

Wardrobe

Officers

Navy officers wear their rank devices in different places on their uniforms, depending upon the uniform. The three basic uniforms and the type of rank devices are: duty (a working uniform) - pins on the collar; parade - stripes on shoulder boards; and, dress - stripes sewn on the lower sleeve. Shoulder boards are also worn on bridge coats and reefers. The collar devices are also worn on the right side of the garrison cap (a miniature officer's crest is worn on the left) and slightly larger devices are worn on the epaulets of the raincoat and working jacket.

Pay Grade Rank Abbreviation Collar Insignia Shoulder Insignia Sleeve Insignia
O-1 Grand Admiral GADM
O-2 Fleet Admiral FADM
O-3 Admiral ADM
O-4 Vice Admiral VADM
O-5 Rear Admiral RADM
O-7 Captain CAPT
O-8 Commander CDR  
O-9 Lieutenant Commander LCDR
O-10 Lieutenant LT
O-11 Lieutenant Junior Grade LTJG
O-12 Ensign ENS

Non Commissioned Officer

Pay Grade Rank Abbreviation Collar Insignia Shoulder Insignia Sleeve Insignia
W-1

Chief Warrant Officer

 CWO
W-2 Warrant Officer First Class 1WO
W-3 Warrant Officer Second Class 2WO
W-4 Junior Warrant Officer JWO

Enlisted

The use of the word "rank" for Navy enlisted personnel is incorrect. The term is "rate." The rating badge -- a combination of rate (pay grade) and rating (specialty) is worn on the left upper sleeve of all uniforms in grades E-4 through E-6. Group rate marks for E-1 (optional) through E-3 are worn on dress uniforms only. Chief Petty Officers (E-7 through E-10) wear collar devices on their parade and duty uniforms, and rate badges on their dress uniforms.

Pay Grade Rank Abbreviation Upper Sleeve Insignia Collar and Cap Insignia
E-1 Master Chief Petty Officer of the Space Navy MCPOS
E-2 Master Chief Petty Officer MCPO
E-3 Senior Chief Petty Officer SCPO
E-4 Chief Petty Officer CPO
E-5 Petty Officer First Class 1PO
E-6 Petty Officer Second Class 2PO
E-7 Petty Officer Third Class 3PO
E-8 Spaceman SP
E-9 Spaceman Apprentice SA
E-10 Spaceman Recruit SR

Specialty Insignia Limited Duty Officer and Warrant Officer

Commissioned officers in the Space Navy are either Line officers or Staff Corps officers. Some have advanced through the enlisted rates and are designated for duty in certain technical fields. These are Limited Duty Officers and commissioned warrant officers. CWOs and Staff corps LDOs wear their specialty insignia on the sleeve of the dress uniforms and on their shoulder boards in place of the planet worn by Line officers. On duty, the specialty insignia is a collar device worn on the left collar while the rank device is worn on the right.
Boatswain Engineering
Technician		 Repair
Technician		 Ordnance
Technician
Fold Officer Aviation Boatswain Aviation Ordnance
Technician		 Aviation Electronics
Technician
Air Traffic
Control
Technician		 Ship's Clerk Data Processing
Technician		 Bandmaster
Cryptologic
Technician		 Diplomatic Technician Security
Technician		 Aviation Maintenance
Technician

Specialty Insignia Staff Corps

Commissioned officers in the Space Navy are either Line officers or Staff Corps officers. Those of the Staff Corps are specialists in career fields which are professions unto themselves, such as physicians, lawyers, civil engineers, etc. Staff Corps officers wear their specialty insignia on the sleeve of the dress uniforms and on their shoulder boards in place of the star worn by Line officers. On duty uniforms, the specialty insignia is a collar device worn on the left collar while the rank device is worn on the right.

Medical Corps Supply Corps Chaplain Corps
(Christian)		 Chaplain Corps
(Jewish)
Chaplain Corps
(Muslim)		 Civil Engineer
Corps		 Judge
Advocate General's
Corps		 Dental Corps
   
  Medical
Service Corps		 Nurse Corps  

Enlisted Rating

The enlisted rating badge for Petty Officer Third Class and above consists of two parts. The chevrons indicated the rate. Between the chevrons and the fighting kite is a specialty insignia indicating the job specialty (rating). These insignia appear in white on dress uniforms and Navy blue on parade uniforms. This table shows the rating insignia for construction specialties (the Seabees). The other groups are Administration/Medical/Dental, Aviation, and Engineering and Hull specialties.

Construction Specialties

BU - Builder CE - Construction Electrician  CM - Construction Mechanic  EA - Engineering Aide 
EO - Equipment Operator  MW - Metalworker UT - Utilitiesman

Weapons Specialties

BM - Boatswain's Mate CT - Cryptologic Technician (Note 1) DK - Disbursing Clerk DM - Illustrator Draftsman
DS - Data Systems Technician DT - Dental Technician ET - Electronics Technician EW - Electronics Warfare Technician
FC - Fire Controlman FT - Fire Control Technician GM - Gunner's Mate (Note 2) HM - Hospital Corpsman
IS - Intelligence Specialist IT - Information Systems Technician JO - Journalist LI - Lithographer
LN - Legalman MA - Master-at-Arms MS - Mess Management Specialist MT - Missile Technician
MU - Musician NC - Spacy Counselor OS - Operations Specialist ST - Space Systems Technician (Note 4)
PC - Postal Clerk PN - Personnelman QM - Quartermaster RP - Religious Programs Specialist
SH - Ship's Serviceman SK - Storekeeper SM - Signalman WT - Weapons Technician
YN - Yeoman
Notes
Note 1: "Cryptologic Technician" consists of six branches:
CTA (Cryptologic Technician - Administration); CTI (Cryptologic Technician - Interpretive); CTM (Cryptologic Technician - Maintenance); CTO (Cryptologic Technician - Communications); CTR (Cryptologic Technician - Collection); and CTT (Cryptologic Technician - Technical).
Note 2: "Gunner's Mate" is used at pay grade E-7 and above. Leading to GM: GMG (Gunner's Mate - Guns) and GMM (Gunner's Mate - Missiles)
Note 4: "Space Systems Technician" is used at paygrade E-2 only.
Leading to ST:
STA (Space Systems Technician - Analyst)
and TM (Space Systems Technician - Maintainer.

Engineering and Hull Specialties

AS - Anti Matter System Technician* FD - Fold Drive Technician DC - Damage Controlman EM - Electrician's Mate
EN - Engineman HT - Hull Maintenance Technician IC - Interior Communications Electrician IM - Instrumentman
ML - Molder MM - Machinist's Mate MR - Machinery Repairman OM - Opticalman
PM - Patternmaker Notes
*Note: "Anti Matter System Technician" is used at paygrade E-2 only.
Leading to AS:
ASE (Anti Matter System Technician - Electrical)
and ASM (Anti Matter System Technician - Mechanical).

Aviation Specialties

AB - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Note 1) AC - Air Traffic Controller AD - Aviation Machinist's Mate AE - Aviation Electronics Mate

PR - Aircrew Survival Equipmentman AK - Aviation Storekeeper AM - Aviation Structural Mechanic (Note 2) AO - Aviation Ordnanceman
AS - Aviation Support
Equipment Technician		 AT - Aviation Electronics Technician AW - Aviation Warfare
Systems Operator		 AZ - Aviation Maintenance Administrationman
PH - Photographer's Mate Notes Notes

*Note: "Aviation
Boatswain's Mate" is used
at paygrade E-2 only.
Leading to AB:
ABE (Launching & Recovery Equipment), ABF (Fuels), and ABH (Aircraft Handling).		 *Note 2: "Aviation
Structural Mechanic" is used
at paygrade E-3 only.
Leading to AM:
AME (Safety Equipment), AMH (Hydraulics), and AMS (Structures).

Group Rate Marks for Pay Grades E-10 through E-8

Spacers in pay grades E-1 through E-3 are considered to be in apprenticeships. As they begin their path towards advancement to Petty Officer in a specific specialty, they begin in the appropriate "group". For example, a Spacer who wishes to be an Electrician's Mate will begin in the Engineering/Hull group. The groups and the general rate marks (stripes) for E-1 through E-3 are shown here. (Note: E-1s do not wear any rate marks.) These rate marks are shown for the dress uniform. For parade, the background is white and the stripes are black. Those who earn it through a training school [an "A" school] or by passing a Spacywide examination will wear a rating insignia above the stripes.

 

Group

Pay Grade

Rate

Abbreviation

Stripe Color

Deck,
Administration,
Medical,
Dental

E-10

Seaman Recruit
Hospital Recruit
Dental Recruit

SR
HR
DR

[none]

E-9

Seaman Apprentice
Hospital Apprentice
Dental Apprentice

SA
HA
DA

E-8

Seaman
Hospitalman
Dentalman

SN
HN
DN

Engineering,
Hull

E-10

Fireman Recruit

FR

[none]

E-9

Fireman Apprentice

FA

E-8

Fireman

FN

Aviation

E-10

Airman Recruit

AR

[none]

E-9

Airman Apprentice

AA

E-8

Airman

AN

Construction

(Spebees)

E-10

Constructionman Recruit

CR

[none]

E-9

Constructionman Apprentice

CA

E-8

Constructionman

CN

Breast Insignia - Aviation

 
Naval Aviator

Naval Flight Officer

Spacy Aviation
Supply Corps

Aircrew

Flight Surgeon

Aviation Experimental
Psychologist and
Aviation Physiologist

Enlisted Aviation
Warfare Specialist

Spacy Aviation Observer

 

Breast Insignia - Surface
Surface Warfare (Officer) Enlisted Surface
Warfare Specialist		 Surface Warfare
Medical Service Corps
Surface Warfare
Medical Corps		 Surface Warfare
Nurse Corps		 Surface Warfare
Dental Corps
Surface Warfare
Supply Corps		 Special Operations

 

Breast Insignia - Command and Assignments

Command-at-Sea

Command Ashore/
Project Manager

Craftmaster

Small Craft (Officer)

Small Craft (Enlisted)

Presidential Service
Badge

Vice Presidential
Service Badge

Office of the
Secretary of Defense

Joint Chiefs
of Staff

Command
Master Chief

Career Counselor

Recruiting Command

Recruiting Command
Wreath of Excellence

Recruit Company
Commander

Breast Insignia - Specialties

Spebee Combat
Warfare Specialist
(Officer)		 Spebee Combat
Warfare Specialist
(Enlisted)		 Special Warfare
EVA (Officer) EVA (medical) Master EVA
First Class EVA Second Class EVA
Explosive
Ordnance Disposal		 Senior Explosive
Ordnance Disposal		 Master Explosive
Ordnance Disposal
Integrated Space
Surveillance System
(enlisted)		 Integrated Space
Surveillance System
(officer)

Badges - Law Enforcement

RDF Spacy Police
(officer)		 RDF Spacy Police
(enlisted)		 RDF Spacy Security
RDF Spacy Guard RDF Spacy 
Corrections		 RDF Spacy 
Master-at-Arms

Awards

Terran Medal of Honor

Space Navy Cross

Defense Distinguished Service

Space Navy Distinguished Service

Gold Star

Defense Superior Service

Silver Star

Legion of Merit

Distinguished Flying Cross

Space Navy Medal

Bronze Star

Purple Heart

Defense Meritorious Service

Meritorious Service Medal

Space Medal

Joint Service Commendation

Space Navy Commendation

Joint Service Achievement

Space Navy Achievement

Combat Action Ribbon

Presidential Unit Citation

UTG Unit Citation

Joint Service Meritorious Unit

Space Navy Unit Commendation

Space Navy Meritorious Unit

Space Navy “E” Ribbon

Prisoner of War Ribbon

Good Conduct Ribbon

Reserve Special Commendation Unit

Space Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal

Fleet Marine Force Ribbon

Expedition Medal

Alpha Sector Service Medal

Beta Sector Service Medal

Delta Sector Service Medal

Gamma Sector Service Medal

Transient War Victory Medal

Occupation Medal

Tirolian Civil War Victory Medal

Xenotarian Service Medal

Intergalactic Defense Medal

Zentraedi Service Medal

Tirolian Service Medal

Sentinel Service Medal

Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

Space Service Deployment Ribbon

Reserve Space Service Ribbon

Recruiting Service Medal

Reserve Medal

Space Marines

Wardrobe

Awards

Terran Medal of Honor

Space Navy Cross

Defense Distinguished Service

Space Navy Distinguished Service

Gold Star

Defense Superior Service

Silver Star

Legion of Merit

Distinguished Flying Cross

Space Navy Medal

Bronze Star

Purple Heart

Defense Meritorious Service

Meritorious Service Medal

Space Medal

Joint Service Commendation

Space Navy Commendation

Joint Service Achievement

Space Navy Achievement

Combat Action Ribbon

Presidential Unit Citation

UTG Unit Citation

Joint Service Meritorious Unit

Space Navy Unit Commendation

Space Navy Meritorious Unit

Space Navy “E” Ribbon

Prisoner of War Ribbon

Good Conduct Ribbon

Reserve Special Commendation Unit

Space Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal

Fleet Marine Force Ribbon

Expedition Medal

Alpha Sector Service Medal

Beta Sector Service Medal

Delta Sector Service Medal

Gamma Sector Service Medal

Transient War Victory Medal

Occupation Medal

Tirolian Civil War Victory Medal

Xenotarian Service Medal

Intergalactic Defense Medal

Zentraedi Service Medal

Tirolian Service Medal

Sentinel Service Medal

Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

Space Service Deployment Ribbon

Reserve Space Service Ribbon

Recruiting Service Medal

Reserve Medal

Ranks and Rates

Go to 4th Robotech War Homepage
Robotech (R) is the property of Harmony Gold. This document is in no way intended to infringe upon their rights. 

Layout adapted from Robotech Reference Guide

Content by Jeffrey R. Spillner
Copyright © 2000 Jeffrey R. Spillner

Page Last Updated on November 13, 2001 @ 11:00 GMT