| Preamble By order of the Council of the United Federation of Planets and in accordance with the Constitution of the United Federation of Planets, In recognition of the need for an interplanetary exploration, peace-keeping, and defense force, With the support of the member worlds and citizens of the Federation, Article I: Establishment/Purpose Section 1: There is hereby established a Starfleet interplanetary military force, to be under the direct cognizance of the Federation Council and President. If there is no current Federation Council, Starfleet will assume that role until one is created. Section 2: The combined purpose and directive of Starfleet is as follows: a. Interstellar exploration and scientific assessment of the space within Federation boundaries, including contact with sufficiently developed intelligent life forms; b. Defense of UFP member worlds and citizens from any and all hostile entities; c. All other duties and tasks which the Federation Council may deem necessary and/or appropriate for Starfleet to perform. Article II: Structure Section 1: There is established a Starfleet Command, composed of the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer of each sub fleet and department within Starfleet. Only the Commanding Officer of each fleet or division, actually sits and votes in chambers. The Executive Officers are however, privy to all information, so that he/she/it can easily take over when the Commanding Officer is unavailable and has asked said Executive Officer to take over or if the Commanding Officer is missing for more than 1 month and Star Fleet Command decides that for the good of the fleet/department, the Executive Officer must take over until the Commanding Officer returns or is replaced by Star Fleet Command. Section 2: The sub fleets and departments of Starfleet are as follows: - the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Starfleet; - Starfleet Academy; - Starfleet Intelligence; - Starfleet Internal Affairs; - Starfleet Science & Medical; - Starfleet Military Operations; - Starfleet Operations; - Starfleet Special Forces; - Starfleet External Affairs; Section 3: Starfleet Command controls all aspects of the Military of the United Federation of Planets and is authorized to regulate the inner workings of Starfleet as a whole, through the setting in place and maintenance of general orders and regulations. Section 4: The Commanding Officer of each sub fleet and department, shall have one (1) vote on matters concerning the Starfleet Command and Starfleet as a whole. Section 5: The Commander-in-Chief of Starfleet shall have an advisory seat on the Federation Council, and serve as the representative of Starfleet. Section 6: Each sub fleet and department of Starfleet, shall compose a brief Charter stating its general purpose and internal organization, to be reviewed and approved by the Commander in Chief of Starfleet. Section 7: The sub fleets comprise the bulk of the Starfleet. These fleets are created as a means of organizing the large number of ships and crews into manageable units. Sub fleets do not have the authority to negotiate treaties, cease-fire agreements or make pacts with any foreign group, government, military unit, etc. unless that are acting under direct orders from the head of External Affairs. Section 8: No member of StarFleet Command may hold a rank lower than captain. Captains placed in positions where they serve in StarFleet Command may be granted the honorary title of "Fleet Captain". Field promotions to captain are not eligible for Command duties. Section 9: Amendments to this Charter can be added after ratification by majority vote of the members of Starfleet Command. Section 10: All members of Starfleet Command are prohibited from commanding more than one single sub fleet or department in Starfleet. Section 11: All members of Starfleet Command are prohibited from holding positions within any sub fleet or department other then the one they command. Article III: Selection of Starfleet Command and other senior positions Section 1: The Commander in Chief of Starfleet: 1. There will be a Commander in Chief of Starfleet appointed by Starfleet Command and confirmed by a majority vote. This position will be held until such time in which the Commander in Chief of Starfleet resigns the post or is removed by Starfleet Command for justifiable reasons. This can be accomplished by a majority no confidence vote by SFC and/or charges being issued against the C-N-C by SFC or IA. At that time the XO takes over and the head of SF MilOps then doubles as the SF XO until the matter is settled. 2. The Commander in Chief of Starfleet, will hold overriding command of all sub fleets and departments of Starfleet. The Commander in Chief of Starfleet will preside over Starfleet Command. The Commander in Chief of Starfleet will make the final declaration of Starfleet Policy decisions, general orders and regulations, as voted on and approved by voting members of Starfleet Command, with the power to break any voting ties unless the vote of the CinC helps to bring about a tie after all SFC members have voted. If at that time there is an abstention, that SFC member will be given the chance to change that vote. If there still is a tie at that point, then the SF XO will cast the deciding vote. This is the only instance in which an XO may vote along with a CO on SFC. 3. The Commander in Chief of Starfleet shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Commander in Chief of Starfleet shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol. In addition , The Commander in Chief of Starfleet will have the authority to promote subordinate officers, conduct boards of inquiry and investigations in all matters concerning Starfleet Command and Starfleet as a whole, as well as have the authority to pardon military criminals, and make ceremonial awards. Finally, the Commander in Chief of Starfleet will have the authority to override and/or change the duties and responsibilities of those subordinate to him within reason. However this can be overridden by a majority vote of SFC. The Commander and Chief of Starfleet will also appoint an Executive Officer . This appointment need not be ratified by a majority vote of SFC. 4. There will be a Executive Officer of Starfleet is appointed by the Commander in Chief of Starfleet. This position will be held until either the Executive Officer of Starfleet abdicates the position, or, is replaced by the Commander in Chief with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Starfleet Command by the same standard. 5. The Executive Officer of Starfleet will be responsible to serve as advisor to the Commander in Chief, and for serving as Commander in Chief should the Commander in Chief of Starfleet becomes unavailable due to absence. The Executive Officer of Starfleet , also called the Deputy Director of Starfleet is also the official Liaison and spokesperson to the news media representing Starfleet. The person holding this position shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Executive Officer reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. The Executive Officer of Starfleet shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol. Section 2: Head of Starfleet Academy 1. There will be a Commandant of Starfleet Academy appointed by the Commander in Chief of Starfleet. This position will be held until either the Commandant of Starfleet Academy abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Starfleet Command by the same standard. 2. The Commandant of Starfleet Academy will be responsible for the function and supervision of Starfleet Academy, the organization and deployment of any additional vessels and equipment needed for training, initial placement of such newly trained personnel, and as a resource for Starfleet Command in questions of protocol. He shall have the right to choose his own staff to serve on his star ship and they will also serve as his office staff. The Commandant of Starfleet Academy reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol. The XO is also allowed 1 star ship with crew to serve as staff for the XO. Section 3: Head of Starfleet Intelligence: 1. There will be a Head of Starfleet Intelligence appointed by the Commander in Chief of Starfleet. This position will be held until either the Head of Intelligence abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief of Starfleet with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Starfleet Command by the same standard. 2. The Head of Starfleet Intelligence will be responsible for the undertaking of all Starfleet Covert and Intelligence gathering Operations, organization and deployment of Federation Intelligence Operatives, up to and including the Assault and Rescue and Reconnaissance Units. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Head of Starfleet Intelligence reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol. Section 4: Head of Starfleet Internal Affairs: 1. There will be a Head of Starfleet Internal Affairs appointed by the Commander in Chief of Starfleet. This position will be held until either the Head of Internal Affairs abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief of Starfleet with someone else upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Starfleet Command by the same standard. 2. The Head of Internal Affairs will supervise the Judge Advocate General's office, which will be responsible for court martials, boards of inquiry, and hearings. The Head of Internal Affairs will also supervise the office of Starfleet Criminal Investigation. The Head of Internal Affairs will also have the authority to issue ceremonial awards, issue promotions above the rank of Captain, but must work with and inform the head of any department or fleet before doing so, and make policies concerning officer conduct. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Head of Internal Affairs reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He/she/it shall also be charged with keeping records of Starfleet Command sessions (where applicable), and maintaining a source for inter fleet communication.He shall have the authority to discipline any officer for any criminal or non criminal breach of protocol, but must show just cause before doing so and make sure that said officer is given every opportunity to defend himself in a court of law if he so wishes. When asking the removal of a member of SFC, the head of IA must first ask the CinC to remove that person and give just cause for doing so. If the CinC for some reason does not wish to follow through with the removal of the SFC member in question, then the head of IA may ask for a vote on the matter and the majority result of said vote will decide the matter. Section 5: Chief of Military Operations: 1. There will be a Head of Starfleet Military Operations appointed by the Commander in Chief of Starfleet. This position will be held until either the Head of Military Operations abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Starfleet Command by the same standard. 2. The Chief of Starfleet Military Operations will be responsible for coordinating inter fleet military activities, planning offensive and defensive strategies, and the deployment of Starfleet Military resources. He shall authorize the use of Military force, if deemed necessary by himself, the commander in chief, or Starfleet Command. However, if the head of Military Operations makes the decision to use military force over the objections of SFC and/or the CinC, he will accept the responsibility and the possible repercussions. The Chief of Military Operations will serve as the executive commander of the fleets, serving as an intermediary and subordinate to the Commander in Chief. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Head of Starfleet Military Operations reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to a maximum of their own rank. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol. Section 5-A: Commanding Officer of a sub fleet 1. There will be a commanding officer for each sub fleet appointed by the Chief of Starfleet Military Operations. This position will be held until either the commanding officer abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief or Chief of Starfleet Military Operations with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Starfleet Command by the same standard. 2. The commanding officer will be responsible for coordinating inter division activities (if any), planning offensive and defensive strategies, and the deployment of that sub fleets Military resources. He shall authorize the use of Military force, if deemed necessary by the Chief of Starfleet Military Operations, the Commander in Chief, or Starfleet Command. The commanding officer will serve as the executive commander of the sub fleet, serving as the Chief of Military Operations for his patrol district. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Commanding Officer reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol. He shall serve as a civilian governor to all worlds within his patrol district if there is none already in place. Section 6: Head of Starfleet Science & Medical: 1. There will be a head of Starfleet Medical appointed by the Commander in Chief of Starfleet. This position will be held until either the Head of Starfleet Medical abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Starfleet Command by the same standard. 2. The Head of Starfleet Medical will be responsible for the health and welfare of Starfleet, including research and technology in the following areas: Medical, Science and Counseling; education and placement of personnel to meet Starfleet's needs in those areas, provision and transport of medical supply and emergency services for Federation worlds. He shall be an active medical practitioner. He shall enforce a code of ethics for practitioners of health services, and instigate investigation into those who break it, but must work with SF Judge Advocate General's office in such a case. He has the power to approve or deny medical or scientific research proposals with just cause. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Head Of Science & Medical reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol. Section 7: Head of Starfleet Operations 1. There will be a Head of Starfleet Operations appointed by the Commander in Chief of Starfleet. This position will be held until either the Head of Starfleet Operations abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Starfleet Command by the same standard. 2. The Head of Starfleet Operations will be responsible for implementation and regulation of all Starfleet technology and starship design, all matters pertaining to maintenance of Starfleet vessels, construction and distribution of Starfleet vessels, regulation and distribution of new technologies. He shall have the power to pass new regulations and bans on Starfleet technological resources, after launching a full investigation into the area of question. He shall be responsible for the distribution of Starfleet material resources. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Head Of Star Fleet operations reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for a non criminal breach of protocol. Section 8: Head of Starfleet External Affairs 1. There will be a Head of Starfleet External Affairs appointed by the Commander in Chief of Starfleet. This position will be held until either the Head of Starfleet Operations abdicates the position, is replaced by the Commander in Chief with someone else, upon the presentation of just cause, or is removed by Starfleet Command by the same standard. 2. The Head of Starfleet External Affairs will be responsible for implementation and regulation of all Starfleet treaties, will be responsible for the implantation, and regulation of First Contact scenarios. He is responsible for the dealings of all non-military action outside of the Federation, including but not limited too, Foreign Policy, Scientific First Contact and Exploration of New Space. The Head of External Affairs is responsible for presenting to Star Fleet Command all new treaties for a confirmation vote before the C-N-C, Head of External Affairs and the foreign representative signs said treaty. He shall have the right to choose his own staff. The Head of External Affairs reserves the right to review and promote any officer under their command at the end of each promotion period, up to one rank below their own. He shall have the authority to discipline any officer under his direct command for non-criminal breach of protocol. Article IV: General Procedure Section 1: The rank system of Starfleet shall be as follows (in increasing order): ENLISTED RANKS - Crewman Recruit - Crewman Aprentice - Crewman - Petty Officer, Third Class - Petty Officer, Second Class - Petty Officer, First Class - Chief Petty Officer - Senior Chief Petty Officer - Master Chief Petty Officer - Command Master Chief Petty Officer - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Fleet WARRANT OFFICER RANKS - Warrant Officer, Second Class - Warrant Officer, First Class - Chief Warrant Officer - Senior Chief Warrant Officer - Master Chief Warrant Officer OFFICER RANKS - Ensign - Lieutenant (Junior Grade) - Lieutenant - Lieutenant Commander - Commander - Senior Commander - Captain - Senior Captain - Fleet Captain FLAG OFFICER RANKS - Commodore - Senior Commodore - Rear Admiral - Forward Admiral - Vice Admiral - Deputy Admiral - Admiral - Senior Admiral - Fleet Admiral Section 2: Chain of Command. Starfleet Command and Sub fleet Commanding Officers May give orders to any subordinate Starfleet officer regardless of department or sub fleet, but may be asked to give just cause if those orders are later found to be in question. May not give orders to any department or sub fleet's CO unless that order; deals directly with the department under their own command. Or if the is order is to desist form performing an act that goes against Starfleet general orders. Starfleet Command and fleet XOs May give orders to any subordinate Starfleet officer regardless of department or sub fleet. This may include officers of higher rank, which do not serve on SFC. May not give orders to any department or sub- fleet's XO unless that order; deals directly with the department under their own command. Or if the is order is to desist form performing an act that goes against Starfleet general orders. Officers out side of SFC May give orders to any subordinate Starfleet officer regardless of department or sub fleet. May not give orders to any officer of the same rank or higher unless that order; deals directly with the rules and regulations of their own department and is given in order to carry out the propose of that department or sub fleet. Or if the order is to desist form performing an act that goes against Starfleet general orders. Promotions Policy Promotion Review Periods for officers between the ranks of Ensign and Lieutenant Commander will last for two months. Promotion review periods of officers to be promoted to the ranks of Commander and above are limited to 4 months, with completion of command school. Temporary field promotions are permitted outside of the normal promotion review time, during a state of SFC-declared War only. CO?s who wish to issue a field promotion may do so after submitting the promotion review paperwork through the chain of command to IA. The field promotion will immediately take effect and be listed as "Field Promoted to", until such time as the war is officially declared over. After hostilities are ceased, Internal Affairs will evaluate all field promotions for permanent change to have the "Field Promoted to" part removed. With the exception of the temporary field promotions; all promotion reviews outside of the normal review cycle must be submitted to IA for approval. |
| STARFLEET CHARTER |
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