STARFLEET UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA
Starfleet shoulder insignia
Commissioned Officer Insignia
Earth Starfleet Uniforms
Non-Commissioned grade of Crewman displays no insignia
Starfleet Division Colors
Command
Operations
Science
Starfleet Flag Ranks
Training Ranks
Recruit
Officer Candidate
Training ranks were first created in August 2139 pending the formal opening of the Starfleet Training Center. The ranks use no division coloring or rank insignia. The rank of Recruit is used by Starfleet personnel in basic training while Officer Candidate is held by those Starfleet members who are part of an officer accession training program.
HISTORY OF STARFLEET UNIFORMS
The first use of Starfleet insignia occurred unofficially in December 2135, when various members of the Office of Starfleet Operations began pinning small metal pips to their civilian clothing (Starfleet at this point had no uniforms, but did possess a rank system) in order to denote grades of seniority. In January 2136, the Starfleet Deputy Director of Administration issued a Starfleet administrative order which formally established the first Starfleet uniforms and insignia.
Starfleet Administrative Order #2 formally established Starfleet uniforms and insignia in January 2136. The uniform consisted of a dark blue jumpsuit with rank pips worn on one collar while the insignia of Starfleet was displayed on the uniform's shoulder. Colored piping (gold, red, and blue) denoted the division of Starfleet in which the member served.
Original design for Starfleet uniforms in 2136
In May 2136, the United Earth Congress authorized the creation of Starfleet flag ranks, providing for four grades ranging from Commodore to Admiral. However, under Earth statute law, all promotions to flag rank also required the Earth Starfleet to hold an appropriate billet.
Comparison between the standard and flag officer Starfleet uniforms.
Flag officers also displayed rank pips on both lapels
In June 2136, Captain Thomas Nelson was promoted to Commodore as the Chief of Starfleet Operations. The higher Starfleet flag ranks were considered inactive until October 2137 with the promotion of Commodore Nelson to the rank of Rear Admiral.
In November 2137, the Office of Starfleet Administration formally established the enlisted rank of Crewman which was a position intended for members of the general public joining Starfleet without prior service in the United Earth Space Probe Agency.
