In Starfleet, an enlisted or noncommissioned officer is one who has not completed the four-year Starfleet Academy course. In most cases, enlisted crewmen sign up directly to a ship or posting, and receive basic training, as well as any specific courses required for their position.
Any commissioned officer, from Ensign upward, directly outranks an enlisted officer in the chain of command. However, in certain cases, an enlisted officer can command commissioned officers (Miles O'Brien is one such case, in his position as Chief Operations Officer aboard Deep Space Nine).
Enlisted officers can apply to receive a commission, but must pass necessary examinations and/or attend the Academy. |
