Starfighters Ranking

Starfighters Cadet Program

Rank Doctrine

Rank in Starfighters is earned after specialty completion through sustained service, contribution, and operational stability. Medals mark milestones. Service ribbons build a record. Rank reflects readiness and responsibility over time.

FRQ Required
Phase III Specialty Required
One Completion Code Per Specialty
Ribbons Build Service Record
Rank Is Earned Through Service
Starfighters Ranking Doctrine header graphic

Doctrine Overview

Starfighters training establishes capability. Rank recognizes what happens after training: consistent judgment, dependable service, and contribution that strengthens the system. Rank is not a requirement for participation. It is a recognition of readiness.

Core Principle: Rank is earned through service actions, not through additional manuals. Manuals establish doctrine. Service proves alignment.

Progression Gates

Progression is structured in clear gates to keep the system stable and simple.

  • Complete FRQ (Flight Readiness Qualified) to enter Phase III eligibility.
  • Complete one Phase III specialty manual to earn Specialist status.
  • After Specialist, rank becomes available through service ribbons and time-in-service.

Recognition System

Starfighters recognition has three layers, each with a different purpose.

  • Medals mark major milestones (FRQ completion, specialty completion).
  • Service Ribbons record ongoing service and contribution (stackable, repeatable where appropriate).
  • Rank reflects sustained readiness and responsibility over time.

Rank Track

The rank track is intentionally lightweight. It signals progression without creating hierarchy inflation. Rank is visible status. Service ribbons are the record behind it.

Rank Definition How It Is Earned
Cadet Entry status for all participants prior to specialty completion. Enrollment and training participation.
Specialist Earned status after completing a Phase III specialty manual. Complete one specialty and submit its completion code in the app.
Senior Specialist Demonstrated reliability and steady contribution beyond initial training. Time-in-service plus service ribbon thresholds (see below).
Chief Specialist System stabilizer. Recognized for consistent judgment and high trust. Advanced ribbon thresholds including contribution/service ribbons.
Command Track Optional branch for those who complete Command & Leadership and meet service criteria. Command specialty plus sustained service record and demonstrated stability.

Note: Specialist is a threshold moment. After Specialist, progression is based on service actions and record-building, not additional coursework.

Service Ribbons

Service ribbons are the primary post-specialty progression mechanic. They record what a cadet contributes over time. Ribbons are stackable and consistent in format, allowing a service record to be readable at a glance.

Category A: Time-in-Service

Automatically awarded based on active time and participation windows.

  • Active Service
  • Sustained Service
  • Extended Service
Category B: Cross-Specialty Qualification

Awarded when a Specialist completes additional Phase III specialties.

  • Dual-Qualified
  • Multi-Discipline
Category C: Contribution & Service

Awarded for actions that strengthen the cadet corps and improve readiness.

  • Instructor Support
  • Doctrine Contributor
  • Community Stabilizer
  • Mission Support
Category D: Commendations

Rare recognitions awarded sparingly for exceptional discipline, clarity, or service under pressure.

  • Exemplary Judgment
  • Exceptional Clarity
  • Service Under Pressure

Rank Advancement Rules

Rank advancement is based on objective thresholds to keep promotions stable and non-political. The app can calculate eligibility from service ribbons, time-in-service, and confirmed completions.

Target Rank Minimum Requirements Intent
Specialist One Phase III specialty completed; completion code verified; specialty ribbon and medal awarded. Marks transition from training status to career status.
Senior Specialist Specialist status; time-in-service threshold; additional service ribbons earned (any category). Recognizes consistency and reliability.
Chief Specialist Senior Specialist status; multiple service ribbons; at least one contribution/service ribbon. Recognizes stabilizers who reduce system uncertainty for others.
Command Track Command & Leadership specialty completed; contribution ribbons; sustained service record. Keeps command rare and earned through demonstrated responsibility.

Rank is not a reward for activity volume. It is recognition for stability, judgment, and contribution that strengthens readiness.

System Intent

The Starfighters ranking system is designed to preserve clarity at scale. Titles do not create authority. Authority emerges from trust. Ribbons record service. Rank reflects sustained readiness. Medals mark milestone completion.

The system rewards stability over noise, contribution over attention, and long-term readiness over short-term performance.

CODE: RD-RANKS

Starfighters Cadet Program • Ranking Doctrine • https://www.mykindlebooks.net/Starfighters/ranking/