Science Officer

The Charter of the United Stars Navy specifically states that the gathering of data, the expansion of knowledge and the exploration of the Unknown is paramount part of the United Stars Navy Mission. As such every Capital Vessel carrying the USS prefix is equipped with at least a basic set of scientific sensors ( Telescope, Particle Sensor, Life detectors). In practice small vessel combine the position of Science Department with the OPS position, but all larger vessels have a dedicated Science Department and headed by the Chief Science Officer (Senior Officer position). The CSO is a bridge position, that is to be permanently crewed by a member of the ships science department. The CSO is responsible to gather data and information about the space the ships travels in, conduct experiments and observations and devise experiments and scientific tasks that can run on the side of the ships main mission.

In combat situations the Science Officer will use his tools, knowledge and training to assist Tactical to find the best possible ways of achieving whatever military goal is set by the captain or the mission.

Science Officers work with Communications to establish contact in first Contact situations.

Science officers are responsible for observing and theorizing explanations for strange or seemingly unexplainable circumstances.

A general survey party required the direction of the science officer.

The science officer is required to keep sufficient data and is required to supply the commanding officer with all reports, observations, and speculations that might have affected the safety of their vessel.

Science Officers are traditionally Science Corps Officers attached to the Fleet and receive their basic training in the regular Fleet Academy,

Science Officer training is quite different from any other field of science study as it requires the individual to have a broad working knowledge in all branches of science and a specialization in at least disciplines. Almost all Science Officers hold at least one PhD in a field of natural or applied science.