Lead Commander

Lead Commander

Union Fleet makes  strict distinction between Starship Captain and any other rank. In order to allow officers that are not picked to become Starship COs to be promoted beyond Commander, the new rank Lead Commander was introduced during the Rank Structure Reform of 5049.

The rank has the same base pay grade and holds the same command chain position as Captain. However Lead Commanders are often found as department heads, or in command of bases and stations.. There are no Lead Commanders aboard Starships command structures.There might be LC ranking department leads in non Command deartments such as Engineering, Medical, Fleet Security etc.

Lead Commanders do no go to Command school but often hold doctorates or similar academic or engineering titles. Chief Engineers, Chief Medical Officers

Lead Commanders rank insignia and uniform decoration is silver and have no lower sleeve rings.