On the ‘Stubs’ pages, I noticed that Able Spaceman is said to be an enlisted rank (rate).
Because I served 10 years in the US Navy, the term actually brings a picture of a being able to do the work of a wet navy boatswain to my mind.
Thinking it over, I believe Able Spaceman should actually be a rating (job type) similar to a wet navy boatswain’s mate described at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boatswain%27s_mate_%28United_States_Navy%29.
I can easily picture the Union Navy needing people like this. Also, this would bring tradition into play, something I can see Admirals Stahl and Mc Elligott favoring.
Interested in your thoughts,
Dusty