Rear Admiral


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Rear Admiral
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Higher Rank:
Lower Rank:
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Known Rear Admirals:
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Rear Admiral is a flag officer rank above Captain and Commodore and ranking below Vice Admiral. It has a ranking code of A-2. The rank is equivalent to Major General in the Starfleet Marine Corps. The rank insignia consists of two full pips on a square plate.

History

The rank of Rear Admiral originated from the days of Naval Sailing Squadrons and can trace its origins to the Royal Navy. Each Naval Squadron would be assigned an admiral as its head, who would command from the centre vessel and direct the activities of the squadron. The admiral would in turn be assisted by a Vice Admiral, who commanded the lead ships which would bear the brunt of a naval assault. In the rear of the Naval Squadron, a third admiral would command the remaining ships and, as this section of the squadron was considered to be in the least danger, the admiral in command of the rear would typically be the most junior of the squadron admirals. This has survived into the modern age, with the rank of rear admiral the among first and most-junior of the admiralty ranks, though over the years the rank of Commodore arose to be the lowest rung on the admiralty ladder.

Commands

Rear Admirals most often command large starbases. Rear Admirals may also command planetary outposts or serve as division heads for Starfleet bases on major worlds. They usually have an officer ranking between Commander and Commodore acting as an adjutant to assist them in their duties. Most Rear Admirals have desk jobs, but those in command of bases are usually granted important outposts. Occasionally, a Rear Admiral can be found in command of a starship, but only in rare occasions, and usually only when in command of a Task Force as well.


Starfleet Officer Ranks
Ensign Lieutenant JG Lieutenant Lieutenant Commander Commander Captain Fleet Captain Commodore Rear Admiral Vice Admiral Admiral Fleet Admiral