Difference between revisions of "Starfleet"


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{{Military/Starfleet
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{{Icons|pfc|fed}}
|image=[[Image:Starfleet command emblem.png|300px]]
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{{Organization
 
|name=Starfleet
 
|name=Starfleet
|unit=
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|image=[[File:Starfleet_command_emblem.png|300px]]
|active=Since 2132
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|founded=2161
|partof=United Federation of Planets
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|affiliation=[[United Federation of Planets]]
|government=United Federation of Planets
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|headquarters=San Francisco, Earth
|branch=Military
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|primary mission=Exploration
|type=
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|location=
|role=*Exploration
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|leadership=[[memoryalpha:Starfleet Command|Starfleet Command]]
*Diplomacy
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|flagship=''USS Enterprise''
*Defense
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|motto=
|garrison=
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|status=Active
|flagship=USS Enterprise NCC-1701 E
 
|nickname=
 
|motto=''"To boldly go where no one has gone before"''
 
|battles=
 
|decorations=
 
|cincsf=President of the [[United Federation of Planets]]
 
|cossf=[[Fleet Admiral]] Teval
 
|mcposf= MCPO Christopher Guerrera
 
|cmdtsfmc=
 
|dcmdtsfmc=
 
|sgtmajsfmc=
 
|cosfdept=
 
|mcpodept=
 
 
}}
 
}}
Starfleet serves as the exploratory and diplomatic arm of the [[Federation]] though it also serves as defense.  Any Federation citizen may join Starfleet, though non-Federation Citizens may also join if they have a letter from a Starfleet officer in good standing.  Starfleet officers are also expected to set an example for the rest of the Federation, and to curb their drinking and carousing as this will end in time in the brig and a letter of discommendation.  To much of the galaxy, Starfleet ''is'' the Federation as those are likely the only Federation members they ever see.  The allure of adventure along with exacting entrance exams ensure that Starfleet only admits "the best and the brightest" within its ranks.  As a result, Starfleet has produced more than its share of legends some of whom single-handedly helped shape the future of the Federation.  Among Starfleet's various duties are bringing medical supplies to frontier outposts, protecting the fringe colonies from pirates and raiders, intervening to prevent astronomical catastrophes, making first contact with new life forms, and negotiating disputes with foreign powers.
 
  
== The Mission ==
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'''Starfleet''' is the exploratory and defense service maintained by the [[United Federation of Planets]]. Its principal functions include the advancement of Federation knowledge about the galaxy and its inhabitants through scientific discovery, research, and exploration. Starfleet’s ancillary duties include defense of the Federation, and facilitation of Federation diplomacy. Starfleet personnel therefore act as official representatives of the Federation and, as such, are expected to embody its highest ideals. They are highly flexible, and capable of undertaking a wide variety of missions thanks to their extensive training and experience.
The Federation Constitution provides for a fleet with the mandate to seek out new civilizations and new life forms.  The founding members knew that by combining resources they could explore more of the galaxy and universe as a whole.  The solution was a combination deep-space exploration agency, diplomatic corps, and defense force that they called Starfleet and it is perhaps the [[Federation]]'s greatest achievement to date. It is symbol of the Federation's strength and ideals. It has allowed the races of the Federation the chance to work side by side to understand each other and started a desire in all to go where no one has gone before and to push the boundaries of sentient knowledge and understanding.
 
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Today, Starfleet has evolved into a more militaristic agency than it has been in the past.  The fundamental ideals, however, are the same.  Those who join Starfleet do not it to defend their homes, but to explore.  Starfleet personnel are the Federation citizens who first meet alien life forms, and as such they are held to a higher standard of behavior.
 
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Starfleet's main mission is, and always has been, to explore.  Starfleet was the first to encounter [[Betazoid]]s, Saurians, [[Caitian]]s, and many other races, many of whom later joined the Federation.  Starfleet ships were the also the first to discover other species such as the exocomps, Soong-type androids, and other robotic lifeforms, not all of them good.
 
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Part of Starfleet mission is diplomatic in nature.  A corps of highly trained diplomatic officers provides their services to Starfleet, serving on Starships, Starbases, and as Diplomatic Couriers and Envoys.
 
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However, the Federation still needed to be defended, as proven by the Romulans, Cardassians, Dominion and others.  Starfleet would always protect the Federation, whether protecting the outer colonies from pirates, or protecting the whole from an enemy more insidious like the Borg.  But the heart of every Starfleet officer still lies with exploration.
 
  
== History ==
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==History==
=== United Earth ===
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The origins of the modern Starfleet can be traced back to the [[memoryalpha:Starfleet#United Earth Starfleet|United Earth Starfleet]] of the 22nd century. Founded first-and-foremost as an exploratory body, this iteration of the interstellar force soon began to undergo a process of militarization, prompted by early encounters with various dangers in deep space. It accelerated considerably following the [[memoryalpha:Xindi incident|Xindi incident]] of 2153 and the [[memoryalpha:Earth-Romulan War|Earth-Romulan War]] of the late 2150s, in which the United Earth Starfleet saw significant military action alongside the forces of other future Federation members.
Starfleet began in the 2132 as the primary space defense and exploration arm of United Earth.  The primary authority of Starfleet was referred to as either Starfleet Command or UESPA (United Earth Space Probe Agency) under the command of the Command Council and was located in the city of San Francisco on Earth.  The primary purpose of Starfleet from its infancy was to "...seek out new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before."  This quote is attributed to Zefram Cochrane, the father of Earth warp drives.  Some Starfleet personnel worked in conjunction with the United Earth Diplomatic Corps.
 
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In 2153, following a Xindi attack on Earth and numerous firefights that the Enterprise NX-01 had been involved in since its launch in 2151, Earth determined that its vessels would begin to carry detachments of United Earth's elite military unit, the [[Starfleet Marine Corps|MACOs]], thus taking a step towards the unification of Starfleet and the military as in times of war every ship had MACOs to help defend the ship, though in times of peace, they were separate.
 
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One of the primary projects of Starfleet was to develop a viable and fast interstellar engine that would allow Earth to cross huge distances in reasonably short time.  Despite some allegations of interference - or at least, a refusal of assistance - from the Vulcans, Earth had made notable progress in developing the warp five engine by the 2150s, largely due to Henry Archer, father of Captain Jonathan Archer.
 
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When Starfleet was founded, the writers of the United Earth Starfleet Charter included Article 14, Section 31, thereby creating an organization of the same name that was allowed to bend certain rules in times of extraordinary threat. This organization operated completely autonomously for the following nearly 300 years.
 
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In 2151, the [[Romulan]] cold war started with the assistance of the Enterprise NX-01 to the [[Andorian]]s and the [[Vulcan]]s.  The Romulans, angered by the interference of the humans, began to place them higher on their list of threats to the [[Romulan Empire]].  With the status of the humans somewhat increased on [[Romulus]], the Romulans began to attack the human colonies, started what became known as the [[Earth-Romulan War]].  Though it began in 2155, the war continued until 2160, when the Coalition of Planets eventually defeated the Romulans and began the talks of what would be the founding of the Federation.
 
  
=== Birth of the Federation ===
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When the Federation was founded in 2161, early leadership chose to pursue policies of peace and exploration. This quickly led to United Earth Starfleet being selected as the core of a unified interstellar service. The space services of other pre-Federation powers (such as the Andorians, Vulcans, and Tellarites) were folded into the new, combined organization. And subsequently, all operations were overseen by [[memoryalpha:Starfleet Command|Starfleet Command]].
With the birth of the Federation in 2161, Starfleet and the deep-space exploratory and military services of the other member worlds were folded into the authority of the [[Federation]] to create what is known today as Federation Starfleet.  It was not an easy transition for the various peoples of the newly-founded Federation as Tellarites were prone to squealing when upset, frustrated, or angry.  Vulcans saw the other races as overly emotional and some Vulcans even saw them as weak.  The Andorians were unhappy with the less militaristic stance that Starfleet took than their own [[Andorian Defense Force|Defense Force]] but saw the need for exploration.  Starfleet was unhappy that the Vulcan High Command and the Andorian Defense Force maintained their autonomy without answering to Starfleet, and wished that they would be folded into it, though the Andorians insisted that they be allowed to keep their own military for defense purposes.  It was a trying time, though they managed to get through it very quickly.
 
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It is curious to some why Earth starships were chosen for the design of the new Federation Starfleet ships, though the reason is quite logical. The Vulcan ships were not able to turn as quickly on their axis as the Earth ships.  This was fine for the Vulcan High Command, but Starfleet needed more maneuverability while at warp.  They also found that the Earth ships had more stable warp drives than Andorian ships do to the saucer-engineering-nacelle design which allowed for more stability because the nacelles were not the same height on the ship as the warp engine.
 
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Later in 2198, Starfleet expanded to include Saurians though not many joined Starfleet at first.  Appearing as large reptiles including tails, they were quite "creepy" to most humans though they did learn to work with them.  As more species were admitted to the Federation, their militaries began to be brought among Starfleet's ranks, creating a mishmash of very peoples, from Vulcans to Andorians to Saurians and everything in between.
 
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=== 2200s ===
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For two-and-a-half centuries, Starfleet has continued its mission of science and diplomacy. They have pushed the limits of Federation knowledge and broadened understanding. At times, they have had to mobilize for war, such as during the [[memoryalpha:Federation-Klingon War (2256-57)|Federation-Klingon War]] of the mid-2250s or the [[memoryalpha:Federation-Cardassian War|Federation-Cardassian War]] that lasted through several decades of the 24th century. They have also achieved great acts of peace, including the Khitomer Accords with the [[Klingon Empire]] and the Treaty of Algeron with the [[Romulan Star Empire]]. In addition, numerous exploratory missions have provided opportunities for colonization and diplomatic engagement with potential member worlds, expanding the Federation’s borders significantly.
Often referred to as Starfleet's golden age, the early 2200s saw an ever expanding universe with the discoveries of more and more new lifeforms and planets such as [[Betazed]]. [[Deltan]]s and [[Trill]] joined the Federation as did others and shared their knowledge and technology with the other members of the Federation and the Federation began to grow into what it was known as during Kirk's time. It was a time of exploration and diplomacy, a time when Starfleet did what it did best: explore.
 
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However, during the 2250s Starfleet and the [[Klingon Empire]] were escalating into a full scale war.  The people of the Federation were fearful of and hated [[Klingon]]s as Klingon warships would attack the outlying colonies and outposts.  Some colonies were evacuated to be closer to the core of the Federation because the Klingons were becoming so much of a threat. The cold war ended in 2267, just days after it had begun, because of the actions of the Organians, a powerful noncorporeal race.  The Organian Peace Treaty ended the war and opened the path towards peace, though it did not come at first.
 
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There were more skirmishes with the Klingons, though far more with the [[Romulan]]s where the Federation stole a cloaking device from a Romulan ship that was ordered to test it to see if it could pass the Federation listening posts successfully.  Captain James T. Kirk and Commander Spock escaped by a small margin, though succeeded in bringing the cloaking device back to the Federation for further study.  The [[Romulan Empire]] demanded the return of the cloaking device and a full public apology from the Federation for its actions, though the Federation President countered that the Romulans had been attempting to enter Federation space uninvited.
 
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With the destruction of the Klingon moon Praxis, Starfleet and the Federation gave aid to the Klingons, leading to the First Khitomer Accords and the friendship that Federation and the Klingons now enjoy.  The cold war was over, and a program was put into place for the Federation and the Klingons to better understand each other: The Federation-Klingon Officer Exchange Program.  It has not always been smooth as empathic and telepathic species have trouble with being surrounded by the aggressive Klingon minds, but Humans, Andorians, and other non-telepaths eventually learn to accept and trust Klingon warriors who in turn learn that Federation has honor.
 
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Until as late as the 2290s, some Starfleet operations continued to fall at least partly under the jurisdiction of United Earth Space Probe Agency, though by the 24th Century Starfleet operations were regulated by Starfleet Command alone, answering only to the [[Federation#Executive Branch|Federation President]] and the [[Federation#Legislature|Federation Council]]
 
  
=== 2300s ===
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Starfleet was once again forced to take on a more defensive posture following its first encounter with the [[memoryalpha:Borg Collective|Borg Collective]] in the 2360s, leading to another period of militarization. However, this proved timely in that it helped them to better prepare for the outbreak of hostilities, first with the Klingon Empire, and then with the [[memoryalpha:Dominion|Dominion]].
In 2311, a confrontation between Starfleet and the [[Romulan Empire]], costing thousands of lives, occurred.  This event, called the Tomed Incident, led to the signing of the Treaty of Algeron, which redefined the Romulan Neutral Zone and additionally banned [[Federation]] research into developing a cloaking device and the use of any such device and led to the withdrawal of the Romulan forces within their own borders from whence they did not emerge for the next 53 years. At the same time, Federation-Klingon relations became rocky again and, by the 2340s, another war seemed imminent.  Starfleet ships gave aid to the Klingon outpost of Khitomer which had been attacked by [[Tal Shiar]] forces, and the Klingons became more cordial towards the Federation, and the signing of the Second Khitomer Accords.  However, it was the sacrifice by the crew of the USS Enterprise-C, giving their lives in defense of the Klingon outpost of Narendra III, changed the setting.  Being regarded as an honorable act, the incident enormously helped the Federation's image with the Klingon Empire.  Although relations were "not too cordial" around 2349, the Treaty of Alliance was signed by 2353, establishing a firm alliance between both powers, and Starfleet and the [[Klingon Defense Force]]. This enabled the Officer Exchange Program to come to full fruition as once again, the officers were able to learn about one another's culture.
 
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In the 2340s, Starfleet was called upon to defend the Federation in several wars as many powers were against the expansion of the Federation.  One of the most notable was the Federation-Cardassian War, one of the most severe of these conflicts which began with the Setlik III massacre, the Cardassians claiming preemptive strike. The war began as a series of conflicts along the Federation-Cardassian border, which became known as the Border Wars.  The two powers, obsessed with protecting their interests, brought the conflicts to an effective stalemate in the mid-2360s, the open hostilities ending in 2366.  A ceasefire was agreed to and signed in 2367, though the USS Phoenix attacked without orders, causing a further flare up that could very well have caused open war to break out again.  As late as 2368, questions still remained about who wanted what planets.  In 2369, Starfleet suspected the Cardassians of a possible annexation of the Igo Sector, which they did indeed attempt to take Minos Korva. Finally, in 2369, the treaty and the Jankata Accord was signed by both sides, creating what is now known as the Demilitarized Zone.
 
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Another incident occurred in 2353, which began a series of skirmishes with the Talarians, which were fought over a 3-year period.  Though technologically inferior to the Federation, the Talarians overcame this hurdle with a willingness to fight to the death and by using unconventional guerrilla tactics.  This "war" took place over several border planets, include Castal I and Galen IV, the latter of which was overrun and destroyed by Talarian forces in 2357.  Eventually, a treaty was signed between the two powers in 2358, which included the return of all prisoners of war.
 
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In the year 2365, the worst threat to the Federation and Starfleet came when the USS Enterprise-D made first contact with the [[Borg]].  It then that it was discovered that the Borg were responsible for the mysterious destruction of several Federation and Romulan outposts on the edge of the Neutral Zone a year earlier.  An advanced race of cybernetic and biological beings possessing a level of technology far beyond that of Starfleet and the Federation, the Borg began their campaign to conquer the Federation.  In 2366, at the Battle of Wolf 359, Starfleet's confidence crumbled when a single Borg cube effortlessly put down an armada of forty starships with the help of an assimilated Jean-Luc Picard, known to the Borg as Locutus.  Though the Borg were defeated, the effect on Starfleet morale was undeniable.  After Wolf 359, Starfleet focused more effort in defense technology, which became apparent in ship classes like the {{Class|Sovereign}}, {{Class|Defiant}}, and {{Class|Prometheus}}, which were clearly more combat-focused than the traditional research vessels that Starfleet had previously employed.  The creation of these new ships proved to be pivotal in the [[Dominion War]].
 
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Hostilities with the Klingon Empire erupted once again in 2372 with the Klingon attack on the [[Cardassian Union]].  Angered by Starfleet's refusal to declare war against an enemy of the Empire and its aid to said enemy, Chancellor Gowron dissolved the two Khitomer Accords and also caused the first Federation-Klingon War in nearly a century.  The two peoples began to relearn the old hatreds of their grandparents and great-grandparents, channeling the hatred towards violence.  However, with the assistance of Captain Benjamin Sisko and some of his staff, the Klingon High Council uncovered a changeling in their midst who was impersonating General Martok.  The location of the real Martok remained unknown for some time, though the actions of Sisko and his crew led to a stronger alliance between the Federation and the Klingons and the reaffirmation of the Khitomer Accords in 2373.
 
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Another fight with the Borg took place in 2373, when another Borg cube attacked Earth. After Deep Space 5 reported the destruction of a colony on Ivor Prime by the Borg, the first battle took place in the Typhon sector. Since the Federation fleet, under the command of Admiral Hayes, was not able to stop the Borg, the final battle was fought in Sector 001, in Earth's orbit, where the cube was eventually destroyed by the USS Enterprise-E, though the ship needed to travel back in time to stop the assimilation of the planet itself.
 
  
=== Dominion War ===
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Many hoped that, following the end of the Dominion War, Starfleet would once again return to its original mandate. Unfortunately, this was not to be. Threats of secession by certain Federation member worlds over the Romulan evacuation, the synth attack on Mars, and the supernova of the Romulan Sun steered things in another direction. Devastating losses to its assets and fleet power, as well as a shift in public policy and opinion, turned the focus inward.
After settling hostilities with the [[Klingon]]s and taking heavy losses in the Battle of Sector 001, Starfleet's means of defending the [[Federation]] against the [[Dominion]] was by and large greatly diminished, which is part of why the [[Dominion War]] went on as long as it did. The ensuing 2-year conflict was one of the bloodiest in Federation history, as well as in the history of the [[Klingon Empire]].  Though ambassadors attempted to convince the [[Romulan]]s to enter the war, they refused to do so until the suspected assassination of Senator Vreenak. The tide began to turn in the Federation's favor, enabling Starfleet to stop some of the attacks on Federation worlds, and liberate the ones that had been taken, such as [[Betazed]], [[Bolarus IX]], and [[Benzar]].  The war ended with the Battle of Cardassia and the signing of the Treaty of [[Bajor]], ensuring the [[Bajoran]]s' entrance into the Federation some months later.
 
  
== Organization ==
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Starfleet’s exploratory operations were greatly reduced in the latter part of the 2380s. A majority of their remaining resources were re-allocated to domestic research, border patrol, and internal security. Older, previously inactive fleets were reconstituted and redeployed to try to meet these needs. And although there has been some increase in deep space exploration, humanitarian aid efforts, and diplomatic engagement in recent years, such operations remain outliers in a largely internally-focused Starfleet.
''See Also:
 
  
* ''[[Starfleet Academy]]
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==Organization==
* ''[[Starfleet Command]]
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Given that Starfleet is a service of the Federation, the Federation President has direct command authority. In addition, the Federation Council often influences the service’s operation and issues orders on occasion.
* ''[[Starfleet Headquarters]]
 
* ''[[Starfleet Intelligence]]
 
* ''[[Starfleet Security]]
 
* ''[[Starfleet Tactical Division]]
 
* ''[[Starfleet Corps of Engineers]]
 
* ''[[Starfleet Science Division
 
* ''[[Starfleet Medical]]
 
* ''[[Starfleet Diplomatic Corps]]
 
* ''[[Starfleet Starfighter Command]]
 
* ''[[Starfleet Marine Corps]]''
 
  
=== Starfleet Command ===
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===Starfleet Command===
Starfleet did not start out as a military, though it does have a very militaristic chain of command.  The people at the top hold the rank of [[Admiral]] or even [[Fleet Admiral]], the Commander of Starfleet answering only to the Federation President.  The Commander of Starfleet then carries the President's and his own orders to the Chiefs of Staff of the various departments, such as [[Starfleet Medical]], [[Starfleet Intelligence]], or [[Starfleet Corps of Engineers]].  These people then carry the Commander and the President's orders along with their own to their staffs, the Chief of Starfleet Operations ordering the various fleet commanders where to place ships in time of need.
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''See also: [[memoryalpha:Starfleet Command|Starfleet Command]]''
  
=== Fleet Operations ===
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Day-to-day operations are managed by Starfleet Command under a commander-in-chief, who reports directly to the Federation President. As of the mid-2390s, this position was held by Fleet Admiral [[memoryalpha:Kirsten Clancy|Kirsten Clancy]].
The Chief of Starfleet Operations coordinates all the Fleets, numbered 1 through 20, to enable them to get the maximum effect of their resources.  Though the other departments are there, Starfleet Operations are what most people think of when they think of Starfleet.  They think of the starships and the captain's chair rather than the doctors and engineers that also make Starfleet run.
 
  
==== The Fleets ====
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The term ‘Starfleet Command’ is also commonly used in reference to the larger body of Starfleet leadership. This includes the many fleet commanders as well as the directors of the various Starfleet divisions and departments. Adjacent to these are the sector commands, which oversee permanent operations across entire sectors of Federation space. The commanding officers of any vessel, station, or outpost operating within these sectors reported to the sector admiral.
Each fleet is given a specific area of space to patrol, and as such various cadets want to get assigned to a certain fleet. Those wishing to go to the Galactic South want to join the [[11th Fleet|11th "Pegasus" Fleet]] while those who wish to go to the [[Romulan]] border, want to join the 9th or 7th Fleets. The 8th Fleet is deployed along the [[Cardassian]] border and is giving aid to the ruined [[Cardassian Union]].  Other fleets are stationed elsewhere in the Federation's borders, or may be exploring into deep space. Each fleet has a "name" or mascot that they call the fleet by, most of the time a Greek letter or animal.  These are commanded by a single person, who is called the Fleet Commanding Officer.
 
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Each fleet is divided internally into smaller groups, the number of which is based largely on a case-by-case basis.  Occasionally in times where a large scale battle is on the horizon, [[Task Force|task force]]s or [[Task Group|task group]]s will be sent as a single unit together to form a cohesive fighting unit, rather than sending only a few ships into the situation.
 
  
== Equipment ==
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===Operational Forces===
* [[Phasers]]
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Starfleet has a [[:Category:Specifications|vast number of starships]] capable of performing a variety of duties. These range from the largest explorers to the smaller local supply or patrol vessels. The exact composition of these operational forces is determined according to the Federation’s needs as well as the ethos of Starfleet at any given time. However, the most prestigious ships continue to be those capable of carrying out deep-space operations, having been specially designed for missions that expand the horizons of Federation understanding.
* [[Tricorder]]s
 
* [[Medications And Drugs]]
 
* [[Medical Equipment]]
 
* [[Engineering Equipment]]
 
* [[Science Equipment]]
 
* [[Starfleet Uniforms|Uniforms]]
 
<br><br>
 
{{Ship Specs}}
 
  
== Credits ==
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While Starfleet often operates ships individually on solo missions, all vessels are also organized into larger fleets, most often during times of war. Fleets usually consist of several hundred ships and are typically commanded by a vice admiral. Each serves a specific role, whether overseeing an area of operations or performing particular duties. In some cases, especially for temporary or ''ad hoc'' missions, Starfleet vessels could be formed into smaller battle groups or task forces.
{{MemoryAlpha}}
 
{{MemoryBeta}}
 
{{GACAuthor}}
 
  
<center>The GAC would also like to thank David Samuels for his assistance in the mission statement part.</center>
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Fleets often retain their own headquarters and administrative infrastructure. This can sometimes include a shipyard dedicated to the maintenance and construction of their own vessels. Other shipyards, starbases, and planetary facilities are maintained by Starfleet across the Federation. These typically fall under local sector command as they are meant to support wider operational forces.
  
[[Category:Agencies]]
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===Starfleet Training Command===
[[Category:Military units]]
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''See also: [[memoryalpha:Starfleet Academy|Starfleet Training Command]]''
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Starfleet Training Command oversees the training of all Starfleet personnel, both enlisted crew members and commissioned officers.
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Starfleet Academy is the body responsible for training Starfleet officers. While the term is often used interchangeably with the primary campus in San Francisco on Earth, the Academy actually has multiple facilities located on worlds across the Federation. Not only is this meant to support the large number of officer candidates and need for highly-specialized training, it also helps to address the vast distances between various regions of Federation space and provide a more localized presence.
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One such campus is located on [[Cestus III]], a major regional hub for Federation governance and Starfleet operations. As a result, the campus is well-positioned to provide support and training to personnel throughout much of the Galactic South, and is said to rival those found on many core Federation worlds. Another Academy facility is the Academy Adjunct on [[Archa IV]].
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Training at Starfleet Academy takes a minimum of four years, with an additional four years for specialized training such as the Starfleet Medical Academy. Officer candidates graduate with the rank of ensign (or lieutenant junior grade for the medical academy)  and an academic degree.
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Enlisted personnel, who often need less-intensive and more practical training, train at [[memoryalpha:Starfleet Technical Services Academy|Enlisted Training Centers]]. These can be found across the Federation on major starbases and member worlds. The training lasts between six months and a year before trainees are qualified to serve as crewmen.
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==Personnel==
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Starfleet personnel are organized in a naval-derived rank structure with a chain of command, and are either enlisted personnel or officers.
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Commissioned officers are some of the most talented and skilled individuals in the Federation, extensively trained at the Academy, and commit to Starfleet service usually for their entire lives. People become officers because they want to be leaders in the service, in their departments, on their ships, or at Starfleet Command itself.
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Enlisted personnel receive shorter training and serve either in more broad roles or in specialized positions. Many do attain academic degrees or professional experience in their given field, but do not aspire to move beyond their specialization. They can have equally long careers to those of commissioned officers, but are just as likely to serve only one or two tours before returning to civilian life. People often become enlisted personnel out of a desire to see the galaxy, to serve the Federation, or simply to take advantage of an opportunity for training and experience they could not easily get elsewhere, while not sacrificing their other ambitions or commitments.
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All officers outrank all enlisted personnel. Even the lowliest ensign may give orders to a master chief petty officer. However, in both policy and practice, this is not presumption of young officers’ superior judgment. Rather, junior officers are trained and developing unit leaders, with the skills and education to manage teams and departments. It is their job to deploy sometimes seasoned personnel according to the needs of the assignment, then trusting those personnel to execute their orders with the benefit of years of experience.
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Starfleet principles of respect and diversity help ensure the chain of command does not demean veteran non-commissioned officers. Meanwhile, enlisted personnel recognize that young officers have been trained for their duties and given assignments as strong leaders or managers. This structure helps provide well-rounded teams of different styles, experiences, and practices.
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Most members of Starfleet are Federation citizens. They must have reached the age of majority in their society to serve as active duty personnel. Minors may attend Starfleet Academy if they successfully apply and are accepted, but are subject to robust scrutiny during their recruitment. Non-citizens require sponsorship from a command-level officer in order to apply. Consequently, such individuals are a significant minority.
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==Operations==
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===Science and Exploration===
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Historically, most Starfleet operations have been of scientific discovery and exploration. This can take many forms including exploring stellar phenomena, charting new star systems, researching the fauna and flora of the galaxy, and anthropological and archeological study. For this reason, most Starfleet vessels have been designed with at least some scientific capabilities. Even those more militarized in their purpose are still expected to gather knowledge and information as they carry out their duties.
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These missions have contributed greatly to the Federation’s growth, both in physical size as well as its knowledge and understanding. Indeed, no other galactic power appears to possess such robust exploratory resources. Not only have they enabled discovery of worlds to colonize and new potential member species, they have also aided in Starfleet’s being at the cutting edge of technological development, which has compensated somewhat for its more recent militarization.
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Most Starfleet officers are expected to have some training in a scientific discipline. Even those trained for military operations and security do so while also adhering to principles of scholarship and critical thought. And dedicated scientists are often trained in more than one discipline, given that exploratory missions may involve a wider range of challenges and needs.
 +
 
 +
The events of the mid-2380s marked a significant turning point in both policy and public opinion. There were some vocal critics who believed it was Starfleet’s deep space exploration that drew the attention of threats such as the Borg and the Dominion. In response to this as well as other factors, Federation policy shifted to demand that Starfleet focus more on internal operations and domestic research. As such, there have been far fewer exploratory missions in recent years.
 +
 
 +
===Diplomacy===
 +
Another historic quality of Starfleet operations has been an emphasis on diplomacy. For many who have served within the organization over the years, this means more than occasional missions of negotiation and politics. It is an integral principle of their approach to the galaxy.
 +
 
 +
Many are familiar with the work of the Federation Diplomatic Corps and how its members have traditionally navigated the complexities of treaty negotiations and trade agreements. However, it is often Starfleet officers and enlisted personnel who represent the Federation to the individuals, worlds, and civilizations they encounter in the field. As such, a number of guidelines have been established to assist Starfleet personnel in dealing with these situations.
 +
 
 +
Chief among them is the understanding that, when aboard a starship, station, or facility, Starfleet commanding officers are usually the highest authority present. Not only are they responsible for the operation and behavior of their crew, they are also empowered to make diplomatic decisions (within the bounds of policy and regulation). And, like any Starfleet officer, they are expected to be conversant in negotiation techniques, strategy, interstellar political theory, and de-escalation. Above all, they are to aspire to Starfleet’s commitment of meeting challenges with discourse and understanding rather than suspicion and violence.
 +
 
 +
===Defense===
 +
Although Starfleet is not a military in the strictest sense, it is responsible for the defense of the Federation against enemy incursions and has (in the past) mobilized for strategic deployment in times of war. It also oversees internal security, protects shipping routes, and ensures the safety of civilian populations.
 +
 
 +
Despite this being a part of Starfleet’s mandate, it lacks many of the more traditional elements of military culture often found in other organizations. Its structures and its forces are not oriented (primarily) around combat activities. Its overriding purpose is not the preparation for and conduct of war. And its personnel are not defined (nor do they identify) as soldiers or warriors, either in ethos or in name.
 +
 
 +
Starfleet does maintain an organized chain-of-command. However, discipline within that chain derives from mutual respect and commitment to shared ideals, rather than conditional training or the use of force. While most Starfleet personnel are expected to be able to defend themselves when necessary, there are many who cannot or will not fight.. Yet, they are still able to serve as respected members of the organization.
 +
 
 +
This sort of commitment has served Starfleet well in its primary missions of science, exploration, and diplomacy. However, it has occasionally left them ill-prepared for more major conflict when it has broken out. The Federation-Klingon War of the mid-2250s, for example, resulted in massive Starfleet losses at the hands of the Klingon Empire. Likewise, early encounters with the Borg in the mid-2360s proved devastating for Starfleet and prompted a major paradigm shift, resulting in new starships and technologies being developed exclusively for war.
 +
 
 +
The new wave of militarization begun in response to the Borg threat continued throughout the Dominion War. While it diminished slightly in the war’s aftermath, the experience of warfare as well as the subsequent events of the mid-2380s had a significant impact on Starfleet culture. An emphasis on border defense and internal security have persisted since, changing Starfleet’s focus to one of greater caution and protectionism.
 +
 
 +
==Writing Notes==
 +
*
 +
 
 +
==Related Links==
 +
*[https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Starfleet Starfleet] at ''Memory Alpha''
 +
*[https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Starfleet_General_Orders_and_Regulations Starfleet General Orders and Regulations] at ''Memory Alpha''
 +
*[https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Starfleet_Academy Starfleet Academy] at ''Memory Alpha''

Latest revision as of 21:16, 26 March 2022

This article is official Pegasus Fleet canon.
Starfleet command emblem.png
Starfleet
Founded

2161

Affiliation

United Federation of Planets

Headquarters

San Francisco, Earth

Primary Mission

Exploration

Leadership

Starfleet Command

Flagship

USS Enterprise

Status

Active


Starfleet is the exploratory and defense service maintained by the United Federation of Planets. Its principal functions include the advancement of Federation knowledge about the galaxy and its inhabitants through scientific discovery, research, and exploration. Starfleet’s ancillary duties include defense of the Federation, and facilitation of Federation diplomacy. Starfleet personnel therefore act as official representatives of the Federation and, as such, are expected to embody its highest ideals. They are highly flexible, and capable of undertaking a wide variety of missions thanks to their extensive training and experience.

History

The origins of the modern Starfleet can be traced back to the United Earth Starfleet of the 22nd century. Founded first-and-foremost as an exploratory body, this iteration of the interstellar force soon began to undergo a process of militarization, prompted by early encounters with various dangers in deep space. It accelerated considerably following the Xindi incident of 2153 and the Earth-Romulan War of the late 2150s, in which the United Earth Starfleet saw significant military action alongside the forces of other future Federation members.

When the Federation was founded in 2161, early leadership chose to pursue policies of peace and exploration. This quickly led to United Earth Starfleet being selected as the core of a unified interstellar service. The space services of other pre-Federation powers (such as the Andorians, Vulcans, and Tellarites) were folded into the new, combined organization. And subsequently, all operations were overseen by Starfleet Command.

For two-and-a-half centuries, Starfleet has continued its mission of science and diplomacy. They have pushed the limits of Federation knowledge and broadened understanding. At times, they have had to mobilize for war, such as during the Federation-Klingon War of the mid-2250s or the Federation-Cardassian War that lasted through several decades of the 24th century. They have also achieved great acts of peace, including the Khitomer Accords with the Klingon Empire and the Treaty of Algeron with the Romulan Star Empire. In addition, numerous exploratory missions have provided opportunities for colonization and diplomatic engagement with potential member worlds, expanding the Federation’s borders significantly.

Starfleet was once again forced to take on a more defensive posture following its first encounter with the Borg Collective in the 2360s, leading to another period of militarization. However, this proved timely in that it helped them to better prepare for the outbreak of hostilities, first with the Klingon Empire, and then with the Dominion.

Many hoped that, following the end of the Dominion War, Starfleet would once again return to its original mandate. Unfortunately, this was not to be. Threats of secession by certain Federation member worlds over the Romulan evacuation, the synth attack on Mars, and the supernova of the Romulan Sun steered things in another direction. Devastating losses to its assets and fleet power, as well as a shift in public policy and opinion, turned the focus inward.

Starfleet’s exploratory operations were greatly reduced in the latter part of the 2380s. A majority of their remaining resources were re-allocated to domestic research, border patrol, and internal security. Older, previously inactive fleets were reconstituted and redeployed to try to meet these needs. And although there has been some increase in deep space exploration, humanitarian aid efforts, and diplomatic engagement in recent years, such operations remain outliers in a largely internally-focused Starfleet.

Organization

Given that Starfleet is a service of the Federation, the Federation President has direct command authority. In addition, the Federation Council often influences the service’s operation and issues orders on occasion.

Starfleet Command

See also: Starfleet Command

Day-to-day operations are managed by Starfleet Command under a commander-in-chief, who reports directly to the Federation President. As of the mid-2390s, this position was held by Fleet Admiral Kirsten Clancy.

The term ‘Starfleet Command’ is also commonly used in reference to the larger body of Starfleet leadership. This includes the many fleet commanders as well as the directors of the various Starfleet divisions and departments. Adjacent to these are the sector commands, which oversee permanent operations across entire sectors of Federation space. The commanding officers of any vessel, station, or outpost operating within these sectors reported to the sector admiral.

Operational Forces

Starfleet has a vast number of starships capable of performing a variety of duties. These range from the largest explorers to the smaller local supply or patrol vessels. The exact composition of these operational forces is determined according to the Federation’s needs as well as the ethos of Starfleet at any given time. However, the most prestigious ships continue to be those capable of carrying out deep-space operations, having been specially designed for missions that expand the horizons of Federation understanding.

While Starfleet often operates ships individually on solo missions, all vessels are also organized into larger fleets, most often during times of war. Fleets usually consist of several hundred ships and are typically commanded by a vice admiral. Each serves a specific role, whether overseeing an area of operations or performing particular duties. In some cases, especially for temporary or ad hoc missions, Starfleet vessels could be formed into smaller battle groups or task forces.

Fleets often retain their own headquarters and administrative infrastructure. This can sometimes include a shipyard dedicated to the maintenance and construction of their own vessels. Other shipyards, starbases, and planetary facilities are maintained by Starfleet across the Federation. These typically fall under local sector command as they are meant to support wider operational forces.

Starfleet Training Command

See also: Starfleet Training Command

Starfleet Training Command oversees the training of all Starfleet personnel, both enlisted crew members and commissioned officers.

Starfleet Academy is the body responsible for training Starfleet officers. While the term is often used interchangeably with the primary campus in San Francisco on Earth, the Academy actually has multiple facilities located on worlds across the Federation. Not only is this meant to support the large number of officer candidates and need for highly-specialized training, it also helps to address the vast distances between various regions of Federation space and provide a more localized presence.

One such campus is located on Cestus III, a major regional hub for Federation governance and Starfleet operations. As a result, the campus is well-positioned to provide support and training to personnel throughout much of the Galactic South, and is said to rival those found on many core Federation worlds. Another Academy facility is the Academy Adjunct on Archa IV.

Training at Starfleet Academy takes a minimum of four years, with an additional four years for specialized training such as the Starfleet Medical Academy. Officer candidates graduate with the rank of ensign (or lieutenant junior grade for the medical academy) and an academic degree.

Enlisted personnel, who often need less-intensive and more practical training, train at Enlisted Training Centers. These can be found across the Federation on major starbases and member worlds. The training lasts between six months and a year before trainees are qualified to serve as crewmen.

Personnel

Starfleet personnel are organized in a naval-derived rank structure with a chain of command, and are either enlisted personnel or officers.

Commissioned officers are some of the most talented and skilled individuals in the Federation, extensively trained at the Academy, and commit to Starfleet service usually for their entire lives. People become officers because they want to be leaders in the service, in their departments, on their ships, or at Starfleet Command itself.

Enlisted personnel receive shorter training and serve either in more broad roles or in specialized positions. Many do attain academic degrees or professional experience in their given field, but do not aspire to move beyond their specialization. They can have equally long careers to those of commissioned officers, but are just as likely to serve only one or two tours before returning to civilian life. People often become enlisted personnel out of a desire to see the galaxy, to serve the Federation, or simply to take advantage of an opportunity for training and experience they could not easily get elsewhere, while not sacrificing their other ambitions or commitments.

All officers outrank all enlisted personnel. Even the lowliest ensign may give orders to a master chief petty officer. However, in both policy and practice, this is not presumption of young officers’ superior judgment. Rather, junior officers are trained and developing unit leaders, with the skills and education to manage teams and departments. It is their job to deploy sometimes seasoned personnel according to the needs of the assignment, then trusting those personnel to execute their orders with the benefit of years of experience.

Starfleet principles of respect and diversity help ensure the chain of command does not demean veteran non-commissioned officers. Meanwhile, enlisted personnel recognize that young officers have been trained for their duties and given assignments as strong leaders or managers. This structure helps provide well-rounded teams of different styles, experiences, and practices.

Most members of Starfleet are Federation citizens. They must have reached the age of majority in their society to serve as active duty personnel. Minors may attend Starfleet Academy if they successfully apply and are accepted, but are subject to robust scrutiny during their recruitment. Non-citizens require sponsorship from a command-level officer in order to apply. Consequently, such individuals are a significant minority.

Operations

Science and Exploration

Historically, most Starfleet operations have been of scientific discovery and exploration. This can take many forms including exploring stellar phenomena, charting new star systems, researching the fauna and flora of the galaxy, and anthropological and archeological study. For this reason, most Starfleet vessels have been designed with at least some scientific capabilities. Even those more militarized in their purpose are still expected to gather knowledge and information as they carry out their duties.

These missions have contributed greatly to the Federation’s growth, both in physical size as well as its knowledge and understanding. Indeed, no other galactic power appears to possess such robust exploratory resources. Not only have they enabled discovery of worlds to colonize and new potential member species, they have also aided in Starfleet’s being at the cutting edge of technological development, which has compensated somewhat for its more recent militarization.

Most Starfleet officers are expected to have some training in a scientific discipline. Even those trained for military operations and security do so while also adhering to principles of scholarship and critical thought. And dedicated scientists are often trained in more than one discipline, given that exploratory missions may involve a wider range of challenges and needs.

The events of the mid-2380s marked a significant turning point in both policy and public opinion. There were some vocal critics who believed it was Starfleet’s deep space exploration that drew the attention of threats such as the Borg and the Dominion. In response to this as well as other factors, Federation policy shifted to demand that Starfleet focus more on internal operations and domestic research. As such, there have been far fewer exploratory missions in recent years.

Diplomacy

Another historic quality of Starfleet operations has been an emphasis on diplomacy. For many who have served within the organization over the years, this means more than occasional missions of negotiation and politics. It is an integral principle of their approach to the galaxy.

Many are familiar with the work of the Federation Diplomatic Corps and how its members have traditionally navigated the complexities of treaty negotiations and trade agreements. However, it is often Starfleet officers and enlisted personnel who represent the Federation to the individuals, worlds, and civilizations they encounter in the field. As such, a number of guidelines have been established to assist Starfleet personnel in dealing with these situations.

Chief among them is the understanding that, when aboard a starship, station, or facility, Starfleet commanding officers are usually the highest authority present. Not only are they responsible for the operation and behavior of their crew, they are also empowered to make diplomatic decisions (within the bounds of policy and regulation). And, like any Starfleet officer, they are expected to be conversant in negotiation techniques, strategy, interstellar political theory, and de-escalation. Above all, they are to aspire to Starfleet’s commitment of meeting challenges with discourse and understanding rather than suspicion and violence.

Defense

Although Starfleet is not a military in the strictest sense, it is responsible for the defense of the Federation against enemy incursions and has (in the past) mobilized for strategic deployment in times of war. It also oversees internal security, protects shipping routes, and ensures the safety of civilian populations.

Despite this being a part of Starfleet’s mandate, it lacks many of the more traditional elements of military culture often found in other organizations. Its structures and its forces are not oriented (primarily) around combat activities. Its overriding purpose is not the preparation for and conduct of war. And its personnel are not defined (nor do they identify) as soldiers or warriors, either in ethos or in name.

Starfleet does maintain an organized chain-of-command. However, discipline within that chain derives from mutual respect and commitment to shared ideals, rather than conditional training or the use of force. While most Starfleet personnel are expected to be able to defend themselves when necessary, there are many who cannot or will not fight.. Yet, they are still able to serve as respected members of the organization.

This sort of commitment has served Starfleet well in its primary missions of science, exploration, and diplomacy. However, it has occasionally left them ill-prepared for more major conflict when it has broken out. The Federation-Klingon War of the mid-2250s, for example, resulted in massive Starfleet losses at the hands of the Klingon Empire. Likewise, early encounters with the Borg in the mid-2360s proved devastating for Starfleet and prompted a major paradigm shift, resulting in new starships and technologies being developed exclusively for war.

The new wave of militarization begun in response to the Borg threat continued throughout the Dominion War. While it diminished slightly in the war’s aftermath, the experience of warfare as well as the subsequent events of the mid-2380s had a significant impact on Starfleet culture. An emphasis on border defense and internal security have persisted since, changing Starfleet’s focus to one of greater caution and protectionism.

Writing Notes

Related Links