The Wing
The Carrier Air Wing (CVW) is a department composed of several squadrons of strike and transport craft. Organized, equipped and trained to conduct atmospheric and space operations while embarked aboard battlestars and various smaller craft, the various squadrons in an air wing have different, complementary (and sometimes overlapping) missions, providing most of the striking power and electronic warfare capabilities of a battlestar group (BSG). For more on CVW-11, the Wing assigned to Battlestar Orion, click here.
Important Note: If you're interested in applying for a pilot PC, please read the Enlistment and Training page prior to submitting your application!
Finally, please consult Air Wing FAQ for everything you ever wanted to know about being a pilot in the BSG universe!
Career Brief
Commander, Air Group (CAG)
The CAG is the Air Wing's lead pilot, given administrative and operational control over all squadrons. While the CAG is typically a Viper pilot, it is not uncommon for Raptor pilots (or even ECOs) to hold the job. There is technically no rank requirement, but a CAG is almost without exception the senior-most officer in the Wing. While a Captain may hold the post when circumstances demand it, the CAG is usually a Major or Colonel.
Electronic Countermeasures Officer (ECO)
The ECO acts as the co-pilot aboard the Fleet's Raptors. She is responsible for identifying unknown craft as friend or foe, jamming enemy signatures, and operating the Raptor's myriad short- and long-range sensors. The ECO also plots jump coordinates and deals with any malfunctions that might come up mid-mission. These individuals are also the bombadiers/missileers in the backseats of the Predator strike aircraft
If the Raptor is in gunship configuration, the ECO holds primary control of the weapons systems. In a non-gunship configuration, should the pilot become incapacitated, or if he simply does not specialize in weapons delivery (for instance, if he's spent a lot of time on SAR duty), the ECO can fire weapons from the ECM console. Of course, if the ECO is put in charge of shooting, no jamming will occur — but that's a trade-off that some crews are willing to make.
While the ECO should have basic Raptor proficiency to allow her to take over for her pilot in the event of an emergency, she should not be routinely flying missions.
Raptor Pilot
Raptor pilots are officers who specialize in piloting, navigating, and operating a Raptor's specialized equipment. They have primary control of the weapons systems except when the Raptor is configured as a gunship. In such an instance, the ECO has primary control and the pilot has secondary. In the event that the pilot doesn't specialize in weapons delivery (for instance, if he's spent a lot of time on SAR duty), the ECO can assume primary weapons control from her own console. Of course, if the ECO is put in charge of shooting, no jamming will occur — but that's a trade-off that some crews are willing to make.
Viper Pilot
Viper pilots are officers who specialize in flying the Viper attack aircraft: piloting, navigating, and maneuvering the craft for attack or defense with the aircraft's onboard weapons and specialist equipment.
The Deck
The Orion's Deck Crew is essential to the smooth and efficient functioning of the battlestar's air operations. They are charged with, among other things, directing the movement of all planes on the flight and hangar decks, operating and maintaining the Viper launch tubes, preparing planes for flight, and repairing planes when they break. Damage control operations (like firefighting) fall jointly under the Deck and Engineering Departments, though technically everyone aboard is minimally trained on how to fight fires.
For more on Deck's roles and responsibilities, click here.
Finally, please consult Air Wing FAQ for everything you ever wanted to know about being a knuckledragger in the BSG universe!
Career Brief
Air Engineering Technician
Air engineering technicians are enlisted ratings who keep the ship's small craft in operational condition, specializing as either Air Engineers (Mechanical) who deal with deep repairs to the aircraft itself such as the engine, fuselage or hydraulics, or Air Engineers (Avionics) who deal with repairs to the electrical equipment, systems, and weapons.
Air Ordnance Specialist
These men and women specialize in the handling, storage, and maintenance of the weapons that both the Raptors and Vipers fire. From laser guided bombs to basic guns, the Air Ordnance Specialists are the ones who handle it.
Aircraft Handler
Aircraft handlers are enlisted ratings who make the preparations to ensure small craft can take off and land safely and effectively, as well as specializing in small craft rescue, damage control and firefighting techniques.
Flight Control Technician
The flight control technicians are enlisted ratings who assist the LSO in the flight control "tower" (really just a room) by monitoring DRADIS consoles and keeping track of the current locations of all planes are.
Survival Equipment Specialist
Survival equipment specialists are enlisted ratings who are responsible for maintaining and instructing in the use of all forms of survival equipment, from emergency water stills to flight suits, ejection seats to zero-gravity clothing.
Engineering
The Engineering Department concerns itself with the construction, installation, operation, and support of the systems and equipment which propel and control the Battlestar Orion, and of the systems which make that battlestar habitable for crew, passengers and cargo. Damage control operations (like firefighting) fall jointly under the Deck and Engineering Departments. For more on Engineering's roles and responsibilities, click here.
Career Brief
Chief Engineer
The Chief Engineer (sometimes referred to as the ChEng) is the most senior and ranking engineering officer. They are in charge of and run the engineering department.
Engineering Officer
Engineering officers are responsible for overseeing the operation of the enlisted technicians, charged with providing sound technical and professional advice to their subordinates and superiors alike. When a defect does occur, an Engineering Officer takes responsibility for its investigation and repair.
Damage Control Personnel
Technicians from both Electrical and M&R (see below) participate in Damage Control when needed. All personnel are trained in basic damage control, including fire procedure. Some personnel have more advanced training (zero-G emergency procedures, etc). There are two officers assigned specifically to Damage Control responsibilities, who run regular safety/hazard training for both engineering and for other departments.
Engineering Technician (Mechanical & Repair Division)
These technicians are enlisted ratings who look after everything from the battlestar's fuel, power and propulsion systems that keep the ship flying, to the water purification and air recycling units that maintain the well being of the crew. They are also responsible for regular routine inspections of the hull and systems, often in zero gravity conditions.
Engineering Technician (Electrical Division)
These technicians are enlisted ratings who look after the ship's electrical systems, including non-tactical computer data, regular and routine maintenance of lighting and internal power, DRADIS and navigational equipment, electronic warfare and communications equipment, and life support.
Maintenance Materials Management Personnel (3M)
These personnel are the 'quartermasters' of Engineering - one officer and several enlisted ratings. They coordinate the department's inventory (including supply databases), conduct maintenance audits, advise and supervise mechanics engaged in repair, overhaul, modification and rehabilitation of equipment, and assist in planning and supervising maintenance programs.
The Colonial Marine Corps
The Colonial Marine Corps (CMC) is a branch of the military separate from the Colonial Fleet. It is responsible for ground warfare and naval security. Elements of the CMC are found across all Fleet vessels and stationed on all Colonial worlds, serving as a rapid response force to maintain civil order and planetary security. Charlie Company from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines has been assigned to the Battlestar Orion, detached from the 6th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (which is in accompaniment for JTF NOMAD). It is responsible for internal ship security and boarding actions, and it can function as a complete infantry group in major military actions. NOTE: The Headquarters Staff Element from the Marines (in overall command of both Battalions, but subordinate to the Admiral) has been brought aboard the Orion to be closer to the Admiral so that all top-tier Combatant Commanders (CAG, Marine CO/XO, TACCO) are all in one place. These individuals run Charlie Company's MP's and single mixed platoon. This group is commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel or Colonel.
The vast majority of the Marines on board are MPs and not infantry (unlike a few other MUSHes that have come before). A Marine company aboard a battlestar has very little reason to utilize sniper teams, mortar platoons, and heavy weapons platoons. However, the 6th Marine Expeditionary Brigade is a fully functioning Marine Brigade that comes complete with armor, anti-aircraft, artillery, and everything a Marine ground unit would need in a pinch. Heavy weapons access is not immediate aboard the Orion, but supplies can be acquired from the surface or the Marine Landing Ships.
However, given the situation of the Orion, MP's should expect to be involved in combat operations and to participate in assaults just like regular infantry. Think of it as these Marines being suddenly thrust into the roles of everything required in this situation. For a more detailed look at the CMC, click here.
Important Note: If you're interested in applying for a Marine PC, please read the Enlistment and Training page prior to submitting your application!
Career Brief
Assault Engineer
Assault engineers are front line enlisted marines who are trained to build and repair bridges, hatches, temporary or permanent fortifications, and any other structure required for the operation to succeed. Also known as Sappers, these brave souls are the ones who have to go out and blow up enemy fortifications under fire. They are also enlisted marines who are trained to seek out and disarm or destroy explosive devices, and advise the Command and Marine Staff of potential threats involving such devices. They are generally adept at the construction of these devices as well.
Heavy Weapons Specialist
Heavy weapons specialists are trained in the use of support weapons and high explosives, providing the riflemen with larger ordnance when required. This can be as diverse as, but not limited to, anti-aircraft, 20mm rifles, heavy machineguns, anti-tank, or even armor operations (tanks).
Marine Officer
Marine officers carry out a variety of duties, from administration to tactical or strategic command of a troop or company, working to command the many specialist marines and riflemen under them to carry out the many tasks expected of the marine corps. They include the commanders of each platoon, and the Company staff officers. Platoon Leaders are expected to pull double-duty in a Staff Billet.
Military Policeman
Military policemen are the only enlisted personnel with the power to detain a marine or seaman, and are responsible for the maintenance of good discipline and adherence to regulations of all personnel in the fleet. The Master at Arms is the senior MP.
Rifleman
Riflemen are general service enlisted marines, and it is traditionally said that every marine is first and foremost a rifleman, before any other specialty. Riflemen provide the personnel for tactical assaults, sentry and guard duties, as well as ceremonial occasions on board the battlestar.
Small Arms Technician
Small arms technicians are enlisted marines who are trained to maintain and repair the small arms used by the marines and seamen of the fleet.
Wireless Operator
Wireless operators (WIRELO) are enlisted marines who are trained in the use and maintenance of personal wireless equipment, carrying a wireless kit into the front lines to relay information to and from the command staff. There is a subset of WIRELOs as well, called JTACs (Joint Terminal Attack Controllers). These are highly trained individuals who are specially capable of calling for artillery, naval gunfire, air support, or medical evacuation (Medevac). When a JTAC works with a pilot or ECO they provide a +2 to Gunnery or Piloting rolls in support of ground operations in +combat. Please see this link for more information on their roles. The Marines have a couple of these individuals aboard.
Medical
The Medical Department aboard Battlestar Orion is tasked with maintaining the physical and psychological well-being of all members of the crew. As such, Orion possesses a full medical staff, from generalists to ancillary specialists in fields like dentistry and psychiatry. However, even specialists must possess a broad background of experience, since they may be called upon to treat a wide variety of illness and injuries. For more on Medical's roles and responsibilities, click here.
Career Brief
Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
The CMO is the most senior Medical Officer, in charge of the entire department.
Medical Officer
Medical officers are fully trained doctors who are responsible for the medical care of the entire crew, regardless of rank or specialty. They may specialize in any field of medicine, from surgery to radiology, psychiatry to anesthetics. Due to their professional training, medical officers generally join the fleet at a higher rank than most officers (O3: Lieutenant).
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) / Enlisted Nurses
An EMT is an enlisted rating trained for pre-hospital emergency care and first aid and also serve as the fleet's nurses. Though all EMTs are in the Medical chain of command and report to the CMO as their department head, some EMTs are also certified Navy Corpsmen. These individuals tend to the wounded and injured in Medical and are fully capable of triage care in emergency situations.
Navy Corpsmen
These individuals become EMTs through a different procedure: They enlist in the Navy and complete boot camp as normal. After that, they obtain EMT certification from the Fleet School of Medical Services and then proceed to a six week Marine Boot Camp designed for them. Navy corpsmen must participate in regular drills with the CMC company to which they are assigned and can be called upon for away missions if so required. In such circumstances, they are subordinate to the accompanying PA-C officer in medical situations and the ranking Marine officer in all other situations. As a rule, these individuals are not officers.
Pararescue Jumper
A Pararescue Jumper (PJ) is a member of Medical that serves their day-to-day duty as an enlisted nurse/EMT. However, during high-tempo combat operations these individuals will crew on a designated Search and Rescue Raptor as a passenger or door gunner. Their primary duty, in this capacity, is the extraction of wounded personnel in high-threat environments and retrieving downed aircrew. These individuals must complete a 2.5 year selection and challenge course known as 'The Pipeline' that has actually killed quite a few of the personnel who attempt it. Rank is gained while in training and those who complete the course from from enlistment typically enter active service as a Petty Officer Third Class. They are considered to be expert marksmen (8 months cross-training with the CMC) and have very high capabilities as a medic. The highest rank that can be held by an active PJ is that of a Chief Petty Officer and they cannot be officers. Additionally, personnel are individually tasked members of Special Operations Command and their availability is limited. A hard maximum of two will be allowed on grid at any time (PC's with unannounced idles longer than 30 days will be retired for new app availability). Players wishing to play a PJ MUST contact staff prior to attempting an application for this specialty.
Physician Assistant — Certified (PA-C)
A PA-C is typically a junior officer trained not only in EMT procedures but in higher-level care. They typically obtain medical histories, perform examinations and procedures, order treatments, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, order and interpret diagnostic tests, refer patients to specialists as required, and first-assist in surgery. Though all PA-Cs are in the Medical chain of command and report to the CMO as their department head, some PA-Cs are also certified Navy Corpsmen. Like EMT corpsmen, these soldiers begin as enlisted Riflemen in the CMC and obtain EMT certification from the Fleet School of Medical Services. Unlike their brethren, they then must obtain a master's degree in medical science, whereupon they are commissioned as an O1 (Ensign) in the Fleet. PA-Cs must participate in regular drills with the CMC company to which they are assigned and call be called upon for away missions if so required. In such situations, they are subordinate to the ranking Marine officer.
Nursing Officer
Nursing officers provide primary and secondary medical assistance for all military and civilian personnel on the ship. They assist medical officers in all capacities, from performing operating room assistance to offering palliative care and physiotherapy to recovering patients. They also are called upon to perform clerical duties.
Psychiatrist
The psychiatrist is either a uniformed officer or a civilian consultant who specializes in the treatment of military personnel suffering from mental disorders consequent to warfare or military life.
Colonial Military Ecclesiastical Services (CMES)
Ship's Chaplain
Traditionally, the Ship's Chaplain has been regarded as the "Friend and Advisor of All," irrespective of rank, and acts as an advocate for those of any faith or none. Chaplains are responsible for carrying out chapel services, confirmations, marriages and funerals, counseling the anxious, visiting the sick, and absolving the penitent. While a Chaplain holds an officer's rank, tradition dictates that the Chaplain is treated at all times as though he were of the rank of the person addressing him; thus, he neither accepts nor returns salutes and has access to every mess and berthing aboard while performing his duties. At all other times, the Chaplain is an Officer of the Colonial Military and will conduct himself in a manner befitting such rank as he holds.
The Ship's Chaplain is expected to have been ordained by a seminary on the Military's acceditations list, with a doctorate in theology and training in therapeutic techniques. During Officer Training they are trained by military psychologists in identifying and handling the sorts of problems they are likely to see on board a military vessel or on a military outpost. They come out of Officer Training with a rank of Lieutenant.
Colonial Military Ecclesiastical Services also takes on NCOs for positions such as Chapel Attendant or Chaplain's Aide. These are often individuals who plan to go into seminary after their service is up on the Military's dime, and who can use their experience in CMES to get a head start on his or her education, but can also include individuals who have been ordained by seminaries not recognized by the Colonial Military or in other circumstances. Those who are ordained or otherwise anointed and who have learned to give rites may be given permission to perform these rites by the Chaplain at his or her discretion. Those who are not yet anointed typically assist in department paperwork, cleaning the chapel, setting up and breaking down equipment for rites and festivals, and counseling those in need. CMES Chaplains may choose to anoint NCO CMES members themselves, at which point they may recommend that they be given a commission as ensign and allowed to advance in the ranks.
The CMES Officer may not serve as the Chief Medical Officer without special endorsement of both Command Staff and Combatant Command.
Applied Sciences
The Applied Sciences Department is not normally found on most battlestars, but has been installed on the Orion to exploit the opportunity to study the specifics of a new planet and conduct potentially dangerous experiments inside a high-security lab. For biological cases, they work closely with Medical to pursue discoveries and investigations related to military interests. This department is also expected to work closely with the contractors on the ground.
Career Brief
Sciences Director
This individual, usually a Major or higher, is the Department Head of Applied Sciences. They oversee all experiments being doneon the ship and are ultimately responsible for the safety of these activities. They are also responsible for keeping up to date on what their officers are working on and the results. These officers are expected to be able to make timely reports to Command on what the significance of the findings or results are.
Sciences Officer
These individuals must hold a Doctorate to become an officer with Sciences, which means most of the individuals who are Sciences Officers are thirty years or older and hold the rank of Captain. Being younger in this department is often viewed as having a lack of experience and that has stalled many a hopeful candidate before. These officers run most of the experiments on board and are expected to be able to extract results and work closely with both Medical and the contractors on the ground.
Tactical/CIC
The Tactical Department includes the CO, XO, TACCO, and most of the CIC personnel. Its responsibilities include intelligence gathering, communications and DRADIS operation, navigation/helm, and legal. It is a fully functional headquarters unit.
Career Brief
Commander and Executive Officer
The CO and XO are the most senior tactical officers on the ship and command both the Tactical Department and the ship as a whole. The Executive Officer is considered the Department Head in addition to his or her duties as Command Staff. The CO and XO are not positions that can be applied into from character generation.
Tactical Officer
The Tactical Officer (sometimes known as TACCO or the Senior Officer of the Watch) is essentially third in Command while they are on-duty in the CIC and standing watch. This position requires conceptual pitching to staff before an application is submitted. Failure to do so will void the application and it will be denied. The TACCO is responsible for a wide range of duties, including:
- Monitoring the ship's DRADIS system
- Managing the ship's offensive and defensive weapons systems
- Monitoring navigational and tactical computer systems
- Overseeing the ship's FTL systems and plotting jumps, including providing Emergency Jump Coordinates coordinates to other ships in the Fleet
- Supporting the commanding and executive officer in the performance of their duties.
- Watch-keeping on the bridge or CIC
- Bringing together all the information gained from the ratings on watch to make informed tactical decisions or provide analysis as-needed
- Acting as the CO's representative when on-duty.
A TACCO can specialize in such diverse fields as communications, ciphers, detection systems, and navigation.
OOC Note: The role of the Tactical Officer aboard a Colonial battlestar is closer to that of the US Navy's CIC Watch Officer (CICWO), combining it with elements of the Tactical Watch Officer (TAO), which is a role that's also partially fulfilled by the Executive Officer.
Intelligence Officer
The Intelligence Officer is a Lieutenant (or potentially a Captain) that works within the Tactical Department and reports to either the TACCO or Command Staff - depending on who is available. Their primary function is the interpretation of all-source intelligence (photographic, electronic, measurements and signals, cyber, etc) to provide the senior leadership with impartial analysis when solicited. They should be well-versed in all areas they must cover, be intelligent thinkers, and able to separate emotion from the job at hand. However, they may specialize in any one area as long as they maintain skill ratings in the others. The Intel Officer should work closely with all members of the Tactical Department to ensure that he or she has the most up-to-date information available at all times.
Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG)
The JAG Corps is the legal branch of the Colonial Fleet, tasked with advising the Fleet on all legal matters related to the conduct of military operations. It primarily concerns itself with enforcement of the Colonial Code of Military Justice (CCMJ), more details on which can be found here.
JAG Officer
JAG officers primarily serve as legal advisors to the command to which they are assigned. In this function, they serve as the personal legal advisor to their CO. Their advice may cover a wide range of issues dealing with administrative law, government contracting, civilian and military personnel law, law of war, environmental law, and so on. They are charged with both the defense and prosecution of military personnel in accordance with military law. Highly experienced JAG officers even serve as military judges in courts-martial and courts of inquiry.
Legal Clerks
Legal clerks are enlisted ratings who assist the JAG officers in research and paperwork.
Communications Operator
Communications operators are enlisted ratings who operate the equipment necessary to relay messages by wireless, visual signalling or data, whether that traffic be tactical battle orders, requests for supplies, or liaising with the civilian fleet.
Electronic Countermeasures Technician
ECM technicians are enlisted ratings who operate the DRADIS systems to inform the command staff with a picture of all the other ships, navigational hazards, and small craft, in the area at any one time. They are also responsible for monitoring the ship's surveillance systems, intercepting and jamming signals.
Navigation Systems Operator
Navigation systems operators are enlisted ratings who are responsible for steering and navigating the battlestar in both sub-light conditions and faster than light jumps. They are also responsible for monitoring local visibility and space conditions, keeping charts updated, and identifying potential hazards or hiding places for enemy craft.
The overwhelming majority of the 500-strong civilian sciences team are observers, masters/doctoral students, and scientists that are allowed here via CIDSR, which stands for Caprican Institute for Deep Space Research. Every single one of these individuals was investigated heavily and had to apply for a specific, unnamed opportunity a year prior or they had to be invited. There is no question that these individuals are some of the best in their fields and working on a fresh planet, untouched as it has been, is an exciting opportunity. They frequently move between their ships and the ground, but typically stay in the bunkhouse erected for them on the surface. Fields of study and specialty are as widely varied as one could imagine.
There is another, much larger, group of about 1,250 members made up of the construction crews. They do everything from heavy excavation to wiring to masonry work to get the buildings done as quickly as possible. This group stays in a triple row of slightly roomier bunkhouses across the camp from the scientists.