Cadet is a rank used for officers still in training, occasionally referred to as a midshipman. Cadets further divided by the class year, such as First, Second, Third, and Fourth Year.
- First Year: Colloquially known as Freshmen, most first year cadets will take a similar course load, focusing primarily on an introduction to Starfleet, its values, and the general skills expected of every Starfleet officer. Some example classes include the history of the Federation and Starfleet, tricorder operations, and introductory courses for standard technologies.
- Second Year: Sometimes referred to as Sophomores. As with the first year, second year cadets will often take similar courses, with only one or two courses being geared toward a chosen field of study. Most second year cadets will take basic hand-to-hand training, first aid, and introductory damage control procedures. Engineering students will be introduced to at least one system and its requirements for maintenance. Security students will receive classes on security procedures, and science students will take at least one science-oriented elective.
- Third Year: May also be referred to as Juniors. Most third year cadets will receive basic instruction on Federation law, with an emphases on the Prime Directive. Engineering, Science, and Medical students will focus the bulk of their course load on their respective fields of study, while security, tactical, and flight operations will receive a more generalized course load with similar classes.
- Fourth Year: Often known as Seniors. By this point in training, most cadets are marginally prepared for service in Starfleet, Cadets above the 50th percentile will be placed aboard a starship for a "cadet cruise", while cadets below the 50th percentile will be required to take additional classes and may be expected to remain an additional year. In either case, cadets in their fourth year will be expected to complete their final courses in their chosen field of study. Almost all cadets will have chosen a specific field by this point, and courses will be specialized to those fields. The two exceptions are advanced tricorder operations and introduction to zero-gravity operations, which are required for all Cadets.
Ranks and Authority[]
Cadets generally have little or no authority, as they are students and officers in training. Third and Fourth year cadets may be granted limited authority over first and second year cadets as a way to gain limited leadership experience.
Cadets who graduate from Starfleet Academy are granted ranks appropriate to the training they receive. In most cases, the rewarded rank is Ensign. but science and medical officers may earn Lieutenant Junior Grade or Lieutenant prior to deploying on a Starship, with the latter often requiring additional training at a dedicated Medical facility or prior training at a civilian institution.
Uniform Colors[]
Cadets who have already chosen to focus on engineering or security may wear operations gold, whereas those who have chosen to focus on science (including medical) may wear blue. Cadets who are undeclared or focusing on flight operations will default to red.