- Starfleet Experience Chain of Command -

Important: In the chain of command, all commissioned officers (by rank) outrank all warrant officers (by rank) who in turn outrank all non-commissioned officers (by rate). Thus, the lowliest Ensign has more official authority than the most experienced Chief Warrant Officer or Master Chief Petty Officer. 

However, Starfleet does not operate by the chain of command alone and experience is more valued by Commanding and Flag Officers when it comes to getting the job done. Below is a chart which approximates the levels of experience-based authority that warrant and non-commissioned officers earn as compared to commissioned officers.

With this experience comes the opportunity to change from one sector to another. As a result NCOs can at a stage, transfer to Officer status, or if they wish, warrant status. And equally, a Warrant Officer can become a Officer. Transfers can occur in two ways. The individual can be promoted to the new rank, and would receive the appropriate promotion as describe bellow, or the individual can transfer to the equal rank that corresponds to there current rate/rank. It is at this stage that the "grades" comes into play. Looking at the grades allows a simplistic view of all transfers and promotions for naval and marines titles without a single code.

In this list, promotion moves from left to right, and bottom to top. See the text description bellow the graphical representation for a full run down.

Equal ranks and rates for Naval and Marine apply. 

 

- Duty Uniform - Show in in Naval Insignias -

Experience Chain Of Command for Officers, Warrant & NCO
Grade	NCO Insignia	Warrant Insignia			Officer Insignia
B6
B5
B4
B3
B2
B1
C5
C4
C3
C2
C1

 

- Dress Uniform - Show in in Marine Insignias -

Experience Chain Of Command for Officers, Warrant & NCO
Grade	NCO Insignia	Warrant Insignia			Officer Insignia
B6
B5
B4
B3
B2
B1
C5
C4
C3
C2
C1

 

NCOs
So what does this mean for an NCO? The following shows every promotion available for each Rate where a transfer can take place: 

CPO/GSgt. (B2) - Can be promoted to SCPO/MSgt. or WO, or Lt./MCapt (B3)
SCPO/MSgt. (B3) - Can be promoted to MCPO/SMaj. or, CWO1, or Lt.Cdr./Maj. (B4)
MCPO/SMaj. (B4) - Can be promoted to CWO2, or Cdr./Lt. Col. (B5)

A NCO graded B2 or above may hold any officer post, including Department Head. 

A NCO graded B1 may hold any junior officer position the agreement with his/her Commanding Officer. 

Warrant Officers
So what does this mean for Warrant Officer? The following shows every promotion available for each Rank where a transfer can take place:

A Warrant Officer may hold any officer post, including Department Head 

WO (B3) - Can be promoted to CWO1 or Lt. Cdr/Maj. (B4)
CWO1 (B4) - Can be promoted to CWO2 (B4B) or Cdr./Lt. Col. (B5)
CWO2 (B4B) - Can be promoted to CWO3 (B4C) or Cdr./Lt. Col. (B5)
CWO3 (B4C) - Can be promoted to Cdr./Lt. Col. (B5)