United Systems Astronautics Command
The United Systems Astronautics Command (USAC) was formally established in TBD, following the political fracture that would later be known as the Sovereign Horizon Secession.
In the decades preceding USAC’s founding, tensions grew between Earth's centralized governments and the outlying interstellar colonies. Discontent centered around resource allocation, autonomy, and the burden of governance from a distant homeworld. This unrest culminated when a coalition of colonies, orbital stations, and frontier settlements collectively known as the Sovereign Horizon Collective declared independence, cutting ties with Earth and refusing to recognize any terrestrial authority beyond their own worlds.
In response, leaders within the Northern United Americas, along with several allied governments, moved to form a new, unified military and exploratory force under the command and control of the United Nations — one capable of securing the fragile routes between Earth and its loyal colonies, defending human assets across the growing span of space, and ensuring that humanity’s expansion would not be dictated by splinter groups alone.
Thus, the United Systems Astronautics Command was born: a force tasked initially with escort duty — shepherding vulnerable colony ships, defending critical infrastructure, and preserving order in an increasingly lawless frontier.
Over time, USAC’s mission expanded, becoming not merely a defensive force, but the backbone of the emerging United Systems Alliance.
It was the shield behind which humanity built its future among the stars — and, when the time came, its first and last line of defense against threats beyond Earth itself.
Rank Structure
Enlisted Ranks
- Crewman Recruit — Entry-level personnel, undergoing basic training and orientation.
- Crewman Apprentice — Junior crew members assigned to specific shipboard duties.
- Crewman — Fully qualified enlisted crew members serving in technical or operational roles.
- Specialist — Personnel trained in a specific technical field (navigation, engineering, weapons systems, communications).
- Senior Specialist — Experienced specialists overseeing small technical teams.
- Petty Officer Third Class — First tier of non-commissioned leadership; supervises small divisions.
- Petty Officer Second Class — Mid-level NCO responsible for department Operations and junior training.
- Petty Officer First Class — Senior NCO managing larger sections and standing in for junior officers when needed.
- Chief Petty Officer — Veteran supervisors, core to ship operations and maintenance.
- Senior Chief Petty Officer — Senior enlisted advisors managing divisions across multiple departments.
- Master Chief Petty Officer — Highest enlisted rank; principal advisor to the command structure and critical to morale and discipline aboard ships.
Officer Ranks
- Ensign — Entry-level officer; assigned to departmental assistance and watchstanding.
- Sub-Lieutenant — Junior officer rank, typically second-in-command of a department or small vessel officer.
- Lieutenant — Full department heads aboard ships; senior tactical and operations officers.
- Lieutenant Commander — Executive officers of smaller vessels or senior staff aboard larger ships.
- Commander — Captains of corvettes, frigates, and other small capital ships; key leadership posts.
- Captain — Commands major capital ships, stations, or key installations; carries autonomous authority during operations.
- Commodore — Oversees a flotilla, battle group, or multi-ship operation.
Flag Officer Ranks
- Rear Admiral (Junior) — Commands small Squadrons or regional defense elements.
- Rear Admiral (Senior) — Commands significant fleets or multi-sector operations.
- Vice Admiral — Commands theaters of operation spanning multiple systems or colonies.
- Admiral — Senior strategist and policy maker; member of USAC high command.
Supreme Command
- High Admiral — Supreme commander of all USAC forces, responsible for all operational, strategic, and administrative command across human space.
- The High Admiral answers directly to the Government and represents USAC in interstellar diplomatic and security matters.
For All We Carry Beyond the Stars
"I do solemnly swear to uphold the Charter of the United Systems Astronautics Command.
I pledge to defend the lives, rights, and lawful endeavors of all human settlements beyond Earth.
I shall preserve the peace among the stars, safeguard free passage through the void, and stand watch against chaos and calamity.
I will act with honor, discipline, and restraint, bearing the burden of service in duty to all humanity.
I will neither seek power nor profit, but serve solely in defense of the greater whole.
This I swear, until my service is ended or my life is claimed by the stars." ~ USAC Oath of Service
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